Federal budget short changes B.C.'s oceans and fisheries

February 25, 2005 -

Vancouver, BC:  Yesterday’s federal budget fails to provide specific funding to enable the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to adequately do its job and  protect troubled B.C. fish stocks, says the David Suzuki Foundation

 

“Canada’s Auditor-General has said there are serious deficiencies with DFO’s fisheries management operations,” said Bill Wareham, acting director of the Suzuki Foundation’s marine conservation program, “Despite that warning, there is no money in this budget to address the problems, and we fear that we may soon see further cuts to DFO.”

 

Mr. Wareham says the budget lacks a commitment to the science needed for sound decision-making and it ignores real threats posed by unsustainable practices like bottom trawling.

 

And he says the $28 million earmarked for the hugely ambitious Oceans Act, meant to improve ocean management, is paltry compared to the need.

 

“A much larger investment of money is required for marine planning and management in the ocean environments around the entire country,” said Mr. Wareham. “The Pacific Coast alone needs at least $19 million this year to get these efforts moving in a meaningful way.”

 

Mr. Wareham is also concerned about the large budget allocation for a national aquatic animal health program.

 

“This looks like an advertising fund for industry when what we really need is take initiatives like changing salmon aquaculture to closed tank systems,” said Mr. Wareham. “That’s how we can truly protect our ocean environment and wild fish stocks from the negative effects of open net cage salmon farms.”

 

Despite its many shortcomings, the budget does contain some encouraging news. Money for protecting endangered wild Atlantic Salmon and resources to help the Coast Guard better enforce fisheries regulations are positive steps.

 

 

For more information, contact:

Bill Wareham, Acting Director Marine Conservation: +1 (604) 740-4318 (cell)

Dominic Ali, communications specialist (604) 732-4228, ext. 246