VANCOUVER - The Honourable Robert G. Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced the release of the 2003 Integrated Fisheries Management Plans (IFMPs) for salmon along the coast of British Columbia. 

"These plans provide a more flexible and innovative approach to meet the objectives of the harvesting sectors while continuing to protect and rebuild salmon stocks of concern," said Minister Thibault.  "Satisfying these conflicting objectives of providing fishing opportunities with protection of the resource is always a challenge, but I believe that these plans strike the appropriate balance. The plans also reflect the Department's ongoing commitment to carry out the recommendations from the review of the 2002 Fraser River sockeye fishery." 

This year's salmon fishery, while subject to continued rebuilding efforts, will offer harvesting opportunities to all sectors.  The BC salmon fisheries have gone through a number of years of strict conservation measures, which have resulted in some notable successes.  Improvements in Interior Fraser River and Upper Skeena River coho have led to increased fishing opportunities, while chinook stocks on the West Coast of Vancouver Island are showing improved returns. 

The IFMPs were developed based on scientific information provided through the Pacific Scientific Advice Review Committee (PSARC) process, as well as extensive consultations with First Nations, representatives of recreational and commercial fishing groups, and other interests.  The plans reflect conservation priorities, international commitments, and commitments for food, social and ceremonial fisheries for First Nations. 

The Minister explained that flexibility in managing the fisheries is essential in allowing fishing opportunities where possible while protecting stocks of concern.  The Department has adopted decision rules for the in-season management of Late Run Fraser River sockeye that will allow more harvesting opportunities if there are increased returns and lower pre-spawning mortality. Efforts will be made to keep users and other interest groups informed if revisions to the fishing plans are needed in season. 

"Although this plan sets out the rules which will guide fishery decisions it is understood that, in exceptional or unforeseen circumstances, such as changes in run sizes and pre-spawn mortalities, flexibility to this plan may be permitted where conservation measures can be met," said Minister Thibault.

In response to conservation concerns, such as those for Cultus and Sakinaw Lake sockeye, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is adopting a cautious approach to harvesting opportunities and undertaking a range of enhancement initiatives, including a captive brood stock program and fry releases. The Department has also intensified its stock assessment and is considering predator controls and further habitat work, all of which will complement stock rebuilding efforts. 

Another strategy under development will allow limited commercial fishing in some areas while protecting stocks of concern.  Innovative small fleet or gear modifications are being explored to enable low-impact fisheries in areas where there are conservation concerns. For example, it is expected that these opportunities will occur in Juan de Fuca Strait and Barkley Sound for purse seines and in the Fraser River for gillnets in 2003.  As well, for the inside troll on the south coast, the department has agreed to a pilot individual quota scheme. 

The continued development of selective fishing techniques is important for 2003 because of conservation concerns on identified stocks and a stronger focus on the protection of small stocks. Selective fishing is the ability to avoid or release non-target species and stocks. Selective gear and methods are now widely used and required in all salmon fisheries. More recently, development in this area has focused on refining the most promising techniques. 

The salmon IFMPs are available from DFO offices or by visiting the DFO website at: http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ops/fm/fishmgmt_e.htm. In-season changes to commercial fisheries will be announced by Fisheries Notices to industry. 

Changes to the recreational fishing regulations and in-season updates will be communicated through Fishery Notices, telephone information lines and postings on the Pacific Region Fisheries and Oceans' web site at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca. As well, for more current information about fishing opportunities or recent changes to regulations, please visit www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish.  

Contact:

Bert Ionson
A/Salmon Resource Manager
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
(604) 666-0497

Michelle Imbeau
Communications
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
(604) 666-2872  

Caroline Quinn
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(613) 992-3474