April 21, 2021
It is encouraging that BC citizens are making a difference, effecting the curve and the impacts of the virus. We are all standing by for signs that guidelines and restrictions on behaviour will relax enough to more easily move about, enjoy activities and take steps towards normalcy. While progress is being made our BC Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, has made it clear that we'll need to stay the course, maintain behaviours and adhere to guidelines until advised otherwise.
In the meantime and important to note, fishing remains an activity that British Columbians can continue as long as they respect social distancing guidelines and minimize travel. The opportunity is important for food gathering activity of residents in many coastal communities. Reasonable access to salmon fisheries during this difficult time are essential. Providing reliable data and science supported sustainable opportunity and access will pose little to no impact on stocks of concern, yet the benefits to local communities for food security, access to a healthy outdoor activity, and confidence for post-Covid planning can’t be overstated.
ALLOWING SUSTAINABLE ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY - SFAB CHINOOK PROPOSALS
On April 9th, the SFAB, the body responsible for proposing fishery management plans on behalf of the public fishery, submitted this proposal. It must be noted that the recovery of Chinook stocks of concern is not a short-term proposition. Broader application of Mark Selective Fisheries (MSF) and the acceptance of additional data supported fisheries are a necessity for the future of the public fishery and takes positive steps towards Fraser River Chinook stocks of concern recovery too. Fraser River Chinook stocks of concern need a comprehensive plan including enhancement, habitat rehabilitation and restoration, predator control and sustainable fisheries plans while the public fishery needs stability and certainty. Without these actions, anglers and businesses will continue to suffer.
LETTERS MAKE A POINT
The public fishery needs your help to send a clear message to the Minister and DFO. Please read over the proposals document and send in a letter or email to Minister Jordan and the DFO Pacific Salmon Team. Express your support for the proposals and concerns about impacts to access and opportunity. It is important that letters are written in your own words, even a paragraph is good. Processes and consideration of all information is underway so your opinion counts. Send in your letters soon and please CC the SFI, we'll keep copies of all letters received.
The threats to Fraser River Chinook are real, and the implementation of broader recovery plans that include hatchery augmentation, habitat preservation and rehabilitation, and predator control are required. The proposals put forward by the SFAB achieve the critically important balance between protecting stocks of concern and sustaining a public fishery.
As participants in the most socially and economically significant fishery in BC, let’s work together to remind DFO that fisheries are important to British Columbians.
SURVEY ON RECOVERY MEASURES FOR TOURISM
This TIAC survey, developed by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada in collaboration with McKinsey & Company and Destination Canada, is intended to assess recovery measures to help the tourism sector when the COVID-19 crisis subsides. Each entry is captured and reported to government officials and decision- makers daily. Participation and input from the industry are vital. Thank you to everyone who already participated. The survey will be open until April 23, 2:00 pm.
COVID-19 PANDEMIC BUSINESS RESOURCES AND LINKS
Business resource support options continue to evolve. We continue to monitor links and information and have developed a Covid-19 resource page on the SFI website. Check in there for relevant links and updates
FISH RELEVANT NEWS AND VIEWS
Big Bar slide remediation work continues - as Chinook begin to travel up the Fraser River work on Big Bar slide continues. Good progress has been made. For an update and links to details about progress to date and plans to help move salmon past the slide area, visit this link
Salmon Matter link from Pacific Salmon Foundation. Learn more about PSF's hatchery effectiveness review program and how the science-based review will help to optimize enhancement strategies in BC. The PSF Youtube Channel and this installment of Salmon Matter here.
Less than six years ago, the second of two dams on the Elwha River, on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, was taken out to provide access for fish to the upper river. Since then a remarkable transformation of the river has taken place and has been captured in a short video called Rising from the Ashes. The Elwha’s recovery is a story that demonstrates the resiliency of species and river systems and provides insights about potential outcomes of large-scale river restoration projects in other places.
BIG SPRING RAFFLE
A reminder and little something to look forward to, the Big Spring Raffle is underway! Tickets are 20.00 and only available online. Get yours today for a chance to win a great Kingfisher Boat, Yamaha Motor and Scotty downriggers prize, trips to Langara Fishing Adventures, Nootka Marine Adventures, and out of Vancouver with Bon Chovy Charters.
Until next time, tight lines,
The SFI Team
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Topic: SFI Update (Read 1511 times)