Sport Fishing Institute of BC September 2014 Updates
Posted on September 16th 2014, by Sport Fishing Institute of BC
Below is an update from Sport Fishing Institute of British Columbia.
Summer winds down - Many tight lines and screaming reels this season
The excitement of sport fisherman could be heard across the province this season. It has been a good year for most species of fish and in most regions of the coast. Top spot on the attention meter surely must go to the high profile Fraser River sockeye run, whose abundant return is being enjoyed by many anglers in the river and along the return routes, and attracting extensive media coverage across the province. Although the counts were not quite as large as earlier predicted the return numbers are notably high, delivering a big economic boost to sports fisheries here in the province. As an example, the busy year has BC fish processors, near bursting at the seams trying to keep up with recreational fish orders.
Although the numbers were good along most of the coast, some later arrivals and unusual migration routes occurred in some areas. Factors that are, as usual, not clear but may have contributed to these changes include warmer ocean temperatures. Still, conditions are such that sufficient numbers of fish are reaching final spawning grounds to maintain healthy, future stock numbers. Curiously, while some areas enjoyed tremendous numbers of fish early in the season, those fish were a bit smaller than expected for the time of year, indicating what optimists believe is evidence of an early and strong showing of next year's runs.
Halibut Still a Catch This Fall
As many of you may know, as of September 1st the halibut daily bag limit was changed from 1 to 2 and the fishery was given the green light to continue. While, size limits remained in place, this change was further evidence that the measures the SFAB recommended this past February were more than adequate to allow the recreational halibut fishery to continue for a normal, full season. The current allocation arrangement remains, putting the recreational sector in a position where it needs to manage catch, based not on conservation concerns but on our need to remain within an artificially imposed catch limit. The measures that the SFAB recommended in 2013, and slightly modified again in 2014, are working well to keep the sector fishing for the season. In light of the evidence provided by the approach used in during the last two seasons and provided Canada's Total Allowable Catch (TAC) doesn't change dramatically in 2015, there is a good chance there will be additional relaxation of the measures and that we'll take another step towards reliable, traditional limits and season length. The SFI will continue to work with the SFAB to strive for the best opportunity and expectations possible for future halibut seasons.
World Recreational Fisheries Conference in Brazil
In early September SFI representatives attended the World Recreational Fisheries Conference in Brazil. It was an excellent opportunity to learn about current trends, technological advances in fisheries research and management, and shared challenges. The next conference, held every three years, will be right here in BC. Congratulations to the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, who were the successful bidders for the 2017 event. We look forward to assisting them in inviting the world to Victoria and to continue sharing information about BC's recreational fisheries and learning more about other recreational fisheries issues from around the world.
SFI Annual Conference and Big Splash - November 26th, 2014
Get Your tickets now at early bird prices! Join us November 26th at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond for SFI's annual, premiere forum for the recreational fishing community in BC. Participate in engaging discussions and hear from industry leaders and special guest speakers on valuable, up-to-date information regarding the recreational fishery in BC. This year's conference has been streamlined to maximize content and value and delivering it in a timely manner. A strong, collaborative voice leads to greater opportunities for the sport fishery. Be a part of this important event by visiting the SFI website and following the Big Splash link, contacting the SFI office at 604.946.0734 or by e-mail at info@sportfishing.bc.ca.
The Big Splash Gala is also not to be missed. Not only the primary fundraiser for the SFI, the Big Splash is the winter social for the BC sport fishing community and delivers an evening of great food, fantastic auction items to bid on and great company - your fishing peers. The Bob Wright Legacy Award will also be presented during the event.
BWLA Nomination Deadline - October 26
If you know of an individual or an organization, that has shown an unwavering commitment to the conservation, restoration and enhancement of BC's recreational fishing industry and fishery, nominate them for the Bob Wright Legacy Award. Nomination forms can be found on the SFI website. The deadline for nominations is October 26.
2014 Boating BC Conference - November 27-28
The 2014 Boating BC Conference will be held November 27th and 28th at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond, BC. Now in its fourth year, this premier networking event is back with a fresh theme and a lineup of speakers who are sure to inspire, educate and inform with the latest marine industry trends, updates and leading edge business insights that will add great value to you and your business.
For full details visit: www.boatingbc.ca/conference.
Click here for a special offer Boating BC to SFI Members
As the nights grow longer and the days crisper, we wish you tight lines well into the fall.
The SFI Team,
Sport Fishing Institute of BC
For more information contact:
Sport Fishing Institute of BC
8014 Webster Road
Delta, BC V4G 1G6
t: 604.946.0734
w: www.sportfishing.bc.ca
e: info@sportfishing.bc.ca
