PRINCE RUPERT, June 8, 2021 — Today, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced the introduction of the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI) — an initiative aiming to “stop Pacific salmon declines now, while helping rebuild stocks over the longer term.”
UFAWU-Unifor appreciates that DFO is addressing the current salmon crises. It is crucial that steps are taken to save B.C. salmon.
However, the Union remains deeply concerned by the dire state of the commercial salmon industry.
While it is evident that salmon are in a state of crisis, so are B.C.’s harvesters — DFO has a responsibility to both salmon fishermen and industry workers.
There is no evidence of overfishing by the commercial fleet. Rather, it is current policies combined with a lack of salmon that have created a crisis.
These concerns and a comprehensive list of recommendations on the future of B.C. commercial salmon fishing have been outlined in a recently released report.
The Report on the Future of B.C. Commercial Salmon Fishing was created in consultation with B.C.’s active commercial salmon harvesters and published by UFAWU-Unifor and ten other salmon organizations.
“Fishermen are in absolute agreement that there is no productive relationship between active fishermen and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. This must change.” states the report.
UFAWU-Unifor representatives are available for comment. For more information please contact UFAWU-Unifor Communications Organizer Liam Hill-Allan at communications@ufawu.org.