Preface 



Canada's Pacific fisheries are at a crisis point. This year, following two depressed 

 years, the economic circumstances of the commercial fisheries are exceptionally 

 bleak. In addition, there is a growing concern about the precarious condition of 

 many of our fish stocks and increasing anxiety among Indians about their tradi- 

 tional fishing rights and among sport fishermen about their recreational opportuni- 

 ties. Although aggravated by current conditions, the economic problems and other 

 concerns are rooted in fundamental deficiencies in fisheries policy. However, within 

 an improved policy framework, we can turn what is now a bleak and problematical 

 picture into an exceedingly bright one in the future. Our resources are remarkably 

 rich : indeed they are enviable in comparison to those of most other fishing regions. 

 And while some stocks are depressed, they are generally in much better condition 

 than the heavily exploited resources in much of the rest of the world. 



Our predominant resource, the Pacific salmon, is truly exceptional: it is one of the 

 world's most highly valued food fish; it affords superb recreational opportunities; 

 and its migrations throughout the coast and far into the waterways of the interior 

 has made it the touchstone of many of the native Indians' cultural and spiritual 

 traditions, which continue to enrich the Canadian social mosaic. In addition to all 

 this, salmon are highly responsive to enhancement. Herring also provide unusually 

 valuable food products; and many other species of fish, shellfish and Crustacea are 

 valuable as well. 



This report identifies opportunities for reorganizing the commercial fisheries to 

 put an end to their chronic instability and poor economic performance and start 

 them on a healthier course of development, for preserving and enhancing 

 sportfishing opportunities, and for securing Indians' traditional access to fish. These 

 are not just theoretical possibilities; they are attainable through established techno- 

 logies and regulatory methods, and at a cost that is modest relative to the benefits. 



The Commission on Pacific Fisheries Policy, appointed by the Governor General 

 in Council of Canada on January 12, 1981, was charged with the task of finding 

 ways to improve the conditions of Canada's Pacific fisheries. Its terms of reference, 

 reproduced in Appendix A, instruct me, as Commissioner, to investigate and to 

 make recommendations regarding most of the major issues of governmental pxjlicy 

 relating to Canada's Pacific fisheries, with the exception of international arrange- 

 ments. The scope of my inquiry has therefore been wide, including such disparate 

 matters as fisheries resource management and conservation, industrial regulation, 



