Six stocks of salmon from the Babine and Bulkley Rivers were sampled for prevalence of bacterial and viral infections and for presence and level of parasite infestation. On the Babine River mainstem downstream of the Babine Lake outlet and at the Babine River fence, 60 each of sockeye, pink, chinook and coho were sampled. On the Bulkley River 60 each of coho and pink salmon were sampled from tributary streams. All stocks of fish were sampled by the same crew with the exception of the 30 pink salmon sampled at the Moricetown Canyon which were sampled by the Wet'suwet'en Fisheries Program staff.

Stocks were sampled for the presence of the causative agents for Bacterial Kidney Disease, Enteric Redmouth Disease, Furunculosis and other types of bacteria harmful to fish health. Stocks were also sampled for the presence of viral agents and especially for Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis (IHN). Kidney and gut smears were taken to evaluate the presence and level of parasite infestation.

Samples were taken from every 15th fish for histological examination. All fish sampled were examined externally for visible parasites and lesions, wounds and any other abnormalities. A small number of sockeye (12) were sampled for heavy metals analysis and six pink salmon were also sampled for heavy metals.

Fish health sampling results have been categorized by stock, species and sample type. In general, there was an overall low prevalence of Bacterial Kidney Disease, Furunculosis, Enteric Redmouth Disease and other harmful bacteria and parasites. There was a low incidence of IHN in Babine River sockeye and that was the only viral agent identified.