Action Required - Potential Fin FIsh Closure from Long Beach to Swiftsure for SRKW

[terrin]

Well its time(may be too late) to accept some risk for the lifestyles we live here on the coast. It seems that we are cozied right up with science that is inconclusive and the precautionary principle has become paramount with anything going on in the ocean.

The salmon farming debate is a text-book example of what this is going to look like for the sport fishing industry. While there are just as many salmon declines where there are and aren't salmon farms, the public has been educated thoroughly via US funded campaigns to loath fish farming and its working well, but it isn't based on any solid evidence. This precautionary approach is always based on science which foundation is "might",and "maybe's. Now the industry's fate is being handed to the first nations for approval where science may not have to be the deciding factor. And here we are facing sports closures on science that is not solid or incomplete. Why anyone never took a step back and looked at the whole picture long before now is beyond me. Anyway, here we are and it sucks but the standards for decision making have been set. Its so easy to be anti everything and now we are going to pay for it.

Another thing to watch out for I believe is proportional representation.

Cant help to notice all the forum specialists(anti everything types) missing from this topic. Not surprised.

Its hard for me to disagree with walleyes sentiments above.

Why don't you and walleyes start your own thread then tis one is called
Action Required - Potential Fin FIsh Closure from Long Beach to Swiftsure for SRKW

 

[Fishalot]

Response submitted. One thing folks might want to include is though there are 4 objectives in the recovery strategy the objective of chemical and biological contamination and subsequent toxins in the whales which is likely impacting reproduction is ignored. Also the objective of reducing human activity in critical habitat is ignored other than sport fishers nothing about other groups is addressed. Note the recovery time is at least 25 years! Reading the strategy it uses old non substantiated research that is 10 years old and more. Also note that we were told northern transients were in good shape population wise and now they are added to SKRW. Bottom line this is pure BS.

 

[SpringVelocity]

I think BN is just making a point that if you stray from the real scientific model, which doesn’t take emotions/politics into account then you open the door for what we are seeing right now.

Be careful who you support.

Another bizarre post again. Here is how it goes. This thread is get awareness of intended closure Swiftsure to Long Beach nothing more. It isn't about fish farms. It isn't about oil sands. It honestly isn't even about what political party you back. It is about losing fishing grounds as this is a sport-fishing forum. If you don't like this thread please get off of it. Your totally welcome to start your own thread and rant on there. Now I tried to explain that earlier but you guys keep going on. Your point is made thank you. I am glad you think we all backed a political party and now we are going to get our fishery opportunities closed down. How do you know what we all believe on here or even vote for? I think its sad at some of the comments on here today to be honest. Anyway please write your letters and fill out the form.

 

[finaddict]

I replied to the questionnaire. here is my response;

Question 1

The inclusion of La Perouse bank as critical habitat for SRKW is unfounded . In the past 15 years of fishing out of Ucluelet and out at the LaPerouse bank several times per year for every year, I have yet to see any Killer whales feeding anywhere remotely close to that area.

Question 2

I will be directly affected by any subsequent protection intis area as the LaPerouse bank is my most common fishing grounds for me and my entire family. We rely directly on that source of protein every year for our dinner table and all the other meals it provides.

Question 3

I am appalled that rash decisions are now being made purely for political purposes and gain rather than depending on found principles of science and data analysis

 

[SSwilson92]

They should have to notify everyone before March 31 before implementing closures to other areas. At least let the people be informed before we spend 35 bucks on liscences. It’s not a lot of money for each individual but that’s not the point. It’s prinicpal and it doesn’t help with anyone’s perception of these governing bodies. All for helping Salmon returns but if they’re going to blow tax dollars on half assed, ineffective measures such as closing sport fisheries in open waters With all the tax we pay for fuel along with all us smokers and drinkers being taxed to death on top of it.. Let us fish! Otherwise I’d rather take my 35 bucks and get a pack of smokes a six pack and the rest in Regular across the line..

 

[Fisher Down]

Another bizarre post again. Here is how it goes. This thread is get awareness of intended closure Swiftsure to Long Beach nothing more. It isn't about fish farms. It isn't about oil sands. It honestly isn't even about what political party you back. It is about losing fishing grounds as this is a sport-fishing forum. If you don't like this thread please get off of it. Your totally welcome to start your own thread and rant on there. Now I tried to explain that earlier but you guys keep going on. Your point is made thank you. I am glad you think we all backed a political party and now we are going to get our fishery opportunities closed down. How do you know what we all believe on here or even vote for? I think its sad at some of the comments on here today to be honest. Anyway please write your letters and fill out the form.

SpringVelocity; I sincerely thank you for stating the obvious, although it's not obvious for two of our members. As we squabble, this thread isn't going to do anything except bolster DFO's attempt to Divide and Conquer. Let's stay on track and discuss the issue at hand. No infighting, no back-stabbing; come on, we're adults, lets try act like adults.

BTW, I completed the gov't survey yesterday, mentioning what I've seen (or NOT seen) over the years and how it affects me.

FD

 

[SerengetiGuide]

Just have to remember. Don’t protest or do a boat blockade of a harbour. That’ll backfire... Keep the course...

 

[SpringVelocity]

SpringVelocity; I sincerely thank you for stating the obvious, although it's not obvious for two of our members. As we squabble, this thread isn't going to do anything except bolster DFO's attempt to Divide and Conquer. Let's stay on track and discuss the issue at hand. No infighting, no back-stabbing; come on, we're adults, lets try act like adults.

BTW, I completed the gov't survey yesterday, mentioning what I've seen (or NOT seen) over the years and how it affects me.

FD

Thanks for doing it. I hope more do the same.

