An important step forward in the salmon fishery comes today, as anticipated a month ago: the BC and Canadian governments have embraced the recommendations in a new expert report suggesting individual fishing quotas. Why it’s important is here. The report is here. Listen to an 11-minute-long CBC interview with Peter Pearse, one of the authors, here.
This is important news, with high stakes, so expect a vituperative debate to ensue. I’m guessing there are shortcomings in the proposal. But I don’t want the inevitable static to diminish the significance of the breakthrough. Reforming the BC salmon fishery could dramatically improve the prospects for both fish and people in the province, and it could set an example for the rest of our Cascadian coast.
