It Doesn’t have to be this way, by Bob Hooton

[OldBlackDog]

Taken from article,
The feature of this mess that is the most disquieting is the fact there has been no substantive movement toward replacing gill nets with selective harvesting methods. Talk yes, action no, at least not at any level beyond tokenism. The much heralded British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (SRIF) announced months ago, (recently augmented by BC Premier Horgan) referenced on this site earlier, continues to ignore very promising, well researched proposals for selective fishing demonstration projects known to have been submitted. No evidence is out there to demonstrate First Nation leadership in helping themselves avoid inevitable declines and extirpation of the same fish stocks they contend are integral to their culture and future. Is is unreasonable to expect something other than status quo gill nets that are clearly a big part of the conservation issues that First Nations claim they are leaders in addressing? DFO is obviously never going to do what is right by fish. Is this not the perfect time and set of circumstances for First Nations to show them the way?


http://steelheadvoices.com/?p=2243#more-2243

 

[dradons]

Selective harvesting methods just seem so beneficial. It is 2020..... With all the technology we have their absolutely is better ways to do this. A little investment and a little willingness for change is all that is needed. One of those win/win type situations that blows my mind that it wasn't started years ago.

 

[searun]

The fundamental challenge is cultural. Fraser FN's have abandoned traditional harvest methods in favour of easier and individualistic gill nets. Selective harvest methods such as fish traps require significant infrastructure investment and a community of harvesters, whereas gill nets require limited investment for return on effort/expense that is easily managed by an individual harvester. Address the barriers. Where's the impetus for change? As much as I personally support selective harvest, its unrealistic to see the shift unless there is strong impetus for change.

 

[donnie d]

The fundamental challenge is cultural. Fraser FN's have abandoned traditional harvest methods in favour of easier and individualistic gill nets. Selective harvest methods such as fish traps require significant infrastructure investment and a community of harvesters, whereas gill nets require limited investment for return on effort/expense that is easily managed by an individual harvester. Address the barriers. Where's the impetus for change? As much as I personally support selective harvest, its unrealistic to see the shift unless there is strong impetus for change.

so...basically hand them the tools and bags with dollar signs on them and maybe??

but for conservation...naaaah

 

[Whitebuck]

Searun...the problem is the FN below the Alexandria bridge. FN upstream have no issues using traditional methods to provide themselves and their family with food. But then again they are actually using for food and not selling it.

 

[searun]

so...basically hand them the tools and bags with dollar signs on them and maybe??

but for conservation...naaaah

Fundamentally taking my comments out of context...address the barriers if we expect to see a change, and give the impetus for change. Impetus can come in many forms, including a government committed to actually practicing conservation and sustainable harvest. They could after all close the fishery to gill nets. Address the barriers to change.

 

[donnie d]

Fundamentally taking my comments out of context...address the barriers if we expect to see a change, and give the impetus for change. Impetus can come in many forms, including a government committed to actually practicing conservation and sustainable harvest. They could after all close the fishery to gill nets. Address the barriers to change.

I very much agree. However, greed is a significant barrier to change. How does that get addressed with a group that has the country over their knee?

It’s frustrating to see these nets (ghost or otherwise) filled with unfortunate waste of fish. Context was received, just frustrated.

 

[searun]

Thanks, appreciate you understanding the context I was speaking from. Hard to get across what you really mean in these forums...and yes, I very much share your frustration. Change could come swiftly if it became increasingly clear that gill net fisheries would be banned, and only selective harvest methodology allowed....but that will take a government committed to doing the right thing as opposed to just trying to look good.....aka, Federal Liberals.