Draconian Fisheries Closures in BC

[IronNoggin]

This government has totally lost it's mind:

Today, the DFO held a press briefing to announce what they billed as “Additional Fisheries Management Measures for Fraser River Chinook stocks, following the recent landslide near Big Bar, north of Lillooet, BC.”

For those sport fishermen planning on fishing the areas opening for retention starting July 15, the announcement boils down to one thing, and one thing only: non-retention of Chinook over 80 cm both wild and hatchery.

https://islandfishermanmagazine.com/...ok-over-80-cm/

[marky_mark]

Originally Posted by IronNoggin

The Backgrounder which gives the FN's Tier One Management Status: https://frasersalmon.ca/files/2019/0...port-final.pdf

Celebrations have commenced the entire length of our Coast.
All Coastal FN's are dancing with joy. And they are all now demanding an "equal" position at the table.
And this government is poised to hand it to them.

For those having trouble understanding the implications:

DFO has always been THE ONLY Tier One Management Authority. Period.

They just handed 50 % of that over to FN's in all of the Fraser approach lanes.

Translation: NO management decision can be made without their explicit support.

No non-FN's need apply to be at the table - you are already supposedly represented by DFO.

Today is indeed a landmark day. For all the wrong reasons...

Sadly,
Nog

what a crock of you know what
The false idea that fn's are stewards of the land and more entitled to our natural resources must come to an end. Theres no other group of people that exploit or destroy our wildlife more than them. Unregulated harvesting of fish and mammals will undoubtedly lead to their demise

[Unregistered user]

Dammit, now I'm definitely not going there this year.

[IronNoggin]

“First Nations food, social, ceremonial, fisheries already in place below the landslide will not be affected,” Thomson says.

"We fully support the call from the Fraser Salmon Management Council that all recreational and commercial fisheries fishing Fraser River salmon stocks immediately stop and any contemplated recreational and commercial fishery, including catch and release, not take place until after it is determined that all salmon have safe access around the slide area and that any such openings only be considered after conservation and First Nations priority needs are met,” says Grand Chief Stewart Phillip in a release.

https://www.citynews1130.com/2019/07...awning-salmon/

The Agenda is quite clear here...

.................................................

“Gerald Michel is lands and resources co-ordinator with the Xwisten Indian Band, located downriver from the slide.

His community, already worried about declining salmon stocks, curtailed fishing last week after learning of the slide, Mr. Michel said. The slide has added to worries about the impacts of fish farming on wild stocks,” he said.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/cana...pawning-route/

Interesting. Even the FN's are clear that Wilkinson was LYING when he said no such fisheries had or were taking place...

Nog

[bowness]

Originally Posted by IronNoggin

Not by any real margin. Recreational is still more than double the total commercial landings last season.



Nor does the 230,000 plus landed by the recreational sector take into account the number of springs released while searching for a larger one. That, when realizing the recognized mortality rate for that practice is slightly better than ten percent, means a great many more fell victim to the rod.

This should not be, and is not a debate of who took what. It is quite obvious where that answer lies. This should be about rebuilding trust between all sectors. DFO has gotten so damn used to the divide and conquer strategy, they know no other way.

I suggest presenting a United Front of ALL fishing sectors would not only scare the absolute crap out of them, but likely carry the day. And I, among many, refuse to give up the fight to make this happen.

Have a great day!
Nog

Native fisheries seem to have social license to do whatever they please. Just look at the Fraser situation. Band leaders support all measures that conserve salmon, as long as they don't have to LOL. The price for illegally sold native fish (and don't deny it, its everywhere) will sky rocket as all other sectors decrease or outright stop any retention or even fishing.

Canadians are so easily manipulated by the media. What people see on TV reflects nothing about the true ways of living.

[IronNoggin]

And in the latest chapter in this ongoing travesty, DFO is now letting the Musqueam Band have an opening on July 21, Below Port Mann Bridge, for CHUM Salmon. Right. No chum in the system for months to come. Who the hell do they think they are fooling??

https://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/f..._Previous.html

Don't know why they bother with their smoke & mirrors routine, the number of openings on Chinook prior to this one are more than obvious in that last link...

Nauseating!
Nog

[GMX]

I don’t even know what to say. I also wonder what would happen if the public protests and blockaded them from putting the nets in the river...

