Wuikinuxv Sockeye Clear Streams Index (CSI) Assessment Program 2026

The Wuikinuxv Sockeye Clear Streams Index (CSI) Assessment Program for 2026 aims to evaluate sockeye salmon populations in Wuikinuxv Lake through a structured field initiative scheduled for fall 2026. The program encompasses four main components: preparatory planning and training, field operations, escapement estimation and biological sampling with associated reporting, and camp operations and maintenance. Core assessment activities will focus on five designated CSI streams—Ashlulm (Asxvelem), Inziana (Kisianua), Wash-Wash (Waxwas), Genesee (Cinici), and Dallery (Dalik)—along with three additional lakeshore habitats and Amback (Qvapx) to capture comprehensive spawning data. A total of 150 sockeye salmon will be sampled for age and body size throughout the run, with all samples prioritized for collection from Inziana (Kisianua) due to its accessibility, and adaptive strategies in place to adjust sampling locations if abundance levels necessitate changes, including reallocating samples across alternative streams or collecting 50 samples each from three different streams. The contract, issued by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans under the Government of Canada, is a federal solicitation valued under NAICS code 541715, with a posted date of July 23, 2026, and a response deadline of August 6, 2026. All work will be conducted in British Columbia, Canada, with field operations centered around Wuikinuxv Lake. The primary point of contact for the tender is Tina Brown, Contracting Authority, reachable via email at DFO.tenders-soumissions.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca. The initiative supports science-based fisheries management by generating critical data on sockeye salmon abundance, spawning dynamics, and life history metrics to inform conservation and harvest decisions within the Wuikinuxv Nation’s traditional territory.