SFI Up date

September 26, 2019


Marked Selective Fisheries
Many challenges faced yet a clear path to stable, reliable opportunity


We are now in full election mode and many issues are competing for the attention of voters and candidates. Asking key fish and fishery questions during the coming weeks is critical to keep our issues being discussed and considered by politicians and the public alike. There is no doubt that the outcome of this election will play a key role in the future of our fishery.

Coastwide Chinook Fishing and Returns
It has been falsely claimed that Chinook salmon as a species are either endangered or at risk of extinction in Canada. This is simply not true. Those that try to argue this are badly misinformed or are blatantly trying to misinform the public for questionable motives. Not only is the claim inaccurate, it is extremely damaging to BC's reputation and the public understanding of what is happening on our coast and river systems. Many BC Chinook runs this year are either way above average or even at historic highs, as evidenced by what was seen in tidal waters this summer and in the huge returns many of our rivers have experienced this fall.

There are Chinook stocks of concern in the mid to upper Fraser River and on the Skeena River that are in serious decline. These stocks deserve attention and defined plans to aid in restoration of their habitat and enhancement. It is these Chinook stocks that are affecting access to much more abundant Chinook runs that are available all over the Pacific coast.

Marked Selective Fisheries - A Simple Solution
Is there a way to protect and consider the Chinook stocks of concern while still allowing opportunity to fish for abundant stocks? Yes, there is a solution! Anglers can fish selectively. Before removing a fish from the water it can easily be determined if a Chinook is wild, and therefore potentially from a stock of concern, or is produced for harvest in a government or volunteer hatchery system. Canada produces over 35 million hatchery Chinook every year and in Washington State the number is more than 150 million. These hatchery produced Chinook salmon are intended to provide fisheries all along our coast and river systems. Unfortunately, in Canada only about 10% of these fish are “marked” by the removal of the adipose fin, a small fin on the back between the dorsal fin and tail. When circumstances require it, a fishery that retains only these marked Chinook while releasing all wild Chinook would protect stocks of concern. And, marking 100% of the fish Canada already produces will properly identify the abundance of hatchery fish and would provide a dramatic increase in harvest opportunity in many areas of the coast. This is particularly the case in areas hit hard by Chinook restrictions in 2019. This is without producing any more hatchery Chinook than we currently do!

So, mark all hatchery Chinook (mass marking), provide marked hatchery fish only fisheries for the public which moves harvest away from stocks of concern, and embark on intensive habitat protection and strategic enhancement to rebuild troubled stocks. Its not rocket science but does cost money and requires a genuine spirit of sharing amongst all Canadians. Adjusting the public fishery to harvest marked Chinook is not hard and is only limited by the political will to make it happen.

We urge all SFI members to make candidates understand that the public fishery is important to you and your community. Get out there, ask about Marked Selective Fisheries and other fishery questions too. Make sure local politicians understand that the public fishery is important to their riding, that their feedback on these important issues is vitally important, and that their responses will be held to account following the election.



Wild First - Candidate Pledge Tracker
One week ago, Wild First announced and launched an election time campaign in pursuit of greater protections for wild Pacific salmon: the B.C. Candidate Pledge Tracker. In that short time, 39 BC candidates have signed the pledge so far.

We encourage you to check on the status of the Candidate Pledge Tracker, it is updated daily, and to urge all candidates to sign the pledge.



Annual Policy Conference and Big Splash Fundraiser - November 15
Tickets to our Annual Policy Conference and Big Splash Fundraiser are on sale now.

Buy your tickets early and be entered to win 2 tickets to a Vancouver Canucks game on November 14th, the evening before the Conference and Splash. More details to follow about both events.

We look forward to seeing you on November 15th for our Annual Policy Conference, the 2019 theme is Striving for Certainty and Stability, and the Big SplashGala and Fundraiser is at the Vancouver Convention Centre - West.



Until next time, tight lines,
The SFI Team
 
Coastwide Chinook Fishing and Returns
It has been falsely claimed that Chinook salmon as a species are either endangered or at risk of extinction in Canada. This is simply not true. Those that try to argue this are badly misinformed or are blatantly trying to misinform the public for questionable motives. Not only is the claim inaccurate, it is extremely damaging to BC's reputation and the public understanding of what is happening on our coast and river systems. Many BC Chinook runs this year are either way above average or even at historic highs, as evidenced by what was seen in tidal waters this summer and in the huge returns many of our rivers have experienced this fall.

There are Chinook stocks of concern in the mid to upper Fraser River and on the Skeena River that are in serious decline. These stocks deserve attention and defined plans to aid in restoration of their habitat and enhancement. It is these Chinook stocks that are affecting access to much more abundant Chinook runs that are available all over the Pacific coast.

I keep on seeing habitat being mentioned with respect to Upper Fraser chinook. Yet there us literally 100's km of spawning areas not being used because there simply is not fish to spawn in them.
 
October 3, 2019


ELECTION QUESTIONS

Many issues are competing for the attention of voters and candidates. Asking key fish and fishery questions during the coming weeks is critical to keep our issues being discussed and considered by politicians and the public. Regardless of who or which party is elected, ensuring that the government understands, supports and is willing to invest in the future of our fishery and the resources that it depends upon has never been more important.

It is critical that our elected officials are made aware of and and asked to support initiatives that maintain and, where necessary and possible, rebuild salmon populations in order to avoid a repeat of the harmful and, in many cases, unnecessary restrictions that were imposed on fisheries on the South Coast in 2019.

Healthy, abundant salmon stocks and the fisheries they support are vitally important to many British Columbians. With over 300,000 individuals who purchase recreational fishing licenses each year, the effects, impacts and benefits to small communities and businesses from access to sustainable resources is socially and economically vital to BC.

Here are some key points that every potential MP should be asked to address and provide a position for.

Ask your local candidates: Do you and your party:

  • Support the use of hatchery-based enhancement to either maintain or rebuild salmon populations at a level that will support vibrant, healthy, sustainable fisheries?
  • Support the use of Mass Marking and Mark Selective Fisheries as a way to provide access to abundant stocks of hatchery produced salmon and avoid wild stocks of concern?
  • Support the need for government to enforce existing laws and regulations that protect salmon habitat, and invest in habitat rehabilitation initiatives to promote long term sustainability?
  • Support the idea of science-based predator control in specific areas to address the impacts that predators are having on juvenile and adult salmon stocks?
  • Understand the importance of the public fishery to your riding, and the impact that a lack of certainty and stability in regulations and access has on businesses and citizens who either support or participate in the fishery?
  • Understand that fishery resources are a common property resource, managed by the Federal Government at tax-payers expense for the benefit of all Canadians, and are willing to support the idea that all Canadians should be able to benefit from those resources in a meaningful way?
A Commitment to Move Open Net Pen Salmon Farms to Closed Containment by 2025
Some excellent progress has been made in making the case for the importance of salmon and salmon habitat. Three of the four main parties have agreed that a plan will be developed to transition from open net pen salmon farming in coastal waters to to closed containment by 2025. While it is an election time promise, it is a positive step and should be commended. For more details about open net salmon farming issues and where candidates and parties stand please visit Wild First and the Pledge Tracker.

