Author Description

Recent serious developments affecting the British Columbia salmon fishery include the federal Dept. of Fisheries & Oceans decision to halve the size of the salmon fleet, a very low 1995-96 salmon catch, and depressed prices for salmon. This report assesses the impact of such changes on the province's salmon fishery, with three objectives: to assess impacts of fleet rationalisation and the 1996 commercial and recreational salmon fisheries on coastal communities and the province; to explore the need for transition and adjustment support from government to address the observed economic impacts; and to recommend how best to target transition and adjustment funding and programs. The report's analyses use 1991-94 data as a base for comparison. The report includes a profile of the salmon fishery and analyses of industry-wide, regional, coastal community, and Aboriginal impacts. The final sections evaluate the impacts of the Mifflin Plan (or the Pacific Salmon Revitalization Strategy) and make recommendations for transition programs. Appendices include statistical data and lists of comments received in surveying various stakeholders in the salmon fishery.