Tag Archives: Matt Simmons

Fisheries

Sweeping reductions to BC’s commercial salmon fisheries

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By Matt Simmons, The Narwhal, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

For Kevin Carpenter, a Heiltsuk gillnetter from Bella Bella, fishing has long been a way of life for him and his community.

“I started on boats when I was like five or six years old,” he told The Narwhal on a call from Prince Rupert.

In fact, he said he was preparing his boat for the fishing season a few weeks ago when he heard an announcement that would send him and the entire commercial fishing community reeling.

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Environment, Fisheries

Auditor General: BC is Falling short on commitment to protect fish and wildlife habitat

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By Matt Simmons, The Narwhal, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

BC is falling short on its commitment to protect fish and wildlife habitat, according to a report released by the province’s auditor general on Tuesday.

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Forests

Searching for solutions in the Kispiox Valley

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By Matt Simmons, The Narwhal, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Clear plastic bags hang from small spigots plugged into birch trunks in a  mixed stand of deciduous and coniferous trees on a hillside above the  Kispiox River in northwest B.C. Denzel Sutherland-Wilson and his  19-year-old niece, Hailey Wilson, pour the birch water collected  overnight from five trees into a 20-litre bucket, explaining they’ve  been doing this every day for a couple of weeks. 

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Fisheries

Study Suggests Closing Fisheries for long term economic gain

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By Matt Simmons, The Narwhal, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

At least a quarter of major fish stocks in Canada are in decline, but efforts to  rebuild them  — such as closing fisheries or setting catch limits — are  often met with strong opposition due to negative socioeconomic effects.  Now a new study by University of British Columbia researchers shows the  short-term financial pain can lead to long-term gain — and that pain can  be eased by providing fishers with social and economic assistance.

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Forests

long-term effects of glyphosate spraying on forests

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By Matt Simmons, The Narwhal, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Picture a helicopter flying over a cutblock, releasing a misty cloud from a  sprinkler-like contraption rigged to its belly. The cloud contains a  herbicide called glyphosate.

Continue reading long-term effects of glyphosate spraying on forests →