More than three years after the worst returns in British Columbia in decades, review that took more than two years to complete has determined the future of Fraser River sockeye salmon is ‘uncertain.’
Commissioner Bruce Cohen was hired in November of 2009, to investigate stock declines and suggest changes to ensure the fishery survives.
While he failed to indentify a ‘smoking gun’ or single cause for two decades worth of losses, Cohen has made 75 recommendations.
Several indicate more research is needed, but he’s already determined climate change, salmon farming and the federal government’s complacency are cause for concern.
He also identifies a conflict of interest, saying the Department of Fisheries and Oceans should not be promoting salmon farms, considering it is also responsible for policing them.
A key recommendation is to freeze net-pen production in the Discovery Islands until September 30th, 2020.
While he’s careful not to blame front-line staff, cohen is critical of the Conservative government for prematurely implementing changes to the fisheries act in June, which could harm this already fragile eco-system.
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