B.C. has decided that "Pacific salmon," an umbrella group of seven salmon and trout subspecies, will be its official provincial fish emblem.
The announcement, which came Saturday, adds a ninth entry to B.C.'s collection of representative symbols.
In a written statement, Environment Minister Terry Lake said making Pacific salmon B.C.'s fish emblem recognizes the importance that British Columbians place on the fish's ecological, cultural and economic significance.
"Not only are Pacific salmon integral to the culture, well-being and livelihood of B.C.'s First Nations, they are often seen as indicators of overall ecosystem and wildlife health, and important to environmental sustainability. Pacific salmon are also a significant economic driver in B.C. due to commercial and recreational fisheries," Lake said.
"With the epic migration of Pacific salmon from B.C.'s rivers and streams to the ocean and back, there is no symbol more iconic of British Columbia," Lake said.
