OTTAWA - Robert G. Thibault, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today the results of the review of the management of Fraser River sockeye salmon fisheries and the release of the External Steering Committee's report.  Recommendations laid out in the report have been accepted by the Minister and will begin to be incorporated into the planning process for this year's salmon fishing season in British Columbia.

In September 2002, Minister Thibault committed to conduct a review of the management of Fraser River sockeye salmon.  In November 2002, a formal post-season review was initiated. The review focused on Fraser River sockeye management with particular emphasis on conservation objectives, consultation processes, risk management, adequacy of data, decision-making processes, enforcement, and management processes.  The objective was to provide recommendations on improvements for the future management of Fraser River sockeye in particular, and address concerns of First Nations, and public and private interests that are committed to the sustainable management of this resource.

"I was pleased to see the many interests in the resource and the fishery worked together on the review committee," said Minister Thibault.  "The various meetings coordinated by the steering committee members brought many perspectives to the table to provide a comprehensive review of the in-season management of the 2002 Fraser River sockeye fishery."

A number of key concerns emerged from the review.  First, it was identified that there is a lack of clarity around policy objectives for conservation of wild salmon.  While all groups support conservation, there is no consensus over conservation units, escapement goals, or levels of acceptable risk for management of harvest.  Second, there are concerns about the transparency, participation, and timeliness of consultation on pre-season management plans and in-season decision making.  Third, the process for development of the Integrated Fish Management Plan (IFMP) requires improvement.  Fourth, there are shortcomings with respect to in-season management.  In particular, new approaches to collection of data in-season, improved planning of enforcement, and work on stock assessment are required.  Finally, management of Fraser River sockeye is complex, involving many different organizational units of the Department, the Pacific Salmon Commission, and the United States.  Successful achievement of management objectives demands effective coordination and clear accountabilities, and it was identified that the roles and responsibilities of Departmental staff requires clarification. 

"The steering committee has provided me with a comprehensive and carefully thought-out compilation of recommendations for areas of improvement to management and management processes," Minister Thibault continued.  "I have accepted all 14 of their recommendations and have directed Departmental staff in Pacific Region to begin implementing the necessary recommendations for the 2003 fishing season." 

Recommendations pertaining to longer term issues, such as a policy for wild salmon, will be implemented according to planning schedules indicated in the report.  Fisheries and Oceans Canada's priority remains the sustainability of our resources for today and for future generations.  

If you would like to review the report, please visit the consultation website at www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is committed to an open and transparent decision-making process.  By consulting with those parties affected by management processes and decisions, the Department is reinforcing this commitment and will seek to continue to build on the working relationship that has been developed during the review process. 

Contacts:

Paul Macgillivray
Regional Director, Fisheries Management
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
(604) 666-0753