Perspectives on Public Fishery and the Election
Please see the Island Fisherman Magazine election poll for some perspectives on how the public fishery issues are being or should be addressed in the election dialogue. Provide your thoughts and perspectives too.

LET THEM KNOW!
Please take the time to make candidates understand that the public fishery is important to you and your community. Get out there, ask about Marked Selective Fisheries and other fishery questions too. Make sure local politicians understand that the public fishery is important to their riding, that their feedback on these important issues is vitally important, and that their responses will be held to account following the election.

BACKGROUND
The BC public fishery and related businesses produce $1.1 billion in annual sales, create more than 9000 jobs and 3,950 person-years of employment resulting in a $398 million contribution to the province’s Gross Domestic Product. The sport fishery is the single largest economic driver of all B.C. fisheries, even though anglers take only 15% of the annual halibut catch and less than 10% of the annual salmon harvest.

MARK SELECTIVE FISHERIES (MSF)
Coast Wide Chinook Fishing and Returns

It has been falsely claimed that Chinook salmon as a species are either endangered or at risk of extinction in Canada. This is simply not true. Those that try to argue this are badly misinformed or are blatantly trying to misinform the public for questionable motives. Not only is the claim inaccurate, it is extremely damaging to BC's reputation and the public understanding of what is happening on our coast and river systems. Many BC Chinook runs this year are either way above average or even at historic highs, as evidenced by what was seen in tidal waters this summer and in the huge returns many of our rivers have experienced this fall.

There are Chinook stocks of concern in the mid to upper Fraser River and on the Skeena River that are in serious decline. These stocks deserve attention and defined plans to aid in restoration of their habitat and enhancement. It is these Chinook stocks that are affecting access to much more abundant Chinook runs that are available all over the Pacific coast.

Mark Selective Fisheries - A Simple Solution
Anglers can fish selectively, harvest can be moved away from wild stocks. When and where necessary, wild salmon can be released if encountered when pursuing more abundant marked Chinook. Before removing a salmon from the water it can easily be determined if it is wild, and therefore potentially from a stock of concern, or it was produced for harvest in a government or volunteer hatchery system. Canada produces over 35 million hatchery Chinook every year and in Washington State the number is more than 150 million. These hatchery produced Chinook salmon are intended to provide fisheries all along our coast and river systems. At this time in Canada only about 10% of these fish are “marked” by the removal of the adipose fin, a small fin on the back between the dorsal fin and tail. Mass marking 100% of the fish Canada already produces will properly identify the abundance of hatchery fish and would provide a dramatic increase in harvest opportunity in many areas of the coast. This is particularly the case in areas hit hard by Chinook restrictions in 2019. And, this is without producing any more hatchery Chinook than we currently do!

Marking all hatchery Chinook (mass marking), providing for marked only fisheries for the public to move harvest away from stocks of concern, and initiating intensive habitat protection and strategic enhancement plans to rebuild troubled stocks are all required. These are not complicated adjustments or plans but they do require dedicated funds and a genuine spirit of sharing between all Canadians. Adjusting the public fishery to harvest marked Chinook is not hard and is only limited by the political will to make it happen.





ANNUAL POLICY CONFERENCE AND BIG SPLASH FUNDRAISER - NOVEMBER 15

Early Bird tickets to our Annual Policy Conference and Big Splash Fundraiser are on sale now. Buy your tickets early and be entered to win 2 tickets to a Vancouver Canucks game on November 14th, the evening before the Conference and Splash. More details to follow about both events.

We look forward to seeing you on November 15th for our Annual Policy Conference, the 2019 theme is Striving for Certainty and Stability, and the Big SplashGala and Fundraiser is at the Vancouver Convention Centre - West.



Until next time, tight lines,
The SFI Team
 
Here is the SFI link to to Day event held in Vancouver a couple weeks ago.. spend a few minute and check it out.. Note the MPA, Tagging of Muture Chinooks from the summer & David Stormer, Washington Department of Fish and Game



Dr. Scott Hinch, Pacific Salmon Ecology and Conservation Laboratory, UBC UBC Salmon Studies


· https://sportfishing.bc.ca/news/2019-sfi-annual-policy-conference-and-big-splash-gala-fundraiser/

Wow big thanks for preparing all this on a webpage
 
December 19, 2019

Season’s Greetings!

Where did 2019... the decade go?...

As we wind up an eventful year there are many things developing for the public fishery in BC in 2020. But, most of all and regardless of what is happening around us, we will start and finish this note with best wishes to you and yours for the holidays and a Happy New Year!


Big Splash and Conference
The 2019 Big Splash and Conference came and went, and many positive actions and outcomes resulted from discussion and presentations on the day. Many of the presentations are posted on our website. Among other interesting speakers on the day, we had David Stormer of Washington State Fish and Game speak about that State's experience with Mark Selective Fisheries, the benefits of hatchery production to fishery opportunities and to aiding recovery of Chinook stocks of concern. There are many similarities and lessons that can be learned from Washington State's experience.

Mark Selective Fisheries for 2020 and beyond
We will be making materials widely available to make clear the suitability of mark selective fisheries and avoidance strategies, and the applicability of strategies employed and lessons learned south of the border.

Mark Selective Fisheries allow marked hatchery salmon to be retained by anglers while unmarked salmon must be released. The SFI considers this approach, which as noted above has been successfully implemented in the USA to protect ESA listed stocks, as the only management approach which will allow the salmon fishery to survive while at the same time offering almost complete protection to endangered and threatened unmarked stocks.

Big Bar Slide – Fraser River
The slide and the state of the river at the site is a critical issue that must be addressed as quickly and completely as possible. It is understood that the Federal, Provincial and First Nation governments have spent a tremendous amount of time and resources to work on a solution or an interim fix in time for the returning salmon in the spring of 2020. We are hoping to see full details of the action plans in the coming weeks and to see direct work on the problem begin as soon as possible.

The Fraser River is one of the most important and productive salmon producing rivers in the world. As many are familiar now, during the winter of 2018 a massive landslide in a remote area upstream of Big Bar resulted in a partial blockage of the river, which stopped the upstream migration of potentially millions of sockeye, coho, chum and chinook salmon. Most impacted runs will face extirpation unless the problem is fully, and completely addressed and upstream passage is restored. The river will return to spring freshet in March of 2020.

For more information about the slide and reiterating the urgency please visit this link recently posted by the Pacific Salmon Foundation.

