CartCourts rule in our favor!
Posted on
May 22, 2014
Media Release
Sport Fishing Institute of BC/BC Wildlife Federation
May 22, 2014
For immediate release
SFI, BCWF Laud Halibut Allocation Court Ruling
Vancouver—The Sport Fishing Institute of BC (SFI) and the BC Wildlife Federation (BCWF) today lauded the recent decision by the Court of Appeal to uphold the BC Supreme Court’s decision on recreational halibut allocation. In its decision, the Court of Appeal unanimously affirmed the ability of the Federal Fisheries Minister to set halibut quota levels, and upheld former Fisheries Minister Ashfield’s 2012 decision to increase recreational halibut fisheries by three per cent.
“By effectively dismissing the appeal and awarding costs to the respondents, the court sent a strong message that commercial halibut quota holders do not “own” halibut”, said BCWF President, George Wilson, “This is clearly a victory for the over 100,000 recreational anglers who go halibut fishing in BC every year.”
“This decision confirms that pacific halibut and all our fisheries resources belong to the public and not just the lucky few”, added SFI President Robert Alcock. “It means that sport fishers can look forward to predictable, sustainable public fishing opportunities every year.”
The B.C. Wildlife Federation (BCWF) and the Sport Fishing Institute (SFI) acted as Respondents in the case, together with the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, as represented by the Attorney General of Canada.
This case demonstrates how recreational anglers and the sport fishing industry can work together to address key issues of fisheries access and allocation. The SFI and the BCWF would like to thank everyone who donated funds in support of upholding the rights of recreational anglers through this case - their support went a long way towards paying our significant legal bills.
For more information please contact:
Owen Bird, Executive Director, Sport Fishing Institute of BC
604-805-6554
birdo@sportfishing.bc.ca
Al Martin, Director of Strategic Initiatives, BC Wildlife Federation
250-480-9694
alan_martin@shaw.ca