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[Kever]

Hi FWR forum,

Given the current state of the Fraser River fish returns, and the sometimes questionable decisions made by government regarding fishing, I feel it is time to spend some of my hard earned cash on a membership to a stewardship group, as I believe this action is the best way to enact change as it gives citizens a voice.

My first question is, which group should I join? The guys a Berry's Bait and Tackle seem to favour the Fraser River Sportfishing Alliance, but the Fraser Valley Salmon Society seems to be gaining a lot of support these days. They both seem to have the same goal and similar mandates.

My next question is, is having two groups dedicated to the same mandate redundant? Could it be beneficial to combine the groups to form one, stronger voice? TIA,

Kever

[Dave]

Decide first what you want to advocate for ... fish, or fishing opportunities.  Sometimes the two go together nicely, other times not.

[Kever]

Decide first what you want to advocate for ... fish, or fishing opportunities.  Sometimes the two go together nicely, other times not.

To me, the egg came before the chicken, so I'd rather help the fish than the fisherman. If there's lots of fish, then we should be able to harvest sustainably. So... FVSS?

[Rodney]

If we are talking about river stewardship groups, then there are quite a few available across the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland.

It also depends on what you are donating - Money or time.

Fraser Valley Watershed Coalition has done an excellent job on restorating habitat in several watersheds including the Vedder River (Peach Creek, hooges wetland, Brown Creek wetland, spawning gravel at Chilliwack Lake...). They have occasional volunteer days like tree/riparian planting. You can donate money directly to them, or you can also buy a ticket in the upcoming Wally Hall Jr Derby and all the proceeds go to the FVWC. I am doing a separate post very soon about the derby and its legacy.

https://fvwc.ca

Kanaka Education Environmental Partnership Society: http://keeps.org
Langley Environmental Partners Society: https://www.leps.bc.ca
Seymour Salmonid Society: http://seymoursalmon.com

Also, check out this page for a list of all other groups:
https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sep-pmvs/advisors-conseillers/lower-bas-fraser-eng.html

[Kever]

OK, so there a a few ways to help our fishes. The groups Rod posted are local, boots on the ground type that help create spawning habitat, get water quality baseline data, and help hatcheries out.

What I was initially after was a lobbyist group that works with the government to help informed decisions be made. Perhaps I'm going down the wrong path. Perhaps the best way to implement change is to care about your local flow with time and money donations, and if you notice issues go to your local government rather than trying to influence the big decisions made by provincial and federal authorities. If many of these small groups are saying the same thing, then perhaps the decision makers will take notice.

Thanks for the info and the chance to think about this.

[Cyanescens]

Hi Kever, maybe you would be interested in the current go fund me campaign that is meant to cover legal expenses and lobbying efforts. Please check it out and donate if you can. I put in $100.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-the-public-fraser-river-fishery

[Kever]

Hi Kever, maybe you would be interested in the current go fund me campaign that is meant to cover legal expenses and lobbying efforts. Please check it out and donate if you can. I put in $100.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-the-public-fraser-river-fishery

That particular cause doesn't really float my boat, although I do understand why they demonstrated.

[Cyanescens]

I hope you realize that this fundraiser is not just for that one incident. I believe the plan is to use it to apply lobbying pressure and present court challenges to the ridiculous regulation changes the DFO has been making. Not just on the fraser, but the tribs as well. Look into it a bit deeper if you thought it was just about the guys being fined for the demo fishery

[Dave]

I hope you realize that this fundraiser is not just for that one incident. I believe the plan is to use it to apply lobbying pressure and present court challenges to the ridiculous regulation changes the DFO has been making. Not just on the fraser, but the tribs as well. Look into it a bit deeper if you thought it was just about the guys being fined for the demo fishery

What are your concerns regarding tributary streams?

[Cyanescens]

recent changes appear to be outlawing catch and release. No fishing for salmon unless there is a retention opening.