SFI Membership Renewal - 2020

January is membership renewal month. We will be sending out renewals and 2019 CTAG and SFI materials in January and February.

SFI Membership is available anytime!


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Fishing BC Co-op program - 2020
A reminder that it is not too late to participate in or take advantage of the Fishing BC co-op consumer trade show and digital marketing programs. Fishing BC, a program partnering the SFI, with Destination BC, the BC Fishing Resorts and Outfitters Association and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, markets and promotes fishing in BC to out of province visitors and local anglers. Please be in touch with our office at (604) 946-0734 or by emailing info@sportfishing.bc.ca with questions or for more information as soon as possible.

As mentioned, and as you know, there are many issues developing as 2019 ends and 2020 gets underway. We will be back in touch early in the New Year with news we learn and gather about salmon planning, expectations for halibut, yelloweye and for the continued development of the Fishing BC app as a catch data tool and an information resource for anglers.

Once again and on behalf of the SFI board and team at the SFI, we wish you Happy Holidays, a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Tight Lines,
The SFI Team


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January 25, 2020


The SFI is working on a number of fronts that are part of planning for the 2020 season. Many of the issues that emerged or developed through 2019 continue. We provide you an update on things to come and are underway as the first month of 2020 comes to a close;

UPCOMING AND ONGOING


International Pacific Halibut Commission - IPHC: February 3 - February 7
The SFI will be heading to Anchorage, AK for the Annual IPHC meetings at the beginning of February. We will attend and participate as a part of Canada's delegation, which includes commercial, First Nations and recreational fishing representatives, to negotiate halibut catch for the 2020 season. We will report on the outcome following the meetings.


Vancouver International Boat Show - February 5 to 9
Check out SFI member exhibitors at the Vancouver Boat Show or catch SFI members, including Tom Davis, David Korsch and Bill Haymond, presenting at the free seminar series. A link to the seminar schedules here

Big Bar Slide
The Fraser River is one of the most important and productive salmon producing rivers in the world. Many are familiar, during the fall of 2018 a massive landslide in a remote area upstream of Big Bar resulted in a partial blockage of the Fraser River, which stopped the upstream migration of potentially millions of Sockeye, Coho, Chum and Chinook salmon.

It is encouraging to know that DFO, the Province of BC and all stakeholders are working hard to enable natural fish passage past the slide for the 2020 migration. We are hopeful of timely and complete success in combination with continued work to rebuild Fraser River Chinook stocks.

Mark Selective Fisheries (MSF) for 2020 and beyond
In these times of challenges and concerns regarding some runs of Chinook, mark selective fisheries (MSF) allow marked hatchery salmon to be retained by anglers while unmarked salmon must be released. The SFI considers this approach, successfully implemented in the USA to protect ESA listed stocks, as the management approach which will allow the salmon fishery to survive while at the same time offering protection to endangered and threatened unmarked stocks.

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Fishing BC Co-op program - 2020
A reminder that it is not too late to participate in or take advantage of the Fishing BC co-op digital marketing programs. Fishing BC, a program partnering the SFI, with Destination BC, the BC Fishing Resorts and Outfitters Association and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, markets and promotes fishing in BC to out of province visitors and local anglers. Please be in touch with our office at (604) 946-0734 or by emailing info@sportfishing.bc.ca with questions or for more information.

SFI and CTAG Membership renewal time
As a SFI member you will, if you haven't already, receive a renewal invoice by e-mail. We thank you for your ongoing support and commit to continue to work on your behalf to maintain or improve access to sustainable fishing opportunities.

If you aren't a member of the SFI but are interested please visit the SFI website for more information about enrollment and what we do.

As mentioned, we'll send out an update following the IPHC meetings and with any relevant news as it happens. Expect to hear much more about Mark Selective FIshing (MSF), economic values of BC public fishery, the new look Fishing BC app and the SFI Big Spring Raffle set to launch on February 1.

Until next time, tight lines,

The SFI Team
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February 20, 2020


Early 2020 has been busy for the team at the SFI. As occurs each year, delegates from US and Canadian commercial and sport halibut fishing groups gathered in Anchorage to participate in the 96th annual International Pacific Halibut Commission’s meeting. That session was followed shortly after by the Main Board SFAB meetings, Pacific Salmon Commission meetings in Portland and ongoing and developing discussion regarding Fraser River Chinook issues, SRKW and planning for the 2020 season.

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Halibut
The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) meetings are quite different year to year. The 2020 session was a challenging one for Canada. On the back of the 2019 agreement where the US finally agreed to substantively address and bear responsibility for non-directed bycatch of halibut in Alaskan waters, the Candaian dlegation was met with a strong interest by the US to undo restrictions and commitments agreed to in 2019. Thanks to the good work undertaken by the Canadian Commissioners and delegation, Canada was able to stick to near its desired catch limits while addressing conservation concerns, and for the most part ensured that the US honoured the spirit and intent of the 2019 agreement. But, the issue of the impact on the Pacific halibut biomass by persistent and long term by-catch of young halibut in Alaskan fisheries while targeting other species continues. Fisheries in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea have consistently harvested huge numbers of small, young fish while BC’s fisheries have done a very good job of minimizing by-catch and reducing impacts on recruits.

The impacts to halibut from a variety of fisheries is complex and while the species seems to be well managed, there continues to be a divergent opinion on how the halibut biomass moves along the Pacific coast, how the stocks are distributed and, how to properly address the by-catch issue. The 96th IPHC session ended with virtually the same allowable catch as 2019.

With the 2020 TAC set, the Sport Fishing Advisory Board, through technical working groups, regional committees and then the Main Board meetings, has provided advice to DFO on management measures and season length based on a set of guiding principles provided by the sport fishing community. Based on those discussions and with general agreement that the current 85/15 allocation equation is not suitable, the recommendation put forward by the SFAB is to open halibut on March 1, 2019 until December 31, 2020. In 2020, to provide best options for the coast, a repeat of the hybrid approach has been recommended. With a season opening March 1 the following has been recommended; to allow either 1 fish daily and in possession between 90 cm and 126 cm (approximately 60 lbs.), or 1 fish/day, 2 in possession with both fish under 90cm (approximately 20 lbs.). The season length is based on in season review of catch by DFO. Should the recreational catch limit be forecast to be met or exceeded before December 31, the recreational halibut fishery could be closed.

