Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Rodney on March 01, 2005, 12:45:36 AM
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I was somewhat surprised by the lack of responses on the net prior to the recent meeting on SARA and sturgeon. I suspect many of you may not know just how significant the possible changes are going to be in 2006.
After going through pages of documents regarding the issue, my March editorial is a brief summary on what exactly might happen. If you have done sturgeon, enjoy sturgeon fishing, or plan to try out sturgeon fishing, then please take a look. I think most of you will not like how this is going to impact the sportfishing community, or even the Fraser River sturgeon population.
Once you've read the article, we need you to do one of the two items:
Post a reply on your thoughts.
Or, start writing letters to your local representatives to voice your concerns.
The closure proposed is indefinitely. Once closed, there is no guideline on how to have it reopen. Is it based on population number? If so, what is the healthy number for possible openings? how will the numbers be retrieved?
Click on the logo below to view article.
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/image/index07.jpg) (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/articles/2005/0305_11.html)
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Please fill this poll out if your interested in this fishery they may be closing it to us sport guys as soon as 2006.
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I don't mind paying for a good cause.
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I believe it should be left open...or open with a "stamp" for sturgeon fishing as long as there is "proof" that whatever I am paying goes towards their "protection"...As I have posted here since joining my main fishing staple is for sturgeon as I/we enjoy the peace and quiet on the river and get this sturgeon fishing...I have not once witnessed and bleeding etc from a hooked and released sturgeon..They are such a tough that even with the bigger fish on a longer battle 45-60 minutes that these fish take off with out hardly any reviving...Most of our fishing is from Mission bridge down river to Fort Langley and in this small strip of river you can catch them just about anywhere... just about any time of year....
I can see the government closing this fishery because as Rod said that they are lumping together all the different strains and saying " Looks like they are in trouble "...How many of you have talked to guides and found out that 85-95% of their customers come from all over the world just to fish these monsters...What impact will this have on the economy ???...How many of you have looked at and filled outr the worksheets...All I found was they wanted to know how much it is going to affect your income and the income of the company that you work for...What percentage of your income is affected by this fishery etc...etc...
I get really ticked off at the way they are handling this and have let them know this...But if you are a working stiff and family man like me it is near impossible to make any "meetings" that the have >:(
Sorry for rambling on but this is one of lifes big enjoyments for my son and I along with many other family and friends and I dont want to see it lost :'(
Mike the long winded.... ::)
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The overseas visitors fishing for Sturgeon is a very valid point. I sampled the Fraser Sturgeon last year for the first time and I have already booked another trip this year.
Could this possibly my last trip?
Who do I write and complain to?
Roll on October anyway.
Colin
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Special Tags is a good idea
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Tags are a simple idea to deal with a complex situation.
It costs money to set up a 'tag' system and there's no guarantee that the money collected will end up spent on Sturgeon research.
Presently all revenue from Salmon tags goes into General Revenue and we can't expect anything different with Sturgeon tags.
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Maybe if SARA lists them, LGL will get a couple of million to perform a study?
http://www.lgl.com/lglflash.htm
I wonder if SARA will list ALL Sockeye just because Sakinaw and Cultus lake runs are concidered to be possibly endanered?
Cultus Lake and Sakinaw Lake sockeye salmon will also not be added to the list, in keeping with the advice of Minister Dion after consultation with the Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. However, comprehensive recovery plans for these species will be completed and Fisheries and Oceans Canada will continue to pursue its action plan to protect and rebuild the Cultus and Sakinaw Lake sockeye populations.
Check this out. Loads of good reading there ::)
http://www.cosewic.gc.ca/eng/sct5/index_e.cfm
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That is completely absurd. They're willing to put a healthy population of fish numbering in the 10's of thousands on the SARA list but not a dwindling run of salmon with returns as low as 30 adults. Couldn't have anything to do with the fact that if sturgeon are on the SARA list they would only have to close the river to fishing. Whereas if Cultas sockeye were on the list they'd by law have intervene (hatchery)
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Biff, I think I remember reading somewhere that if SARA adds the Fraser River white sturgeon to their endangered list, all angling on the Fraser will have to stop! Apparently it's against the law to angle in waters where endangered species exist.
