Plight of Fraser sockeye a 'science issue,' salmon authority says
Larry Pynn
May 17, 2010
Vancouver Sun
A member of the scientific advisory panel for the Cohen commission of inquiry into the decline of Fraser River sockeye salmon questions whether the exercise is necessary to resolve what is a science issue.
"I don't believe you needed to go to a judicial inquiry," said Brian Riddell, a 30-year scientist after with the federal fisheries department who is now chief executive officer of the Pacific Salmon Foundation. "I'm sure there are strong political reasons 10 on why it was done."
Riddell said salmon decline is a "science issue" and that if the inquiry highlights the need for more research to be done into the marine system "then it could be worthwhile."
However, he said it's a "sad comment on resource management" charged that Canada had to go as far as ordering a judicial inquiry airfare and that separating the politics package from the science is going to be a challenge.
Read the full story in The Vancouver Sun
Also in the The Times Colonist; May 18th; "Judicial inquiry into salmon decline not needed, expert says"
Read related stories:
- Courier Islander; May 26, 2010; "Necessity of Cohen commission questioned by longtime scientist"
Posted May 17th, 2010