[Macdrizzle]

Originally Posted by bowness

Native fisheries seem to have social license to do whatever they please. Just look at the Fraser situation. Band leaders support all measures that conserve salmon, as long as they don't have to LOL. The price for illegally sold native fish (and don't deny it, its everywhere) will sky rocket as all other sectors decrease or outright stop any retention or even fishing.

Canadians are so easily manipulated by the media. What people see on TV reflects nothing about the true ways of living.

rules for thee but not for me
lol.

[CMichaud]

I would like to thank IronNoggin for all the work and passion he shows for keeping us informed and fighting the good fight.

Keep it up!

[Unregistered user]

Damned right.

[IronNoggin]

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans, a federal ministry based out of Ottawa, has been in charge of British Columbia salmon for too long. They have dropped the ball, utterly and completely. It is time to bring salmon management back to BC.

https://islandfishermanmagazine.com/ifm-op-ed-fix-dfo/

[Sundancefisher]

Originally Posted by IronNoggin

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans, a federal ministry based out of Ottawa, has been in charge of British Columbia salmon for too long. They have dropped the ball, utterly and completely. It is time to bring salmon management back to BC.

https://islandfishermanmagazine.com/ifm-op-ed-fix-dfo/

I would say we need better Federal management of the fishery. Currently commercial gets too big a piece with no risk and no cost. Grandfathered quotas for instance.

I would not give B.C. any authority over Federal ocean fisheries. They only look out for their own ideals that change with each election.

The way to fix the Federal problem is through a planned lobby effort.

US sport fishing has a huge lobby impact.

Here...nada.

[Jamie]

Originally Posted by IronNoggin

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans, a federal ministry based out of Ottawa, has been in charge of British Columbia salmon for too long. They have dropped the ball, utterly and completely. It is time to bring salmon management back to BC.

https://islandfishermanmagazine.com/ifm-op-ed-fix-dfo/

Oh my god NO!!!!!

Bc couldn't legislate its self out of a outhouse. Sorry, you guys suck at that.

[IronNoggin]

Originally Posted by Sundancefisher

I would say we need better Federal management of the fishery. Currently commercial gets too big a piece with no risk and no cost.

You do understand that in the case of Chinook salmon, the by FAR greatest slice of the pie has gone to the recreational sector for many years now right?

I don't quite agree with the article either.
What is needed is fro DFO to be completely gutted, then reinvented all over again with a complete and intentional avoidance of political interference. Management by science alone.

Nog

[Sundancefisher]

Originally Posted by IronNoggin

You do understand that in the case of Chinook salmon, the by FAR greatest slice of the pie has gone to the recreational sector for many years now right?

I don't quite agree with the article either.
What is needed is fro DFO to be completely gutted, then reinvented all over again with a complete and intentional avoidance of political interference. Management by science alone.

Nog

I look at the Disney overall.

Halibut regs versus free granted commercial quotas. Recreational limits cut again and yet again for 2019.

I agree DFO is flawed.

[IronNoggin]

Feds trolling Vancouver Islanders with lack of salmon plan

MP Rachel Blaney takes aim at coastal fisheries restrictions

https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily...f-salmon-plan/

[IronNoggin]

Government of Canada Signs Historic Reconciliation Agreement with B.C. Coastal First Nations

News provided by

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
Jul 26, 2019, 16:02 ET

VANCOUVER, July 26, 2019 /CNW/ - There is no relationship more important to the Government of Canada than the one with Indigenous peoples. We are committed to advancing a renewed relationship with Indigenous communities based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership. Canada is working to modernize and strengthen nation-to-nation, government-to-government structures, and through this, to support the First Nations-led development of new economic opportunities, including in the fisheries.

Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Chief Marilyn Slett, President of the Coastal First Nations, along with representatives from the other six Nations, participated in a signing ceremony of the Coastal First Nations Fisheries Resources Reconciliation Agreement. This agreement will advance economic opportunities and collaborative governance, as well as expand community-based commercial fishing access in traditional territories for the seven Nations represented by Coastal First Nations.

This agreement will facilitate an enhanced role in collaborative governance, and in fisheries management and decision-making processes for the Coastal First Nations, whose territories make up 40 per cent of British Columbia's coastal waters. Moving forward, this will enable better access to existing fishing licenses and quota through a voluntary relinquishment process – creating jobs and generating income for these north and central coast communities. This will also allow for the development of new partnerships and enhanced relationships with the private sector to get the fish caught in these communities to market.