Also I heard somewhere that DFO is going to be throwing buckets of cash at the Cheam band to train them on catch/mortality rates. Not for certain, maybe just part of the "rumour mill"
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What is the sense of shutting down a catch and release fishery when the authorities aren't even making much of an attempt to enforce existing regulations that virtually everyone admits are being grossly abused? Perhaps the boats on the river fishing for sturgeon are getting in the way of the drift nets?
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One other thing comes to mind is that if they do ban sturgeon fishing how are they going to inforce it ??? In th last year that I have been out sturgeon fishing I haven't see the DFO never mind being checked!!
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I started this poll and I'm very surprised at how few people have voted . I'm not very good at this computer usage but I'm wondering if us members of this site could some how start a petition to keep this fishery open. Get as many people to sign it and then send it off via e-mail to the minister of fisheries. Maybe someone with a little more computer skill could take the bull by the horns and set something up. If someone does this maybe inform members of other sites such as Fish BC , Angling BC etc that there is such a petition going on .We as sport fisherman have to step up and fight for this or it will be taken from us. If anyone is willing and you need any help I'm there just contact me via e-mail. I know personally I have spent over $1000.00 on rods ,reels , line , tackle , bait etc specifically to target Sturgeon not to mention Anchors, Boat . I'm in to this fishery for a fair chunk of change and alot of the gear I purchased is specific to this sport unless Halibut start to swim in local waters it's useless. I'm sure that local guides would take a huge hit financially not to mention the tackle stores the hotels in the valley this will have a negative affect on many peoples lives.
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Legend-SARA is about Endangered Species-all of which are much much more important that a few thousand dollars worth of gear or a few local boys making a living-it's about the survival of species that are unchanged for thousand and thousands of years.
You're right about Sportfishermen making their concerns heard but we all have to realise that our hobby counts for zip in the larger picture.
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I'm sure that everyone here would willingly give up sturgeon fishing in a second if there was any threat to their population. But our particular local population is stable and there is no evidence that sporties are hurting the popualtion.
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I'm sure that everyone here would willingly give up sturgeon fishing in a second if there was any threat to their population. But our particular local population is stable and there is no evidence that sporties are hurting the popualtion.
Not entire true. The findings are... inconclusive. Five years' of population data of a species that has a long life span cannot be used to predict the overall growth of the population. Gender ratio, and class sizes are also key components in determining the population's health. The absence of dead tagged fish does not mean mortality does not exist in this catch-and-release fishery, it may also mean we simply haven't found them before they decompose.
Sam correct, financial/economy impact only plays a small role in the SARA decision. A better point of view would be how can sportfishermen be beneficial to the Fraser River white sturgeon? Allowing sportfishermen to continue catching and releasing these fish will definitely cause some harm (just like utilizing any natural resource, there will always be a cost to the environment). The question is, does the benefit outweighs the harm that we bring to these fish. The answer is yes! You take 20,000 angling days away in one year, you have 20,000 less pairs of eyes observing abnormality of the river. Who will be reporting when dead fish begin to float up on the shore, possible pollution sightings, poaching, physiological change of fish observed when caught? Angling is an effective and free mean of collecting these valuable data. You take this away, you may actually be making the situation worse.
Beside financial, biological, social aspects of this whole issue, I like to suggest people look at its political aspect as well. Take a look at the major players in this decision making, and read about them. Randog suggested LGL, that's a good start.
Maybe if SARA lists them, LGL will get a couple of million to perform a study?
http://www.lgl.com/lglflash.htm
Regarding starting a petition on FWR, unfortunately I am not so keen about that. Two reasons:
1) I am taking on too much right now. Too busy to cordinate it.
