[ksan]

This ought to facilitate discussion


NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

2006ENV0030-000491

April 26, 2006
Ministry of Environment





SCIENCE SUPPORTS BLENDED WILDSTOCK-HATCHERY SOLUTION







SQUAMISH – An independent scientific report commissioned by the Ministry of Environment has concluded that hatchery steelhead can be used to augment the wild population and help its recovery in the Cheakamus River, Environment Minister Barry Penner announced today.



“I believe all voices in the debate have legitimate concerns,” Penner said. “That’s why I asked staff for an independent scientific review to help guide my decision.”



At the request of the ministry, Dr. Marc Labelle, an internationally respected fisheries biologist, reviewed the scientific reports and data concerning the Cheakamus steelhead recovery plans and concluded that natural habitat restoration combined with short-term hatchery supplementation was a sound and viable option in this case.



The CN spill last August killed almost half a million fish in 90 minutes, including steelhead fry, parr and smolts, many of which were projected to mature and return in 2009 and 2010. Local stakeholders advocated using hatchery-reared steelhead to speed up the natural recovery process facilitated by habitat enhancements proposed by the ministry.



Labelle supported the natural recovery plan, but he concluded that each approach had its own merits and that social and economic imperatives supported considering short-term hatchery supplementation as well.



He also observed that short-term hatchery supplementation will likely not jeopardize the genetic integrity of the Cheakamus steelhead population. Efforts will now be made to collect 40 mature adults in the Cheakamus River over the next few weeks. The progeny will be hatchery-reared to produce at least 20,000 smolts, which will eventually augment the wild adult spawners in 2009 and 2010.



“We asked Dr. Labelle to look at all options available to ensure the steelhead population recovers as quickly as possible. In this specific case, natural recovery augmented by short-term hatchery supplementation is the best way forward,” said Penner. “I’ve said from the very beginning that our actions must be based on the best scientific analysis.”



The short-term hatchery supplementation option will be presented at a public meeting Thursday evening, April 27 in Squamish. During the meeting, feedback will be sought regarding the draft Recovery Plan for the entire ecosystem, including steelhead.





CN Rail is responsible for the costs associated with the rehabilitation of the Cheakamus River. The Ministry of Environment will be monitoring the recovery to completion.



-30-

[Eagleye]

Woohoo! I'm glad to see they finally saw the light and are going to use hatchery augmentation to help ensure the recovery of the run. Thanks to everyone who kept us and the Minister informed on the benefits of hatchery augmentation. This goes to show the powers at be will listen when enough attention is brought to an issue.

[Condatis]

[oldblackdog]

Finally, the Minister did the right thing.
Not like he did not gets lots of information on this.
Hope they can catch the brood stock.

This post has been edited by oldblackdog: 26 April 2006 - 02:21 PM

[Phoenix]

Yes- step 1 in the right direction..

But I hope people dont think that 20K smolts will turn things around. It wont- at best it will slow the decline. SIGNIFICANT habitat work is required too. Structures that will withstand at least a 1 in 100 yr flood. And CN has to be told to monitor and repair any eroding structures for at least 10 years.

[TheHappyHooker]

,

[uliwon]

          Labelle supported the natural recovery plan, but he concluded that each approach had its own merits and that social and economic imperatives supported considering short-term hatchery supplementation as well.



            He also observed that short-term hatchery supplementation will likely not jeopardize the genetic integrity of the Cheakamus steelhead population. 

I'm sorry, but this has nothing to do with science and everything to do with political pressure...not to mention bailing on those who were taking the bullets for you...there is still no evidence of this working, and "its all in the evidence folks". Don't fool yourself, did the Dr. give a scientific review/paper on the subject?

The good Dr. here is not a Steelhead specialist I recall, so is he a pawn to protect Penner from completely abandoning the ministries own experts?

"Likely not jeopardize?" what the hell is that? Where are we going to raise them? what facility is being refitted to accomidate the conditions required for these fish and their offspring?

when we rely on social and economic factors over the opinion of experts who's life's work is Steelhead, we got problems...

utterly disappointed...

This post has been edited by uliwon: 26 April 2006 - 03:28 PM

[4x4]

Nice to see a decision that seems to make sense.

The article mentions that they want to collect 40 mature adults in the Cheakamus.

Will the Cheakmus even have that many mature Steelhead in it right know?

[Condatis]

We go from risk adverse to whatever you want to call this...since when does social and economic considerations drive science based management...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
It has been working for the Commercial boys for years.

Think about the Sockeye runs and the commercial group using this as their way around the SARA listings.

It is being used as possibly the only hope to keep the Sturgeon fishery going on the Fraser.

It's all about money and politics, always has been and always will be.

[uliwon]

Yes well commercial interests have put us in a nice pickle there have they not?

I hate to think those pushing for this have that much economic clout.

'Socialized' science was responsible for the Bulkley 'redside' derby paid for by Fisheries renewal years back...after the Ministry vetoed the deal because the science was bad....remember that? Guy's fishing bait over pre-spawning steelhead in March on the Bulkley...nice...

This post has been edited by uliwon: 26 April 2006 - 03:35 PM

[Scott K]

What did Dr. Labelle say in his report, and utilize (i.e. studies) as justification for the hatchery program? Has he produced anything, or will that be presented later? Anyone know?

[Condatis]

I hate to think those pushing for this have that much economic clout.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------
Think about it, Guides, towns, tackle shops, the list goes on and on.

[squaretailer]

Well,at least there is another tool to utilize in the attempt at recovery of the Cheakamus.All us pro-fish culture people,just want the best,most complete recovery plan to be implemented.There is still a huge task at hand,with regards to other facets of the plan.Meaning that we may labour even harder to make sure that other facets of the plan come to pass(habitat and nutrient regeimes,removal of barriers etc.)There is also a new challenge which is the actual collection of potential stock,which may be a challenge at this point in the season,hell it will be a challenge.After all the dust settles,I just hope the best plan/plans are implemented.

ST

[Whistler]

it will be interesting to see what is presented at tomorrow nights meeting. I hope that there is something from Labelle.

Personally I am for whatever will best help the river-just would want it to be based on the best science.

Condatis, don't try and pin this on the guides and tackle shops as there are many of us who haven't written a letter(against or for)on this topic to a politician.

If this is what it seems,a result of political pressure and the minister covering his ass, this will be too bad. I just hope that whatever is being done will have a positive effect.

If it does then this will be the first example I know of where fish culture has a positive effect on a run of wild fish.

I did get a quick laugh over how quickly the usual suspects chimed in on this(Ksan, Phoenix, ST and Condatis-BTW didn't your parents ever tell you it's rude to stick your tongue out at people.

oh and yes Dennis there are still fish in the river- it will be interesting to see which of these folks is the first to sign up for broodstock fishing

[Condatis]

Condatis, don't try and pin this on the guides and tackle shops as there are many of us who haven't written a letter(against or for)on this topic to a politician.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------
We will never know, will we?
The quote below says different.
I noted that you were very adamant against this on the threads, however that is public and business is business.




------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
Labelle supported the natural recovery plan, but he concluded that each approach had its own merits and that social and economic imperatives supported considering short-term hatchery supplementation as well.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------