Fisheries Management is "the process of using
ecological, biological, economic, socio-cultural and political
information to make decisions and implement actions to achieve
goals for fish resources". This definition does a good
job of defining a highly complex and, at times, controversial
process.
The goals of the Fisheries Section are to:
- Conserve the natural diversity fish and fish habitat; and
- Manage freshwater sportfishing in a sustainable manner.
These goals, provincial in scope, are addressed by way of four
primary objectives:
- Conserve wild fish populations and their habitats;
- Manage for sustainable use of fish;
- Build support for resource stewardship; and
- Support co-operative arrangements with First Nations.
These objectives are achieved through a variety of approaches,
activities, partnerships and arrangements.
Like all other regions in the province, conservation of fish
and fish habitat is the first and foremost priority for the Kootenay
Fisheries Section. There have been tremendous changes in fish
populations and their habitats in this region, primarily due to
the activities of humans. We are now working with those industries
that impacted our fish resources to restore what can be restored
and maintain what can be maintained. It is a difficult challenge
as these impacts have occurred over the course of 40 to 50 years,
yet by working with industry, First Nations, the public, and other
resource management agencies, we believe we can make significant
gains toward achieving provincial goals and objectives.
Updates: Whiteswan Lake Fisheries Management Update (97KB PDF)
|
|