2) FWR is a commercial operation. It is an online publication and our main purpose is to provide information to you guys, and does not have an one sided view point on issues. A petition started by my business would only be viewed as self-interest and wouldn't be taken too seriously. A better way of going about this would be asking organizations such as Fraser River Salmon Society, Sportfishing Defense Alliance, to represent you in a petition. I'm sure Buckeye or Chris can let you all know more about it. These organizations are well established and known in the political world.
Thanks.
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Sam Salmon I understand what the SARA is all about and have read all there reports on this issue and as for the monies spent on gear your right that has no bearing on the big picture. Merely a statement showing how it may affect certain people's personal interests . As for the lower Fraser's population it's in good shape and on the rise . I personally have been targetting these fish for two seasons and I don't see any concerns with there population in the lower river. On several occasions I have caught 20 fish in an 8 hour period or less . For example on October 16 2004 me and another member Sandhead were out and in two hours we caught 12 fish . I have personally caught over 300 hundred sturgeon in a two year period . These fish will survive weather it's closed or not they are on the incline in my opinion. I have caught several small fish 1 foot and under and many 6 feet and up so obviously the spawner's are spawning and there are lots of fish mature enough to spawn. Do you ever fish for Sturgeon ? . You have hit a nerve ending with me by stating that our hobby counts for ZIP in the large picture thats the attitude that will surely help have this sport fishery lost to all us who enjoy it.
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Not a big deal about not wanting to start the petition as a local tackle shop is in the process of doing it any ways . I thought doing it on here might be a good idea as there are so many people with access to the net but not the end of the world the tackle shops will gather it's fair share of names. I would't dout if some on has one going on allready you will more than likley see one floating around the sportsman show this weekend.
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Do you ever fish for Sturgeon?
;D Legend, now you're really asking for it..... lol.... I'll let Sam answer that one himself...
As for the lower Fraser's population it's in good shape and on the rise . I personally have been targetting these fish for two seasons and I don't see any concerns with there population in the lower river. On several occasions I have caught 20 fish in an 8 hour period or less . For example on October 16 2004 me and another member Sandhead were out and in two hours we caught 12 fish . I have personally caught over 300 hundred sturgeon in a two year period . These fish will survive weather it's closed or not they are on the incline in my opinion.
Again, observation and what we perceive from a few fishing trips cannot be used to conclude exactly how the population is doing. This would be generalizing. And what's the definition of "healthy"? Relative to what number? High recruitment, low natural mortality rate? 20 fish in eight hours or less, would this result be different if it was 50 years ago? If so, by how much? When sturgeon fishing, don't anglers move their boat if no bites are detected after 30 minutes? Could it be possible, that during the entire trip, you only hit fish at two of the ten spots? If so, doesn't that mean you are simply finding one location that is highly concentrated with fish, while other areas are empty? Can we then suggestion that the overall Fraser River sturgeon population is good and on the rise based on this catch result?
Not picking on you Legend ;) , I'm just trying to tackle the issue from another point of view. Going to a bunch of politicians who have been told the population is in crisis, and suggesting that the scientists are actually wrong and we think they are on the increase so let us catch them, just doesn't sound good at all....
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Rod I don't think thats the way i would be wording it if I were to write these politicians. I'm just a dumb my friend Boilermaker not a university graduate (I am a BCIT grad). So i personally wouldn't take on these kind of people or write them anyways I am a dedicated fisherman though and love to fish.
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I personally have been targeting these fish for two seasons and I don't see any concerns with there population in the lower river. On several occasions I have caught 20 fish in an 8 hour period or less . For example on October 16 2004 me and another member Sandhead were out and in two hours we caught 12 fish . I have personally caught over 300 hundred sturgeon in a two year period . These fish will survive weather it's closed or not they are on the incline in my opinion. I have caught several small fish 1 foot and under and many 6 feet and up so obviously the spawner's are spawning and there are lots of fish mature enough to spawn. Do you ever fish for Sturgeon ? . You have hit a nerve ending with me by stating that our hobby counts for ZIP in the large picture thats the attitude that will surely help have this sport fishery lost to all us who enjoy it.
I've fished for Sturgeon for over a dozen years now.
