Limiting Cultus sockeye harvest a step in the right direction
July 14, 2005

VANCOUVER – The Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ new plan to maintain a conservative harvest limit on endangered Cultus sockeye is a positive step towards conservation-based fisheries management, says the David Suzuki Foundation.

"We congratulate the Minister for yesterday’s announcement. Limiting exploitation of Cultus sockeye to 10-12% demonstrates that DFO is taking its conservation mandate seriously," says Bill Wareham, acting director of the David Suzuki Foundation’s marine conservation program. "It’s a good precedent, one that shows a commitment to the principles of conservation in DFO’s new Wild Salmon Policy."

The Wild Salmon Policy, released last month, followed extensive input from First Nations, scientists, and conservation groups, including the David Suzuki Foundation. Foundation scientists made several key recommendations to DFO, including the need to conserve salmon diversity. Cultus sockeye is just one of many stocks requiring protection and recovery strategies.

"While it is critical to place harvest restrictions on Cultus sockeye, it’s unfortunately just one of a number of salmon stocks that are endangered," says Mr. Wareham. "The depleted Cultus Lake Sockeye stock is symptomatic of broader issues. Many other stocks are at risk and require strong conservation efforts. We encourage the Minister to continue making decisions like the one today that demonstrates a precautionary approach."