July 20, 2016
A West Coast Vancouver Island Example
We’ve seen a welcome change in DFO's chinook management measures on the West Coast of Vancouver Island since our last update and wanted to take this opportunity to outline it.
By way of background, the El Niño-caused mackerel predation or “mac attack” of the early 1990s wreaked havoc on WCVI chinook stocks which necessitated a complete closure in 1996 and then the establishment of a migration corridor to reduce WCVI chinook encounters. While these measures have served their purpose, they were complex and often difficult to understand and enforce.
Effective July 15 through October 15, 2016, DFO has significantly modified the rules that have been in place for almost a decade and a half and will allow recreational angles to move to full chinook retention limits in most areas. This is a significant and positive change to regulations, the like of which we have not seen since the closures first went into effect. While we do not anticipate that this change will be permanent it nonetheless demonstrates that DFO is prepared to expand areas of chinook full retention if fisheries managers have access to scale sample and DNA data to support such decisions.
Make no mistake, DFO has made this decision because recreational anglers have provided them with the data they needed to make good decisions. It is incumbent on all of us to continue providing DFO with this much-needed information.
WCVI Guides - Samples and Log Books
Related, this year there is an ongoing program on the West Coast of Vancouver Island to increase the number of samples taken and log book data submitted by guides and lodge operations particularly. The SFI is helping DFO to get the word out and to ensure that guides understand that they must contribute when requested.
The Recreational Vision (that the DFO, SFAB and the Province developed) outlined an approach in which the recreational sector takes on greater responsibility for documenting its catch. The guide log books and other angler based efforts to assist with counting our catch fall in step with these principles. Participation in catch data collection programs will ensure that regulation changes will be based on good information.
We applaud DFO's move on WCVI and, again, encourage anglers, guides and operators to continue to participate in both head recovery efforts and in the provision of scale sample data.
Safety Matters
We should also flag the nearly-tragic events that unfolded on the West Coast of Vancouver Island last week when a fishing guide lost his footing and went overboard in stormy conditions. As it turned out, the guest was unfamiliar with operating the boat or radio but was able to issue a Mayday call so that local guides, Matt Guiguet and Paul Vincent, could assist. Fortunately the boat and guest was led safely back to port and the guide was rescued after close to three hours in the water by the Canadian Coast Guard. The event is a good reminder of the importance of wearing PFD's for all aboard, boats employing the buddy system and the value of upgrading charter boat safety gear to include EPIRBS, particularly when venturing offshore. The incident also serves as a reminder of the importance and legal requirement that a thorough safety and boat orientation be conducted on each outing. And, if the choice is made to offer guests an inflatable PFD in lieu of a life jacket, it must be worn at all times. The
Certified Tidal Angling Guide Principles serve as a useful refresher on roles and responsibilities of a professional guide on our coast.
Recreational Angling Challenges Faced
The SFI is paying very close attention to a recent legal challenge launched by 3 Lower Fraser First Nations regarding access to Fraser River Chinook.
The suit wants to block sport fisheries off the coast of Vancouver Island which they allege are impacting the stocks as they return to the river, and are creating a decline in food security and the ability to pass along traditions to their members.
The SFI will continue to represent the rights and interests of recreational anglers as we deal with important legal challenges and maintain access to fisheries that are critical to the future of our sector.
It is a good time to point out that legal challenges are expensive. As always, we need continued and additional support to maintain these efforts. The SFI will be embarking on a membership drive over the next few months to help fund these efforts. Your support, and the support of your colleagues and fellow anglers is critical as we move forward.
We will keep you updated on developments in this and other important cases.
SFI Member Benefits
As a member, we encourage you to take advantage of the SFI - please feel free to call or write regarding any issues you may encounter related to sport fishing in BC. Our team and board of directors worked constantly to advocate on your behalf and to be knowledgeable regarding issues and policies affecting our sector.
We will be pleased to assist, or direct you appropriately, on issues that may require input from or work with Transport Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment Canada and numerous Ministries in the Province.
If you haven’t recently, check in on the
Member Benefits section of the SFI website for services and materials that can aid your business.