Inquiry into 2009 BC Sockeye salmon collapse is underway

Stephanie Dearling
March 26, 2010
Digital Journal

Vancouver, B.C. - Last year the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) predicted 2009 would be a stellar year for Sockeye salmon, saying it expected 10 million sockeye to return. Barely one million returned, prompting calls for an inquiry into the collapse of the important fishery. After the DFO refused to take action over the collapse, the Harper government announced the Cohen Commission to investigate the collapse. A first report is expected sometime in August. Headed by Bruce Cohen, the inquiry is hearing from environmental groups, Aboriginals, fishermen and members of the public.  

Salmon farmers have also applied for a chance to present to the inquiry. Head of the BC Salmon Farmers' Association (BCSFA), Mary Ellen Walling told press "Perhaps more than any other industry, the salmon farmers understand the importance of a healthy, productive ocean. Wild salmon stocks are of critical importance to both BC’s environment and way of life. It’s important that this commission look at all the issues that are affecting the wild populations.”

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