Program Funding Request
Tell us about your project! Let us know how the project will help anadromous fish, improve habitat or help restore pacific salmon stocks. Outline your funding request clearly.
The Pacific Salmon Slam And Anglers for BC
We exist to highlight the significance of the recreational salmon fishery in British Columbia while supporting conservation efforts.
why the pacific
Salmon slam exists
Wild Pacific salmon are more than a fishery. They are the foundation of British Columbia’s rivers, forests, wildlife, coastal communities, and outdoor heritage. Yet despite their importance, the people who value salmon most, the recreational anglers who spend countless hours on the water, have diminishing opportunities to directly invest in their future.
The Pacific Salmon Slam exists to change that.
The Pacific Salmon Slam transforms a personal fishing achievement into a conservation commitment. By challenging anglers to catch all five species of Pacific salmon, the program creates a deeper appreciation for the diversity of British Columbia’s fisheries while generating funding for projects that restore habitat, improve fish passage, support scientific research, and strengthen wild salmon populations.
The Pacific Salmon Slam is built on a simple belief: recreational anglers are conservationists. They volunteer in their communities, advocate for healthy watersheds, participate in stewardship projects, and willingly contribute more when they know their dollars are making a measurable difference.
The Pacific Salmon Slam exists to celebrate achievement, inspire stewardship, and demonstrate that conservation is strongest when those who benefit from the resource are empowered to invest directly in its future.
Catch. Release. Conserve.
Where do My License Fees Go?
The recreational Pacific salmon fishery has been a major economic stimulus to the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada for many years.
While fees from the Provincial license and stamp are used to manage the resource, only the Federal stamp provides funds to support the resource. Federal license fees instead go to the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Canada. This means that while anglers are paying a fee to access a resource, the money is actually being spent elsewhere. In other words, we are consuming a resource without dedicating funding to the longterm sustainability of that resource.
100000
Approximate number of saltwater licenses purchased annually. These funds do not go back into the resource. They instead go into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Canada. Pacific Salmon do not benefit from this fund.
0
Approximate percentage of tidal water license holders who also purchase a salmon conservation stamp. 100% of the revenue from Federal Salmon Conservation Stamps is directed back into the resource via the Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF)
200000
Approximate number of freshwater licenses purchased annually. Provincial freshwater licenses go directly to the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC to support fish stocking, research, and angler access. Pacific salmon benefit from some of these funds.
0
Approximate percentage of freshwater license holders who also purchase a salmon conservation stamp. All conservation surcharge fees go to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation to fund fish conservation projects across B.C.
Your Recreation Fishing
Rights Are At Stake.
The proposed changes to the Salmon Allocation Policy would further diminish the value recreational anglers are able to put back into the resource.
No public opening, no licenses purchased, no money for conservation.
The Pacific Salmon Slam acts as both a conduit to fund conservation projects and a demonstration of the value recreational anglers provide.
This Pacific Salmon Slam defends that
By participating in the Pacific Salmon Slam, you are sending a message to the Provincial and Federal governments about the value of sportfishing in British Columbia. You are supporting local economies through travel and tourism. You are supporting lodges, fishing guides, and mom-and-pop fishing shops. You represent the true value that public access plays in conservation in Canada.
Who are anglers for BC
Anglers for BC is the fisheries and watershed conservation wing of Hunters for BC.
This project was born through a series of moments that can only be described as serendipitous.
Our work with the Fish, Wildlife and Habitat Coalition of British Columbia allowed us to explore alternative funding sources to help cover the growing expenses of conservation projects in British Columbia. More often than not, we hear that hunters and anglers are willing to pay more in license fees if the additional fees are used to support conservation initiatives directly. This Pacific Salmon Slam exemplifies this concept.
We were inspired by the hard work of the Sports Fishing Institute of British Columbia and the BC Wildlife Federation for hosting townhalls and their dedication to the FishingRights.ca project. The Pacific Salmon Slam builds upon the efforts of these great organizations.