Fraser River Chinook and 2020 Salmon Fishery Planning
Salmon fisheries, Chinook in particular, will require careful planning and recognition that there are some Fraser River runs of Chinook that need special attention and consideration. Adjustments to plans for 2020 and following years will be implemented to help ensure that particular stocks are afforded the best opportunity to return to natal streams and to spawn in the greatest numbers possible. There is solid data regarding recreational catch impacts in the Georgia Strait on Fraser River stocks of concern that show impacts are minimal or none. Even so, it may be that the opportunity to retain Chinook in 2020 will take the form of retention of marked hatchery chinook only at certain places and times of the year, potentially in combination with specific size restrictions. By implementing mark selective fishing strategies, conservation concerns can be addressed, harvest opportunity will be limited to abundant hatchery produced Chinook, and the impacts on stocks of concern can be minimized. The SFI and SFAB are engaged in the processes and discussions underway now, and will continue to seek opportunity to aid in the conservation of stocks of concern while seeking reliable and sustainable access to more abundant stocks of Chinook and other salmon species.

The importance of opportunity and access for the public fishery must be a consideration in the decision-making process. To help ensure and communicate a fact based understanding of coastal values, hatchery retention and mark selective fisheries, we have developed a website that provides some basic information about each of the above subjects. Please visit salmonforever.ca and share the site address with others interested, or even better, with those less familiar with the values of the public fishery in BC and its importance to the health of small communities along BC's coast.



Raising Awareness: Salmonforever.ca
See us at the Victoria Boat, Fishing & Outdoor Show
The SFI will be at the Victoria Show, February 21-23, to raise awareness about the values of BC's public fishery and the opportunities that hatchery retention and mark selective fisheries can provide.

See you in Victoria or in early March at the Abbotsford show.


Don't forget to get your tickets to the Big Spring raffle before the April 1st early bird cutoff. 20.00/ticket available online only and easily! Get your tickets today!



SFI Membership
If you aren't a member of the SFI but are interested, please give us a call or visit the SFI website for more information, about enrollment, and what we do.

Until next time, tight lines,

The SFI Team
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Check out the Fishing BC App on iOS or Android

 
April 6, 2020

We continue to wish you and your family well and hope that all are staying safe and observing health guidelines during these unusual times of the Covid-19 virus.

This update includes:


Covid -19 in BC

While our BC Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, and Health Minister, Adrian Dix, have indicated that the Covid-19 situation may be showing signs of improvement due to our collective efforts, they’ve also made it clear we must continue to adhere to guidelines everywhere and all the time. In the last few days, the Canadian Health Organization has suggested that wearing a mask, or cloth covering your mouth, while in public or tending to necessary tasks will help to reduce spread of the virus.

In the continually evolving situation the availability of personal protective equipment or PPE is an issue to varying degrees across Canada and in BC as well.

Please see a note from BC Ministry of Health - Health Emergency Management BC received by the Sport Fishing Institute of BC today for distribution.

Letter from BC Ministry of Health - Urgent PPE Request - April 6, 2020
Many citizens and organizations have been reaching out with offers of products and services to support British Columbia’s COVID-19 response. To help facilitate the coordination, the Province has partnered with the Digital Technology Supercluster and the Business Council of British Columbia to create the COVID-19 Supply Hub, an online platform to co-ordinate, source and expedite medical supplies and personal protective equipment, particularly gloves and masks, for provincial health authorities to support front-line health workers fighting COVID-1.

The COVID-19 Supply Hub provides a single point of entry to triage and prioritize the thousands of offers and donations for essential supplies from business and other organizations since the onset of the COVID-19 response. To donate or supply products or services, please visit www.gov.bc.ca/supplyhub and complete the appropriate web form.

As COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving global challenge, the Province of British Columbia is working closely with local, provincial and federal partners to minimize health, economic and social impacts. Thank you for your willingness to assist others during this extraordinary time.

If your business can offer or donate services or supplies, particularly gloves and masks, to aid in the efforts to address Covid-19 related issues, please visit www.gov.bc.ca/supplyhub



Looking Ahead and Seeking Appropriate Opportunity and Access
Letter and outreach to the Ministers of Fisheries, of Small Business, and of Tourism


The SFI is actively working on fishery issues, to raise concerns and seek support for the public fishery service providers and businesses effected by Covid travel and business restrictions.

Communication with and requests of the federal government are ongoing. We’ve expressed concerns and requests in a letter delivered to the Ministers of Fisheries, of Small Business, and of Tourism.

Reminding each Minister that the public fishing industry plays an integral role in the economy of many rural and coastal communities in BC, we’ve urged that steps must be taken to ensure that the needs of small communities, fishing related tourism and tourism businesses are appropriately addressed so that they can all weather this uncertain time.

We noted and supported BC Health guidelines that allow fishing as long as social distancing guidelines are observed and travel is minimized. And, we’ve requested that Minister Jordan prioritize changing interim measures to allow reasonable access to salmon fisheries during this difficult time. This request can be accommodated by approval of the sustainable and low-risk Chinook retention opportunities that are being proposed by the Sport Fishing Advisory Board. Providing reliable data and science supported sustainable opportunities will pose little to no impact on stocks of concern, yet the benefits to local communities for food security, access to a healthy outdoor activity, and confidence for post-Covid planning are significant.


BUSINESS RESOURCES - COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Business resource support options during the pandemic continue to evolve. We have developed a web page on the SFI site where will update and post relevant links - COVID 19 UPDATES AND LINKS


These are very unusual times and it is important that everyone take informed steps to minimize their contribution to the spread of Covid-19 and misinformation about the pandemic.



FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA ECONOMIC IMPACT SURVEY

This survey, designed for lodge and charter operators, is now open until April 17. The objective of this survey is to gain better understanding of lodge, charter and guide business operations in BC tidal waters. Acknowledging some concerns with survey questions and details requested, DFO has adjusted the survey and have also included areas to provide comments and concerns. If you are a guide, charter operator or lodge operator please participate in this survey before end of day tomorrow : DFO SURVEY LINK

Until next time, tight lines,

The SFI Team
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Check out the Fishing BC App on iOS or Android

 
April 21, 2021

It is encouraging that BC citizens are making a difference, effecting the curve and the impacts of the virus. We are all standing by for signs that guidelines and restrictions on behaviour will relax enough to more easily move about, enjoy activities and take steps towards normalcy. While progress is being made our BC Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, has made it clear that we'll need to stay the course, maintain behaviours and adhere to guidelines until advised otherwise.

In the meantime and important to note, fishing remains an activity that British Columbians can continue as long as they respect social distancing guidelines and minimize travel. The opportunity is important for food gathering activity of residents in many coastal communities. Reasonable access to salmon fisheries during this difficult time are essential. Providing reliable data and science supported sustainable opportunity and access will pose little to no impact on stocks of concern, yet the benefits to local communities for food security, access to a healthy outdoor activity, and confidence for post-Covid planning can’t be overstated.

