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http://www.timescolonist.com/sports/Halibut+allocation+balanced/4150073/story.html
Halibut allocation balanced now
Halibut allocation balanced now
By Peter de Greef, Times Colonist January 22, 2011
The issue of halibut reallocation has been raised by the B.C. Sportfishing Coalition. As an active commercial fisherman, I can tell you a few things about our halibut fishery.
The sportfishing coalition believes the current allocation policy to be unfair and advocates it be revised because it may mean a shorter season for the recreational halibut fishery.
This fear of a shorter season is based on a proposal to double the daily limit from one to two halibut per sport fisherman, a request that was made by the sports fishing advisory board in the fall of 2010. This request comes during a period of low abundance (B.C.'s total allowable catch has been reduced by 47 per cent since 2007).
It flies in the face of conservation and sustainability, while the current commercial halibut management plan is globally recognized as a model of sustainability for fisheries.
Current halibut allocation policy was derived in a process involving the review of Department of Fisheries and Oceans data and consultations, resulting in recommendations for initial allocation arrangements and their evolution over time. The independent adviser, Stephen Kelleher (now a B.C. Supreme Court judge), recommended a nine per cent allocation to the recreational sector. In 2003, the recreational fishery share was increased to 12 per cent to allow for growth.
Current halibut allocation policy was derived in a process involving the review of Department of Fisheries and Oceans data and consultations, resulting in recommendations for initial allocation arrangements and their evolution over time. The independent adviser, Stephen Kelleher (now a B.C. Supreme Court judge), recommended a nine per cent allocation to the recreational sector. In 2003, the recreational fishery share was increased to 12 per cent to allow for growth.
It should be recognized that 17 per cent of the commercial allocation is designed to First Nations groups. Reduce the commercial sector allocation and you reduce their opportunities.
What has changed that would influence the sports fishing lobby to question their allocation? I believe it goes back to the request to double the daily limit.
Peter de Greef
North Saanich
North Saanich
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