Through a series of coincidences, I became aware of the Utah Cutthroat Slam. Fate found me in Utah, speaking to the founder of that program about a book I didn’t know he had written. The author, founder and all-around great guy, Brett Prettyman, had the grace not to call me out on the oversight and offered me guidance on completing Utah Cutthroat Slam. Because of this chance encounter, the concept for the Pacific Salmon Slam was born. Right place, right time, great people. Thank you, Brett.
Anglers for BC represents you. You, the recreational angler, have proven time and time again that you are an integral force in the protection of this resource. We thank you for joining us in the mission to protect wild Pacific salmon and anadromous fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register for the Pacific Salmon Slam multiple times?
Yes! We encourage this type of behaviour! While we want you to participate in many slams, we ask that you complete one slam at a time. This makes it a little easier for our team to process your results.
Can I catch my fish, then register for the Slam?
No, you must purchase your fishing license, required conservation stamps and your Pacific Salmon Slam authorization before you start your slam.
Can I use the same fish for multiple Slams?
No, the five fish you submit to achieve a Slam cannot be used for another Slam.
Does my slam registration expire?
No, your Slam authorization is valid from the date you sign up until the date you complete your Slam. Once you have completed your Slam, you may choose to start a new Slam to collect another coin or achieve a new badge.
Do foul-hooked fish count towards the slam?
No. We ask that all anglers use legal and ethical methods to catch Salmon. Snagging or poaching defies the spirit of this challenge. This is your resource. Respect it and protect it.
Can a Salmon caught outside of BC count towards my slam?
No, all fish eligible for the slam must be caught in British Columbia during fishing openings. Part of the adventure is exploring BC, meeting new people and discovering new challenges. Lean into this, and you’ll have a blast completing your Slam!
I’m going to try to cheat!
That’s not a question. Like all great challenges, the fun is in the achievement. You’re only cheating yourself by gaming the system. Learn a new tactic, explore a new watershed, and improve your fishing skills. This challenge is an awesome excuse to better yourself while supporting conservation. Now get out there and catch some fish!
What do my registration fees pay for?
A minimum of 80% of your Pacific Salmon Slam fees goes directly back into conservation. That’s $20 out of every $25 authorization for the first year. The remaining $5 is allocated to program fees (coin development and purchase, project selection and funding), costs incurred (shipping, processing), accounting costs, hosting costs, security maintenance, and future development of this platform.
How do I prove I caught my Salmon for the Slam?
Once you catch your Salmon, snap a quick picture and either quickly release it or retain it, then mark the catch on your license. If you are practicing catch and release, try to keep the fish wet. If you must remove the fish from the water, try to limit the time the fish is out of the water. Handle your catch with care and release the fish gently.
I know of a conservation program that requires funding. Can you help?
That sounds like something we might want to hear about! We have a long history of supporting conservation projects on the Hunters for BC side of things. We’re looking to replicate this with our Anglers for BC program. Tell us about your project – we might be able to help!
Tell us about your conservation program
Let’s grow a sustainable future together! We’re excited to partner with conservation organizations on initiatives. Tell us about your conservation program here!
How is Your Pacific Salmon Slam Fee Spent?
Here is how the first year of Pacific Salmon Slam fees will be dispersed:
- 80% ($20) of your Slam registration fee goes to salmon, anadromous fish, watershed and habitat projects in British Columbia.
- 10% ($2.50) of your Slam registration fee goes to program fees (coin development and purchase, project selection and funding), costs incurred (shipping, processing) and accounting costs.
- 10% ($2.50) of your fee will go to security maintenance and future development of this digital platform. This website has been donated in full by Hammerhead to get this program off the ground. The annual cost for the first year of hosting has been donated by Hunters for BC.
0
To Salmon Conservation
Direct funding to habitat restoration and salmon protection projects.
0
To Platform Costs
Keeping the platform secure, efficient and built for anglers, by anglers.
0
To Non-Profit Operations
Covering program fees, accounting fees, and keeping the slam alive.