Sushihunter
Active Member
http://www.nsnews.com/sports/Halibut+quota+some+cheek/4409567/story.html
Halibut quota is some cheek
By Steven Panz, North Shore News March 9, 2011 8:02 AM
Dear Editor:
As an avid recreational angler I am deeply concerned about the imposed quota system that is threatening our recreational halibut fishery.
When former fisheries minister Robert Thibault imposed a quota allocating 12 per cent of the halibut total allowable catch to the sport fishery, he guaranteed the fishery would remain open until the end of our traditional 11 month season. In two of the last three years, our season has closed early despite reductions in daily and possession limits.
This allocation is not sufficient to sustain a vibrant and healthy sport fishery, which contributes significantly to the economy of British Columbia. Jurisdictions to the north and south have realized the value of a strong recreational fishery to the economy.
Alaska allocates 20 per cent of its allowable catch to sport anglers, while Washington allows 36 per cent of its total allowable catch to be harvested by recreational anglers.
I am also dismayed that despite halibut being a public resource, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has gifted 88 per cent of Canada's total allowable catch of Pacific halibut to 436 commercial halibut quota holders. The majority of these quota holders do not even fish.
They stay at home and lease their quota to a few hard working commercial fishermen. This "fleecing leasing" process adds up to $5/pound to every piece of halibut purchased by a Canadian. What a rip off. The estimated 100,000 anglers who fish for halibut are having their opportunities severely curtailed for reasons which do not include conservation or economic contribution.
The unfair 2003 halibut allocation policy should be reversed and the public sector should be allocated a reasonable quota.
Steven Panz
West Vancouver
(Editor's note: MP John Weston will be hosting a fisheries roundtable meeting on March 11 at 4 p.m. at West Vancouver library.)
© Copyright (c) North Shore News
Read more: http://www.nsnews.com/sports/Halibut+quota+some+cheek/4409567/story.html#ixzz1G8BZT1lO
By Steven Panz, North Shore News March 9, 2011 8:02 AM
Dear Editor:
As an avid recreational angler I am deeply concerned about the imposed quota system that is threatening our recreational halibut fishery.
When former fisheries minister Robert Thibault imposed a quota allocating 12 per cent of the halibut total allowable catch to the sport fishery, he guaranteed the fishery would remain open until the end of our traditional 11 month season. In two of the last three years, our season has closed early despite reductions in daily and possession limits.
This allocation is not sufficient to sustain a vibrant and healthy sport fishery, which contributes significantly to the economy of British Columbia. Jurisdictions to the north and south have realized the value of a strong recreational fishery to the economy.
Alaska allocates 20 per cent of its allowable catch to sport anglers, while Washington allows 36 per cent of its total allowable catch to be harvested by recreational anglers.
I am also dismayed that despite halibut being a public resource, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has gifted 88 per cent of Canada's total allowable catch of Pacific halibut to 436 commercial halibut quota holders. The majority of these quota holders do not even fish.
They stay at home and lease their quota to a few hard working commercial fishermen. This "fleecing leasing" process adds up to $5/pound to every piece of halibut purchased by a Canadian. What a rip off. The estimated 100,000 anglers who fish for halibut are having their opportunities severely curtailed for reasons which do not include conservation or economic contribution.
The unfair 2003 halibut allocation policy should be reversed and the public sector should be allocated a reasonable quota.
Steven Panz
West Vancouver
(Editor's note: MP John Weston will be hosting a fisheries roundtable meeting on March 11 at 4 p.m. at West Vancouver library.)
© Copyright (c) North Shore News
Read more: http://www.nsnews.com/sports/Halibut+quota+some+cheek/4409567/story.html#ixzz1G8BZT1lO