ALLOWING SUSTAINABLE ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY - SFAB CHINOOK PROPOSALS
On April 9th, the SFAB, the body responsible for proposing fishery management plans on behalf of the public fishery, submitted this proposal. It must be noted that the recovery of Chinook stocks of concern is not a short-term proposition. Broader application of Mark Selective Fisheries (MSF) and the acceptance of additional data supported fisheries are a necessity for the future of the public fishery and takes positive steps towards Fraser River Chinook stocks of concern recovery too. Fraser River Chinook stocks of concern need a comprehensive plan including enhancement, habitat rehabilitation and restoration, predator control and sustainable fisheries plans while the public fishery needs stability and certainty. Without these actions, anglers and businesses will continue to suffer.

LETTERS MAKE A POINT
The public fishery needs your help to send a clear message to the Minister and DFO. Please read over the proposals document and send in a letter or email to Minister Jordan and the DFO Pacific Salmon Team. Express your support for the proposals and concerns about impacts to access and opportunity. It is important that letters are written in your own words, even a paragraph is good. Processes and consideration of all information is underway so your opinion counts. Send in your letters soon and please CC the SFI, we'll keep copies of all letters received.

The threats to Fraser River Chinook are real, and the implementation of broader recovery plans that include hatchery augmentation, habitat preservation and rehabilitation, and predator control are required. The proposals put forward by the SFAB achieve the critically important balance between protecting stocks of concern and sustaining a public fishery.

As participants in the most socially and economically significant fishery in BC, let’s work together to remind DFO that fisheries are important to British Columbians.

SURVEY ON RECOVERY MEASURES FOR TOURISM
This TIAC survey, developed by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada in collaboration with McKinsey & Company and Destination Canada, is intended to assess recovery measures to help the tourism sector when the COVID-19 crisis subsides. Each entry is captured and reported to government officials and decision- makers daily. Participation and input from the industry are vital. Thank you to everyone who already participated. The survey will be open until April 23, 2:00 pm.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC BUSINESS RESOURCES AND LINKS
Business resource support options continue to evolve. We continue to monitor links and information and have developed a Covid-19 resource page on the SFI website. Check in there for relevant links and updates

FISH RELEVANT NEWS AND VIEWS

  • Big Bar slide remediation work continues - as Chinook begin to travel up the Fraser River work on Big Bar slide continues. Good progress has been made. For an update and links to details about progress to date and plans to help move salmon past the slide area, visit this link
  • Salmon Matter link from Pacific Salmon Foundation. Learn more about PSF's hatchery effectiveness review program and how the science-based review will help to optimize enhancement strategies in BC. The PSF Youtube Channel and this installment of Salmon Matter here.
  • Less than six years ago, the second of two dams on the Elwha River, on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, was taken out to provide access for fish to the upper river. Since then a remarkable transformation of the river has taken place and has been captured in a short video called Rising from the Ashes. The Elwha’s recovery is a story that demonstrates the resiliency of species and river systems and provides insights about potential outcomes of large-scale river restoration projects in other places.


BIG SPRING RAFFLE
A reminder and little something to look forward to, the Big Spring Raffle is underway! Tickets are 20.00 and only available online. Get yours today for a chance to win a great Kingfisher Boat, Yamaha Motor and Scotty downriggers prize, trips to Langara Fishing Adventures, Nootka Marine Adventures, and out of Vancouver with Bon Chovy Charters.

Until next time, tight lines,

The SFI Team
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Check out the Fishing BC App on iOS or Android

 
April 24, 2020
As we make it further into Spring and most of us our housebound due to the virus, thoughts about getting out fishing are heightened. As we noted when the Provincial Health Officer released fishing and hunting guidelines in early April, it is important that fishing has been acknowledged as an essential service and activity for British Columbians. At the same time, it is critical that all participating in these activities continue to respect social distancing guidelines and minimize travel.

As a reminder, a link to the guidelines and details below:

From the Province of BC: Fishing and Hunting Covid-19 Updates
Orders & Guidance for Fishing & Hunting

If you cannot meet all the COVID-19 orders and guidance to fish or hunt safely, do not go fishing or hunting.

  • Only fish and hunt with members of your family or others you are living with
  • Stay 2 metres (6 feet) from other people you come across
  • Do not share vehicles with individuals outside of your family or others you are living with
  • Fish and hunt locally
  • Wash your hands often, especially around communal areas such as boat ramps, gates, etc.
  • Follow all travel advisories and self isolation requirements
  • Follow all municipal, First Nation community, provincial and federal closures (e.g. parks, infrastructure, etc.)
Development of protocols and operating procedures for outdoor activities and businesses when Covid restrictions are relaxed will be identified. But, changes or guidance will be made available only when it is appropriate to do so.

SFAB PROPOSALS FOR 2020/2021 CHINOOK AND PERSPECTIVES ON MASS MARKING AND MSF
The SFAB proposals for 2020/2021 Chinook management have been submitted and are now being considered by DFO. While the submission provides remarks to support the proposals, the SFAB has developed a document, here, that is a compliment to the proposals and provides rationale and additional detail of how mark selective fishing (MSF) and mass marking (MM) should be an integral component of salmon management in BC.

The threats to Fraser River Chinook are real, and the implementation of broader recovery plans that include hatchery augmentation, habitat preservation and rehabilitation, and predator control are required. The proposals put forward by the SFAB achieve the critically important balance between protecting stocks of concern and sustaining a public fishery.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC BUSINESS RESOURCES AND LINKS
Business resource support options continue to evolve. We are updating information on the SFI Covid-19 web page frequently, check in there for the latest in relevant links and details.



BIG SPRING RAFFLE
A little something to look forward to, the Big Spring Raffle is underway! Tickets are 20.00 and only available online. Get yours today for a chance to win a great Kingfisher Boat, Yamaha Motor and Scotty downriggers prize, trips to Langara Fishing Adventures, Nootka Marine Adventures, and out of Vancouver with Bon Chovy Charters.

Until next time, tight lines,

The SFI Team
----
Check out the Fishing BC App on iOS or Android

 
May 6, 2020
Today, Premier Horgan, Minister of Health, Adrian Dix, and the Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, announced a path forward, BC’s Restart Plan, for reopening and resumption of activities and business during the Covid-19 pandemic. It should be noted that business changes and resumption will be phased in and do not begin immediately.

Fishing in BC during Covid-19
Guidelines for individuals, household members and families considering local fishing outings are posted on the Province of BC: Fishing and Hunting Covid-19 Updates

Guidelines and Protocols for Public Fishery Service Providers: Guides, Charters and Lodge Operations
In preparation for a reopening and phases of BC’s Restart Plan, the SFI has been working with industry stakeholders and the Province on operating and safety protocols and guidelines for sport fishing businesses. These guidelines are currently under review and have been developed to assist businesses providing services to those participating in the public fishery.

The guidelines for sport fishing service providers, guides and charter operators will be made available as soon as possible and as mentioned, are based on guidelines and protocols as announced by the BCHO.