As Rod says your unscientific observations are just that-anecdotal evidence.
Science always errs on the side of caution.
Did you know that many of the back channels in the Fraser are thought to be critical to raising fry yet that's just where many people like to drive their jet sleds @ high speed, jetski too, where 4x4 operators bull their way through to go bar fishing?
The river is pressed hard-I've been fishing the lower Fraser since the early 70's and the changes I've seen are dreadful.
The Sturgeon Society estimates there 60,000+ fish between Steveston & Hope but that doesn't mean there'll always be that many-far from it.
Assume a 10% mortality rate multiplied by the number of times you've caught a fish multiplied by the number of guys on the river every day in season and things don't look so rosy do they?
I'm not blaming you for anything BTW-I've done a lot better than 12 fish in 2 hours a few times over the years so I'm part of the problem too.
Did you know that one in 20 fish is a true Anadromous fish like a Salmon?
Actually goes to sea to feed and comes back to spawn?
You might have noticed that once in a while you'll hook a silvery fish that's strong as a bull and won't quit-that's a Sea Going Sturgeon.
Did you also know that those same animals are subject to a kill fishery when they head south down in WA state and that it's perfectly legal?
That's another problem SARA has to consider-the situation isn't at all simple-saying "I think it's OK there's lots of fish " doesn't cut much ice in a dynamic system like the Fraser.
What really matters is the fish not the fishermen-that's a true Conservation ethic.
I urge you to reread Rod's answer to you-it's all there.
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Perhaps instead of simply tagging, they could try radio tagging. Find out if the tags fall off, the fish dies, where it goes etc?
B.
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What about sturgeon that get tangled up in native set/gill nets and are left there for a couple of days, do they survive?
And Legend, FYI There are NO DUMB BOILERMAKERS!!!!!
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Sam Salmon you seem to be a true know it all im very interested in what you think they should do with this fishery. If you were in charge what would you do ? .
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Randog what do you know about Boilermaking ?. Are you in the feild ?. Just wondering.
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Sam Salmon, I never knew that sturgeon can be Anadromous. I heard of rumor of a sturgeon being caught off ambleside, so maybe there is some truth to that.
Personally, I think the fishery should require additional tags, even if only a part of the money ends up going back to help sturgeon. I've been thinking recently that the way fishing has been going the last couple of years that it is very likely that within the next 50 years there will be minimal pink and chum returns due to degradation of the spawning grounds and global warming. Wouldnt surprise me at all if they end up closing sturgeon fishery in the next few years due to the same reason.
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Sam Salmon you seem to be a true know it all im very interested in what you think they should do with this fishery. If you were in charge what would you do ? .
It's too bad you have to personalise this because it's important for people to see this issue in dispassionate terms
Did you reread the post that Rod put up?
If nor Please do so now all your questions are answered therein. ::)
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Yes I have read his post . I'm not trying to start a debate or get into a pissing match with you personally. I'm very passionate about this issue and I am just expressing my opinions on this topic. And Rodney's post doest answer my question . I sincerely meant that you seem to know alot about this maybe you could answer my question hypothetically if you were the minister of fisheries how would you address this situation. As for the well being of the Sturgeon that is the most important part of all of this . I never once have handled these fish in a harmful manor nor have I ever removed them from the water for a photo shoot as this could harm there internal organs. I have a great fascination with these amazing creatures and have the utmost respect for them . And yes I have hooked a few with the silver tone you referred to in your earlier post and I do agree they fight extremely hard in fact the hardest fighting Sturgeon I ever caught had this coloring you speak of. I think we both seem to enjoy this fishery and hope we all can enjoy it for many years to come sorry I got personal but I care about this fishery immensely. Just another note I would like to make one day when fishing for Sturgeon a Seal was in the area we were watching him a few minutes went by and he surfaced with a juvenile Sturgeon . He appeared to be trying to eat it I don't know if the scutes on the Sturgeon would protect him or not just one more thing making there existence difficult.
