Canada argued that the inherent complexity of both salmon and herring management was confirmed
by the fact that in spite of continuing management and conservation efforts, stocks and landing of these
species had been far below optimum production levels. Thus historically there had been virtually no
surplus to Canadian processing capacity available for foreign users of either salmon or herring. Canada
stated that different national priorities on fisheries relative to other measures were pursued by Canada
and the United States. For example, the United States had dammed the Columbia River, which affected
the fishery, while Canada had not dammed the Fraser River. Canada's priority was reflected in the
primary importance given to fish in habitat regulations under the Fisheries Act.