In our first article in our series on Elevating Recreational Fishing in Canada, we revealed that the Canadian government is ignoring decades of sound natural resources management. What should be celebrated as an ongoing accomplishment in long-lasting sustainability, is unfortunately tainted by a large network of nefarious motives, backroom meetings, and questionable financial dealings — all driven by powerful U.S. environmental groups.
However, it should be noted that the wealth of healthy and abundant fish and wildlife populations, habitat, parks and protected areas we take for granted in Canada did not occur by accident.
Simply stated, Canadian natural resource management professionals and scientists have successfully applied the seven basic components of the North American Model of Conservation for decades.
The North American Model of Conservation:
HELD IN THE PUBLIC TRUST – Fish, wildlife, public waters and lands.
A BASIS IN SOUND SCIENCE – The foundation for all natural resource management, access and harvest regulations, application of policy and environmentally sustainable wise use.
DEMOCRATIC RULE OF LAW – For public access to public lands, waters and sustainable use of fish, wildlife and other natural resources.
OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL – Every citizen has an opportunity, under the law, to hunt and fish in Canada (and the U.S.).
USER PAYS FUNDING – Provincial, territorial, state fish & wildlife agencies / law enforcement funded by fishing & hunting license revenues and related taxes.
INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES – The U.S. and Canada jointly manage fish, wildlife and habitat under various treaties, commissions, enforcement and professional organizations.
COMMERCE IN DEAD FISH & WILDLIFE – Prohibitions, regulation & enforcement.
The above components and the people who adhere to them have become the greatest environmental success story in world history. In future articles we’ll discuss how the success of this model is at risk, and what you can do to protect your right to sustainable recreational fishing in Canada.
Go to Article 1: Funds from U.S. ENGOs Threaten Your Right to Fish
Go to Article 3: Protection Zones: One Size Does Not Fit All
Go to Article 4: Canadians’ Access to Fishing Could Close Permanently
Go to Article 5: 8 Million Anglers Left in the Dark: Why Don’t We Get a Say in Fishing Closures?
Go to Article 6: Marine Conservation and Fisheries Management From Anglers’ Perspective
This is an ongoing issue that we will be reporting on — both in-depth and as the threat of fishing closures arise across the country.
We invite you to review the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association’s document, Elevating Recreational Fishing to a National Priority, for more details about conservation, angler access and fishing closures in Canada.
If you’ve ever wanted to help support the recreational fishing industry in Canada, now is the time. Keep Canada Fishing is the national voice of Canada’s anglers, and we lead the effort to preserve your right to sustainably fish on our lakes, oceans, rivers and streams. We are your voice on Parliament Hill. If you would like to contribute to our efforts to “Keep Canada Fishing,” you can donate now via PayPal.