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According to an article in the new issue of BC Outdoors, page 72; every angler license dollar collected by the Province is directed to fisheries service delivery-either by the Freshwater Fisheries Society or by the Habitat Cons. Trust Fund. or WLAP. This started in April 2003. Prior to that date the $ from licenses and tags went to general revenue.
The article also points out that there are Sturgeon conservation hatcheries operating in the province. The FFSBC president Don Peterson states in the interview that sturgeon all over the world are in big trouble due to the const. and operation of dams. It states that there are three populations of Sturgeon in B.C. in serious trouble. It mentions the upper Columbia, Kootenay, and Nechako rivers. It does not mention the Fraser river at all. It says that the Nechako is in the worst condition regarding Sturgeon.
Seems odd to halt the fishery for Sturgeon on the Fraser river. Are they really in that much trouble? I don't fish for them tons, but I have fished for them hard over the past decade or so. My buddies are still fishing for them quite hard to this day. I've gotta say in my experience, and I believe I can speak for a few of my close friends as well; we have not had any trouble catching Sturgeon in the Fraser. We have got pics. and video of litterally 10 to 20 sturgeon hookups in one day(2-5 anglers) quite regularly over the years. I would say that on the average it's more like 2 to 4 in a day, but we've had quite a few of those remarkable days as well.
Seems pretty drastic to just shut it down entirely. But if they have the evidence that it is in that much trouble, how do you argue with it? Conservation, and Mother Natures best interest must come first. $ and peoples enjoyment can not supercede the importance of conservation.
It would be nice to see some publicized evidence of the Sturgeon's troubles.
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There are inherent problems with quoting and relying strictly on science. Unless you have compelling data to say what historic numbers were (not perceived) it's completely unscientific to state what the current population should be or should have been had population sprawl,pollution,industrial contamination,incidental catch,poaching and or any other natural or man-made disaster affected the population of a species. I am not convinced that historic numbers are accurately reflected.Science can also be very subjective; just look at the wild vs farmed salmon debate. Both sides have their "scientists" backing up their claims and shooting down the science of their respective counterparts. So if compelled I think science could quite easily kill this fishery. I also believe that if it's your objective to protect the "fishery" , you will lose! If your passion is to protect the "fish" you at least stand a chance to preserve the fishery.(Maybe not as it is today) SARA will need options (not from sports fishers) but from scientists. Ranting and raving and signing thousands of names to a petition wont get it done.Most people know what side fisherman would land on this debate.We need a scientific voice and approach to this dilemma.This costs time and Money. Here is hoping we are up to it.
Gord
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According to an article in the new issue of BC Outdoors, page 72; every angler license dollar collected by the Province is directed to fisheries service delivery-either by the Freshwater Fisheries Society or by the Habitat Cons. Trust Fund. or WLAP. This started in April 2003. Prior to that date the $ from licenses and tags went to general revenue.
Thank for that it's Good News.
The article also points out that there are Sturgeon conservation hatcheries operating in the province. The FFSBC president Don Peterson states in the interview that sturgeon all over the world are in big trouble due to the const. and operation of dams. It states that there are three populations of Sturgeon in B.C. in serious trouble. It mentions the upper Columbia, Kootenay, and Nechako rivers. It does not mention the Fraser river at all. It says that the Nechako is in the worst condition regarding Sturgeon.
Seems odd to halt the fishery for Sturgeon on the Fraser river. Are they really in that much trouble?
That's the question-are the Nechako and Fraser fish genetically identical?
Because if they are then the only hope Nechako fish have is that Fraser fish will somehow repopulate the Nechako-a long shot as we all know because that river is so badly screwed.
Should we just kiss Nechako stocks goodbye?
That's how it used to be done but that old time kill 'em all attitude is the reason we have SARA now.
Seems pretty drastic to just shut it down entirely. But if they have the evidence that it is in that much trouble, how do you argue with it? Conservation, and Mother Natures best interest must come first. $ and peoples enjoyment can not supersede the importance of conservation.
It would be nice to see some publicized evidence of the Sturgeon's troubles.
The data is right there in what's been published by the Sturgeon Society-and of course it's all in how the data is interpreted.
