Derby
Crew Member
August 17, 2016
There have been several new developments since we last updated you;
Fraser River Closures
As you are probably aware, DFO has made a particularly impactful decision with respect to the Fraser River and closed the system down to salmon fishing to protect the unexpectedly low return of Fraser River sockeye. There is no doubt that this measure will have a dramatic effect on those businesses that support anglers who would otherwise be fishing for chinook during this critically low sockeye run. It is a difficult decision yet conservation as the first objective and a precautionary approach is understandable. But, there are alternatives to consider for future situations, should they arise, where well defined changes to angling practices and locations could allow for other-than-sockeye salmon fishing to continue on the river and save any passing sockeye harmless. It is our understanding that all fisheries that have a potential to harm sockeye are now closed on the river, or will be closing very soon.We also believe that increased enforcement on the river at these critical times is essential, would raise awareness and reduce or eliminate any activities that could be detrimental to the stocks of concern. We are optimistic that dialogue with DFO about options can occur during the upcoming fall and winter.
Minister LeBlanc visits BCLast week the Minister of Fisheries, Dominic LeBlanc issued an update on the government’s response to the Cohen Commission. While there was relatively little “news” in his announcement, LeBlanc said that government was committed to hiring additional science staff in the Pacific Region and to maintaining the Wild Salmon Policy. While the new staff and resources are welcome, we are disappointed by the fact that LeBlanc did not take the opportunity to announce that the department would take tougher actions with respect to the net pen salmon farming industry.
We should also note that representatives of the SFI and the SFAB met with the Minister LeBlanc on his trip to the West Coast. It was cordial initial meeting with the new Minister where he commented on his early years visiting the west with his father, former Fisheries Minister, Romeo LeBlanc. He spoke about taking several fishing trips to the coast including a memorable outing at Dolphins resort in Campbell River where he and his father caught 36lb and 34lb chinook respectively and another where he landed a 60lb halibut on the decks of the Tanu on the central coast. Clearly some first-hand experience with BC sport fishing that few if any Ministers in recent history share!
In our meeting we outlined the economic context of the sport fishing industry for the Minister and discussed the Recreational Vision and the Vision Implementation Strategy, which details a number of objectives to improving and replacing support for recreational fisheries management by and with DFO. Minister LeBlanc was supportive of the idea to potentially add the program to an upcoming budget or to explore the idea of repealing the User Fee Act which may make it quicker and easier to acquire funding support for the programs proposed.
And, while the meeting was short, we also pointed to the need for improved catch monitoring efforts and the collaborative work that was occurring on that file.
On balance, it was a productive discussion and we hope it signals intent on the part of the Minister to move ahead on these important issues.
WCVI Guides - Samples and Log Books
The ongoing program on the West Coast of Vancouver Island to increase the number of samples taken and log book data submitted by guides and lodge operations particularly appears to be going well. The SFI is helping DFO to get the word out and to ensure that guides understand that they must contribute when requested.
The Recreational Vision (that the DFO, SFAB and the Province developed) outlined an approach in which the recreational sector takes on greater responsibility for documenting its catch. The guide log books and other angler based efforts to assist with counting our catch fall in step with these principles. Participation in catch data collection programs will ensure that regulation changes will be based on good information and make the potential of changing or improving opportunity possible.
We will continue to work with DFO and encourage anglers, guides and operators to participate in catch data collection efforts whether it is creel survey interview, iRec, head recovery or providing samples.
Participation in areas like Ucluelet and Tofino is at an all-time high, and we thank those guides for their efforts in helping us better define and understand our catch.
Tuna Time – Catch and Safety GuidelinesWe reported out earlier in the year but as the season is upon us, we provide a reminder that the SFAB safety and catch guidelines for the recreational tuna fishery, coordinated with Transport Canada, are available at these links: safety and catch care.
New Office for the SFI
The SFI office has moved to Nanaimo effective August 2, 2016. Our new address is 10 – 55 Front Street, Nanaimo. If you are in Nanaimo, please drop by or at least check out the flashy new street facing window SFI decal we’ve had installed. We have retained 604.946.0734 and add 250.591.0734 as phone numbers. E-mails remain the same and Cathy Kwiatkowski continues as our Executive Administrator. Our old location at the Gibbs-Delta Tackle Plant was great, many thanks go to Rob Alcock, Syd Pallister and everyone at Gibbs Delta Tackle for letting us occupy space in their offices for more than 7 years. We would still be there but were able to accommodate a recent move by Cathy and family to Nanaimo.
Until next time, tight lines!
