Dave S
Active Member
There has been a lot of talk lately on what DFO needs to do to save the salmon. They do NEED to step up and make changes to their management and they NEED to base their decisions on science, not money or politics. But I have rarely heard suggestions on what we can do to save the salmon. I am interested in hearing what others have to say regarding this. Here are my thoughts on things we can do:
-water quality is an issue in most streams, rivers, lakes, oceans.... and it is only going to get worse.... take care in what you flush down the drain, wash into the storm system, leave behind on the roads and in the water(leaks on your truck, boat, car). I imagine that water quality is a large contributer to declining numbers.
-take only what you need. I have heard the rationale that if we don't take it, it is just going to end up in a net or on a line of a commercial boat, but this is not the way to think. Just my opinion. Be reasonable with how much you take and package well to avoid waste. I know we complain about FN dumping tons of wasted fish into the river, but if every sporty that regularly fished our waters disposed of 1 freezer burnt fish per year, that would add up to a decent amount of fish. I hope that it is not that common, but I know it happens.
-give back whenever you can. If you harvest food from the ocean, I think it is important to do something to give back to the eco system. Even if it's just picking up a little trash at your launch, volunteering at a stream enhancement, donating money or time to a local anglers club. Anything helps and I know the large majority on here do a lot to help out, and it shows, but if you are a lurker on here and have a chance to help out in the future, take it.
-speak up and speak out. I think this may be the most important......Inform others of the issues that our wildlife and waters are faced with, and encourage them to spread the word as well. If the opportunity arises where you can teach someone a little about fish farms, water quality, over harvesting, etc, take it. There are many people out there who are unaware of the challenges ahead of us. If you witness any act that is illegal or harmful to wildlife and waters, record and report it. Even if it`s something as simple as talking to your neighbor about washing the paint can out in the sink, or your buddy who is flushing his radiator in the driveway, speak up. Don`t need to lay into him, just let him know where those chemicals are headed. Never support unsustainable or farmed fish and tell your sister why she shouldn`t either.
I don`t want to start any fights, just want to encourage forward thinking.
-water quality is an issue in most streams, rivers, lakes, oceans.... and it is only going to get worse.... take care in what you flush down the drain, wash into the storm system, leave behind on the roads and in the water(leaks on your truck, boat, car). I imagine that water quality is a large contributer to declining numbers.
-take only what you need. I have heard the rationale that if we don't take it, it is just going to end up in a net or on a line of a commercial boat, but this is not the way to think. Just my opinion. Be reasonable with how much you take and package well to avoid waste. I know we complain about FN dumping tons of wasted fish into the river, but if every sporty that regularly fished our waters disposed of 1 freezer burnt fish per year, that would add up to a decent amount of fish. I hope that it is not that common, but I know it happens.
-give back whenever you can. If you harvest food from the ocean, I think it is important to do something to give back to the eco system. Even if it's just picking up a little trash at your launch, volunteering at a stream enhancement, donating money or time to a local anglers club. Anything helps and I know the large majority on here do a lot to help out, and it shows, but if you are a lurker on here and have a chance to help out in the future, take it.
-speak up and speak out. I think this may be the most important......Inform others of the issues that our wildlife and waters are faced with, and encourage them to spread the word as well. If the opportunity arises where you can teach someone a little about fish farms, water quality, over harvesting, etc, take it. There are many people out there who are unaware of the challenges ahead of us. If you witness any act that is illegal or harmful to wildlife and waters, record and report it. Even if it`s something as simple as talking to your neighbor about washing the paint can out in the sink, or your buddy who is flushing his radiator in the driveway, speak up. Don`t need to lay into him, just let him know where those chemicals are headed. Never support unsustainable or farmed fish and tell your sister why she shouldn`t either.
I don`t want to start any fights, just want to encourage forward thinking.