On February 15 federal Fisheries Minister Gail Shea made her decision on the allocation of halibut for the coming season known, and it is one that takes some steps towards addressing concerns from both the sport and commercial fishery.
The 2011 season will begin on March 1 and recreational anglers will be able to catch one halibut per day with two in possession. But along with that number comes the roll-out of a new trial program on that looks to address allocation concerns from the sport fishery, particularly those from lodges and charter operators.
“For the 2011 season only, we will undertake a trial to make available to interested recreational stakeholders experimental licenses that will allow them to lease quota from commercial harvesters. This will provide access to halibut beyond the limits of the standard recreational license, giving those who choose to participate greater stability for business planning purposes,” said the Minister, noting that a "ministerial decision" was required to move the season ahead in 2011.
Shea said she is asking her parliamentary secretary to work with DFO officials to develop options for the 2012 season that ensure “conservation of the resource through enhanced monitoring of the recreational fishery” to address concerns from the commercial sector about an unmonitored sport fishery, predictable access for all user groups and flexibility through an effective mechanism for transfers between the sectors.
“I have long held the belief that those who participate in and depend on a fishery to make their living need to be able to provide input into how that fishery is managed. Ideally, that happens in a collaborative and constructive manner,” she said.
“Many stakeholders from both sectors have clearly articulated their current positions, but I encourage continued dialogue about new approaches…The sooner British Columbians can put uncertainty behind them and look forward to a viable future for this fishery.”
