SFI Halibut Presentation

8/8/2019 SFI Halibut Presentation

1/12

Update and Forecast


2/12

How did we get here?y 2003 Thibault Allocation Policy.

y 88\12; market based transfers to allow for growth; no in

season closures.y Based on poor recreational catch data both in terms of

numbers and size.

y 2008 Gordon Process produced consensus

agreement for compensated transfer. Rejected by DFO.y Rec sector caught over 12% every year since 2007.

y In season closures in 2008 and 2010.

y Has the policy ever worked?

.


3/12

2011 Seasony Canadian TAC predicted to be similar to 2010.

y 71,000 lbs predicted overage in 2010 to be deducted

from 2011 allocation.y Effort estimated to be similar to 2010.

y Start Feb 1st, when would season end?

- 2\3 July 15th

- 2\2 Aug 1st

- 1\2 Aug 20th


4/12

2011 SFAB recommendation:y Minimum acceptable: - 2\day, 2 possession

- Feb 1st Dec 31st

y 1\2 caused significant economic and social harm tocoastal communities.

y Short season creates a p0tentially dangerous fishery.

y SFAB rejected DFO proposals to continue to work

within flawed 88\12 allocation.

y In-season closures and continued uncertainty causefurther harm. BC is now closed for halibut fishing.


5/12

WHAT IS THE STANYER PROCESS?yA facilitated set of meetings between the

SFAB, PHMA, and DFO.

yTasked with finding a solution to the 88\12allocation problem.

yAre not limited to 88\12 for options.

yHas resulted in several options beingdiscussed, including one from the SFAB.


6/12

Stanyer Options1. Status Quo recreational fishery managed

to 12%.

2. Individual Anglers Fishing WithCommercial Quota.

3. Flexible Implementation of 88\12. Long

term averaging to 12%. Rejected by IPHC.4. Fixed Number - for the recreational sector.


7/12

Option 2 Individual Anglers FishingWithCommercial Quota.

yWould provide for private transactions betweenlodges, charters and quota holders to lease or purchase

commercial quota for their own use.y DFO would administer and track quota transfer.

yA way for businesses or individuals to accesscommercial fish, not a recreational fishery.

yAccepts and encourages privatization of halibutresource through application of ITQs.

y SFAB has opposed this option. Why?


8/12

The trouble with ITQsyAccepts that a common property resource can become

private property. Bought, sold, leased.

y Concentration of wealth and access. 435 original quotaholders gifted 88%; approx 100,000 recreationalhalibut fishermen share 12%. Is this best use?

y Creation of slipper skippers. In 2008, 79% of

commercial quota was leased. 140 active fishermen.y Hurts active commercial fishermen too. Lease costs

can be more than 75% of landed value.


9/12

Option 4 Fixed Numbery Choose bag\possession limit based on one of twoabundance levels

y Normal triggers limit of 2 and 3.

y Lower Abundance triggers limit of 2 and 2.

y Calculate the anticipated catch based on seasonlength and possession limit.

yAssign that catch to the recreational sector preseason.

y If number overestimated, surplus fish released forcommercial harvest in September.


10/12

Benefits of Fixed Number ApproachyAcknowledges that recreational-commercial

allocation is about rationing the benefits of fish,

not conservation.y Honours the principle that fish are common

property the SupremeCourt says cannot becomeprivate property until caught.

y Conforms to recreational Vision principles.

y Recognizes the social importance and economicvalue of recreational halibut fishery.


11/12

What about conservation?y Canadian TACs are established each year by the IPHC.

y 87 year old commission focused on science and stock

management of Pacific Halibut.y The IPHCCanadian TAC is considered by all sectors to

be sustainable.

y 88\12 is only about dividing up that sustainable

Canadian TAC between sectors.y SFAB is not advising fishing above Canadian TAC.

y 88\12 IS ALLOCATION, NOT CONSERVATION!


12/12

What can you do?

yWrite a personalized letter theMinister:

Honourable Gail Shea

Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

Parliament BuildingsWellington Street

Ottawa, Ontario

K1A 0A6

y Send copies to your localMP, MLA and the SFI.y Visit your local MP to voice your concern.

y Attend upcoming town hall meetings.

y JOIN THE SFI!!! www.sportfishingbc.ca

SFI Halibut Presentation

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Transcript of SFI Halibut Presentation