The website is still under construction. We have been working hard at getting some new wording up on the website, but we have a very limited number of volunteers and it has been a busy time for us since our launch back in late November. We will have some new literature up soon.
We thank everyone who supports our cause and also thank those that offer their opinion on how we can attract anglers from other regions. Currently I can offer you this:
… Our Mission
To advocate for healthy ecosystems and abundant populations of wild fish and invertebrates;
To promote thriving, sustainable tidal and freshwater fisheries for the benefit and enjoyment of the public;
To ensure our government maintains, expands, and promotes access to Canada’s common property fish resources, thereby safeguarding angling opportunities for the benefit and enjoyment of the public; and
To educate government and the public about the economic, social and cultural value of a healthy public fishery
6. Our Motivation
For over a century, recreational-fishing has remained at the core of what it means to live on the west coast; indeed,
angling is a primary thread in the social and cultural fabric
of who we are here in British Columbia. Over half of all British Columbia residents will go fishing at some point in their lives and while doing so will experience a wide-spectrum of emotions … from heart-pounding adrenaline-rushes, to revitalizing moments of tranquil reflection … as they
reconnect with nature. Angling is enjoyed by young and old, people of all races and genders, and
is an especially worthy and important activity to teach our children.
Currently, this province’s saltwater anglers number well over 300,000 individuals and recreational fishing remains a vital economic-engine for our Province
[1]. The public tidal and freshwater fisheries service industry and its ancillary businesses generate more than ten thousand jobs and two billion dollars or more annually to the Provincial economy
[2]. With BC’s myriad of pristine lakes, rivers, streams and magnificent marine coastline, it is little wonder people flock here from many points around the world every year to enjoy our public recreational fisheries.
Unfortunately for our fish, and the millions of Canadians that hold our precious fish and fishery resource in such high esteem—
much of BC’s precious fish-habitat remains at risk while our government continues to downplay our public fisheries in favour of ecologically dangerous activities.
At SVIAC, we recognize clearly that if the perilous decline and unacceptable miss-management of our fisheries continues unabated; and if the failure of government to protect and restore vital fish habitat is not addressed immediately — soon there won’t be
any fish left for our children.
[1] The Province claims 7700 jobs @ $288-million to GDP. http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/omfd/fishstats/sport/index.html ) people in directly related retail, tourism, guide-outfitter, and service industry jobs, generating an estimated $1.5-billion annually directly to the BC economy. $865-million according to Min. of Enviro (2007) ‘British Columbia’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector’ (pp.7)
[2] Freshwater Sport Fishing in British Columbia Economic Impacts of Freshwater Sport Fishing in BC G S Gislason & Associates Ltd. Sept. 2009 – states: 320,000 in 2005 with $480-million in angler expenditures; average angler spent $120.00/day;