In real terms, the agreement could result in a significant job creation in the communities and a substantial increase to household incomes in these communities from the growth of community-based commercial fishing operations. The economic growth projected from the agreement means more people will be able to stay in their communities to work, secure a good, stable, income to support their families, and re-invest the profits generated from fisheries back into the community.

Coastal First Nations will have better access to existing commercial fishing licenses and quota, and an enhanced role in fisheries governance. However, as with all fisheries in Canada, overarching management and associated decisions remain with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. We will continue to work with communities and stakeholders not represented by the Coastal First Nation to include their views and concerns into all fisheries management decisions.

When we change the dial from a top-down approach to engagement with First Nations and fisheries access, to a focus on the co-development, co-design, and co-delivery of resource management, the result is a move toward self-determination, and real, sustainable prosperity for Canada's First Nations.

Quotes

"This historic agreement is the result of years of collaborative work to strengthen relations between the Government of Canada and Coastal First Nations members. The agreement marks a critical step forward and underscores the government's commitment to ensuring the growth and sustainability of community-based fisheries. In partnership with Coastal First Nations, we are advancing collaborative fisheries management on the north and central coast of our province to best support the prosperity of these coastal communities."
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

"Fish are central to the culture and livelihood of many First Nations on the coasts. That is why it is so important to work collaboratively and conclude agreements such as this one that advance fisheries management and recognize the critical partnership role that First Nations communities like Coastal First Nations need to play. Increasing access to economic opportunities on the north and central coasts supports healthy and self-reliant coastal First Nation communities."
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

"This agreement will get families and fishers back on the water and re-establish a small boat fleet in our communities. By working together – on a nation-to-nation basis - we will provide opportunities for our communities to fully participate in the fishing economy; create new jobs and investments; and increase economic opportunities and build capacity."
Chief Marilyn Slett President, Coastal First Nations

Quick Facts

The seven participating Coastal First Nations are the: Heiltsuk Nation, Kitasoo/Xai'xais First Nation, Metlakatla First Nation, Nuxalk Nation, Wuikinuxv Nation, Gitga'at First Nation and Gitxaala Nation. They are located in the central and north coasts of British Columbia.
In June 2018, the Prime Minister signed the Reconciliation Framework Agreement for Bioregional Oceans Management and Protection with 14 BC Coastal Nations, including these 7 Coastal First Nations. This Framework Agreement promotes a more coordinated and efficient approach for the governance, management, and protection of oceans in the Pacific North Coast, including marine ecosystems, marine resources and marine use activities.
The goals of the Agreement signed today include, increased commercial fishing opportunities; community based fisheries capacity for First Nations on the north and central coasts of British Columbia; and the establishment of a collaborative governance and management arrangement that will involve other First Nations and stakeholders.
The Coastal First Nations Fisheries Resources Reconciliation Agreement will provide support for First Nations access to fisheries licenses and quota while also leveraging income generated through a corporate fishery model to support community-based fisheries.
Increased access to licenses and quotas for the Coastal First Nations will come from existing licenses that are currently issued to retired or soon to retire fishers and operators.

Associated Links

Coastal First Nations
Reconciliation Framework Agreement for Bioregional Oceans Management and Protection

Stay Connected

Follow Fisheries and Oceans Canada on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
Subscribe to receive our news releases and more via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/rss-eng.htm

SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region

For further information: Jocelyn Lubczuk, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, 343-548-7863, Jocelyn.lubczuk@dfo-mpo.gc.ca; Media Relations: Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 613-990-7537, Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca; Matthew Dillon-Leitch, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and North Affairs, 819-997-0002, Matthew.dillon2@canada.ca; Media Relations: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada Media Relations, 819-934-2302, RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@canada.ca; Guujaaw, Special Advisor, Coastal First Nations, 250-637-1190; Bessie Brown, Communications Manager, Coastal First Nations, 604-696-9889

Related Links
www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releas....851817220.html
.................................................. .................................................

Apparently conveniently forgetting about the families and fishers in the already established small boat fleet.
You know, the ones the gov has basically brow beat into bankruptcy. Guess we're starting to get a glimpse of just WHY that happened...
Oh, right, quota has to come from somewhere...

