Tim Pardee and Mike von Zuben made up the delegation from the Bowen Island Fish and Wildlife Club (BIFWC) that attended the Sea to Sky Fisheries Advisory Group roundtable in Squamish on July 9. They met with biologists, environmentalists, MP John Weston (West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky) and MP Robert Sopuck (Dauphin - Swan River Marquette) who is also a member of both the Fisheries and Environment Committees of the House of Commons.
Pardee, the BIFWC's president, believes it is important for local representatives to participate in regional discussions to make their views and experiences known.
"It is important for the BIFWC to work with all the elected officials to ensure that the people who represent us understand the situation and need of Bowen Island," Pardee said. "I feel that M.P. John Weston has done quite a bit of work to convey the views of local conservationists to Ottawa."
"One of the points that came across from fisheries experts and advocates was the emphasis that the recommendations of the Cohen Commission should be taken seriously," Pardee said. "It stresses that the decline of salmon is something we cannot ignore and that salmon is important for the west coast." Pardee saw this as an important message, almost a plea to the federal government to please act on the commission's recommendation.
Also under discussion were the amendments to the Fisheries Act that are scheduled to come into effect in the fall.
"Most people in the room expressed the view that the new Fisheries Act needs more discussion and people need to know how to deal with issues that are specific to the west coast," Pardee said. "There was concern around the table and many felt that they would like more details on how specific situations will be handled."
To Pardee, the important points of discussion focused on the Cohen Commission report and changes to the Fisheries Act.
"Those were the key things for me," he said. "I felt the meeting was productive in communicating the needs of Bowen and Howe Sound and it helps John [Weston] to express our views more clearly in Ottawa."
Pardee added that protecting salmon, rockfish and the marine environment around Bowen is intricately linked to what happens in Howe Sound.
"It's good to see MPs dedicated to Howe Sound, to hear them express their views and listen. We are looking forward to further discussion and seeing some positive results," Pardee said. "Hopefully we'll be able to coordinate our efforts and make good things happen."
