Whereas fisheries are an important economic driver for the Province of British Columbia, particularly on Vancouver Island; And whereas fisheries in BC is defined as inclusive of commercial, indigenous, recreation and aquaculture: Therefore be it resolved that the Province ensure that all decisions with regards to the management of all fisheries, and protection of the natural environment, are made based on current data, technology, science and traditional knowledge.
Ministry of Agriculture Commercial and recreational fisheries and aquaculture are of great importance to B.C., providing significant economic and social benefits across the Province. B.C. agrees with the importance of well-informed fisheries and aquaculture decisions. The Ministry of Agricultures goal is to ensure sustainable and resilient fisheries resources, to meet cultural, environmental, social, and economic interests and ensure safe food supply for future generations. Fisheries and Oceans Canada DFO is responsible for the conservation and protection of fish and fish habitat, and proper management and control of fisheries, including aquaculture. DFO is also responsible for collecting data regarding the environmental performance of the industry in B.C. via its licensing activities, and its regular scientific research and monitoring programs. DFO and B.C. use the latest data and advice contained in peer-reviewed scientific research i.e., through Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat to inform decisions to sustainably manage marine resources in the Pacific. Provincial staff work across agencies internally as well as externally with DFO colleagues to find solutions to issues facing the seafood and aquaculture industries. B.C. also regularly engages with DFO and other Provinces and Territories on management of fisheries resources through formal committees such as the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers. B.C. has recently revised its policies on salmon-farming tenures to ensure increased reliance on best-available science and assurances from DFO on the minimization of risk to wild salmon stocks. Effective June 2022, the Province will only grant Land Act tenures to fish farm operators who have satisfied DFO that their operations will not adversely impact wild salmon stocks, and who have negotiated agreements with the First Nations in whose territory they propose to operate. In June 2018, B.C. launched a multi-stakeholder Wild Salmon Advisory Council WSAC that is assisting in the development of a strategy to support restoring healthy and abundant wild salmon stocks in B.C. The Council consists of 14 British Columbians who have a broad understanding of the role that salmon play within B.C.s environment, for coastal and inland Indigenous communities, and local economies up and down the coast. The Councils report was made public in October, 2018 to coincide with the start of the International Year of the Salmon. The report provided 14 specific recommendations to support the health, habitat and management of wild salmon as well as the sustainability of the wild salmon industry in British Columbia. Government had planned to refer the report to the Select Standing Committee on Agriculture, Fish and Food to conduct a public engagement but, due to scheduling challenges and time constraints, chose to ask the Council to lead the public engagement. Multiple community meetings were held, and those unable to attend in person were able to provide their input to the Council through an online public engagement site. Government will begin developing proposals for a made-in-B.C. wild salmon strategy this summer, supported by the advice and guidance of the WSAC.