Lots of wishful thinking. Let's look in the mirror and be honest with ourselves. This is where the nervous laughter starts....
Past performance is a strong indicator of future performance. The Libs clearly demonstrated their approach to managing the rec fishery, and laid down most of their cards in the run up to this election. We can expect an exact repeat of 2019 and worse.
Here's my "worry" list:
1. The MPA process is already in play, and now that we have a new mandate that says they will increase MPA's from 10% target to 25% target, we should not need a road-map to know where that is going....the best marine habitat where we fish is close to 100% of the areas that will now appeal to those who are eying up the new 25% MPA target.
2. Chinook non-retention - likely here to stay. Our only hope is perhaps convincing the Libs and FN's that movement to MSF is a wise science-based choice.
3. Area closures for SRKW - even though they are not effective - here to stay.
4. Reconciliation appears to mean closing down recreational opportunity to ensure FSC needs are met- whatever those are. The Department appears aligned based on the Minister's mandate letter to DFO outlining their role in reconciliation to make that a reality.
5. As for the NDP bailing us out...don't count on them. Nice folks, but the Turd knows full well the NDP aren't bringing down this government until they can leverage this balance of power to get their top 6 issues addressed. The Public Fishery clearly isn't one of them.
6. The outlook for Interior Fraser Chinook or rather Stream Type Chinook is they are on their way towards extirpation for reasons well beyond our ability to help recover them.... a) Big Bar slide blocking passage; b) Climate related poor stream survival (these Stream-Types spend 1 to 2 years in fresh water - highly susceptible to climate impacts); c) spend their ocean lives way off shore in the warm blob which is severely impacting marine survival. DFO and others will try to save this stock by imposing fishing closures for the next decade until it becomes obvious nature bats last, and we really can't do much to address the real reasons this stock of concern is faltering. Area closures, non-retention, lower catch limits....you know the protectionist drill.
Is there hope?
Yes, here's my "solution" list (not exhaustive - please add to the list):
1) Helping FN's derive more economic benefit from being involved in the Public Fishery - increase the value proposition the Public Fishery brings to their communities
2) Working with FN's and Politicians to help build understanding and support that MSF fisheries are a viable management tool that protects wild stocks
3) Demonstrating to government, FN's and Community leaders that investments into creating Salmon abundance will generate significant ROI to boost our economies
4) Convincing politicians that Western Alienation is a major political risk - and killing the Public Fishery will cost them dearly
5) Convincing government and ENGO's that spatial closed areas to protect SRKW are scientifically unfounded and ineffective tools - especially when the whales are not actually there very often....a mobile spatial sanctuary that is strictly enforces is a far better way.