Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => Fishing-related Issues & News => Topic started by: chris gadsden on February 01, 2010, 03:56:07 PM
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http://goto.thetyee.ca/t?ctl=165A4E6:01C07E6214D807F9EDD13277833D31F88F7D795DAFB9E650&
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"In the end, conserving natural resources, protecting species and preserving fishing-related livelihoods is what the MSC program is all about. If the B.C. sockeye salmon fishery does become MSC certified, it will indicate to buyers and consumers it is a seafood source that has been put to the test and has scientifically proven a commitment to sustainability and a more transparent, accountable and enduring fishing industry. "
That's from their Kerry Coughlin's reply. If there are a handfull of Sockeye left in the Fraser in the next few years and the MSC gives them certification, their process for certification would be truely suspect. Sold out to the bigger buck.
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--many certifications are on the process not the outcomes.
--for example did public consultation occur in accordance with the law. Yes
--there is no judgment if the consultation was effective or informative or if any action is expected or if after consultation there is a requirement to address concerns.
--Often the requirement is to conscider information but it may not be necessary to make any changes to the original proposal as long as the original proposal meets the minimum requirements of acceptable practice.
--we have seen recent evidence of abuse of transparency.....the freedome of information act....I believe on occasion MOE has been chastised for not providing information in a timely mannor. Increasingly (which is allowed) costs of collecting information under FOI have been charged. Some have complained the costs are prohibitive and not fairly applied dependent upon what group or individual is asking for the information.
--there would be no need for certification if there was confidence that provincial and federal ministries were doing their job and that they were staffed at levels to allow for on the ground compliance, enforcement and advice.
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Re the post above regarding FOI's
The Fraser River Gravel Stewardship Committee has found it very tedious getting information through FOI that last couple of years as well with the costs now around $500. This process needs to be over hauled. A number of groups met with a government committee last week to try to have it amended as a similar committee before that made some recommendations that I understand was not acted on.