But Gilnets are okay?????
The aboriginal
Lower Fraser Fishing Alliance is urging the province to suspend the catch-and-release fishery, saying it is “undoubtedly causing stress that may lead to reduced reproductive capability and potentially death” during this summer’s unusually warm temperatures on the lower Fraser.
Alliance chair Ken Malloway urged more regulations for the 365-day-a-year fishery, especially when it comes to fishing in spawning areas.
“Just because it doesn’t die, it doesn’t mean no harm is done,” Malloway said. “How about if I torture and release you …?”
The industry is heavily invested in sturgeon fishing, believes it is the best steward of the fish and is dead against any restrictions, he said.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
“White sturgeon doesn’t mean it’s just for white people,” Malloway added. “We’ve lived on them forever.”
He also believes natives should be able to keep sturgeon caught as bycatch during beach seining for chum salmon in fall.
“We wouldn’t keep them all, we just want some for our elders,” he said.