Save the Public Fraser River Fishery

wildmanyeah

Crew Member
Save the Public Fraser River Fishery

https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-the-public-fraser-river-fishery

Save Our Children's Fraser River Fishing Future

We really need your immediate attention and support:

On September 9, 2020 in Chilliwack, British Columbia - The Fraser River Sportfishing Alliance (FRSA est.2016) and Fraser Valley Salmon Society (FVSS est. 1984) organized a Demonstration Fishery on the Fraser River.

Please read the FRSA mandate: https://fraseralliance.com/frsa-mandate/

Together, 75 concerned anglers of the Fraser River fished in solidarity in direct response to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) declining our request for a legitimate "Test" fishing opportunity on the Fraser River. This was an effort to prove we can fish selectively ( using a single barbless hook) and not impact migrating stocks of concern. We have attempted to work for several years with DFO toward implementation of regulations that provide restricted leader lengths allowing selective stationary "bar fishing". A fishery targeting only Chinook Salmon when numbers allow and totally avoid other stocks such as threatened sockeye. Unfortunately our efforts have been unproductive with continued stated policy from DFO that change is not possible until required Fisheries Act can be adapted.

The frustration of the above resulted in a demonstration test fishery despite threats from DFO that participants could be charged with fishing illegally. A significant number of these people participated in this fishery despite the threats from DFO and several anglers were charged. The FRSA supports those who were charged and is providing legal counsel toward upcoming court appearances. December 1, 2020 is the first court appearance ad we will be there to support the anglers. We will also be asking for all confiscated rods and reels to be returned.
We will use all funds to work with our legal council towards securing a Public Fishery for the future and for all Canadian citizens.

We cannot over emphasize the significance of retaining legal representation toward defending these dedicated individuals as well as providing legal advice going forward toward saving this priceless resource. We carefully considered all options over the past years and made the decision to put our time and efforts toward a legal challenge. This decision was not taken lightly. We appreciate the implications and significant expense. It was the consensus that legal options are the only viable option remaining as all negotiations with DFO have proved futile and provincial officials have unfortunately backed closures without justifiable evidence.

The lack of consideration to the public fishery is concerning, frustrating and unjustified. Its time for action!

Your support is more vital than ever.

Recruiting members and lobbying all elected officials in recognizing our rights as Canadian citizens and demanding they protect current fishing opportunities as well as entrenching opportunities for future generations. The reality is that this may be our last opportunity to save and preserve this fishery which is part of our social tradition and heritage.

Please donate today

Dean Werk - President
Alyssa Cowles - Secretary

Fraser Valley Salmon Society
Representing and supporting the FRSA
 
Yeah hope this gets support they have plans to get into a lengthy court battle
 
Fraser Valley Salmon Society, Organizer
2021 New Year Contest - Go fund me page update

Incredible Fishing Experience and more

Fred Helmer (owner of Freds Custom Tackle) is donating a 6 hour guided Sturgeon fishing experience to assist with the go fund me page.
Your group (up to 4 people) will enjoy a day of sturgeon tagging and the incredible history and story of this ancient species by intricately connecting you to the great work for Sturgeon conservation on the Fraser River.
Special lunches, fishing licences and a professional video documentary will be provide for this very personal and memorable outing.

The value of this unique opportunity is $2000

BONUS: Valerie Rogers has generously donated two of her prints that you can win. Valerie is a naturalist painter receiving numerous awards, show cased in collections around the world.

Valerie Rogers
Nature & Wildlife Artist - please visit her website

Dark Bear value $650
Gone Fishing value $380

A $50 minimum donation with FCT behind your name will give you a draw ticket. $500 will get you 11 tickets.

With over $3000 for you to win... Good luck
 

Updates (4)​


YESTERDAY

by Fraser Valley Salmon Society, Organizer
Updates January 15, 2021

Thanks to all those who have donated to the cause and are supporting the opportunity to ensure there is a fair and equitable share of the publicly owned resource. Our mission here is to get a court date, protect the ticketed anglers and to ensure we can Go Fishing. We need to have opportunity to fish, when stocks allow to fish for harvest or simply for the social, mental and enjoyment value. The heritage of fishing needs to be protected and we are here to do this.

A quick update as to what has transpired with the court appearance on January 5, 2021 by the legal team Lawyer David Jones from Bernard LLP in Vancouver. Our Lawyer attended virtual court on behalf of the ticketed anglers. The Crown Counsel provided notes (which ended up being the officers for only one of the ticketed anglers and not for all 6), these will be gone over by our Lawyer. Our Lawyer has requested all the information to be forwarded ASAP so we can form our case and see what we are up against.

The case was put over to February 2, 2021 - 10:00am at the request of the Crown to provide more details.

Of course we see this all as stall tactics and holding up the process but we have to stay the course and work with the Judge, Crown and our Lawyers to ensure we are doing the best we can for all next generations.

If you wish to have any information that is not provided here on the GFMP or to learn more about our Mission, please reach out directly to our team.

Dean Werk - President of the FVSS
or
Alyssa Cowles - Secretary of the FVSS
[email redacted]
 
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