Some recommendations to those who are concernedThe schedule of upcoming FN openings is
18:00 Thursday, August 4 to 18:00 Saturday August 6 for set nets and 08:00 to 20:00 Saturday August 6 for Drift nets. They'll be discussing with DFO again on Friday morning to see if an extension to this weekend's fishery is possible after reviewing information from PSC.
While tension is high, and most do not agree what has taken place in the last few days, it is important to remember that we should all be
civil. This is not the time for reaction that is
negative. We do not want to see confrontations out there, it would only degenerate the situation further. Report all fisheries violations to the ORR line.
If you see conflicts, report to the nearest RCMP office. Leave the enforcement to DFO and RCMP, but they can certainly use our eyes and ears to be more efficient.
What can you do?Voicing your thoughts to those who can make a difference is a start. Letter writing to the major players in the political field maybe helpful eventually.
Join the Fraser Valley Salmon Society to have your voice represented. The Sportfishing Defense Alliance's first annual fundraiser will be held this Nov. 18th in Chilliwack.
Keep in mind this is an issue between the recreational anglers and the Cheam First Nation. Other FNs are not necessarily happy with what has taken place. I and hopefully (well, I don't want to be there alone!
) the other reps of SFAC will attend the next scheduled meeting on August 9th with FNs.
ReferencesOffice of the Prime Minister80 Wellington Street
Ottawa K1A 0A2
pm@pm.gc.ca Honourable Geoff ReganHouse of Commons
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Parliament Buildings, Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Canada
Min@dfo-mpo.gc.ca Jim Wild, Lower Fraser Area DirectorFisheries and Oceans Canada
Area Director's Office
100 Annacis Parkway, Unit 3
Delta, British Columbia
Canada V3M 6A2
Observe, record and report: 1-800-465-4336
Chilliwack RCMP: 604-792-4611