Pacific Fisheries Resource Conservation Council

The Pacific Fisheries Resource Conservation Council provides governments and the Canadian public with information, analysis and advice regarding the state of wild salmon resources and ecosystems.

 

The Council's purpose is to enable protection and restoration of the abundance and biologically diversity of Canada's wild Pacific salmon populations and their freshwater and marine habitat.

The Council promotes and encourages:

 - an integrated ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management and conservation;

 - responsible public and private stewardship of marine resources and fish habitat; and

 - public awareness of the importance of maintaining marine biological diversity, sustainability in fisheries management regimes and fishing practices, and the cultural, recreational and economic values associated with wild Pacific salmon.

 

The members of the Council provide independent advice to the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, the British Columbia minister responsible for fisheries, and the public. The Council also encourages dialogue and knowledge exchange among governments, First Nations, stakeholders and the general public. Since its creation in September 1998, the Council has pursued its mandate that includes the key roles to:

 -  Provide strategic advice regarding stock conservation and enhancement, habitat restoration, protection and improvement, and fisheries conservation objectives. This includes identifying stocks in need of conservation actions and stocks where there is insufficient information to assess their conservation status.

 -  Describe the effects of conditions in freshwater and marine ecosystems on wild Pacific salmon.

 -  Review and make recommendations on research programs, stock and habitat assessments, enhancement initiatives, and government policies and practices.

 -  Integrate scientific information with traditional and local ecological knowledge and experience of harvesters, streamkeepers and communities, particularly First Nations.

 -  Alert government officials and the public on issues that threaten the achievement of conservation objectives.

 -  Provide information, analysis and consensus-based advice to governments and the public.

 

The Council members provide their recommendations to Ministers and the public simultaneously. The Council convenes and hosts public meetings each year at locations across British Columbia to review the status of wild Pacific salmon stocks and their habitat.