SFI Up date

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MARK SELECTIVE FISHING, MASS MARKING, CATCH MONITORING We remain committed to advocating for Mark Selective Fishery (MSF) opportunities whenever and wherever they are determined to be a sustainable approach. Related, we will continue to push for Reference fisheries to monitor MSF opportunities both current and potential, and for expanded Mass Marking of Chinook hatchery fish, particularly in facilities in the Georgia Strait/Salish Sea Basin. These MSF opportunities, often limited to specific areas and short in duration, are crucial for small communities and businesses along the coast. Mass Marking all Canadian Chinook hatchery production would improve sustainable and predictable opportunities for anglers and would enhance the ability to assess and manage hatchery stocks. While there is much work to be done and concerns to address, the future holds promise for BC's recreational fishery and anglers. With sustained and remarkable abundance over the last few years, clear evidence of recovered stocks of concern, restored habitats, and continued efforts to provide and protect sustainable, predictable opportunities for public fishery access, progress seems attainable. We will continue to identify and advocate for sustainable opportunities, highlighting successes in abundance and recovery. For a healthy future for both resources and communities, ongoing dialogue among all stakeholders invested in healthy salmon stocks, habitat, and marine resources is essential.The SFI is dedicated to pursuing a vibrant, thriving future for BC's fish and recreational fisheries and we look forward to continued efforts and projects that will help achieve these goals in 2026 and beyond. ​

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SFAB SURVEY: RECREATIONAL HALIBUT FISHERY IN BC – YOUR INPUT MATTERS
The SFAB is seeking input from anglers across BC to help shape its recommendations to DFO for the 2026 halibut season and beyond.

The SFAB wants to hear what matters most to BC anglers when it comes to recreational halibut fishing in BC. Your priorities, concerns, and ideas will help the SFAB to provide advice to DFO that reflect the values of BC's recreational fishing community.

Please complete the brief survey, linked here, by January 9, 2026

 

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ILL TIME TO GET TICKETS FOR THE GRAND AND FINAL PRIZES!

The Big Splash Raffle is in full swing, with the Grand and Final Prize draws still ahead at the end of this month on December 31st!

You could WIN:

• A KingFisher boat powered by Yamaha with Scotty downriggers
• An unforgettable trip to Langara Fishing Lodge in Haida Gwaii
• An adventure at Nootka Marine Adventures – Moutcha Bay Lodge
• Or a day charter on the Fraser River with Fred’s Custom Tackle

The Grand and Final draws take place December 31st at noon.

All proceeds go to support the work of the Sport Fishing Institute of BC. Don’t miss out - get your tickets today!

 

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January 6, 2026​

Time flies! We’re already into the first full week of 2026, but it doesn't seem too late to wish everyone a Happy New Year and for plenty of opportunities and time on the water with friends and family.

With the new year underway, we wanted to circle back to a few items raised in our holiday note just before the break.

SALMON ALLOCATION POLICY REVIEW AND FEEDBACK
The Salmon Allocation Policy (SAP) review is entering its final stage after five years of discussion and is now at a brief but critically important consultation phase. Now is the time when your input matters and should be delivered to DFO.

A revised SAP is intended to determine how salmon are shared among Indigenous, recreational, and commercial fisheries and will shape access and opportunity for the recreational fishery for decades to come. Decisions made now will have lasting consequences. The last SAP was created in 1999, so it is reasonable to expect a revised policy will likely have a similar lifespan.

SALMONFOREVER.CA - SAP INFORMATION
The SAP review has been a long and complex process, background on the subject and to help inform your feedback can be found at Salmonforever.ca.

YOUR VOICE MATTERS - SUBMIT FEEDBACK BEFORE JANUARY 23
The key issue – To ensure a healthy and sustainable recreational salmon fishery continues, DFO must maintain recreational sector priority access to Chinook and Coho, as established in the 1999 SAP - after conservation needs, Indigenous Food, Social, and Ceremonial (FSC) fisheries, and Indigenous rights‑based commercial fisheries, but before the general commercial fishery. The reasoning for maintaining this priority along with other SFAB allocation principles, is explained in detail at Salmonforever.ca.

We strongly encourage anyone who cares about recreational salmon fisheries - and about maintaining sustainable, appropriate access and opportunity to common property resources in BC - to visit the website, review the consultation document and supporting materials, and share your feedback with DFO as soon as possible, and no later than January 23.

 

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SFAB SURVEY: RECREATIONAL HALIBUT FISHERY IN BC – YOUR INPUT MATTERS
The SFAB is seeking input from anglers across BC to help shape its recommendations to DFO for the 2026 halibut season and beyond.

The SFAB wants to hear what matters most to BC anglers when it comes to recreational halibut fishing in BC. Your priorities, concerns, and ideas will help the SFAB to provide advice to DFO that reflect the values of BC's recreational fishing community.

Please complete the brief survey, linked here, by January 9, 2026



SFI AND CTAG MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL - 2026
January is SFI membership renewal month. SFI and CTAG renewals will be delivered by e-mail through this month. SFI Membership is available anytime!


CERTIFIED TIDAL ANGLING GUIDE (CTAG)
A quick reminder that CTAG Challenge applications are available online. The challenge is administered by SkilledTradesBC, while CTAG membership and program delivery are managed by the SFI. Certified guides receive a $1,000 training credit from the Province, and independent operators can save up to 30% annually on liability vessel insurance with the designation. Applications and more information can be accessed here: Tidal Angling Guide Certification.

Until next time, tight lines!

The SFI Team