The SFI Team,
Sport Fishing Institute of BC
There have been several new developments since we last updated you;
Fraser River Closures
As you are probably aware, DFO has made a particularly impactful decision with respect to the Fraser River and closed the system down to salmon fishing to protect the unexpectedly low return of Fraser River sockeye. There is no doubt that this measure will have a dramatic effect on those businesses that support anglers who would otherwise be fishing for chinook during this critically low sockeye run. It is a difficult decision yet conservation as the first objective and a precautionary approach is understandable. But, there are alternatives to consider for future situations, should they arise, where well defined changes to angling practices and locations could allow for other-than-sockeye salmon fishing to continue on the river and save any passing sockeye harmless. It is our understanding that all fisheries that have a potential to harm sockeye are now closed on the river, or will be closing very soon.We also believe that increased enforcement on the river at these critical times is essential, would raise awareness and reduce or eliminate any activities that could be detrimental to the stocks of concern. We are optimistic that dialogue with DFO about options can occur during the upcoming fall and winter.
Minister LeBlanc visits BCLast week the Minister of Fisheries, Dominic LeBlanc issued an update on the government’s response to the Cohen Commission. While there was relatively little “news” in his announcement, LeBlanc said that government was committed to hiring additional science staff in the Pacific Region and to maintaining the Wild Salmon Policy. While the new staff and resources are welcome, we are disappointed by the fact that LeBlanc did not take the opportunity to announce that the department would take tougher actions with respect to the net pen salmon farming industry.
We should also note that representatives of the SFI and the SFAB met with the Minister LeBlanc on his trip to the West Coast. It was cordial initial meeting with the new Minister where he commented on his early years visiting the west with his father, former Fisheries Minister, Romeo LeBlanc. He spoke about taking several fishing trips to the coast including a memorable outing at Dolphins resort in Campbell River where he and his father caught 36lb and 34lb chinook respectively and another where he landed a 60lb halibut on the decks of the Tanu on the central coast. Clearly some first-hand experience with BC sport fishing that few if any Ministers in recent history share!
In our meeting we outlined the economic context of the sport fishing industry for the Minister and discussed the Recreational Vision and the Vision Implementation Strategy, which details a number of objectives to improving and replacing support for recreational fisheries management by and with DFO. Minister LeBlanc was supportive of the idea to potentially add the program to an upcoming budget or to explore the idea of repealing the User Fee Act which may make it quicker and easier to acquire funding support for the programs proposed.
And, while the meeting was short, we also pointed to the need for improved catch monitoring efforts and the collaborative work that was occurring on that file.
On balance, it was a productive discussion and we hope it signals intent on the part of the Minister to move ahead on these important issues.
WCVI Guides - Samples and Log Books
The ongoing program on the West Coast of Vancouver Island to increase the number of samples taken and log book data submitted by guides and lodge operations particularly appears to be going well. The SFI is helping DFO to get the word out and to ensure that guides understand that they must contribute when requested.
The Recreational Vision (that the DFO, SFAB and the Province developed) outlined an approach in which the recreational sector takes on greater responsibility for documenting its catch. The guide log books and other angler based efforts to assist with counting our catch fall in step with these principles. Participation in catch data collection programs will ensure that regulation changes will be based on good information and make the potential of changing or improving opportunity possible.
We will continue to work with DFO and encourage anglers, guides and operators to participate in catch data collection efforts whether it is creel survey interview, iRec, head recovery or providing samples.
Participation in areas like Ucluelet and Tofino is at an all-time high, and we thank those guides for their efforts in helping us better define and understand our catch.
Tuna Time – Catch and Safety GuidelinesWe reported out earlier in the year but as the season is upon us, we provide a reminder that the SFAB safety and catch guidelines for the recreational tuna fishery, coordinated with Transport Canada, are available at these links: safety and catch care.
New Office for the SFI
The SFI office has moved to Nanaimo effective August 2, 2016. Our new address is 10 – 55 Front Street, Nanaimo. If you are in Nanaimo, please drop by or at least check out the flashy new street facing window SFI decal we’ve had installed. We have retained 604.946.0734 and add 250.591.0734 as phone numbers. E-mails remain the same and Cathy Kwiatkowski continues as our Executive Administrator. Our old location at the Gibbs-Delta Tackle Plant was great, many thanks go to Rob Alcock, Syd Pallister and everyone at Gibbs Delta Tackle for letting us occupy space in their offices for more than 7 years. We would still be there but were able to accommodate a recent move by Cathy and family to Nanaimo.
Until next time, tight lines!
The SFI Team,
Sport Fishing Institute of BC