First off, much change is needed, but in order to do so , we may have to look at revisions to the Charter, one that I think has some serious flaws.
several years ago there was much ado about the sockeye fishery, So a ban was put into effect, yet we were offered fresh sockeye for 10 bucks a piece by door knockers in Calgary, this while the closure was in effect, claimed to be bycatch during a ceremonial fishery for springs..
Everyone wants to fight for the last slice of an ever smaller pie.. no fish ..no fishery ..period. There's not much we can do to change the issues due to global change , but this does not give us the pass on making changes we can control.
Saying that were it possible :
1) Change DFO mandate, to one puts the stock first; where science based decisions are made to ensure sustainable fisheries without political interference or social consideration.
2) Make every position at DFO temporary, and institute a rehire process, where all have to reapply for the position. Hiring criteria to be based on qualification and experience in the field of work they are applying for. (social engineers and butterfly collectors need not apply)
3)Policing on Tidal water handed over to CoastGuard transfer staff to those duties, tasked with life safety and enforcement.
4) Mandate the protection and policing of rearing/spawning habitat as a priority, all Industry applications must meet a no harm barrier, final say devoid of political whim..
5 ) Mandate that fisheries be divided fair and equitably among all Canadians..
6) All catch to be reported by days end, open book online as to what was caught where, and by what category
7) issue a quarterly report on the state of fishery
8) study the marine industry's role in atual harm to the stock or risk, including cruise ships, cargo vessels and tourist enterprises.
9) open a seal hunt, as is on East Coast
9) ban gill netting in rivers. yep back to court ..
10) remote video monitoring on all but private boats
11) Budget to include education programs in all schools on sustainable fisheries ..
12) enforce regulation with heavy hand whether polluter poacher. Foreign poachers lose their ship, sink it off of the shelf.. Poachers throw everything at them including proceeds of crime and in some cases the immigration Act.
13) seriously look at banning OPEN net fish farms, and the use of Ocean caught fish meal/pellet.
14) seriously look at banning stern trawlers/draggers from our territorial waters..
15 If necessary a institute blanket ban on fishing, EVERYbody in or out..