Sockeye collapse could have grave implications

First Nations leaders and fisheries officials have scheduled an emergency meeting for tomorrow to discuss how to deal with what's fast becoming a disastrous season for the sockeye salmon fishery.

With unexpectedly low numbers of sockeye returning to the Fraser River, aboriginal leaders are concerned their impoverished communities will have a tough time feeding themselves this winter.

"The people in the communities tend to be older folk or very young families with dependent children. They can't go to the nearby supermarket and buy fish or any of the other meat products. It's just not an option for them because their household budgets are so small," says Ernie Crey, senior fisheries advisor for the Sto:lo Nation in Chilliwack. "They rely heavily on Fraser River sockeye runs for their annual intake of protein. It's just that simple."

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