In the meantime, provided proper safety and behaviour guidelines are followed, consider getting out on the water locally now and plan for fishing activities in BC this summer.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC BUSINESS RESOURCES AND LINKS
Business resource support options continue to evolve. We are updating information on the SFI Covid-19 web page frequently, check in there for the latest in relevant links and details.



BIG SPRING RAFFLE
The Big Spring Raffle is underway - only 5000 tickets at only 20.00/each. Easily and only available online. Get yours today for a chance to win a great Kingfisher Boat, Yamaha Motor and Scotty downriggers prize, trips to Langara Fishing Adventures, Nootka Marine Adventures, and out of Vancouver with Bon Chovy Charters.

Until next time, tight lines,

The SFI Team
----
Check out the Fishing BC App on iOS or Android

 
May 14, 2020
Chinook proposals are still being considered by DFO. Not only do we await details to allow resumption of business operations for the sport fishing industry, the decision regarding Chinook fishery management continues with the 2019 interim measures still in place. The delay continues to create an atmosphere of uncertainty which hampers planning for Covid19 recovery. The issues regarding the decisions and the SFAB proposals have been summarized for your information below;

SFAB Chinook Proposals - An Explanation
Details of the SAFB proposal, submitted April 9, and an appreciation of the analysis and consideration that went in to the recommendations is useful for one and all. The following brief, linked here in pdf, details the proposal and reiterates the urgent and immediate need for sustainable opportunity and access to Chinook salmon.

Southern BC Chinook Fishery - May 2020
Background
Stock Status

  • Some interior Fraser River stream type chinook stocks of concern face serious conservation concerns.
  • Recovery will require a combination of enhancement, habitat restoration, predator control and water management measures. Reductions in fishing impacts, similar to those implemented in 2019, will achieve no measurable benefit to escapement.
  • DFO biologists have confirmed that some of these stocks will continue to decline even in the complete absence of all fishing pressure, including FSC fisheries.
  • However, both interior and Lower Fraser ocean type chinook are at either an abundant level of returns (Interior Fraser 4.1) or are returning at 80% of maximum sustainable yield (Lower Fraser – Harrison).
  • Over 400,000 Chinook returned to the Fraser system in 2019. The majority of these are ocean type chinook.
  • The Big Bar Slide presented significant and additional challenges for upstream migration for a portion of the stocks of concern in 2019. Significant work was undertaken to repair the slide in winter 2020, and it is likely that this work will greatly improve migration passage for chinook in spring\summer 2020.
Socioeconomic Impacts

  • The Public Fishery in BC generates $1.1 billion in direct revenue, creates over 9,000 jobs, and represents 43% of the GDP and 60% of employment for all fisheries including aquaculture.
  • In 2019, DFO implemented management measures intended to reduce fishing impacts on Fraser Stream Type Chinook. These measures included broad scale implementation of non-retention of all Chinook for most of the BC South Coast.
  • These measures resulted in a reduction of up to 80% of fishing activity causing significant social and economic damage to many small coastal communities in BC. The measures failed to achieve the stated need to achieve balance between conservation objectives and socioeconomic objectives as outlined in the Minister’s 2019 Mandate Letter: “As Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, you will lead the Government’s work to protect and promote our three oceans and our waterways, sustain and rebuild the fisheries, and ensure that they remain healthy for future generations, while providing important economic opportunities to Canadians and coastal communities.
  • Covid19 will further damage the economies of small coastal communities and especially businesses that are heavily dependent on tourism. The effects of Covid19 have been devastating to tourism operators and will likely last longer than other business sectors due to travel restrictions. There has never been a more important time to ensure that a balance between urgent social and economic concerns and more long-term conservation objectives is achieved.

2020 SFAB Proposals – Achieving Balance

  • The Sport Fishing Advisory Board of British Columbia developed a series of proposals for the 2020\2021 integrated fisheries management plan that provide the opportunity to achieve the critical balance required between socioeconomic and conservation objectives.
  • Using CWT and DNA data sets dating back to 1980, the SFAB, in close collaboration with DFO stock assessment and science branches, has identified times and locations where limited chinook retention opportunities can be provided that ensure virtually no impact on the stocks of concern.
  • Proposals were developed using these guiding principles:
    • The 2020/21 management regime will reflect a highly precautionary approach towards Fraser stream-type Chinook.
    • First Nations priority for FSC opportunities will be respected.
    • DFO has a responsibility to represent the interests of all Canadians in the management of fisheries.
    • The Department’s goal is to protect Canada’s three oceans, its coasts, waterways, and fisheries, and to ensure these remain healthy for future generations. To this end DFO has identified achieving sustainable social and economic benefits as one of its priorities for evaluating fishery proposals in 2020.
    • The 2019 non-retention management regime was harmful to small rural communities along the BC south coast and continued application of non-retention in the broad manner it was applied in 2019 will cause irreparable damage to these rural economies as well as to the cultural, food security and other social benefits associated with the public fishery.
  • Areas proposed (see map) are both temporally and geographically separated from the migration path of Fraser River chinook stocks of concern.
  • DFO’s science and stock assessment division’s evaluation of these proposals indicates that they will result in no additional impact to stocks of concern relative to 2019 measures.
  • The management measures proposed in these areas use a combination of mark selective fisheries, size restrictions and terminal area closures to protect local returning Chinook stocks.
Recommendation
Recovery of Fraser River stocks of concern will take decades and cannot be achieved by further reductions in fishing impacts. Restarting the economy of small coastal communities is a critical and urgent need for 2020. Therefore, in order to achieve the necessary balance between conservation and socioeconomic objectives for the 2020 Southern BC Chinook Fishery, we urge DFO to implement the “SFAB 2020\2021 Chinook Retention Proposals During Fraser River Stream-Type Chinook Conservation Measures” submitted to the DFO Salmon Team April 9th, 2020.

Area Proposal Summary
Proposed areas for data supported fishery Chinook retention April through various dates in July 2020 and April to May 31st, 2021 for the inside waters of southern BC, including Juan de Fuca Strait, are shaded in forest green. Existing Chinook retention areas in the nearshore WCVI are shaded bright green. These areas were provided retention opportunities of 2 per day in 2019 based on absence of stocks of concern. It is the intent and understanding of this proposal that these areas do not change in 2020. Red zones are Rockfish Conservation Areas which are closed to hook and line fishing. It is the intent of this proposal that all existing boundaries regarding RCA’s remain intact. There are also existing management measures in place in terminal areas intended to protect returning local stocks. It is the intent of this proposal that these also remain unchanged.

The proposals for the inside waters and Juan de Fuca avoid the main timing on the migration route for Fraser stream-type Chinook as determined from CWT and DNA incidence in fisheries since 1980 (CWT) and since 2014 (DNA).