Effing Sickening!
Nog

[IronNoggin]

Posted to Wilkinson's FB Page:

Apparently you conveniently forgot about, or simply chose to ignore the families and fishers in the already established small boat fleet.
You know, the ones YOU have basically brow beat into bankruptcy. Guess we're starting to get a glimpse of just WHY that happened...
Oh, right, quota has to come from somewhere...
You are a very sad individual when it comes to looking after both the resource, and the stakeholders in your own province sir (using that latter term rather loosely at this point). Rest assured, we have taken notice, and are taking it upon ourselves to ensure we will no longer have to endure any more of your horse-pucky politics nor mismanagement on such a grandiose scale.

Nog

[Unregistered user]

Don't elect these jerks ever again.

[husky hunter]

Just wondering if the millions of tons of raw sewage and toxic chemicals Vancouver and Victoria dump in the ocean would have any effect on the fisheries. They should be back soon to recheck the oil sands to make sure we are up to their exacting environmental standards. Socialist idiots.

[Ken07AOVette]

Skeena First Nations call for closure of recreational Chinook fishery

How is this anything but greed? I am quite certain nobody eats chinook salmon 3 times a day 365 days per year.

I wonder how many Billion $ it will take to stop this? I could puke. (read the highlighted part below, carefully)

https://www.cfnrfm.ca/2019/07/25/668...GSILhAneatDl-g

First Nations along the Skeena Watershed are calling on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to close the recreational Chinook salmon fishery.

The Gitxsan, the Wet’suwet’en, and Gitanyow, who rely on salmon for food and cultural purposes, are sounding the alarm about this year’s salmon returns to the Skeena River

The Nations say they are considering not engaging in any food fishery for Sockeye over concerns that returns of the prized species are not plentiful enough to maintain it in future years.

“We encourage all First Nations to conserve sockeye this year. Conservation of the salmon resource, which has sustained our culture, communities, and families for millennia is paramount. DFO needs to enforce closures. The sockeye shortage this year will result in First Nations families running short of their preferred food this winter, and any time we can’t fish or get enough fish there is a significant cultural impact.” said Wet’suwet’en Chief Namoks (John Ridsdale) in a news release.

Due to the sockeye shortage, the Nations plan to harvest as much Chinook as possible and say all fish beyond what is required for conservation should be available to their communities for food.

“We need DFO to understand the plain facts and act in accordance with Canadian law which gives First Nations a priority right to salmon after conservation needs are met. The numbers show that there is no surplus of Skeena Chinook for any non-First Nations harvest. The recreational fishery for Chinook in the Skeena River and bound for the Skeena River has to be closed now to preserve that valuable food for our people,” said Charlie Muldon, Coordinator of the Gitksan Watershed Authorities.

[Drewski Canuck]

Is there a bigger poker game going on here?

As it stands, most of the FNs in BC have not settled their land claims, and based on the many decades these claims have been going on, i have to wonder if there is a deal based on this deal in the works?

The treaty dealing with the White Rock - Tsawassen band gave them 1 % of the Fraser River salmon run, given that there was so little land to hand out because of development on the local area.

If there is no trade off on salmon for a larger land claims settlement on the BC Coast, then I am left to wonder what it will take to get those land claims settled.

In Australia the Indigenous land claims were settled by a Commission that had 10 years to hold hearings and get the matter dealt with. In Canada, we have an INDUSTRY of consultants, accountants, historians, and lawyers, that are all costing the tax payer millions on millions, each year.

All the same, the restrain of the Skeena Bands to focus only on the Chinook runs, really is going to mean nothing, when their members then go after Sockeye with no repercussions from the very Bands that the members belong to.

Drewski

[walking buffalo]

Originally Posted by Drewski Canuck

Is there a bigger poker game going on here?

As it stands, most of the FNs in BC have not settled their land claims, and based on the many decades these claims have been going on, i have to wonder if there is a deal based on this deal in the works?

The treaty dealing with the White Rock - Tsawassen band gave them 1 % of the Fraser River salmon run, given that there was so little land to hand out because of development on the local area.

If there is no trade off on salmon for a larger land claims settlement on the BC Coast, then I am left to wonder what it will take to get those land claims settled.

