.'(HI nil SIXlKI I ISIII R> 



I.()N(;-rKKM DIKKIIONS 



With sufficient restraint in the shi)rt term to allow for 

 rfhabililation of overfished stcKks. the oiitl(H)k for 

 srHirtfishing oppK>rtiinities in the longer term is hright. If 

 enhancement eH'orts are successful, the oulliKik is even 

 hnghter. But present resource management practices and 

 appri>aches to regulating the spt>rt fishery are clearly 

 inadequate to ensure that these opportunities will be real- 

 ized. 



In this chapter I have concentrated on the salmon 

 sport fishery, which dominates recreational fishing on the 

 Pacific coast, but parallel values and opportunities are 

 also provided by other fish and shellfish. I have empha- 

 sized the importance of understanding the essential value 

 of sportfishing, and how this value is affected by regula- 

 tions. In the longer term, if we succeed in improving 

 resource management and increasing the available catch, 

 and if we put in place a system capable of effectively 

 regulating fishing, there is little doubt that recreational 

 values can be increased substantially by providing more, 

 and a broader diversity of, sportfishing opportunities. 



Hitherto, most tidal water sportfishing regulations have /| 

 applied uniformly over the whole coast in spite of widely 

 varying sli)ck ci)nditions and sportfishing pressures. 

 Within the last couple of years, however, modest steps 

 have been taken toward special regulations for particular 

 areas of the coast and particular rivers. As information 

 and administrative capabilities permit, future policy 

 should aim at more diverse, discriminating regional 

 arrangements adapted to local stock conditions and 

 sportfishing demand. A broader range of sportfishing 

 opportunities can also be provided through trophy area.s, 

 special fisheries on hatchery stocks, varying bag limits 

 and so on. 



Sportfishing policy must be progressive, adapting to 

 changing circumstances and demands. To promote this 

 evolution, the Department must have the advice of sport 

 fishermen and involve them in designing regulatory 

 arrangements. This must be a continuing process, sup- 

 ported by reliable information. In Chapter 17 I propose 

 new consultative arrangements to facilitate this process. 



