Letter to the editor re: Anglers take on ethics debate
After reading the article titled “Anglers take on ethics debate” I was somewhat frustrated. I found that the article makes some rather large assumptions on the level of support for document the referred to and as to the root causes of the problems it is designed to address
I have read the report mentioned in the article on the Internet and I found it to be an extremely biased report, which essentially blames all the problems identified in the Chilliwack/Vedder system from retaining foul hooked fish. Fishing with barbed hooks, failing to record appropriate species to littering, on the Fraser River recreational sockeye fishery and specifically bottom bouncing. In the description of the problem they identify a set of behaviors, which after a careful review the vast majority are illegal, therefore the simple solution is strategic enforcement of existing rules in problem areas
The report seems to have focused it, s attention on the sockeye fishery in the Fraser and in large part blames all the issues that are currently present on the Vedder on the opening of the sockeye fishery in I believe 1996. In my opinion this is a very narrow view of the contributing factors. For Example in the late 90's a recreational harvest was allowed on Chum and pinks around the same time the white springs were enhanced in the Chilliwack River. These advancements created a lot more opportunities for people to take home a fish.
Over the last 10 years the population of the lower mainland has increased dramatically. The Fraser and the Chilliwack/Vedder respectively are the most fished rivers in the province. With this popularity comes crowds with crowds comes some social issues as with any other activity. The lower mainland is the only area in the province where fishing license sales are increasing. In large part due to the world-class fisheries on the Fraser and the Chilliwack/Vedder Rivers, including the sockeye fishery
The report blames the apparent lack of ethics seen in some areas of the Chilliwack/Vedder on the sockeye fishery and bottom bouncing yet when I researched the issue on the internet I found that every jurisdiction that had large runs of salmon in close proximity to large populations people the same set of issues as outlined in this report. This was evident in New York State. Michigan, Ontario, Washington, Oregon and California.
In my opinion the solutions to the issues this report is trying to address are: Strategic enforcement of existing rules and timely education campaigns. Not adding more regulation and loss of fishing opportunity. The recreational fishing community needs to work together to develop workable solutions to these issues not drafting reports that recommend someone else fix it through legislation and a reduction of fishing opportunities.
The article identifies specific areas of the river where problems occur. Well then have an enforcement presence there deal with the offenders get aggressive with violators but don’t punish the thousands of other anglers who fish respectfully
The article leads one to believe that if you bottom bounce for Salmon on the Fraser you will turn into this monster that is out to rape and pillage our rivers. I take exception to this and I also have a greater faith in people. You fish different rivers and bodies of water differently according to the local conditions. Bottom bouncing is a technique that is intended to hook fish in the mouth as per regulation. . There is no need for regulation change. If it is hooked anywhere other than the mouth it must be released carefully. While I understand the argument presented regarding this technique I disagree and from a survey done so do the vast majority of anglers. As with any activity you are free to pursue the sport by any legal means. So if you don’t like it don’t do it. But please don’t try to force me to conform to some one else’s ideal of what is or is not an ethical manner of fishing when there is no conservation concern present.
The frustrating part for me is this is a new round in recreational anglers fighting amongst them selves on technique whether it be bottom bouncing, bait bans, fly only or other gear restrictions ect. While I believe the people involved are well intentioned in their desire to improve the fisheries and some of the solutions presented have merit. However I feel that they are looking to the wrong place for results and trying to turn back the clock will only result in lost opportunities and ultimately hurt the recreational fishing opportunities in the lower mainland.
The economic impact alone should the recommended solutions come to pass would be devastating to a wide range of businesses. Tourism in Chilliwack would suffer significantly should the draw of the Fraser River fisheries be curtailed The loss of economic value to lower mainland fisheries resulting from less license sales would ultimately hurt the Freshwater Fisheries Society that receives significant funding from these license sales. This would have a province wide impact.
It also frustrates me that the government representatives who participated in this report seem to be encouraging this division of recreational anglers and are operating outside of formal consultative processes.
I agree that some people on the Chilliwack /Vedder system abuse the fishery. I do not believe that more regulation or loss of fishing opportunity will correct it. Only strong enforcement of existing regulation and timely education campaigns will instill a higher standard.
Gerry Dewar
42522 Adams Rd.
Chilliwack BC
604-823-6336
Author
Topic: Ethics Fishing Article In Chilliwack Progress (Read 25800 times)