qathet Living, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
For decades, the Salish Sea’s herring nearly disappeared, starving local salmon, whales and other species. The run miraculously came back in 2014.
Since then, Ottawa has allowed commercial boats to harvest 20 per cent of the herring run – in spite of lobbying by First Nations and environmental groups.
Continue reading Herring cut not enough, says west coast First NationNational Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
In her first major decision, new federal Fisheries Minister Joyce Murray has reduced the West Coast commercial herring fishery by half.
Wading into the thick of fish politics Thursday, Murray said the decision is based on an abundance of caution given herring are a critical food for endangered salmon stocks — further jeopardized by the double whammy of fire and floods in B.C. this year.
Continue reading New fisheries minister wades into fish politics, cutting herring harvest in half
