June 28 MP Brunch Connections: "The State of Pacific Salmon - Is it too late?"
June 21, 2021
Dear friends and neighbours,
I invite you to attend our virtual MP Brunch Connections – “The State of Pacific Salmon – Is it too late?” on Monday, June 28th at 11 am, with guest speakers Michael Meneer and Jason Hwang of the Pacific Salmon Foundation.
Wild Pacific salmon are a critical ecological, cultural and food resource for most British Columbians, and especially for Indigenous communities. The health and well-being of wild salmon up and down our coastline and in our rivers is dear to the hearts of most Vancouver Quadra constituents, including mine, and is the subject of many letters I receive. Since first being elected as your MP I’ve worked hard to advance my goal of ending open-net pen salmon aquaculture in BC waters, and foster a transition to safer aquaculture systems. Our government has committed to enact this transition by 2025.
Multiple factors have contributed to a significant decline in salmon over the years, including a recent series of major rock slides at Big Bar on the Fraser River that dramatically reduced access to spawning grounds for some salmon species. Scientists are concerned about the very survival of certain runs. It’s time for an update on the challenges, and the possibilities for recovery and health, of this keystone British Columbian icon.
Michael Meneer became the President and CEO of the Pacific Salmon Foundation in 2019, after serving 10 years as its Vice-President for Development, Communications and Marketing. He has a background in journalism, fundraising and public affairs in both Canada and the United States.
Jason Hwang is the Vice President – Salmon, of the Pacific Salmon Foundation. He is a biologist and has served in a variety of past roles with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, including as Regional Manager, Salmon Enhancement Program for the Pacific Region.
Please join us for a presentation and discussion led by our guests Michael and Jason, who will help us understand what is threatening salmon stocks as well as what might be working to protect salmon at their various stages of life. They may also have some suggestions about what we can do to help right here in Quadra.
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Bring your curiosity, ideas and questions, as we welcome you to Vancouver Quadra’s 13th virtual MP Brunch Connections– continuing the tradition of bringing community members together, despite the pandemic keeping us apart.