The Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association strongly supports scientifically based management of our marine and freshwater resources.

Anglers (and hunters) fund conservation and lead all other groups in efforts to benefit fish and wildlife, including species that are not harvested. They have a long history of making sacrifices for the betterment of the resource. These accommodations have sometimes included targeted closures where the science has clearly indicated they are the best solutions to protect fish and sensitive habitat.

However, as outlined in an earlier article, very little pertinent research is contributed to recent closures and proposed closures. Zoning of public access to the nation’s waters based on arbitrary percentage formulas, purchased ‘science,’ and European ‘values’ is not acceptable, not credible and not in the interest of Canadians.

The establishment of any protected area regardless of its level of restrictions should:

  • Be based on the best scientific information available.
  • Include criteria to assess the conservation benefits of the closed area.
  • Establish a timetable for review of the closed area’s performance that is consistent with the initial purpose for creating the closure, and remove closure designation once the management goals are achieved.
  • Allow for recreational fishing to continue whenever possible.
  • Acknowledge and allow for the significant differences between the often severe impacts on habitat and fish populations from some commercial fishing harvest methods compared to the minimal effects from recreational fishing practices.
  • Be based on an assessment of the benefits and impacts of the closure, including its size, in relation to other management measures (either alone or in combination with such measures), including the benefits and impacts of limiting access to: users of the area, overall fishing activity, fishery science, and fishery and marine conservation.

Go to Article 1: Funds from U.S. ENGOs Threaten Your Right to Fish

Go to Article 2: The North American Model of Conservation

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?

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 this very important topic.

As well, 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.