Canadians’ Access to Fishing Could Close Permanently

Will you be able to take your kids fishing in 5 years? When you look at trends in fishing closures, maybe not.

It might sound like the plot of a Mission Impossible film, but there is a quiet, coordinated effort on the part of numerous U.S.-based environmental organizations to close access to fishing for Canadians.

This effort can be seen most recently in British Columbia. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has been at the fore of developing a Protected Areas plan since 2008, beginning in North West coastal British Columbia, with access closures now mapped on 102,000 square km of coastal and inland waters.

According to DFO, the closures in BC represent their plan for the rest of Canada — including the Great Lakes. Recent Environmental Non-Government Organization (ENGO) submissions to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans recommend 75% permanent closure zones in all protected area designations.

Another concerning fact is that public transparency and stakeholder involvement is limited. Much of what is being planned is taking place behind closed doors.

Looking five years down the road, the math around permanent fishing access closures is sobering for people who just want to take their kids fishing.

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 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 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.