Salmon Fishing Survival Rally - Sunday April 19th at 10:00AM

[Governor]

***** NOTICE OF IMPORTANT MUST-ATTEND EVENT *****

What - Salmon Fishing Survival Rally

When - Sunday April 19th between 10:00AM and Noon

Where - Canadian Legion Branch #91, Langford Legion Hall, 761 Station Avenue, Langford, BC


***** PLAN TO ATTEND AND HELP FILL THE VENUE TO CAPACITY *****


TOPICS - Chinook Fishery Threats - Salmon Allocation Policy Update - SRKW Salmon Fishing Update - Fraser River Summer 5-2 Chinook Re-Allocation Concerns and we will let you know how you can help with our important advocacy efforts

Guest Speakers -
Jesse Zeman - BC Wildlife Federation, Executive Director
Martin Paish - SportFishing Institute, Director of Sustainable Fisheries
Andrew Purdey - Mill Bay Marine Group

Event Sponsors -
The BC Wildlife Federation
The Sport Fishing Institute
The Public Fishery Alliance of BC
South Vancouver Island Anglers Coalition
The BC Federation of Drift Fishers
Fraser Valley Angling Guides Association
Fred's Custom Tackle
Fraser River Sportfishing Alliance
Campbell River Fishing Guides Association

Everyone attending will receive a door prize ticket at no charge with a chance to win one of a number of prizes - donations to help us advocate for the protection of your salmon fishery would be welcome.

***** PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH YOUR FISHERY CONTACTS *****

Three major issues are facing our salmon fishery around South Vancouver Island in 2026 and beyond:

(1) THE BIGGEST ISSUE - AND A BAD DECISION WOULD DESTROY OUR CHINOOK AND COHO FISHERY - What will DFO Minister Joanne Thompson's decide regarding the Salmon Allocation Policy review - will we lose priority access to Chinook and Coho? Will DFO confirm Canadian's common property rights to fish by keeping the principle included in the new allocation policy? Explanation of the SAP review and sharing of any updates.

(2) OUR AUGUST 2026 CHINOOK FISHING IN DANGER - The Fraser Salmon Management Board (a closed collaboration of Fraser River First Nations and DFO) have presented an allocation transfer proposal document that, if approved, will most likely negatively impact our 2026 August Chinook fishery. The meeting will explain this threat in more detail and inform attendees of the risk posed to our Chinook fishery.

(3) CLOSED TO CHINOOK FISHING - DFO's Southern Resident Killer Whale recovery team presented a suite of new fishing restrictions for 2026 season. The proposed changes will be outlined and any updates available will be shared.


Similar to a Townhall Meeting, there will be short presentations from our guest speakers followed by an open question period.

Federal, Provincial and Municipal Politicians welcome and upon request can address the audience

Media are welcome and encouraged to attend - media contact Chris Bos - (778) 967-2363 - chris@anglerscoalition.com

 

[cohochinook]

I was just in Ottawa representing the Public Fishery Alliance doing testimony before the Fisheries Standing Committee.

Several of the MP's I spoke with said that the public engagement on the Salmon Allocation Policy is definitely making a difference, but to not let up. The recommendations are going to be sent to the Fisheries Minister by DFO staff the next week or two. That's when she will review the recommendations and make her decision. Timeline is somewhat uncertain but I was told at least a month but likely more before a decision comes.

So keep the pressure on and make sure you make it out to Salmon Fishing Survival Rally!

 

[Governor]

No decisions yet from DFO Fisheries Minister on the Salmon Allocation Policy review, or the proposed Southern Resident Killer Whale Regulations and we are still waiting to hear if Summer 5-2 Chinook salmon fishing re-allocation will further damage our August salmon fishery.

You need to come out and hear the updates from our excellent panel of presenters and find out what is next and how you can help.

There are some great door prizes and draw opportunities that are FREE! 10:00AM SUNDAY 19th at the Langford Legion!

DON'T BE SQUARE - JUST BE THERE!!

