Comments received by the society in response to
the decision to cancel the fishing derby
To: Glen Varney
Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2008 10:41 AM
Subject: RE: Derby Cancelled
Glen Varney, Director of Hatchery Operations
Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society,
Jack Brooks Hatchery, Sooke BC.
Dear Mr Varney,
I read with dismay the cancellation of
the annual Sooke Salmon Derby. The derby is a great
fundraiser and Salmon Enhancement Awareness opportunity for the Sooke
River system and the local fishery. I have participated in the derby for
the past two years and have greatly enjoyed the opportunity. I understand
that the decision to cancel the derby is in direct response to
dismal Chinook returns to the Sooke River system in the past two
years.
I fished on at least 15 occasions last
year (2007) in the Sooke and Nitinaht areas of the West Coast of Vancouver
Island and was fortunate to bring in 10 Chinook Salmon up to
25 pounds. These fish were caught by myself, my 13 year old nephew
and one by my 7 year old son. At least 4 of these were destined for
the Nitinaht River (caught at the bar in early September) and some number
of the remainder were likely Sooke River fish - given that they were
spawners and caught off Secretary Island.
There is no doubt that the Sport Fishery is only
minimally responsible for the collapse of the West Coast fishery, but I cannot
participate blindly in the further decimation of what was once a world renowned
resource without knowing that there is a plan in place to ensure
a sustainable resource for our future generations. Without effective
fisheries management guaranteeing the survival of the
entire marine food chain, the salmon will not exist as we once
knew it.
I have decided therefore to
not fish for salmon this year until it is known absolutely that the river
systems have sustainable returns (I'll consider early local reports in
September, not DFO.) Hopefully the fish that do not land in my freezer
this year will add to the 100 or so fish that would have been taken
in this year's derby and will make it to the Sooke River
system. Hopefully the meagre 150 Chinook that are allowed to
make it to the Sooke River as a direct result of the Department and Fisheries
and Oceans management will be increased as a result.
I understand that I will be withholding an
average of $150 per days' fishing from the local community (gas and oil,
fishing gear, bait, launch, lunch, snacks, beverages, and motel stays /
meals at Nitinaht Lake etc.) The local mechanics will also miss
my 2007 contribution of over $1,500 for their service on my small runabout for
outboard and trailer repairs. This totals a direct amount of
approximately $3,750 for 10 Chinook or $375 per fish that will
unfortunately not circulate through the local economy this year.
As I put these numbers together it
reminds me how fortunate I am to not be one of the
masses with the $40,000 plus boats or one of the tourists that pay upwards of
$100 per hour for the opportunity to hook into one or two of our great
Chinook Salmon. The hotel stays, the flights, the taxis, the ferries, the
rental cars, the restaurants, the floating lodges, the guides, the tackle
chain, the bait companies, the smokehouses, the processors, the mechanics,
the boat builders, the advertisers, the salespeople at all levels - and
this just a partial list of the direct impact the Sport Fishery has on the the
local economies. Just imagine the spin-off circulation. This
contribution is clearly undervalued by the same authority that allows the
Pacific Salmon to be bled into extinction.
I appreciate and value the decision made by the
SSES to not hold the derby this year and wish to contribute in my own
capacity. I will likely not be purchasing the $22.26
saltwater fishing license and the $6.36 Chinook tag and will not be
purchasing the two $50 derby tickets for my boat. Knowing the great and
necessary work done by the SSES and the Jack Brooks Hatchery team, I
am forwarding by mail a cheque for the total of $128.62 as donation to the
Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society to be put to good use.
Thank you to the SSES for all of the great work
that you do.
Doug Johns
To: "Glen Varney" Director of Hatchery Operations
Sent: Monday, January 21, 2008 11:25
AM
Subject: Derby Cancellation
Hi Glen
What a good idea! Doug Johns
contributes - why not lots of people, so today
to help get things started we sent
by mail our contribution of $200.00.
Congrats to John and kudos to the
Society exec for having the knockers to
make the decision
Jack McLeod
Hello Glen Varney and Brian Manning:
What a great plan. As you know Ben and I participate
in the derby each year. Although we are saddened by the cancellation
I am in total support of the decision. Ben and I would be happy to donate
to help to cover the loss. Ben and I will each donate $200.00 for a total
of $400.00. Cheque will be sent asap.
All the work you and the other members do to
support salmon enhancement is greatly appreciated.
Thanks to all the volunteers.