Our objective for development of salmon management plans will continue to be based on conservation and we will provide fishing opportunities where abundance permits. Allow selective fishing where stocks at risk are not prevalent. Implement special management zones to allow harvesting of more abundant species and stocks with no increase in mortality to stocks most at risk. These areas, formerly red zones, will allow for greater management flexibility to avoid coho. Subject to conservation needs, first priority will be accorded to First Nations to address their food, social and ceremonial harvest requirements.
Consultations are currently underway.
Where coho stocks can support some harvest, First Nations will be provided harvest consideration on a priority basis. Also, where abundance permits, there will be opportunities for recreational and commercial fisheries, in accordance with the Allocation Framework released by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in December, 1998. In addition to voluntary retirement of commercial salmon licences, these expenditures have included investments in vessel tie-up, selective fishing, a loan program for recreational fishing operations, funding for tourism and marketing initiatives, improvements to salmon habitat, and community economic development initiatives. The initiatives being implemented in the Pacific salmon fishery are consistent with the global imperative to adopt sustainable, conservation-based fisheries. We are making difficult decisions today because we want to ensure fish for future generations of Canadians.