Response from my MP finally re DFO Chinook restrictions........
Dear Mr.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the government’s reductions in recreational Chinook salmon fishery. I apologise for the delayed response.
As you noted, the recreational fishery is very important to local BC communities. Every dollar spent is leveraged many times over.
The Department of Fisheries aims to have the best available science considered in making stock management and conservation decisions, with the goal of sustaining a healthy and productive aquatic ecosystem.
Our government has restored the previous Conservative government’s drastic cuts to fishery research and staffing. This was necessary in order to address the complex factors underlying the decline in stock of salmon and some herring runs and work to restore abundance.
Further, science is needed to better understand the potential impact of harbour seals and sea lion predation on the Chinook salmon which are so critical to the survival of our local southern resident killer whales.
Responsible fishing by families like yours remains important, not only for recreation and family relations, but as a way to teach young people a range of skills and understanding – including conservation. Thank you for your part in that!
Best regards,
The Hon. Joyce Murray, P.C., M.P.
Vancouver Quadra