Hey bullcrap:
What inspired you to choose such a user name? I don’t find it endearing.
You wrote “… you can't tell me the effort has not increased.” You must not have read my earlier post as I stated …” While there has been an increase, the fishery is now stable”. Rupert did not double in a year, not a chance. Growth has come over the last 10-15 years coast-wide due to better sportfishing boats, more money available for people to buy them, GPS, navigational equipment improvements that can get people “on the fish” and better tackle technology to hook up when you find‘em.
What ever is wrong with growth of the recreational sector anyway? Be it a Joe-tin-boater like me or an operation that offers a service to the public, like a fishing resort, fishing charter or guide. I was in Rupert before Christmas and frankly any jobs and income going to the community looks like a real plus as she looking and feeling like a tired old lady without the logging and commercial fisheries of the past to keep her vibrant. The container port is only half done, unlikely to get next phase while no container boats are moving in the current economy and what is with all old run down buildings.
Here’s some quick cigarette package math for you:
7,920,000 lbs halibut = 2008 commercial halibut 88% quota @ approx 20 lb per fish equals 396,000 fish. This keeps 215 boats fishing with crew at average three to a boat = 645 crew. Approx 1841 halis per boat. Value to the BC economy of 3.60 per lb. Most of product exported. Adds small amt to the BC economy through boat supplies, processing and repairs. Plus there is 5.5 million pounds sitting in freezer unsold, not good!
1,500,000 approx lbs halibut = actual 2008 recreational catch @ approx 20 lb per fish equals 75,000 fish. 1.25 fish per angler. This keeps thousands of guides, charter operators employed up and down the coast per yr. Hali angling is enjoyed by approximately 60,000 license-buying anglers each year. Value $18.65 per lb landed to the BC economy. Also adds huge to the GDP of BC through tackle, bait, gas, vehicle and boat purchases, etc as well as providing international tourism experience. And the halis are all eaten!
So with only 18% of what the commercial guys pillage from the Canadian ocean each year, recreational halibut fishing provides way more. And lets say the commercial sector does suffer a reduction if recreational angling for halibut grows. There will be a mechanism to compensate that reduction with cash, yes cash, which is why you all fish for a living in the first place.
Your second point has no basis, as it is speculation at best as to who will take the worst blow as government will hopefully make up their mind one day. It is not about conservation. However, I am 100% sure the commercial halibut sector (along with their East Coast fishing brethren) would have an atomic meltdown in Ottawa if they were cut back by over 40% because of an accounting problem, just as the recreational sector has been by the 12% allocation framework debacle.
So that’s just what happened to us ... we want to go fishing, feed our families and contribute to BC’s economy with a whole lot less fish - actually 321,000 less halibut or 6,420,000 lbs per year. But Feb 1 we’re stuck at the dock when we should be on the water, my buddies tackle stores ain’t selling lures plus the local boat dealer looks death warmed over as he ain’t sold jack you know what!
Yeah, there is gonna be a recreational hali season but what will it be like and just how long do we have to wait for the news of when it will open. The complete uncertainty of it all is what is really upsetting the anglers – just like this post says “halibut closed until further notice”. Now you know why I am starting to lobby the federal government right now!
Governor
God never did make a more calm, quiet, innocent recreation than angling - Izaak Walton
