If you have ever asked yourself what the SFI Policy Conference and Big Splash Gala is really about, it is the one day each year where everyone who has a stake in British Columbia’s public fishery gets into the same room to talk straight about where we are headed.

I have made the run across the water to the Vancouver Convention Centre for years now, and it never disappoints. The food is top shelf, the evening gala is an absolute riot, and catching up with lodge owners, guides, tackle builders, and good friends you usually only see across the rip in July makes it feel like an annual coastal reunion. I have had my fair share of auction luck over the years too—walking out with a brand-new boat one season, and taking home a limited-edition Percy Walkus Islander reel another year. But as good as the evening dinner and prize tables are, the real heart of the trip happens during the daytime policy sessions.

Why This Conference Matters to Public Anglers

If you spend time on coastal waters, you know our public fishery is navigating some heavy chop. Between ongoing battles surrounding mark-selective fisheries (MSF), shifting seasonal access, and the lingering question of whether the Salmon Allocation Policy (SAP) review is truly settled, public anglers are constantly feeling the squeeze.

Rather than sitting back and waiting for sudden in-season fishery notices from Ottawa, the Sport Fishing Institute of British Columbia organizes this day-long forum to put anglers, scientists, commercial interests, and government decision-makers at the same table. Under this year’s theme—Pathways to Sustainability: Incorporating Best Practices Across All Sectors—the conference provides an unvarnished look at the policies directly affecting our seasons.

Official 2026 SFI Policy Conference Agenda

The day is divided into two distinct halves: a morning science session dedicated to salmon recovery, followed by an afternoon of direct policy discussions and sector updates.

Morning: Pacific Salmon Foundation Session

• 9:30 AM – Registration Opens: Check-in and badge pickup at the Vancouver Convention Centre – West.
• 10:00 AM – Introduction & Welcome: Opening remarks from Rob Alcock, President of the Sport Fishing Institute of BC.
• Pacific Salmon Foundation Projects: Jason Hwang, Vice President of Salmon, presents targeted updates on marine survival research, hatchery enhancements, and habitat restoration funded directly through your tidal water Salmon Conservation Stamp.
• 12:00 PM – Lunch: A full buffet spread and open room networking with speakers, reps, and fellow anglers.

Afternoon: SFI Policy & Leadership Panels

• 12:45 PM – SFI Afternoon Welcome: Rob Alcock introduces the afternoon focus: Pathways to Sustainability – Incorporating Best Practices Across All Sectors.
• 1:00 PM – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO): Video address from The Honourable Joanne Thompson (Minister of Fisheries and Oceans), followed by direct remarks from Anna Classen, Regional Director General for the Pacific Region.
• 1:20 PM – SFI Projects & Activities Update: Executive Director Owen Bird and Director of Sustainable Fisheries Martin Paish outline SFI’s active advocacy files, regulatory challenges, and strategic priorities.
• 2:00 PM – BC Wildlife Federation: Executive Director Jesse Zeman provides updates on inland habitat initiatives, wildlife stewardship, and public resource access.
• 2:20 PM – BC Seafood Alliance: Executive Director Brenda McCorquodale addresses commercial sector dynamics and cross-sector marine collaboration.
• 2:40 PM – Coffee Break & Networking: Floor discussions and mid-afternoon refreshments.
• 3:10 PM – DFO Salmon Management & Client Services: Jeff Grout discusses in-season harvest strategies, salmon monitoring, and client service operations.
• 3:30 PM – Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC: Mike Gass, Manager of Sport Fishing Development, outlines freshwater stocking programs and recruitment initiatives.
• 3:50 PM – Fishing BC Marketing Coop Trends & Plans: Matt Jennings breaks down tourism data, angler participation trends, and promotional plans for BC sport fishing.
• 4:30 PM – Wrap Up & Thanks: Closing thoughts from Rob Alcock.
• 4:40 PM – Adjourn: Transition to the evening gala reception.

The Big Splash Gala & Fundraiser

Once the policy presentations conclude, the energy moves straight into the Big Splash Gala from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. This evening fundraiser is what funds the SFI’s boots-on-the-ground advocacy throughout the rest of the year. The live auction and silent tables feature top-tier saltwater gear, remote lodge packages, coastal artwork, and local business experiences.

Honouring Coastal Champions: The Bob Wright Legacy Award

Beyond the policy debates and auction bids, the emotional heart of the Big Splash Gala is the annual presentation of the Bob Wright Legacy Award. Named after the visionary founder of the Oak Bay Marine Group and a fierce, lifelong champion of our sport fishery, the award recognizes individuals who have dedicated their lives and tireless energy to the conservation, enhancement, and defense of British Columbia’s public fishery.

Standing in that room when a recipient is called up is genuinely moving. You are looking at people who spent decades quietly doing the heavy lifting in hatcheries, scientific committees, and government hearing rooms so the rest of us could continue to enjoy our waters. In 2025, the honour went to longtime DFO biologist Wilf Luedke for his immense scientific contributions and dedication to salmon management. The SFI has selected another exceptional champion for 2026—and as is tradition, the name remains under tight wraps until the envelope is opened on gala night.

Show Up for BC’s Public Fishery

The public fishery will not maintain its access on good intentions alone. Ensuring our kids and grandkids can fish coastal waters requires an active community, credible scientific data, and an organized presence that government cannot simply overlook. Attending the SFI Policy Conference connects you directly with the issues, the science, and the people steering the conversation. Do not wait to read the post-season recap—grab your tickets, pull up a chair, and help make our coastal voice heard.