That's a drag to hear of the halibut situation. Although last winter was doom and gloom for the regs starting this time of year, and then it turned out not to be too bad in the end. So I'm hoping for the best.
For salmon, the doom and gloom started with the poor river returns and the SSES cancelling their 2008 derby. While the fishing in Sooke was spotty this year, the Sooke River returns were excellent. So I wonder if the derby is back on? That's a key fundraiser, because the funds go direct to Sooke salmon, not to Pacific Salmon Foundation, to be divvied up around the province. From what I recall, the SSES derby started because of Bite Me changing their donation from local to the general fund.
So...bringing this topic back...hatcheries run on volunteers and donations. They are NOT DFO/government funded, so it's grassroots all the way (which seems crazy to me, for a multimillion dollar industry, as well as ecology, but that's another topic). The one benefit of it being grassroots, is it means WE and YOU can make a big difference -- this isn't about squabbling between an ignorant/uncaring big bad government, commercial overfishing, First Nations rights, etc. It's about doing what you can personally to help bring salmon back and keep them there in YOUR local river. Get down to your local hatchery and donate a few hours of your time...I guarantee they can use the help. (and if Sooke is any indication, they need some young blood!
)
And if you can't spare the time, then cut them a cheque, because that will help too.
There's so many causes that have their hands out these days, but this is one that just feels right if you love fishing...your work and money has a direct influence on your own fun, plus it preserves the fun for your kids and grandkids. If you have a troubled conscience about taking fish in these troubled times, then this is a perfect karma repayment!
Sorry for the sermon, I'm a recent convert...just suddenly makes perfect sense, rather than worrying about it or complaining about it, feels good to just do something immediately useful, contributing to a solution.
! Jealously admitted!