60,000+ sounds like a fabulous number to you and I but from what Troy what's-his-name the President of the Sturgeon Society said it's all about recruitment.
The females only become fertile at about age 20 years and there are only so many of them I can't remember the ratio of fertile females to males but it was surprisingly low-if pressure is somehow increased on that small part of the population the whole deck of cards could collapse in short order.
I wish you guys could have heard Troy speak at that meeting in the Cannery in Steveston last fall.
Man does that guy know something about drawing data from numbers-the kind of images he was able to project using numbers was both amazing and enlightening.
Too bad he's such a busy guy because he could add a lot to this discussion.
It's also too bad the Sturgeon Society doesn't have a decent web presence-there are hundreds of dedicated volunteers out there contributing energy time and money for Sturgeon research and it is paying off slowly.
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Sam Salmon;
Would you have a number, or email for the Sturgeon Society? I am interested in reading the information you are talking about. Have they publicized an official report?
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I lost a lot of data I had in a recent crash-this from http://www.guidebc.com
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For the past several years a group of dedicated people have been working hard to learn more about the Fraser Rivers White Sturgeon. A group of volunteers have been assembled lead by Rick Hansen (The Man in Motion). Scientists, tackle shop owners, First Nations, angling guides, and others who care about these magnificent animals have all dedicated time to help gather more information about the Fraser Rivers Sturgeon population. This data will help scientists determine whether the population is increasing or decreasing and what may be effecting it's survival.
The Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society was formed in 1997 , it's official launch took place in October of 98 in Mission, B.C. Last year was the first Sturgeon tagging day, the society volunteers managed to hook and tag over 80 fish in two day's. This year Tagging day was held in the lower Fraser, not as many fish were tagged but the media response and volunteer's were out in full force.
Rick and society directors have been working hard for the past year trying to raise awareness and funds so that the tagging of Sturgeon could continue. It's not a cheap endeavor, the equipment needed costs thousands of dollars. The Pit tags which are inserted under the sturgeon skin cost $8 us each and the tag readers are $575.00 us. These expensive tags are needed to ensure the tags stay with the fish for years to come. In the past, the wire tags were used but they don't stay with the fish as long. Thanks to Fisheries Renewal ($25,000) The Vancouver Foundation ($25,000), Canadian Sportsman Show ($10,000) these expensive Pit tags and scanners were purchased and will be distributed to volunteers in the field. Much more funds are still needed as the Sturgeon Society would like to equip more boats and purchase more tags.
The Fraser River White Sturgeon has outlived the dinosaurs and survived two ice ages. The biggest challenges still lies ahead, with increased angling pressure, gravel extraction and the growing need for commercial industry on the rivers edge. Sturgeon are a magnificent animal that has survived the unbelievable odds stacked against them. It's now time that we as a community do what we can to help these incredible animals survive another million years.
If you would like more information on the Fraser River Sturgeon Society or would like to contribute to the conservation fund, you can call: 604-271-6332 or write to:
Fraser River Conservation Society
3551 Moncton Street,
Richmond, B.C.
V7E 3A3
http://www.rickhansen.com/Fishing/Fraser/fraser.htm
(http://www.rickhansen.com/Fishing/Fraser/sturgsociety.jpg)
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Thank you, Sam
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Anybody know the guy on the extreme right ? I might have gone to school with him.
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That's Calvin Higano Manager of the fishing dept @ Nikka Industries and a founding member of the Fraser River Sturgeon Society .
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I just wanted to point out that despite earlier assertions made here that fishing licence fees all go toward fisheries, when you look at the website for the Habitat Conservation Fund, you'll dee that a number of projects that our money goes toward are public education programs and bird habitat protection, etc. It's not all going toward fish or fisheries guys.
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Blueback;
The HCTF has allways been involved with many different projects in B.C. They have never limited themselves to just fish or fish projects.
The HCTF receives it's funding from the following resources: Angling, Hunting, Trapping licenses and tags, Guide License surtaxes, and Donations.
