GDW, all the boards are mandated to be comprised of an equal split of recreational anglers and those in industry. So there is no unfair bias as a result. Since I've been involved our chair has asked several times for those attending meetings and voting on motions to verify from which side they represent. To date the proper balance has existed.
No not equal but close...
Here is the wording
Representation on the Regional SFAC will be sensitive to achieving a balance between
Primary and Secondary Level User Group Members. The majority of members should be Primary Level User Group Members.
Primary Level User Group Members are persons who do not receive a significant amount of their annual income directly or indirectly from the recreational fishery. A Primary User Group Member may include a person who is the representative from a non-industry recreational fishing advocacy organization.
Secondary Level User Group Members are persons who receive a significant amount of their annual income directly or indirectly from the recreational fishery. A Secondary Level User Group Member may include a person who represents a recreational industry organization.
GDW
Problems can arise when we move up to the next level of SFAB.
Here is where it depends on who you have as the chair of your SFAC.
Anyone can be the chair and that person then goes to North or South Coast SFAB and votes.
So if your local SFAC has no one that steps up from the primary level (tin boat angler) then that opens the door to someone in the secondary level (big lodge).
The truth is, it's a thankless job (chair) and most, that do it, are looking out for all of us.
If they own a tackle shop, Mom & Pop Lodge, guide or is a tin boater angler they can make a great SFAC chair if they have some experience with Roberts Rules of Order. When you are a chair you have your SFAC to answer to and I would not what to be on the wrong side of my SFAC. I would defend there views as expressed by motions or in the minutes on the majority group view.
Hope that helps you understand.
Further reading can be found here.
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/consultation/fisheries-peche/smon/sfab-ccps/index-eng.htm
GLG