The BC Wildlife Federation will host a town hall in Campbell River this weekend to discuss proposed changes to the Salmon Allocation Policy.
The meeting is part of a series of town halls focused on proposed updates from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, including potential changes to salmon catch limits.
Organizers say the discussion will focus on what the proposed changes could mean for recreational anglers, the local economy and salmon conservation.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada has been reviewing its salmon allocation policy, which was introduced in 1999. The federation said it is concerned some of the proposed changes could lead to job losses and economic hardship in the local fishing sector.
“In 1999, without any outside pressure the Government of Canada confirmed that salmon should be described as Common Property in the Salmon Allocation Policy,” said BCWF executive director Jesse Zeman in a media release. “It was a rare but clear declaration of principle that explicitly meant salmon are not owned by a privileged group, not owned by the government, nor by an industry. Salmon are owned by all Canadians, and the federal government’s role is to manage them fairly, transparently and in trust for all Canadians. This is a policy anchor that sets the tone for DFO decision making and management.”
The event will take place Saturday, April 11 at the Campbell River Sportsplex from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
People can RSVP through the federation’s website.
