Jencourt
Well-Known Member
In light of all the opinions and varying views on this topic of halibut and how the sport sector should proceed, I would like to pose these very simple and direct questions to all of you.
I ask these questions because I have invested countless hours writing letters to DFO and government, as well as educating myself, friends, family and anyone who will listen. I worked tirelessly to try to get people to attend last year’s “Town hall meeting” in Kelowna. All be it the turnout was a dismal 20-25 from what I was told by friends who attended. 1/5 of those were there as a result of my efforts. I am not telling you this to brag or get a pat on the back. I put it out there to try to explain that after all this, I find myself questioning what this is really all about. I am sure I am not the only one who feels this way. For those who do not know me, No I do not make a living from any fishing related business.
So I ask you these questions to see what it is you are fighting for.
What do you want? What changes to the present Halibut system could take place that would leave you feeling completely satisfied that things are fair and workable for everyone and the sustainability of the resource has been looked after properly. Basically, I am asking you all what would get you to the point that (IN THE CASE OF HALIBUT) the fight can end and things are as they should be.
For me it will NOT be OK until:
#1 and most important -- The ITQ is gone and the fish are returned to the crown. I am fine with the commercial sector having an individual quota system (good way to keep track) as long as it is restricted to those who actually fish it. Furthermore it is not owned and cannot be sold, leased or transferred. If you do not fish it then it goes back to the crown with no monetary compensation. The compensation came from having the ability to make a living off a Crown resource. Some form of transfer may be necessary to compensate for bi-catch?
# 2--- An accurate form of measure is implemented to count the sport sectors real take
#3--- Far more than 15 percent is allocated to sport fishing. A number high enough to ensure we can never fish it to our full percentage. Yes leaving fish in the water NOT to be added to next year’s allocation. I for one am sick of DFO’s practice of fishing all species to what they say is the maximum limit to remain sustainable. This is a dangerous practice that does not allow for any other factors that may negatively affect the biomass.
I ask these questions because I have invested countless hours writing letters to DFO and government, as well as educating myself, friends, family and anyone who will listen. I worked tirelessly to try to get people to attend last year’s “Town hall meeting” in Kelowna. All be it the turnout was a dismal 20-25 from what I was told by friends who attended. 1/5 of those were there as a result of my efforts. I am not telling you this to brag or get a pat on the back. I put it out there to try to explain that after all this, I find myself questioning what this is really all about. I am sure I am not the only one who feels this way. For those who do not know me, No I do not make a living from any fishing related business.
So I ask you these questions to see what it is you are fighting for.
What do you want? What changes to the present Halibut system could take place that would leave you feeling completely satisfied that things are fair and workable for everyone and the sustainability of the resource has been looked after properly. Basically, I am asking you all what would get you to the point that (IN THE CASE OF HALIBUT) the fight can end and things are as they should be.
For me it will NOT be OK until:
#1 and most important -- The ITQ is gone and the fish are returned to the crown. I am fine with the commercial sector having an individual quota system (good way to keep track) as long as it is restricted to those who actually fish it. Furthermore it is not owned and cannot be sold, leased or transferred. If you do not fish it then it goes back to the crown with no monetary compensation. The compensation came from having the ability to make a living off a Crown resource. Some form of transfer may be necessary to compensate for bi-catch?
# 2--- An accurate form of measure is implemented to count the sport sectors real take
#3--- Far more than 15 percent is allocated to sport fishing. A number high enough to ensure we can never fish it to our full percentage. Yes leaving fish in the water NOT to be added to next year’s allocation. I for one am sick of DFO’s practice of fishing all species to what they say is the maximum limit to remain sustainable. This is a dangerous practice that does not allow for any other factors that may negatively affect the biomass.