GDW......I agree that fish policy sounds outstanding!! But there is the pragmatic side of me that knows darn well that the policy/ideas outlined in that original link are 100% UNDOABLE. Sounds great and all but what good is holding the 'hypothetically' elected Green Party to a fishing mandate that any realist knows is completely unattainable. I'd challenge you to print out that exact page and ask a Green Party member TRULY how realistic it is?
- You think the Feds are going to give up control of fisheries......to the Provincial Green Party?? You do realize if the Feds did that the MASSIVE hornets nest they would be opening up right across Canada in many different sectors?
- Ask what "eco-system based principles" are that will apparently "established for a fishery based on maintaining all stocks at stable levels in intact habitat"??
- Note that they are only mentioning removing the salmon feedlots from migration routes; that does not imply getting rid of them altogether.
- I do wonder how recently this "Fisheries Statement of Intent" is as their "fast facts" are quite dated?
I have no problem calling what they are proposing as "pie in the sky" as even IF they ever did get into power provincially what they are proposing is only partially doable at best.
Fishery issues is something we all feel very strong about but I for one also feel VERY strongly about where my vote goes based on the good of the economy in this Province. If our economy tanks.....it's more than our fisheries that are going to be our problem. Just looking at the Sportishing Industry they have been hit hard enough with the strength of the Canadian dollar.....add to that a LOCAL economy that is in shambles and there goes even more of the business. I don't know about you.....having a job, providing for my family and putting a roof over their head comes before fishing; if cuts have to be made it's going to be in people's recreational/leisure activities.
Unfortunately for those of us who love to fish, are passionate about the resource and industry......Fisheries are well down the list of priorities/election issues in this province; like it or not.