Below is a copy of the
ONLY reply (many didn't even bother to reply!!!) I got from numerous politicians and DFO bureaucrats (from the Prime Minster on down) that actually said anything more than "thank you for your letter" and not much else. Great to see him aware of and supportive of the SVIAC Sooke Chinook Sea Pen project. I'm not a NDP member but I have to say good on him for taking the time to be aware of what is going on in his riding.
Nevertheless I'm pretty damn mad at the very sad state of our fisheries and the total lack of leadership and vision from our elected leaders. So much for the Liberals and Conservatives - the last 100 years of history shows that they don't give a rats butt about the west coast fisheries (just like on the east coast) other than what profits and political donations they get from large corporations and companies that use and abuse our fisheries. - Disgusted to say the least!!!
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I appreciated receiving your email regarding Chinook conservation.
Conservation efforts for Chinook stocks have been undertaken in the Juan de Fuca area, with admirable cooperation between businesses, First Nations and sports fishers. The plan to increase the return rate for Chinook spawning on the Sooke River has been very successful. With a combination of funding from the DFO and their own fundraising initiatives, the South Vancouver Island Anglers Coalition is revitalizing Chinook stocks on the Sooke River.
I agree with you, banning or too severely restricting the recreational Chinook fishery would have a detrimental impact on this conservation effort and others like it. This project depends on the enthusiasm and cooperation of the South Vancouver Island Anglers Coalition, generated by an active recreational Chinook fishery.
Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns as it helps with my work as Member of Parliament.
Sincerely,
Randall Garrison, MP
Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke
Greg Teuling
Constituency Assistant|Adjointe de Circonscription
Randall Garrison, Member of Parliament | Député
Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke
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(TEL/TÉL) 250-405-6550 | (FAX/TÉLÉCO) 250-405-6554
randall.garrison.c1c@parl.gc.ca