Dear Sir:
The recent ban on the retention of Skeena River sockeye salmon to conserve future stocks is a responsibility shared by everyone.
Yet there was a gap between the time the ban on the commercial and sport fishery was placed and the time the ban on First Nations retention for food purposes was instituted.
I understand the allotments given to First Nations but if there is to be a ban on the retention of sockeye, it should be shared by everyone at the same time.
I am also concerned about the number of fish being sold illegally when escapement numbers aren’t being met.
I believe if all parties involved in this fishery had been on-board, that goal would have been obtained.
I am frustrated with politicians and government officials not addressing these issues, for fear of not being re-elected.
This head in the sand attitude unfortunately is not inclusive to only fishing.
I understand why people purchase fish from First Nations, all you have do is look in the supermarkets at the cost of a sockeye.
However, I urge all people not to buy fish from First Nations, this enables this overfishing to continue.
It’s time the world come to understand that First Nations are not the stewards of the land. This is merely a romantic notion.
If we are to conserve our resources, it must be a responsibility we all share together.
David Miller, Terrace, BC