 

[Clint r]

Done. I’m limited on info about the area so leaned heavy on the economic impact. Hope we can make some kind of an impression.

 

[ziggy]

Done and hope you all did the same when they asked for input prior to closing our area!

 

[SpringFever552]

Thanks for doing it. I hope more do the same.

Done also after i got email notification from admin

 

[Birdsnest]

I think BN is just making a point that if you stray from the real scientific model, which doesn’t take emotions/politics into account then you open the door for what we are seeing right now.

Be careful who you support.

Yes. That above is what I am getting at.

If you feel that everything in science and the media is just fine then include it in your letter but I see a lot of comments about inadequate information not justifying a decision. My fish farm comments is only an example, that I am obviously very familiar with, of how information is handled by the media. Take it or leave it however I think its important to look back a bit to understand what we are up against looking ahead on this front. I am totally ok if anyone disagrees with me however I think that some silently agree with me. I would attach my comment to the "Action" part of this topic for just writing letters isn't going resolve issues in the future. This handling of science and information has serious problems in our governments and culture.

Dont think Im not sending my letter as a sport fisher. I am.

 

[NDT]

Done, thanks admin for the notice.
here is the northern map from the report, didn't see it in this thread yet. My favourite area is at risk...

 

[fish brain]

Done, thanks admin for the notice.
here is the northern map from the report, didn't see it in this thread yet. My favourite area is at risk...


View attachment 38746

It also looks like everything north of Campbell River to Port McNeil is next on the chopping block.

 

[Admin]

Gonna make this short and sweet, as the thread is back on track for now. Keep the political BS and topic derails out of this thread.

 

[Robert]

In 2016, the DFO joined forces with the State of Alaska and did a study on salmon catch in the Gulf of Alaska. They found that over 60% (I believe the number was closer to 80% but cannot find the report any longer) were fish destined for BC, Washington State, Oregon and Californian rivers. And yet nothing was done.

This year, Washington State University released the findings of a study they completed on where all the 3-5 year old Chinook have gone. You can read it here "https://www.washington.edu/news/2018/02/27/largest-chinook-salmon-disappearing-from-west-coast/".

If any of these finding are accurate, and I personally believe they are very relevant, why on earth is DFO playing games with the sport fishers on the West Coast? Northern Killer Whales in decline!? Seriously?

Could it be that we are entering another erra of political gamesmanship as we suffered under Harpers Conservatives for years? The Liberals prommissed to bring science back into fisheries management, I seriously doubt that is what is happening here.

I fear fellow fishers that our sport is destined to follow the path of our Grizzly Bear hunt.

Please take the time to not only respond to the questionnaire from DFO, but also write your MLA and ask them to provide you with the peer reviewed scientific data that backs up their actions.

Tight Lines.....maybe?

 

[Lifter]

submitted

 

[SpringVelocity]

Just posting up some figures also (see below). Not to scare everyone but this is what we are dealing with. Interesting though look at Victoria. The habitat completely wraps around Greater Victoria area.

From the paper:

"This recovery strategy identifies critical habitat for Resident Killer Whales as four distinct geographic areas. These include: 1) the waters of Johnstone Strait and southeastern Queen Charlotte Strait (Northern Resident Killer Whale critical habitat); 2) transboundary waters in southern British Columbia, including the southern Strait of Georgia, Haro Strait, and Juan de Fuca Strait (Southern Resident Killer Whale critical habitat); 3) waters on the continental shelf off southwestern Vancouver Island, including Swiftsure and La Pérouse Banks (Northern and Southern Resident Killer Whale critical habitat); and 4) waters of west Dixon Entrance, along the north coast of Graham Island from Langara to Rose Spit (Northern Resident Killer Whale critical habitat)"



Lets keep the letters going and remember to also email the minister and DFO regional your opinions after you give your input. I put emails on the thread.

 

[cohochinook]

In 2016, the DFO joined forces with the State of Alaska and did a study on salmon catch in the Gulf of Alaska. They found that over 60% (I believe the number was closer to 80% but cannot find the report any longer) were fish destined for BC, Washington State, Oregon and Californian rivers. And yet nothing was done.

This year, Washington State University released the findings of a study they completed on where all the 3-5 year old Chinook have gone. You can read it here "https://www.washington.edu/news/2018/02/27/largest-chinook-salmon-disappearing-from-west-coast/".

If any of these finding are accurate, and I personally believe they are very relevant, why on earth is DFO playing games with the sport fishers on the West Coast? Northern Killer Whales in decline!? Seriously?

Could it be that we are entering another erra of political gamesmanship as we suffered under Harpers Conservatives for years? The Liberals prommissed to bring science back into fisheries management, I seriously doubt that is what is happening here.

I fear fellow fishers that our sport is destined to follow the path of our Grizzly Bear hunt.

Please take the time to not only respond to the questionnaire from DFO, but also write your MLA and ask them to provide you with the peer reviewed scientific data that backs up their actions.

Tight Lines.....maybe?

Do the questionnaire and write your MP. Call them too. DFO is Federal Government not provincial.

 

[Robert]

Do the questionnaire and write your MP. Call them too. DFO is Federal Government not provincial.

Thank you cohochinook, yes, I meant MP not MLA zs unfortuantly our fisheries is under federal control.

Does anyone else find it amusingly frustrating that DFO has done noghing about declining fish stocks (aka East Coast fisheries) on the West Coast until the precious Orca is affected? This is not something new, stocks have been declining for decades. And now, as wigh the East Coast, they are on the edge of complete collapse and suddenly Ottawa cares. Again, as with the East Coast, not sure of what to do, close it all!
Nicely done DFO, or rather Ottawa.