Fall 2015 Newsletter

BRITISH
COLUMBIA
FEDERATION
of DRIFT
FISHERS
B.C. Federation of Drift Fishers Annual Banquet
Please join us Nov. 14th, 2015 at the Executive Inn Plaza, 405 North Rd., Coquitlam.
Doors open at 6PM & dinner at 7PM. This is our primary fundraiser which allows us to
continue our many initiatives in protecting fish stocks and preserving angler opportunity.
The evening includes raffles, live & silent auctions and door prizes. The 2014 Live
auction featured a trip for 2 to the spectacular Langara Lodge in the Queen Charlotte
Islands. As listed in this newsletter we have wonderful support from many sponsors who
make this event a success.
We are pleased to announce that our guest speaker this year is "Order of Canada"
recipient, Mark Angelo. Mark has been our premier speaker in the past and many past
banquet attendees have enquired when he would return. Mark’s bio is below.
We suggest you get your tickets early as past events have been sell outs.
For ticket info contact: Cal Aronetz driftfisher@shaw.ca
Rod Clapton rclapton@shaw.ca
Spotlight on our Guest Speaker: Mark Angelo
Mark Angelo hails from Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, and is an internationally celebrated river conservationist, speaker,
writer and paddler. He is the founder and Chair of both BC and World Rivers Day and is Chair Emeritus of the Rivers Institute at
the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Mark was also the long time head of BCIT's Fish, Wildlife and recreation
Program. He has received both the Order of British Columbia and the
Order of Canada (his country's highest honour) in recognition of his
river conservation efforts over the past four decades. Among his many
other awards are the United Nations Stewardship Award and the
National River Conservation Award. As an avid paddler, Mark has
traveled along close to 1000 rivers around the world, perhaps more
than any other person. From 2003 to 2006, his acclaimed Riverworld
program played to sold-out audiences across North America and the
program's website had more than 40 million visits. Mark continues to
work on conservation issues in his community and province, as well as
across Canada and elsewhere in the world. Mark has written hundreds
of articles and essays about his experiences and related conservation
issues. He is a regular contributor to newspaper travel sections and is
the Past Chair of the Pacific Fisheries Resource Conservation
Council. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Simon Fraser
University in recognition of his river conservation efforts. Mark is a
Fellow International of the New York based Explorers Club, a Fellow of
the Royal Canadian Geographic Society, and is currently working on a
global river documentary film entitled RiverBlue, scheduled for
international release in early 2016.
Our list of donators we wish to thank. Please support them!
Berrys Bait & Tackle
Art Knapps Surrey
Stillwater Sports
Sea Run Fly & Tackle
Dave Willey
Bush in the Bush
Claude Braconnier
Highwater Tackle
Patricia Goeson
Scotty Plastics
Freds Tackle,
Chilliwack & Abbotsford
Ray Syrnk
Bob Otway
Pacific Net & Twine
Mustang Survival
Dan Otway
Pitt Meadows Golf
Pro Line Sports
Bill Gower Agencies
Romayne Payer
Bon Chovy Charters
Badger Earthworks
UPS Langley
Chris & Jill Clapton
Langara Fishing Lodge
Langara Island Lodge
Cheam Fishing Village
Barkley Mill Pub
Lakeside Resort & Casino
Summerland Golf & Country Club
Prickley Pear Garden Centre
St. Andrews Golf Club
Sumac Ridge Winery
Kettle Valley Pub
Sturge-on Swivel Adapters
Coquitlam Grill
Eric Carlisle
Redl Sports/Maurice Tackle
Fresh Water Fisheries Society
Executive Plaza Hotel
Michael & Young
Beast Master Guiding
Drifters Rod & Reel
Coast Steelheaders
Kingfishers Rod & Gun
Fishmysters Charter
Islander Reel
Murphy Sportfishing
Gold Rush Jewlers
West Coast Reduction
Gibbs/Delta Tackle
Riverside Lodge
Eddi's Wholesale Garden
Supplies
Twin Lakes Golf Course
Amundson Outdoors
Outdoor Technology
Defence Aerosols
TVH Canada
Mikes Reel Repairs
Mike Doutaz
Log Cabin Pub
Pacific Angler
Ultimate Sport Fishing
Leigh McCracken
Larry & Lauraine Mueller
J Thomas & Associates
B.C. Outdoors
Brad Duncan
Peacemakers
Bunker Industries
Valley Custom Rods
Inlet Seafoods
Spences Bridge Steelhead Association
Hyak Wilderness Adventurres
Chromer Sportfishing
B.C. Sportfishing Group
BCFDF Position on Selective Fishing on the Fraser
The mandate of the BCFDF is protection of fish stocks and
preservation of angler opportunity. We take this mandate
very seriously and as such we have carefully considered all
options relating to keeping the Fraser open during times of
concern for Fraser River sockeye. Our past history has
demonstrated that we vigorously protect all methods of
angling and view with great concern any proposed tackle
restrictions province wide. We will consider fishing
restrictions only if supported by defensible science. Too
often in the past restrictions have pandered to vocal specific
interest groups.
