B.C. sockeye fishery at tipping point, says Suzuki Foundation

April 7, 2005 -

VANCOUVER – The damning evidence presented today in the Williams report on the missing Fraser sockeye clearly illustrates that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) needs strong political leadership and increased funding, says the David Suzuki Foundation.

“This report reflects what people who care about the salmon fishery have been saying for years – DFO is failing miserably in its mandate,” says Bill Wareham, acting director of marine conservation with the David Suzuki Foundation. “This is the fourth report of its kind, saying essentially the same thing – fisheries management in B.C. is in crisis – we need a more precautionary approach.”

The Williams report is being delivered within months of DFO cutbacks to monitoring and enforcement programs, despite ongoing calls by stakeholders for bolstered funding. With repeated incidence of unexpected crashes in salmon stocks, the report’s recommendations seem especially urgent.

“Temperature has been identified as a contributor to a number of sockeye crises over the past decade,” says Wareham. “The frequency and severity of these high temperature years is predicted to increase – the need to manage fish stocks conservatively has never been greater.”

Last month’s report by a commons committee warned that Fraser River sockeye stocks could crash completely if certain issues are not addressed – including habitat protection and adequate monitoring and enforcement.

“B.C.’s salmon habitat is already under increased and consistent pressure,” says Wareham. “Without a renewed commitment to one of B.C.’s most precious and economically significant resources, a viable sockeye fishery may disappear within the next decade. The federal government must apply a rigorous and serious effort in turning this situation around."

For more information, contact:
Bill Wareham
A/Director, Marine Conservation
David Suzuki Foundation
Cell: 604-740-4318