 
Fishing in BC during Covid-19
Guidelines for individuals, household members and families considering local fishing outings are posted on the Province of BC: Fishing and Hunting Covid-19 Updates

Guidelines and Protocols for Public Fishery Service Providers: Guides, Charters and Lodge Operations
In preparation for a reopening and phases of BC’s Restart Plan, the SFI has been working with industry stakeholders and the Province on operating and safety protocols and guidelines for sport fishing businesses. These guidelines are currently under review and will be released and distributed as soon as we receive feedback from the Province.

In the meantime, provided proper safety and behaviour guidelines are followed, consider getting out on the water locally now and plan for fishing activities in BC this summer.

For guides and operations - something to consider for the coming season; Did you know that British Columbians spend $6.8 billion annually on out of Province tourism? This summer, a summer unlike any other in our lifetimes, British Columbians will still be planning adventures but most will be holidays made in BC. When the time is right and the PHO indicates that movement around our Province is OK make sure to encourage exploration of and participation in made in BC experiences.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC BUSINESS RESOURCES AND LINKS
Business resource support options continue to evolve. The SFI Covid-19 web page has been updated with information regarding the recently announced Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), check in for the latest in relevant links and details.



BIG SPRING RAFFLE
The Big Spring Raffle is underway - only 5000 tickets at only 20.00/each. Easily and only available online. Get yours today for a chance to win a great Kingfisher Boat, Yamaha Motor and Scotty downriggers prize, trips to Langara Fishing Adventures, Nootka Marine Adventures, and out of Vancouver with Bon Chovy Charters.

Until next time, tight lines,

The SFI Team
----
Check out the Fishing BC App on iOS or Android

 

May 22, 2020
A brief update, details and a request for feedback as we head into the weekend.

FISHING IN BC DURING COVID PHASES
Guidelines for fishing outings are posted on the Province of BC: Fishing and Hunting Covid-19 Updates

GUIDELINES AND PROTOCOLS FOR PUBLIC FISHERY SERVICE PROVIDERS - GUIDES AND CHARTERS
As noted in the last update, the SFI developed and submitted operating and safety guidelines for sport fishing businesses to resume operation for Phase 2 and Phase 3 of BC's Restart Plan.. These guidelines are currently under review and will be released and distributed as soon as we receive feedback from the Province.

In the meantime, provided proper safety and behaviour guidelines are followed, consider getting out on the water locally now and plan for fishing activities in BC this summer.


IMPORTANT FISHINGBC BUSINESS MARKETING SURVEY
Over the coming days and weeks, Fishing BC, the marketing coop with Destination BC, will reach out to British Columbians to promote the remarkable fishing experiences available in our Province. This summer and fall season will be different than any other and many businesses will benefit from promotion of fishing in BC within BC. As the season progresses, Fishing BC will begin planning for fall activities and promoting opportunities for the 2021 season.

The following short survey will help guide Fishing BC marketing program investments. And, a reminder that the survey is confidential, and responses attributed to individual businesses will not be shared. FISHING BC SURVEY - Please fill out the survey by Friday, May 29th and email if you have any trouble with the survey.

CHINOOK PROPOSALS
Chinook proposals are still being considered by DFO. Not only do we await details to allow resumption of business operations for the sport fishing industry, the decision regarding Chinook fishery management continues with the 2019 interim measures still in place. The delay continues to create an atmosphere of uncertainty which hampers planning for Covid19 recovery. This linked brief details the issues and reiterates the urgent and immediate need for a balanced decision and sustainable opportunity and access to Chinook salmon.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC BUSINESS RESOURCES AND LINKS
The SFI Covid-19 web page has been updated with information regarding the recently announced Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), check in for the latest in relevant links and details.


BIG SPRING RAFFLE
The Big Spring Raffle countdown, only 5000 tickets at only 20.00/each, is on. Only one month left and tickets are going quickly! Only available online. Get yours today for a chance to win a great Kingfisher Boat, Yamaha Motor and Scotty downriggers prize, trips to Langara Fishing Adventures, Nootka Marine Adventures, and out of Vancouver with Bon Chovy Charters.

Until next time, have a good weekend and tight lines,

The SFI Team
----

Check out the Fishing BC App on iOS or Android
Fishing in BC | SFI News | SFI Members | About Us

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May 29, 2020


As June approaches a decision regarding Chinook is still outstanding while reports are coming in that abundance is high and fishing is good in southern BC. The SFI has been constant in its communication to DFO and support for the SFAB proposals, presented in early April, and have emphasized that the approach is a balanced one that will address the conservation concerns for Fraser River Chinook yet will provide a minimum of all-important access and opportunity for the public fishery in 2020 and beyond.

BC's Restart plan continues to progress and while there is clear direction for fishing in BC, encouraging British Columbians to get out and enjoy the outdoors, there is uncertainty for many businesses wishing to resume operations safely and responsibly. The SFI has been working with the Province and WorksafeBC and make operational guidelines available today.

And Covid-19 has presented challenges for DFO in collecting adequate and all-important catch data for fisheries. Continuing in its efforts to improve information collected, the SFI has developed a plan with DFO that works with guides and Avid Anglers to record catch and sample particularly in areas where the creel survey will miss in 2020.

Fishing BC, the coop marketing program with Destination BC, seeks your feedback as how best to bring awareness to fishing in BC in 2020 and 2021.

This update includes:


OPERATION GUIDELINES FOR SPORT FISHING BUSINESSES WORKSAFEBC REVIEWED AND AVAILABLE
As noted in previous updates, the SFI developed and submitted operating and safety guidelines for sport fishing businesses to resume operation for phase 2 and 3 of BC's Restart Plan.

WorksafeBC has now reviewed the draft BC Tidal Waters Charter, Guide, and Lodge Operations – Covid19 Guidelines. The May 2020 version provides guidelines and recommendations that may be modified due to changing conditions or additional review from the Provincial Health Office but is suitable for business operation locally now and in preparation for Phase 3 activities.

And, provided proper safety and behaviour guidelines are followed, consider getting out on the water locally now and plan for fishing activities in BC this summer.

FISHING IN BC DURING COVID PHASES
Guidelines for fishing outings are posted on the Province of BC: Fishing and Hunting Covid-19 Updates.

TOURISM AND TIMELINES

This graphic, developed by Destination BC using regular updates and information from the Provincial Health Office and the Restart BC plan, is helpful to give a sense of timelines and expectations for business and travel locally, provincially and beyond. It should be noted that a start date for Phase 3 has not yet been announced.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC BUSINESS RESOURCES AND LINKS
The SFI Covid-19 web page continues to be regularly updated and includes most recent guidance from the Province including recommendations and links for restaurant, food service and accommodation operations.

