"I do tend to agree with you regarding embarrassing DFO, and publicly calling them to task for their complete failure to do even a sub-standard job. So, in effect, I DO "have your back" on this issue. That said, the odds of any of the 30 pound plus springs we see offshore WCVI throughout the months of late June through September have about as much chance of being a member of the stock in question as did the Nootka fish you made mention of: Astronomical. Were that to be otherwise, I do believe many, if not most, would seriously consider what you are suggesting."
A agree but.....What have we done up to now? Try to use facts to convince the public we aren't to blame and point the finger elsewhere. Valid or not it isn't a strategy that has ever succeeded. The other guys just point their finger back and the pissing match is a stalemate and nothing happens.....except DFO is off the hook. Fast forward 20 years and here we are today. All I'm saying is if we really care...if we really do CARE ....we have to get DFO to act. Embarrassing a politician or ministry has and will always be a successful tactic to get a reaction. Would it be that big a sacrifice to voluntarily institute a code amongst us to release all fish over 30 pounds to successfully bring DFO to task? With a public statement similar to: While the recreational fishery is not responsible for the past or present decline in the 5-2 numbers we are as a group are appalled at DFO's lack of commitment to rebuild these stocks. DFO has made no strides in stopping the declines nor do they have they any plan in the foreseeable future to rebuild these runs. Therefor we as a group have decided to take it upon ourselves to not retain any fish over 30 pounds in an effort to put every one of these fish on the spawning grounds. We have no doubt that our FN brothers who are among some of the strongest supporters of salmon conservation will join us and not permit their fishers to take these fish as well. It is sad that the public is forced into a position to do the job of a ineffective government ministry who have watched these fish numbers dwindle under their watch. The recreational fishermen on the west coast are not prepared to watch DFO do here what they did on the east coast. Therefore wew are taking action on behalf of BC's wild salmon and killer whales. I think this conveys the tactic I propose. Public pressure on DFO and the FN guys.
A agree but.....What have we done up to now? Try to use facts to convince the public we aren't to blame and point the finger elsewhere. Valid or not it isn't a strategy that has ever succeeded. The other guys just point their finger back and the pissing match is a stalemate and nothing happens.....except DFO is off the hook. Fast forward 20 years and here we are today. All I'm saying is if we really care...if we really do CARE ....we have to get DFO to act. Embarrassing a politician or ministry has and will always be a successful tactic to get a reaction. Would it be that big a sacrifice to voluntarily institute a code amongst us to release all fish over 30 pounds to successfully bring DFO to task? With a public statement similar to: While the recreational fishery is not responsible for the past or present decline in the 5-2 numbers we are as a group are appalled at DFO's lack of commitment to rebuild these stocks. DFO has made no strides in stopping the declines nor do they have they any plan in the foreseeable future to rebuild these runs. Therefor we as a group have decided to take it upon ourselves to not retain any fish over 30 pounds in an effort to put every one of these fish on the spawning grounds. We have no doubt that our FN brothers who are among some of the strongest supporters of salmon conservation will join us and not permit their fishers to take these fish as well. It is sad that the public is forced into a position to do the job of a ineffective government ministry who have watched these fish numbers dwindle under their watch. The recreational fishermen on the west coast are not prepared to watch DFO do here what they did on the east coast. Therefore wew are taking action on behalf of BC's wild salmon and killer whales. I think this conveys the tactic I propose. Public pressure on DFO and the FN guys.
