B.C. fishery plan a step in the right direction

July 16, 2007 - VANCOUVER - The federal government's commitment to developing an integrated fishery for B.C. is a positive step, according to the David Suzuki Foundation.

Federal Fisheries Minister Loyola Hearn announced in Vancouver today that the government will provide $175 million over five years for what it promises will be a more sustainable fishery. The Foundation is encouraged by the government's promise to work on a collaborative approach that will involve fishers, First Nations and environmental organizations.

"We were happy to hear Minister Hearn say that conservation is a priority in realizing sustainable fisheries," said Bill Wareham, David Suzuki Foundation marine conservation program director.

The David Suzuki Foundation is especially encouraged by the government's promise to enhance accountability measures, as well as to implement a system for tracing the origin of seafood.

"The government has taken a positive step by committing to increase monitoring, enforcement and catch reporting in Pacific fisheries," Mr. Wareham said. "These are measures the David Suzuki Foundation has been promoting for some time. We do, however, have concerns about the level of funding. More investment is going to be required to truly manage our fisheries in a sustainable manner."

The plan calls for incorporating the concept of seafood traceability into the integrated management framework. This means the entire fisheries supply system will be more accountable for tracking where, when and how seafood is caught.

"We are pleased that the government recognizes the growing market for sustainable seafood products and the need to be more accountable to sustainability standards," Mr. Wareham concluded.
 
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For more information, contact:
Bill Wareham, Acting Director, Marine Conservation Program, (604) 740-4318
Ian Hanington, Communications Specialist, (604) 732-4228. ext. 238