Finally got a reply from a letter I wrote Feb 25, and it was from Neil Davis, DFO, not from Jordan. Just the same ol’ same ol’
Dear Mr. Aines:
Thank you for your correspondence of February 25, 2021, addressed to the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, regarding Chinook salmon management measures
. I have been asked to respond on behalf of the Minister.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) understands the importance of the fishery to recreational anglers. The Department is committed to science-based decision making and manages the fishery resource with a cautious approach to support the sustainability of Canada’s fisheries into the future. DFO does this in a manner that seeks to minimize economic impacts.
As you may be aware, the
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada has assessed 16 of the 17 wild populations of Fraser River Chinook and found all but one to be at‑risk; 10 of these populations have been classified as Endangered. These declines must be addressed, as do the changes to marine and freshwater ecosystems that directly affect salmon and our coastal communities.
DFO’s
2020 fisheries management measures to protect Fraser River Chinook were designed to support at-risk Fraser River Chinook populations and were developed following consultation with Indigenous communities, recreational and commercial fishing organizations, and environmental organizations. For more information on measures for at-risk Fraser River Chinook, I encourage you to visit the frequently asked questions section of DFO’s
Information about Fraser River Chinook fisheries management measures webpage.
The Department recognizes the keen interest of many in British Columbia’s recreational fishing community in seeking an expansion to hatchery-origin marked Chinook (also known as mark‑selective fisheries, or MSF). Please note that DFO is currently reviewing information about the potential expansion of MSF. While MSF opportunities could offer potential benefits for fisheries, they must be considered as part of a longer-term, integrated approach for Pacific salmon management. They must also be balanced with a full understanding of the issues and resource requirements needed to mitigate the short- and long-term concerns. I encourage you to visit the
hatchery marking section of our frequently asked questions about Chinook webpage to learn more.
Given the extent of the decline for Fraser River Chinook stocks of concern, fishery restrictions will continue to be required to protect these stocks in 2021 and in future years. Decisions will be informed by scientific advice and stock assessment data, will be consistent with salmon allocation priorities and will consider feedback from the Department’s established advisory and consultation process as previously outlined. Management measures will be available on DFO’s website and through the
Fishery Notice system.
DFO receives formal advice on recreational fisheries for Pacific salmon from recreational representatives via local Sport Fishing Advisory Boards. If you wish to participate in this process, or for more information on the process, please visit the Department’s
Sport Fishing Advisory Board website.
Though fisheries management measures are an important tool, they will not be sufficient on their own to restore these important stocks. DFO understands this, and is working on projects to support habitat protection and restoration, climate adaptation, improved stock assessment, and enhanced science collaboration. More information is available in the frequently asked questions section of the Department’s
information about Fraser River Chinook fisheries management measureswebpage.
In addition, the Government of Canada has announced that it would dedicate $647.1 million over five years to preserve wild Pacific salmon. This includes investments in research, new hatchery facilities, and habitat restoration. To learn more about these initiatives, I encourage you to consult
Canada’s 2021 budget.
Thank you for writing.
Sincerely,
Neil Davis
A/Regional Director, Fisheries Management
Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Government of Canada
Neil.Davis@dfo-mpo.gc.ca | Tel: (604) 666-0115
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