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CATCH MONITORING 2020 - AVID ANGLERS AND GUIDES
DFO, SFI and the WCFGA are currently working together to ensure that catch monitoring and stock composition data requirements will be met for each area proposed by the SFAB to create additional opportunity for Chinook retention in 2020. A result of Covid and unique plans for the 2020 fishery, catch data collection tools ordinarily in place will not provide adequate information in 2020. Therefore, the public fishery needs to provide additional data to provide additional opportunity for Chinook in 2020 and beyond in Southern BC. We are confident that these requirements will be met or surpassed for the duration of the 2020 season.

Chinook fisheries in southern BC are operating under a highly precautionary management regime to protect threatened and endangered Interior Fraser Chinook populations. The SFAB has provided a series of proposals to provide for opportunity without adding impact to stocks of concern. The proposals and the fisheries will require a high degree of catch monitoring to be implemented. Participation in the guide catch logbook and Avid Angler programs can help assure improved access to Chinook retention in Southern BC. There has never been a greater need for anglers to help gather critical catch and stock composition information required to prove the low risk associated with the SFAB proposals.



IMPORTANT FISHINGBC BUSINESS MARKETING SURVEY
As the season approaches and Phase 3 of BC's Restart plan is implemented, Fishing BC, the marketing coop with Destination BC, will reach out to British Columbians to promote the remarkable fishing experiences available in our Province. As the season progresses, Fishing BC will begin planning for fall activities and promoting opportunities for the 2021 season.

The FISHING BC SURVEY will help guide Fishing BC marketing program investments. Please fill out the survey by Friday, May 29th and email if you have any trouble with the survey.


BIG SPRING RAFFLE
The Big Spring Raffle countdown, only 5000 tickets at only 20.00/each, is on. Less than one month left and tickets are going quickly! Only available online. Get yours today for a chance to win a great Kingfisher Boat, Yamaha Motor and Scotty downriggers prize, trips to Langara Fishing Adventures, Nootka Marine Adventures, and out of Vancouver with Bon Chovy Charters.

Until next time, have a good weekend and tight lines,

The SFI Team
----

Check out the Fishing BC App on iOS or Android
 
June 4, 2020


This update includes:


PREMIER HORGAN TALKS CHINOOK AND BC FISHERIES
The SFI would like to thank the Premier John Horgan for taking time out of an incredibly busy schedule to have a conversation with the Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries & Oceans Canada, regarding Fraser River Chinook recovery and fishery planning. We appreciate that our Premier understands the importance of the public fishery to BC, and supports fisheries that provide much needed social, food security and economic benefits to small coastal communities while creating no additional impacts to stocks of concern. It is the opinion of the SFI that this is exactly the balance that the 2020 SFAB proposals accomplish.

The SFI is anticipating a decision regarding Chinook management measures for the remainder of the 2020 season shortly, and we are hopeful that the conversation between our Premier and the Minister has helped inform that decision. The SFI will provide updates as they become available.

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CATCH MONITORING IN 2020
In our last update we provided details of meetings to discuss the importance of catch data and plans for 2020. The SFI, WCFGA, SFAB and DFO SC Stock Assessment staff joined forces on the evenings of June 1 and 2 to provide a webinar that encouraged anglers to participate in the Avid Anglers program and guides in catch log programs. Both meetings were well attended and received by anglers and guides in attendance.

These collaborative citizen science programs provide extremely valuable catch and stock composition information to DFO and serve as the foundation of data supported fisheries. The public fishery will continue to benefit from the data provided by these programs as it supports sustainable access and opportunity during times of precautionary management.

The SFI would like to thank those who have taken the time, many over a period of years, to provide this important and necessary information to DFO. We encourage others to participate. Your catch counts and no data means no fishing!

OPERATION GUIDELINES FOR SPORT FISHING BUSINESSES AVAILABLE
The May 2020 version of the BC Tidal Waters Charter, Guide, and Lodge Operations – Covid19 Guidelines are now available. The May 2020 version provides guidelines and recommendations that will be modified as the conditions evolve but is suitable for business operation locally and in preparation for Phase 3 activities. Posted on the SFI Covid-19 web page

FISHING IN BC DURING COVID PHASES
Current guidelines for fishing outings are posted on the Province of BC Fishing and Hunting Covid-19 Updates page.

INTERIM ORDER FOR THE PROTECTION OF KILLER WHALE IN THE WATERS OF SOUTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA - 2020
A reminder that as of June 1, 2020, Transport Canada’s Interim Order for the Protection of Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) in the Waters of Southern British Columbia, 2020 is in effect including:

2020 Management Measures to protect Southern Resident Killer Whales (measures and maps)

  • Minimum 400 metre approach distance (year-round)
  • Vessels are prohibited from approaching any killer whale within a 400-metre distance in all southern BC coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet.
  • Certain whale watching and ecotourism companies who receive an authorization from the Minister of Transport, will be allowed to view non-Southern Resident Killer Whales from 200 metres, in recognition of their ability to distinguish between ecotypes. Authorized companies will have a purple flag with ‘AV’ denoted in the middle. This measure is in addition to the 200-metre approach distance for all killer whales in Canadian fisheries waters in the Pacific Ocean and BC, other than in the area described above.
  • Interim Sanctuary Zones will be in effect off Pender Island, Saturna Island and at Swiftsure Bank (June 1 – November 30)
    • No vessel traffic and no fishing will be allowed in these areas, with some exceptions including: vessels accessing local residences, business or services; vessels in distress or providing assistance to a person or vessel in distress; vessels avoiding immediate or unforeseen danger; Indigenous peoples exercising existing rights. Additionally, a 20 metre corridor along the shoreline of the Pender and Saturna Island Interim Sanctuary Zones has been created to allow those in human-powered vessels to transit safely through these areas.
Additional measures:

  • Area-based fishing closures will be in effect in the Juan de Fuca Strait and Southern Gulf Islands for recreational and commercial salmon fisheries through the summer and fall.
  • Fishers are also asked to stop fishing within 1,000 metres of all killer whales.
Best practices to Be Whale Wise

  • Reduce speed to 7 knots or less when within 1000 metres of the nearest marine mammal.
  • Turn off echo sounders and fish finders when safe to do so.
  • Place engine in neutral idle and allow animals to pass if you find yourself within 400 metres of a killer whale.


BIG SPRING RAFFLE
The Big Spring Raffle countdown is on. Less than one month left, over and tickets are going quickly! Only available online. Get yours today for a chance to win a great Kingfisher Boat, Yamaha Motor and Scotty downriggers prize, trips to Langara Fishing Adventures, Nootka Marine Adventures, and out of Vancouver with Bon Chovy Charters.

Until next time, have a good weekend and tight lines,

The SFI Team
----

Check out the new Fishing BC App on iOS or Android
 
Reduce speed to 7 knots or less when within 1000 metres of the nearest marine mammal.

Ya right.. lets see how this one works..
 
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