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Media Release – Skeena sockeye collapse: BC fisheries closed while Alaskans keep fishing July 18, 2013 09:22:52 Posted By Trish Hall BC conservationists challenge Alaskans to put sustainability first Vancouver, July 17, 2013 – Skeena River sockeye salmon are returning in desperately low numbers this summer, causing concern among conservationists for the future of one…

Climate Change and Disease Impacts Examined at Cohen Inquiry March 11, 2011 08:00:36 Posted By Trish Hall The following media stories cover recent discussions at hearing for the Cohen Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of Fraser River sockeye.  The impact of climate change and disease have been key areas of focus at the hearings…

On April 12th, 2016, members of the salmon committee visited Ottawa to introduce our group and provide advice to the new fisheries minister, the Honourable Hunter Tootoo. Along with our introduction letter, the MCC provided nine recommendations as listed below: 1. Commission an independent report on progress towards implementation of Cohen Commission recommendations (Cohen recommendation 75). 2. (a) Dedicate the resources to ensure full, robust WSP implementation (Cohen rec. 6); (b) hire an Associate Regional Director responsible for WSP implementation (Cohen rec. 4); and (c) provide sufficient resources to meet monitoring, assessment, and stakeholder engagement objectives. 3. Establish an independent body of experts on Pacific salmon, appointed by the Minister, to provide reports on the status of Canada’s wild Pacific salmon populations and whether they are being managed in a manner consistent with federal policies, international commitments, and public expectations. 4. Revise and apply salmon farming siting criteria developed through meaningful consultation with First Nations and stakeholders and an independent scientific peer review process (Cohen rec. 15-­‐17). 5. Develop a stock monitoring and assessment plan and make it available to the public (along with relevant science and research as per Cohen rec. 73) through a central, independent repository, similar to the Pacific Salmon Foundation’s Skeena Salmon Program. 6. (a) Require the Strategic Framework for Fishery Monitoring and Catch Reporting be fully implemented within two years; and (b) review the role, membership, and funding of the Monitoring & Compliance Panel. 7. Establish formal arrangements with other government agencies (federal and provincial) responsible for monitoring ecosystems and habitats and integrate them into WSP implementation and climate change monitoring programs….

The Pacific Marine Conservation Caucus has sent a letter to the Honourable Hunter Tootoo (Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard) and the Honourable Marc Garneau (Minister of Transportation) asking for strengthened environmental legislation. This would occur through a two-step process: 1) Table as law the previous pre‐C‐38 and pre‐C‐45 NWPA and habitat provisions of the Fisheries Act, followed by re‐enactment and removal of regulations as needed. 2) Engage in a robust, multi‐stakeholder consultation for long‐term strengthening of the…

In a letter to Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), the MCC Salmon Committee has provided numerous recommendations for consideration in the 2016/17 Integrated Fisheries and Management Plan. The letter regards both North and South Coast salmon IFMPs and details a number of issues that are important for consideration by DFO in the upcoming fishing plan development….