Tag Archives: Bernadette Jordan

Rivers & Oceans

COVID-19 Relief Aid For Fish Harvesters

Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The federal government released details of long-anticipated COVID-19 relief aid for fish harvesters Wednesday.

But critics argue that while the government was slow to deliver the programs, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) expects commercial fish harvesters to apply quickly, and right in the middle of fishing season. The relief programs may also shut out some new fishers carrying heavy debt, they say.

Continue reading COVID-19 Relief Aid For Fish Harvesters →
Finances, Rivers & Oceans

BC’s Fishing Industry Needs A Lifeline

Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Wes Erikson has spent his entire life working the waters of B.C.’s west coast, working gruelling hours on deck in some of the worst kinds of weather.

A fourth-generation commercial fisherman, Erikson started fishing on his father’s vessel at the age of five, graduating to paid deckhand by age eight. By 19, he’d purchased his first boat — and its associated halibut licence.

Continue reading BC’s Fishing Industry Needs A Lifeline →
Indigenous Nations, Rivers & Oceans

Tsilhqot’in Nation demands meeting on declining Fraser River chinook stocks

By Rebecca Dyok, Williams Lake Tribune, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Six B.C. First Nations are calling for an immediate meeting with Canada’s Minister of Fisheries and Oceans as chinook stocks in the Fraser River near the brink of collapse.

Continue reading Tsilhqot’in Nation demands meeting on declining Fraser River chinook stocks →
Animals, Indigenous Nations, Rivers & Oceans

Stop Using Open-Net Pens For Salmon Farming

Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A First Nations leadership alliance is calling for the immediate end to salmon farming using open-net pens in B.C. waters, citing the threat of sea lice to wild fish stocks.

Continue reading Stop Using Open-Net Pens For Salmon Farming →