Help Protect Canada's Most Endangered Fish

November 27, 2008 -

To protect or not protect

Until December 30th 2008, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is consulting with Canadians as to whether to legally protect basking sharks in Canada’s Pacific waters under Canada’s Species at Risk Act (SARA). Basking sharks are the second biggest fish in the world, measuring up to 12 meters. These fish were historically found in British Columbia numbering in the thousands and were once described as being “common” and “abundant” in our waters. Unfortunately the combination of a directed fishery, entanglement in fishing gears, and an eradication program sponsored by the federal government between 1955 and 1969 has largely eliminated this species from our waters. Confirmed sightings of basking sharks in Canada’s Pacific waters are presently less than one per year. It is Canada’s most endangered marine fish.

Canada has a very poor track record with respect to legally protecting marine fish species under the Species at Risk Act. The case for legally protecting basking shark is so strong that a failure to do so would set a horrible precedent.

You can help

Public concern and involvement is factored into the decision process. You can express your interest in having this species receive legal protection under the Species at Risk Act.

The David Suzuki Foundation is requesting your support by writing your own letter to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. It is inconceivable that this species may not be afforded full legal protection.

Comments can be emailed, faxed or mailed to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans:

Attn: Species at Risk Consultations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
200-401 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC V6C 3S4
Email sara@pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Fax 604-666-3341

Thank you for your interest. If you have further questions please contact the David Suzuki Foundation.

Points to consider in your letter:

• this species is at imminent risk of extinction in Canada’s Pacific waters
• the federal government intentionally eradicated this species. They must take full responsibility for its recovery
• listing this species will have little to no economic impact on commercial activities
• to not list this species would be a clear abdication of responsibility under the Species at Risk Act

Additional Information:

• You can learn additional details of the basking sharks life history and status here.
• You can learn more about DFO’s consultation process here.
• You can read about the sad history of basking sharks in British Columbia here.