Activity Report
There is a significant threat facing BC’s recreational salmon fishery, and the Public Fishery Alliance (PFA) is in full advocacy mode to protect our common property right to the salmon resource and defend priority access to Chinook and Coho salmon.
The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, is currently considering proposed changes to the Salmon Allocation Policy (SAP). We understand a decision could be made at the end of March.
Why This Matters
Since 1999, Canada’s Salmon Allocation Policy has been guided by clear principles:
- Conservation first
- First Nations’ constitutionally protected right to harvest for food, social and ceremonial purposes
- Recreational priority access to Chinook and Coho
- Commercial priority access to Sockeye, Pink and Chum
This framework has worked for decades.
In 2018, the courts recognized Indigenous Rights-Based (IRB) fisheries, and former Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc directed a review of SAP to reflect those findings. While IRB fisheries allow for sale of fish, they are not the same as the general commercial salmon fishery in BC.
We are deeply concerned that proposed changes could reduce recreational priority access to Chinook and Coho. The economic, social, and conservation implications of that shift would be significant.
Why We Went to Ottawa
Recognizing the urgency, the PFA moved quickly. We believed that sending a delegation to Ottawa while Parliament was in session would be the most effective way to:
- Raise political awareness
- Present our recommendations directly
- Advocate strongly for maintaining priority access
Originally, we planned to send three representatives and launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover travel and accommodation costs. Our initial target was $6,000.
Within three days, donations exceeded that goal. We raised the target to $10,000, and ultimately raised $21,650.
That incredible support allowed us to expand the delegation and extend our time in Ottawa. To everyone who contributed: thank you. Your support made this advocacy mission possible.
Meet the PFA Ottawa Delegation
To represent recreational anglers in Ottawa, the Public Fishery Alliance sent a seven-member volunteer delegation drawn from across British Columbia’s fishing community. Together, they reflect guides, retailers, conservation leaders, scientists, and everyday anglers who depend on a strong public fishery.
Kathryn Sharp – Director, PFA; Co-owner & Operations Manager, Pacific Angler; represents retail, guiding, and fishing-dependent businesses.
Dean Werk – Owner – Great River Fishing Adventures – 40 years, Fraser River and Tributaries – Registered Indigenous Tourism Business – FVSS President – decades of advocacy work, Prov, Fed and conservationist.
Brian Braidwood – Manager, Sea-Run Fly & Tackle; President, Kingfisher Rod and Gun Club; long-time conservation advocate.
Peter Krahn – Environmental engineer and fisheries innovator; developer of selective RiverTraps™ technology.
Dustin Snyder – President, Spruce City Wildlife Association; Upper Fraser Chinook conservation leader; 2024 King Charles III Coronation Medal recipient.
Jason Assonitis – Founder, Bon Chovy Fishing Charters; 30+ years across commercial and recreational fisheries; PFA Director.
Dave Brown – Former fishing guide and long-time Sport Fishing Advisory participant; National Recreational Fisheries Award recipient; advocate for protecting public access to salmon.
This team brought practical, real-world experience to Ottawa, representing the economic, conservation, and community importance of BC’s recreational salmon fishery.
What We Accomplished
During our four days in Ottawa (February 9 – 12), while Parliament was in session, we:
- Held dozens of in-person meetings with MPs from all major parties
- Hosted a well-attended luncheon for Conservative MPs
- Hosted a cross-party breakfast presentation attended by Liberal, Conservative, and Green Party MPs
- Delivered a detailed PowerPoint outlining the economic, social, and conservation implications of proposed SAP and SRKW changes
- Met with MPs on the Standing Committee on Fisheries
- Engaged with Parliamentary Secretaries, the Shadow Fisheries Critic, a former Fisheries Minister and members of the Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus
- Helped launched a signature petition that can be signed at local Town Halls and tackle stores. An online version of the petition will also be available in the coming days
Although we did not secure a face-to-face meeting with Minister Thompson, she was made fully aware of our presence. A copy of our SAP and SRKW briefing note was personally delivered to her by MP Todd Doherty.
Why This Is So Important
The recreational salmon fishery generates approximately $1.25 billion annually and supports over 9,100 jobs in British Columbia. It sustains coastal communities, tourism operators, charter businesses, tackle retailers, and thousands of volunteers who contribute significant conservation value each year.
We are also deeply concerned about additional Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW) fishing restrictions being considered for 2026, which could further limit public access.
The PFA Board believes the Ottawa trip was a success. We:
- Elevated awareness across party lines
- Educated many MPs who were previously unfamiliar with the scope of the issue
- Presented constructive, conservation-aligned recommendations
- Secured commitments for continued engagement
However, the work is far from over.
With a potential SAP decision expected at the end of March, the coming weeks are critical. Continued engagement from members and the broader angling community will be essential.
We took your voice to Ottawa.
Now we must keep the momentum going!
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Public Fishery Alliance