A review of the fate of southern British Columbia coho salmon over time.

• Recent downward trend in the number of academic publications referring to coho. • Large variation of missing data in commercial and recreational fisheries. • Low survival of wild coho likely due to mixed-stock fishing and habitat degradation. • More research needed on enhancement practices and impacts on the physiology of the released salmon. • Genomic technologies offer cost-effective alternative to coded-wire tagging system. Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) were once a thriving species in southern British Columbia, acting as a source of food, livelihood, and recreation. Research on the survival and status of coho salmon in British Columbia has been critical since an unprecedented moratorium on Interior Fraser River stocks was put in place in 1998, leading to its designation as an endangered species. Since then, no comprehensive literature review has been undertaken on coho salmon. The present paper outlines current publication trends since the early 1990s, covering research areas that include the management and regulation of wild-capture coho salmon fisheries, hatchery enhancement efforts, as well as the pertinent factors that resulted in low returns. A complementary analysis did reveal a progressive downward shift in the total publication records pertaining, but not limited to, coho salmon in British Columbia. This review process identifies future steps and guidelines that policy makers and fisheries managers should take into account to improve the conservation outlook of coho salmon. Emerging technologies such as the use of genomic identification tools, more consistent and thorough data gathering processes, as well as reformed hatchery rearing practices, have all been identified as decisive action items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]