SFI Up date

October 17, 2025​

We hope you had a chance to enjoy the Thanksgiving long weekend. With that behind us, we’re heading into the second half of October and while the fishing season may be winding down or is over for some, activities and discussions around fish and fisheries along the coast are just getting started. It is getting to be busy season for the SFI.

SOUTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES - SRKW
Proposed management measures directed at the recreational fishery by the Marine Mammal Unit of DFO are once again creating uncertainty and instability in the recreational fishery in southern BC. This is so despite current evidence and spawner abundance data that indicate a significant increase in local Chinook stock abundance since 2018, including a 45% increase in Fraser River Chinook, which in many cases is mirrored or greatly surpassed by stocks from other regions and countries. This is yet more science-based evidence confirming that prey availability is not the factor limiting SRKW recovery. Additional restrictions on the recreational fishery would provide no measurable benefit to the whales but would cause additional, real, and lasting harm to coastal communities that rely on Chinook for livelihoods and food security..

We remain firm that an enforced science-based avoidance zone for all vessels around all killer whales is the most effective and balanced solution.

SFI BIG SPLASH AND CONFERENCE - NOVEMBER 21, 2025 - EARLY BIRD TICKETS

The SFI Policy Conference will be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre on November 21st. This year’s theme is Balanced and Sustainable - Sharing Responsibility, Opportunity, and Resources.

We look forward to this annual forum where elected officials, public servants, and members of the sport fishing community come together to share perspectives on the issues facing the recreational fishery and to discuss opportunities and challenges for the coming season.

The Pacific Salmon Foundation will also take a portion of the day to highlight programs and projects funded through revenues from sales of Salmon Conservation Stamp on tidal waters licences.

BIG SPLASH GALA - EARLY BIRD

Following the Conference, join us for the Big Splash Gala and Fundraiser on November 21st. It’s a fun and memorable evening to reconnect with friends and colleagues, enjoy a great meal, and bid on a variety of outstanding items—all while supporting the important work of the Sport Fishing Institute of BC.

More information and early bird tickets are available [here].



SFI BIG SPLASH ONLINE RAFFLE - EARLY BIRD TICKET DEADLINE APPROACHING
The Big Splash raffle is on! Get your tickets before October 24th for a chance to win two early bird prizes, a Islander TR3 Special Tye Die Edition Duncanby Lodge reel and a Gibbs Fishing tackle package, drawn on November 14th. Tickets purchased any time before December 30th give you a chance to win a KingFisher boat with Yamaha power and Scotty downriggers and trips to Langara Fishing Lodge in Haida Gwaii, to Nootka Sound on the West Coast of Vancouver Island at Moutcha Bay Resort or out with Fred's Custom Tackle on the Fraser RIver.


FISHING BC
Fishing BC, the promotional and awareness raising program partnering the SFI, the BC Fishing Tourism Association, and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC with Destination BC and communities around the Province, markets fishing in BC to out of province visitors and local anglers. The co-op program provides cost saving options for operators and access to major distribution networks. Fall and winter marketing opportunities are available now. If you would like to participate please be in touch with our office at (604) 946-0734 or by emailing info@sportfishing.bc.ca with questions or for more information.

Visit fishingbc.com and be reminded of the excellent opportunities and variety available for fishing in BC.

For tickets and more details visit the SFI homepage.

Until next time, tight lines!

The SFI Team
 
Any news as to what specifically SFI is doing re. the 2026 DFO SRKW management options other than being firmly opposed?

Be good to know what SFI is up to as one of the leading B.C. public fishery lobbying organizations.
 
Would never post any infomation like that on a public forum. As you know there are always the wrong eyes looking
 
Still can post some high level info of basic activities to let the public fishers know what is basically going on. Simply saying the SFI is firmly opposed is not enough if you want to garner more support as a lobbying organization. Just common sense and basic communication with your constituents. Careful well thought out comms can be a great help to gain more support from the average public fisher. Hopefully that is one of your goals??
 
I have personal found after being a member of this forum for well over 12 plus years and you are dammed if you do or dammed if you dont.
SFI has worked the back channels and goes to Ottawa to see the Minster herself or those below her 2 or 3 times a year. The SFI has the respect of Ottawa which allows us the opportunity to be able to have these in personal face to face sit downs to have meaningful conversation. We are Ottawa bound next week.

Now the SFAB does a pile of hard work in supporting the public fishery contrary to what many people on this forum think or believe. As one of those that sits on the SRKW working group, we are doing what can be done and have engaged the DfO marine & mammal division and were are still working with them regarding the purposed SRKW consultation. If you a member of the SFAC in the effected areas your chair has reached out to letting you know what's going on...If you are a member of one of the effect area's and the you have heard nothing but crickets perhaps reach out to your chair and ask what's up. I will leave you with this thought... We don't always get the out comes that we want or deserve as we always present our cases based on best science to strength a position. As some have noticed the last 10 years Ottawa has made decisions at times political and not based on science or logic. So without the hard work of the SFAB/SFAC were do you think we would be?
 
Derby said:
I have personal found after being a member of this forum for well over 12 plus years and you are dammed if you do or dammed if you dont.
SFI has worked the back channels and goes to Ottawa to see the Minster herself or those below her 2 or 3 times a year. The SFI has the respect of Ottawa which allows us the opportunity to be able to have these in personal face to face sit downs to have meaningful conversation. We are Ottawa bound next week.

