|
POST-SEASON SALMON REVIEW ANNOUNCED
VANCOUVER
– The Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans,
today announced a post-season review will take place on the
management of southern British Columbia salmon stocks in 2004.
The review will be led by an independent chairperson and
conducted by the Integrated Harvest Planning Committee, made up
of representatives from First Nations and commercial,
recreational and environmental interests. In addition, there
will be opportunities for the public to participate.
“I am looking forward to receiving recommendations that will
help address concerns in the salmon fishery,” said Minister
Regan. “After conservation of the resource is secured, we want
to ensure that the full social and economic potential of the
fisheries are realized.”
The purpose of the review is to assess the performance of the
2004 salmon fishery relative to the objectives outlined in the
fishing plan. In particular, the review will address factors
that led to poor spawning returns on the Fraser River, and will
inform the development of fishing plans in 2005 and beyond.
This planning committee will become the basis for a new advisory
process where all participants will work together to try to
economically revive the salmon fishery, address First Nation
aspirations and achieve a balance in fishing opportunities.
Co-management and the empowerment of fishing organizations are
important to bringing about changes to the fishery.
Other consultations on West Coast fishery issues are also
underway, or in the planning stages. Earlier this fall,
consultations began on fisheries renewal, using the Joint Task
Group (Pearse-McRae) and First Nations Panel reports as a basis
for discussion on future direction. In addition, the Species at
Risk Act and the Wild Salmon Policy will play key roles in
future management decisions, following public and stakeholder
discussions.
- 30 -
Additional information:
Backgrounder –
Pacific Salmon Advisory Process
Salmon Overview – The Present
and Beyond
For further information:
Michelle Imbeau
Communications Officer Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific
Region
(604) 666-2872
|