We have initiated past discussions with angler
organizations, the guiding community and Dept of Fisheries
and Oceans regarding selective fishing techniques toward
keeping the river open. A significant portion of the angling
community has not embraced the concept of selective
fishing, which has resulted in closures and conflict within
the community. Other user groups have criticized our lack of
total buy in to selective fishing practices and been vocal in
suggesting our impact through catch and release is
unacceptable during total conservation based closures for
sockeye.
The environmental conditions on the Fraser this year has
exacerbated the issue with unprecedented temperatures
and low water flows. There has been minimal fishing
allowed for sockeye and purely for First Nations only. The
weather this year could become the norm, thus sockeye
concerns will be an annual event. Solutions must be found
" POWER OF THE PEOPLE”
When the rumour surfaced in November 2013 of the proposal for a hazardous waste facility on the banks of the Fraser River in
Chilliwack it was assumed this ludicrous idea would soon disappear. Unfortunately,the potential of a few local jobs and additional
tax revenue blinded Chilliwack Council to the tremendous threat to the world's #1 salmon river.
The instant galvanizing of opposition within the Recreational, First Nations and Environmental communities was
unprecedented. All appreciated the potential catastrophic impact on the Fraser River which is acknowledged as the "Lifeblood of
B.C.". Fish stocks, wildlife and downstream residents would be impacted by the "devils brew" of materials that would be
discharged in the event of an accident at the proposed facility on the banks of the Fraser River. It's not if there is an accident,
rather it's when there is an accident.
The resulting campaign which evolved over 18 months was extensive and included numerous planning sessions and onsite
news conferences. The opposition grew to 53 organizations representing in excess of 200,000 individuals. These organizations
were local, province wide and international. The resulting coalition was the "Protect the Fraser Coalition".
In two meetings with Metro Vancouver, the downstream communities expressed grave concerns regarding this proposal and
were outraged they had not been consulted. Recently they issued a statement demanding additional consultation before any
construction began. This demand was echoed by the Ministry of Environment who laid out strict new guidelines for consultation
with First Nations and other Stakeholders.
Fraser River First Nations including the Stolo Nation have been adamant in their opposition to this hazardous waste proposal and
concerned about the lack of consultation with their respective councils. A recent trip to Victoria by Stolo Tribal Council Grand
Chiefs reiterated their opposition directly to the Minister of Environment.
within the community to address selective fishing which allows
angling for species of surplus without impacting other stocks of
concern.
It was hoped that the extensive lobbying by all sectors represented in the "Protect the Fraser Coalition" would cause the
proponent "Aevitis" to reconsider their plans. We were optimistic that our consistent message which is "We are not opposed to the
facility,we are opposed to the location" would prompt the proponent to seek another location.
When there is no fishing for sockeye by any user group we support
methods of angling for other species which include the following:
bar fishing, float fishing, spoon fishing and fly fishing. When
openings occur for any user group we must assume the
conservation concern has abated and other methods such as
bottom bouncing will be accepted. Those anglers who continue to
fish non-selectively when sockeye are closed, put the entire river
fishery in peril of closing.
Obviously Christmas has come early, as of May 5th "Aevitis" released a statement that plans for construction were cancelled as
too many obstacles deemed the project not feasible.
We support and expect DFO Enforcement on the river and support
actions that will curtail non-selective fishing in specific areas when
sockeye are closed. We know that currently a large number of
anglers fish selectively in many areas of the river. We support and
will participate in educational programs designed to show
particularly newer anglers how they can fish selectively. We expect
to partner with other organizations toward that goal
The BCFDF position stated above has resulted from considerable
discussion with our directors and we believe it is in the best interests
of our members and supportive of conservation concerns. We also
are confident this position is supported by the majority of the angling
community.
Rod Clapton
President
It has often been stated that you can't fight City Hall and it's "David versus Goliath" dealing with big business. One could suggest
that stereotype is no longer valid as our coalition of determined individuals has won the battle. This victory is not only critical for
fish stocks and wildlife but also the health and well being for those who live near or frequent the Fraser River.
Many people have made substantial contributions to this positive outcome. This was a total team effort and without the support of
all sectors represented by the 200,000 concerned individuals, this victory would not have been possible. It's becoming obvious
that we cannot be assured our respective government agencies will adequately protect our priceless resources for future
generations. It is time we draw a line in the sand ensuring this heritage is preserved for the future stewards of the resource.
All of us must accept our responsibilities as the current
stewards and we must remain vigilant. The "Protect the
Fraser Coalition" is a wonderful example of all sectors
coming together in common concern. The coalition
framework can remain if required in the future for other
serious issues involving all sectors.
A very special thank you to all who joined and supported
the coalition as your contribution has ensured that the
world's #1 salmon river is protected.
“ Individually we are ignored....
Collectively we are heard."