From reflection to action: twenty years of Canada’s Wild Salmon Policy

Twenty years after its adoption, Canada’s Wild Salmon Policy remains a globally significant framework intended to conserve Pacific salmon biodiversity, yet implementation has lagged behind its ambition. Drawing on ten papers in this Special Collection and discussions at a 2026 workshop of researchers and policy practitioners from Indigenous and federal governments, academia, and the non-profit sector, we synthesize five major themes that define the current state of Policy implementation. These themes highlight the need to invest in monitoring and assessment capacity, modernize decision frameworks for a changing climate, strengthen governance and accountability, integrate ecosystem processes, and advance rights-based co-governance with Indigenous Peoples. Building on these themes, we present 20 consensus recommendations intended to strengthen implementation of the Wild Salmon Policy and improve the long-term conservation and recovery of wild Pacific salmon.