 

[Governor]

 

[Doug]

I attended the Salmon Allocation Policy (SAP) meeting in Langford on Sunday April 19th. Approximately 100 people showed up. Sad turnout considering the thousands of fishermen in the Victoria area. The three-person panel was great, describing the concerns all fishermen have with dealing with SAP. As they said, “You will not have to worry about the South Resident Whale issues if fishing is closed due to SAP.”

A quote from BC Wildlife Federation site BCWF Fishing Rights

“The federal government’s current Salmon Allocation Policy maintains, “Salmon is a common property resource that is managed by the federal government on behalf of all Canadians, both present and future.
The Common Property Resource principle has guided public resource management for hundreds of years, with roots dating back to the Magna Carta common law of 1215. In current practice, it holds that salmon belong to all Canadians.

Removing the principle of common property would shift public access to fishing from a federal, conservation-based management approach to an optional privilege granted by First Nations. Non-Indigenous Canadians would be last in line for fishing opportunities under this approach.”

With what is going on with land claims issues in Richmond, this common property issue is not far behind.

Here’s the link for background and email contacts: Your Right to Fish is in Danger If you send an email keep your comments brief and respectful.

The easiest way to add your voice is to click on this link and add your name to the following e-petition that goes straight to the House of Commons Canada:
e-7198 Petition Salmon Fisheries Policy Canada
“Petition to the Government of Canada

Sport fishers recognize First nations constitutionally protected right to fish for Food, Social and Ceremonial (FSC) purposes. They also acknowledge court ordered Indigenous Right-Based (IRB) commercial fisheries.

For generations, salmon in Canada have been managed as a Common Property Resource, held in trust by the federal government for the benefit of all Canadians;

The current Salmon Allocation Policy (SAP) upholds this principle by supporting conservation, transparency, and fair access for Indigenous, recreational, and commercial harvesters;

Proposed changes to the SAP would remove this principle and cripple the public access and stewardship interests that have driven salmon restoration programs;

Eliminating the Common Property Resource principle risks turning a shared public resource into an exclusive privilege, reducing access for many Canadians and undermining confidence in fisheries management.

We, the undersigned, Citizens and Residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to keep the Common Property Resource principle in the revised Salmon Allocation Policy so that salmon remain a publicly managed resource, federal stewardship stays transparent and conservation-focused, and no single group is given exclusive control over access.”

Here’s your chance to make a difference now or hang up your rods forever.

Doug

 

[Derby]

Wow.. only 100 folks ? Crazy sad

 

[Tips Up]

Many of us from Victoria attended the rally in Duncan. Probably the reason for poor turn out here.

 

[JWS]

Wow.. only 100 folks ? Crazy sad

Any idea on the turnouts to the 4? town halls that were held on the mainland? Based on the pics I saw on social media, those turnouts were far worse.

 

[SpringVelocity]

Campbell River had 400 weekend before.

 

[JohnS]

Many of us from Victoria attended the rally in Duncan. Probably the reason for poor turn out here.

Ya, time commitment to go to a live event regurgitating the same information that has been out for months is not a great use of time

 

[SpringVelocity]

Ya, time commitment to go to a live event regurgitating the same information that has been out for months is not a great use of time

Except if media show up then it looks bad if poorly attended.

This isn't new down there. There has been overall decline in participation in that area for years. I dont get it still.

Too bad missed opportunity to ask questions from people involved in process.

 

[Derby]

This comment is not pointed at you but more for a over forum: So these town halls were set up for not only to inform the uninformed but show the numbers of people and solidarity as a public sport fishery. So what about all the folks that put aside their valuable time on a beauty Sunday to be there to inform folks? Remember there is a very large group of Victoria and neighboring folks on this forum. These are the very same people that didn't bother to show their support to all the volunteers that are in the fight. Many are the very same people that are the first to either call out these very people either on the forum or in the quiet back rooms among their friends or little groups. Personal I'm disappointed by Victoria and there surrounding area, yet not surprised sadly.

Recently we have more and more people asking what going SFAC & SFAB asking for info or why or the how. So to all those that are not receiving any SFAC or SFAB going on's ... this is a simple ask. In the areas in which you fish become a member ... simply The area local chair just needs your your first & last name and a email address.. done .. If your not sure what there contact info is shoot me your name and email and I will forward your info to those chairs of interest .