In Australia the Indigenous land claims were settled by a Commission that had 10 years to hold hearings and get the matter dealt with. In Canada, we have an INDUSTRY of consultants, accountants, historians, and lawyers, that are all costing the tax payer millions on millions, each year.

All the same, the restrain of the Skeena Bands to focus only on the Chinook runs, really is going to mean nothing, when their members then go after Sockeye with no repercussions from the very Bands that the members belong to.

Drewski

Yes!

First Nations in Canada won't stop until they are in charge again.
To them, this is a money and power grab.

Governments around the world and business see opportunity to reshuffle the deck of who owns what. To them, this is a money and power grab.

[Ken07AOVette]

http://steelheadvoices.com/?p=1643&f...ld6agVeXiMd_qo

[Ken07AOVette]

Maybe a few hundred thousand phone calls would bring things to light?

Category(s):
ABORIGINAL - General Information,
RECREATIONAL - General Information

Fishery Notice - Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Subject: FN0743-ABORIGINAL - Salmon - Sockeye - Skeena - Areas 3, 4 and 5 - Non-retention and Gill Nets Prohibited in First Nations Food, Social and Ceremonial Fisheries

Returns of Sockeye to the Skeena River continue to be at extremely low levels.
As of July 30, the mid-point run estimate was 409,420 Sockeye. First Nations
that harvest Skeena Sockeye have been consulted and agree that this return size
is a conservation concern.

The recreational harvest of Sockeye in Areas 4 and 5 was closed as of July 11.
In addition, there is no fishing for salmon for the entire Skeena River in
effect 00:01 hours July 27.

As of 00:01 hours Monday July 29, 2019, the following measures were implemented
to the First Nations food, social and ceremonial (FSC) fishery to further
protect Skeena Sockeye:

1. For Area 4, Subareas 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, 5-10, 5-11 and Subareas 3-1, 3-2, 3-3
and 3-4:
- Retention of Sockeye will not be permitted;
- Use of gill nets will not be permitted;
- Fishing for other species using gear types other than gill net will continue
to be permitted, in accordance with communal licences.

2. For the Skeena River from the Area 4 commercial boundary (Mowitch Point to
Vetch Point) to the confluence with the Babine River and up to the Babine weir:
- Retention of Sockeye will not be permitted;
- Use of gill nets will not be permitted;
- Fishing for other species using gear types other than gill net will continue
to be permitted, in accordance with communal licences.

The Department continues to work with First Nations partners to develop and,
where appropriate, implement adaptive management actions for FSC harvesting to
protect Skeena Sockeye.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Sandra Davies 250-627-3426


Fisheries and Oceans Canada Operations Center - FN0743
Sent August 1, 2019 at 15:13
Visit us on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

If you would like to unsubscribe, please submit your request at: http://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fn...e_subscription

If you have any questions, please contact us via e-mail to: DFO.OpsCentreFisheryPacific-CentreOp....MPO@canada.ca

[Ken07AOVette]

This is in Morristown BC. I have driven by there 4 times a year for the last 6 years. Not good PR for their group, this must be shared.

https://www.facebook.com/aleah.chinn...location=group

[Smoky buck]

Originally Posted by Ken07AOVette

This is in Morristown BC. I have driven by there 4 times a year for the last 6 years. Not good PR for their group, this must be shared.

https://www.facebook.com/aleah.chinn...location=group

Oh that is nothing compared to the number of fish/crab dumped in the bush. At the minimum enforcement needs to tighten up of natives that abuse their hunting/fishing rights.

[Ken07AOVette]

Trouble is they are above the law and know it. Nothing will be done. They will destroy the stocks until more money is given then repeat forever. They know where their free bread is buttered.

[Smoky buck]

Originally Posted by Ken07AOVette

Trouble is they are above the law and know it. Nothing will be done. They will destroy the stocks until more money is given then repeat forever. They know where their free bread is buttered.

I could go into many stories from my time living in northern BC but it would just cause this thread to get locked. In most cases the waste is just the individual lacks respect for the wildlife/fish and low level greed not trying to exploit money on a larger scale

Some of the natives in northern BC and some in Morrice town are definitely guilty of having some screwed up theories on how to get back at whitey

[CMichaud]

I stumbled across the FB group Steelhead Voices. The guy that runs it also seems to gave a website at steelheadvoicesdotcom

Seems to be up on the issues surrounding this topic