Salmon were one of the most prolific species of fish in the ocean, common in all waters surrounding North America and as far south as New Zealand. Stocks have declined on the west coast and in Atlantic Canada, wild salmon are no longer available in the market place, having been replaced by the omni-present farmed fish.

Every Year the Salmon Come Back examines work being done by First Nations people of the Okanagan who witnessed the near obliteration of returning salmon. It explores different causes including the construction of dams in the United States by the Army Corps of Engineers. Marine biologist Alexandra Morton decries the lack of control over fish farms whose virus-laden stocks escape into the ocean and threaten the native species. She warns that unless more is done the future of wild salmon faces too many challenges.