Now the SFAB does a pile of hard work in supporting the public fishery contrary to what many people on this forum think or believe. As one of those that sits on the SRKW working group, we are doing what can be done and have engaged the DfO marine & mammal division and were are still working with them regarding the purposed SRKW consultation. If you a member of the SFAC in the effected areas your chair has reached out to letting you know what's going on...If you are a member of one of the effect area's and the you have heard nothing but crickets perhaps reach out to your chair and ask what's up. I will leave you with this thought... We don't always get the out comes that we want or deserve as we always present our cases based on best science to strength a position. As some have noticed the last 10 years Ottawa has made decisions at times political and not based on science or logic. So without the hard work of the SFAB/SFAC were do you think we would be?
Click to expand...

Always support the hard work you @searun @Cut Plug others on here do for fishery. No need to explain and defend.
 
Last edited:
Derby said:
I have personal found after being a member of this forum for well over 12 plus years and you are dammed if you do or dammed if you dont.
SFI has worked the back channels and goes to Ottawa to see the Minster herself or those below her 2 or 3 times a year. The SFI has the respect of Ottawa which allows us the opportunity to be able to have these in personal face to face sit downs to have meaningful conversation. We are Ottawa bound next week.

Now the SFAB does a pile of hard work in supporting the public fishery contrary to what many people on this forum think or believe. As one of those that sits on the SRKW working group, we are doing what can be done and have engaged the DfO marine & mammal division and were are still working with them regarding the purposed SRKW consultation. If you a member of the SFAC in the effected areas your chair has reached out to letting you know what's going on...If you are a member of one of the effect area's and the you have heard nothing but crickets perhaps reach out to your chair and ask what's up. I will leave you with this thought... We don't always get the out comes that we want or deserve as we always present our cases based on best science to strength a position. As some have noticed the last 10 years Ottawa has made decisions at times political and not based on science or logic. So without the hard work of the SFAB/SFAC were do you think we would be?
Click to expand...
Great thanks for the update - comms like this is good, please keep it up. In the absence of good updates many fishers think little is happening to protect and support the public fishery - when in fact this is not true as your update shows. This is my whole point about needing more comms about the good work that is going on.

Please do not misunderstand me - I support and am very grateful for all the hard volunteer work that SFAB and SFI do! We just need to be kept informed as public fishers concerned about the public fishery, especially during these times of where DFO is being increasingly manipulated by the federal cabinet and not by science and good resource management.
 
Last edited:
Whole in the Water said:
Still can post some high level info of basic activities to let the public fishers know what is basically going on. Simply saying the SFI is firmly opposed is not enough if you want to garner more support as a lobbying organization. Just common sense and basic communication with your constituents. Careful well thought out comms can be a great help to gain more support from the average public fisher. Hopefully that is one of your goals??
Click to expand...
The high level strategy you ask for is out in the open: provide data to support the science-based position that SRKW food source is sufficiently abundant, and that properly enforced vessel and noise separations will yield better results than indiscriminate fishing closures.
 
The SFI Policy Conference will be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre on November 21st. This year’s theme is Balanced and Sustainable - Sharing Responsibility, Opportunity, and Resources.

We look forward to this annual forum where elected officials, public servants, and members of the sport fishing community come together to share perspectives on the issues facing the recreational fishery and to discuss opportunities and challenges for the coming season.

The Pacific Salmon Foundation will also take a portion of the day to highlight programs and projects funded through revenues from sales of Salmon Conservation Stamp on tidal waters licences.


Hi Gents,
It's looking like I may have a copy extra tickets for the day event and would happy pass them along at no charge if anyone is interested in attending.
Cheers
 
This is a really good event to see and get informed on current affairs guys.. have 3 tickets and no charge if anyone wants to check it out. Great lunch also.
 
Have a couple more tickets for the day event if anyone is interested.. need to know the end of this week.
 



November 17, 2025
THE BIG SPLASH ONLINE AUCTION IS LIVE!

Check out and bid on items Big Splash Online Silent Auction

The Annual SFI Policy Conference and Big Splash Gala will take place on Friday, November 21 at the Vancouver Convention Centre – West. Although online ticket sales have now closed, there’s a good chance you can still join us. If you are interested in attending please be in touch soon and before Friday!

We look forward to seeing you this Friday - whether at the SFI Policy Conference (agenda), the Big Splash Gala and Fundraiser, or both.

The Conference will feature remarks from Federal Fisheries Minister Thompson, Provincial Minister Neill, senior DFO representatives, and leaders from the SFI and the sport fishing community. Discussions will provide updates and reflections on current and emerging challenges, issues, and opportunities.

Then, cap off the day at the Big Splash Gala. Following the Conference, join us for a lively and memorable evening filled with great company, food, and exciting auction items. It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect with friends and colleagues, discover who will be honored with the 2025 Bob Wright Legacy Award, and support the important work of the Sport Fishing Institute of BC.
 

November 20, 2025

ONE MORE DAY FOR THE BIG SPLASH ONLINE AUCTION!

Check out and bid on items Big Splash Online Silent Auction until 9:00 tomorrow night!

The Annual SFI Policy Conference (agenda here) and Big Splash Gala takes place tomorrow, November 21, at the Vancouver Convention Centre – West.

Although online ticket sales have now closed, we can accommodate some last minute attendees to the Conference and Big Splash. If you are interested in attending please be in touch at either 604.946.0734 or by e-mail to info@sportfishing.bc.ca
 
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