The 2023 SRKW Survey: Fishermen Need To Voice

Fisheries and Oceans has released an online survey which explains proposed 2023 management actions to conserve and protect Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW).

The proposals contain significant expansion of closed fishing areas in Juan de Fuca Strait near Port Renfrew, in the waters adjacent to Sooke and Victoria, the lower Gulf Islands and the mouth of the Fraser River. There is also a proposal to extend the length of closure.

Professional representatives have already made their positions known during the stakeholder consultations. Now it’s time for anglers to be heard. Remember that your voice counts, especially when influential groups who oppose recreational fishing will be using this public input opportunity to advance their anti-fishing position as forcefully as they can.

Please take the time to take this survey, and provide as much real data to the DFO as possible.

According to the public email received,

“The Government of Canada would like to hear from you! On January 19^th, 2023, an online survey was launched to seek feedback on the potential management measures to help the recovery of the of Southern Resident Killer Whales.

Since 2019, the Government of Canada has implemented a suite of measures each year to protect and further support the recovery of this iconic Pacific whale population. These measures address key threats to the recovery of this population, including reduced quantity and access to their prey, and increased noise and disturbance in their habitat.