BURNABY - Provincial freshwater fish hatcheries have been transferred to a new non-profit society that will be able to create new partnerships and increase funding while protecting native fish populations, Water, Land and Air Protection Minister Joyce Murray announced today.

"These improvements are part of our government's Heartlands Economic Strategy to open up rural economies by expanding our world-class outdoor recreation opportunities while maintaining high conservation standards," said Murray. "We've dedicated $2.6 million in one-time funding to a new Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. that will put provincial fish hatcheries on a sound financial footing and provide more services for recreational anglers." 

The society is responsible for operating the province's five freshwater fish hatcheries in Duncan, Abbotsford, Clearwater, Bull River (near Fort Steele) and Summerland and providing all fish culture services, including lake and stream stocking and programs to restore fish species at risk. The society will also work with the ministry to develop and promote freshwater sport fishing in B.C.

The society is operating within a strict conservation policy framework set out by the ministry to ensure native fish populations are protected. The province retains all authority related to managing the fisheries resource including legislation, regulation, policy and planning.

"As we outlined in our service plan, one of my ministry's objectives is to develop a new funding and management system for the provincial hatchery program," said Murray. "Our partnership with a non-profit society means that our valuable fisheries programs will continue to provide quality angling in the most efficient and effective way possible."

The society is governed by a board of directors with legal, financial, business, scientific and resource management skills. A separate provincial fish and wildlife recreation advisory group, expected to be in place this fall, will also provide input into the society.

The province has provided an endowment fund of $2.6 million to begin the society. On-going operational funding will be provided by directing a portion of revenues from angling licences. Angling fees will support recreation services provided by the society. Funding for conservation services will be provided through a grant from general revenue or through partnerships. 

The total cost of the provincial fish culture program was about $10 million per year. By transferring operations to the non-profit society, the province is expected to save about $1.5 million annually as a result of reduced facility operation costs.

"The Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. will provide long-term certainty to the provincial trout hatchery program in the maintenance and possible expansion of high quality angling, for which British Columbia is well known," said Dr. David Narver, member of the board of directors. "We anticipate close technical and administrative interchange between the society and the ministry, especially in the areas of fisheries conservation, science and management." 

All hatchery program assets were transferred to the new society on March 31. All fish culture section staff have been transferred to new positions within the society.  

Contact:

Liz Bicknell
Director, Communications
250 387-9973
cell 250 213-3072