Report of the Skeena Independent Science Review Panel
PACIFIC SALMON FOUNDATION-MEDIA RELEASE
may 15th 2008
Skeena Independent Science Review Panel Releases Salmon Management Recommendations
The Pacific Salmon Foundation is pleased to release the findings and recommendations of the Skeena Independent Science Review Panel (SISRP). The Panel used the best available data to review current scientific knowledge and management of salmon and steelhead in the Skeena River watershed, one of the most diverse and productive salmon-bearing ecosystems in the world. The Panel identified additional monitoring and data collection that would be needed to improve fisheries management and implement Canada’s Wild Salmon Policy (WSP). The Panel has recommended principles for new ways to manage fisheries in the Skeena watershed, while taking into account the WSP, respect for the interests of First Nations people, and the sustainability of commercial and recreational fisheries for the people of Canada.
The conservation of wild Skeena salmon and steelhead, as well as their habitats, is a high priority. The Panel’s review of salmon management was jointly sanctioned by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the British Columbia Ministry of the Environment (MoE), but the Panel carried out its work with complete independence from both of those agencies. The recommendations of the Panel will be used to inform decisions about the conduct and governance of Skeena River fisheries. The Panel would like to acknowledge and compliment both DFO and MoE for their cooperation and expedient responses to queries and data requests.
The Skeena Independent Science Review Panel has been managed by the Pacific Salmon Foundation with funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. The Panel is composed of four independent scientists: Dr. John Reynolds – Simon Fraser University, Dr. Randall Peterman - Simon Fraser University, Dr. Carl Walters – University of British Columbia, and US independent fisheries consultant Jim Lichatowich.
The Panel’s work took place between January and April 2008. LGL Ltd. of Sidney, B.C. provided technical support for data analysis.
The Panel will present its findings at a public meeting in Terrace, B.C., on June 10th, 2008 at the Best Western Terrace Inn from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. DFO, MOE, and Skeena Fisheries Commission officials and the public will provide comments on the report at that time.