April 12, 2007
VICTORIA, B.C. Randy Kamp, Parliamentary Secretary to the
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), announced today on behalf of the Honourable
Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, that all 164 of the planned Rockfish
Conservation Areas (RCAs) are now in effect.
"The establishment of these RCAs is a fine example of how our
new government is working with Canadians to keep our oceans healthy, productive
and sustainable," said Mr. Kamp. "This conservation measure will help to protect
rockfish and lingcod for future generations."
Rockfish are susceptible to overfishing since they rarely survive
after being caught and released. To protect and conserve both inshore rockfish and
lingcod, as well as their habitat, DFO has established RCAs along the coast of British
Columbia. RCAs eliminate rockfish and lingcod mortality related to fishing activity
within the RCA boundaries.
RCAs apply to both recreational and commercial fishers. Fishing
activities that impact on rockfish or lingcod, or their habitat, including fisheries
that result in the bycatch of these species, are prohibited in an RCA (see backgrounder
for list of permitted fishing activities).
Since 2005, through extensive consultations with First Nations,
recreational and commercial fishers, conservation groups and other interested parties,
the number of RCAs has been increased from 102 to 164 as of February 1, 2007. The
consultations focused on revising some of the established RCAs and developing 62
new RCAs. It is anticipated that RCAs will be in place for a number of years to
allow stocks to rebuild. Many of the RCAs are located in the Strait of Georgia,
where science indicates that stock declines have been most apparent.
To view the RCAs or read the descriptions of these areas, visit
DFO's website at
www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish/Restricted_Areas/rca_e.htm
or check with your local DFO office for more information. RCA maps and descriptions
are also available on compact disc (CD).
In 2002, DFO initiated a strategy to halt population declines
and allow inshore rockfish and lingcod stocks an opportunity to rebuild. This strategy
is based on four specific conservation measures:
a reduced total harvest of inshore rockfish and lingcod;
the establishment of areas for the protection of inshore
rockfish where fishing will be restricted (RCAs);
improvement of catch monitoring; and
establishment of a stock assessment framework for both
lingcod and inshore rockfish.
DFO is committed to the maintenance of sustainable fisheries
resources and habitats, and to the development of ecologically sustainable and economically
viable fisheries. Unauthorized fishing activity jeopardizes the resource. The Department
asks for assistance in reporting potential violations. Please call the toll-free,
24-hour Observe, Record, Report telephone reporting line at 1-800-465-4336.
Permitted Fishing Activity in Rockfish Conservation Areas
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Michelle Imbeau
Communications Advisor
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
604-666-2872