The difference now from before is that Fishing and Hunting license revenues used to go to gov. general revenue, now it is 100 percent going to Fish and Wildlife management. The Hunting license and tags revenue will be allocated towards wildlife and habitat improvement projects, and the fishing license and tags will be allocated towards projects improving our freshwater fisheries situation in B.C.
The rest of the funds will be directed into different projects
The mission statement from the HCTF reads as follows:
To provide funds to proponents to assist in maintaining the health of natural ecosystems by preventing and mitigating the loss of Habitat and Native species of freshwater fish and wildlife in B.C. for the benefits of us all.
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Excellent info ATS, thank you. I've been looking for info just like this; where did you get it? I was also wondering (maybe you could tell me?), whether or not the change in funding stream, and allocation has resulted in a net increase or decrease going toward fish and fish habitat restoration? Also, I'm sorry, don't want to highjack this thread.
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Blueback;
I know the people at the Freshwater Fisheries Society in Abbotsford. Some of that info comes from conversations I've had with those fellas. Some of the info is also available through their website, as well as through Water land and Air Protection.
You raise a very good question about whether their money allocation for fish and fish habitat restoration has increased or decreased since the change. I would have to venture a guess, that it probably has increased significantly. Considering how poorly the government has supported fish and wildlife rehab. in the past with $ from gen. revenue I would have to suggest that it could only get better. ;) If I get a chance, in the near future, I will put forth your guestion to some one who could most definitely give me answer to the question, and post the response. I imagine the HCTF would also be obliged to give a very accurate answer if contacted.
Also apologize for the high jacking. :D
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Thanks ATS!! ;D
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Blueback;
I spoke with a representative from the Freshwater Fisheries Society this morning, and I asked the question you were wondering about.
I was told that prior to this new agreement(2003), the support to, and improvement of fish and wildlife in B.C. by funding from gen. revenues via..different ministries of our government was very unreliable and unpredictable. There was no set amount, percentage, or allocation designated to different groups which help our fish and wildlife. It was in ways, a guessing game of who or what project was going to get funding
With the new agreement, there should be substantially more $ going to these areas. Although It was pointed out to me that fishing lic. sales has declined over the past two years, it will still supply more $ than the old system.
Apparently 54 percent of fishing lic. sales goes directly to the budget of the Freshwater Fisheries Society and the other 46 percent is distributed to other fishery related projects and programs, ie: HCTF, etc., giving a total 100 percent to fish and fish habitat improvements.
The agreement between the government and the Freshwater Fisheries Society is a 30 year contract.
Hope that clears things up.
I promise, no more highjacking. ;D ;D
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FA,
I Went to high school with Calvin. If you went to Burnaby Central and graduated in 1982, then you did.
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FA,
I Went to high school with Calvin. If you went to Burnaby Central and graduated in 1982, then you did.
Wrong guy but he sure looks like someone I went to school with.
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Bringing this back up to, and here's some further reading on the issue. This is an article done by Dr Marvin Rosenau, published by Fish Bytes at UBC.
http://www.fisheries.ubc.ca/publications/fishbytes/10-6.pdf (pdf file)
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R THESE GUYS COMBINING THE COLUMBIA AND THE FRASER COUNT 2 GETHER ? CUZ I KNOW THE COLUMBIA IS HOOPED ! OUT OF ALL THE TIMES THAT I GO OUT STURGEON FISHING ( EVEN FROM SHORE ) I USUALLY HOOK INTO ABOUT 3 FISH ON AN AVERAGE ! I PERSONALY DON'T THINK THERE'S THAT BIG OF A PROBLEM WITH OUR STURGEON COUNTS ! IF NETHING DFO SHOULD KEEP A BETTER EYE OUT ON POACHERS FISHING AT NIGHT OFF THE SIDE OF SOME TRAIN TRACKS IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE ! KEEP IT CATCH AND RELEASE, BUT MAYBE SHUT IT DOWN FOR ABOUT 2-3 MONTHS OF THE YEAR SAY OCT-DEC ?