e-4919 (Fisheries)
Original language of petition: English
Petition to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
- Closing the recreational fishery endangers Port Renfrew's economy, threatening over 100 small business owners’ livelihoods;
- Current proposals and static closures by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) overlook pertinent research, showing minimal environmental benefits for the Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW);
- No supporting data for the efficacy of static closures has been provided by the DFO, while many communities economy's faces severe impacts;
- Viable alternatives, like expanding "mobile avoidance zones" around these whales, offer less economic disruption and potential increased environmental benefits;
- Studies highlight the abundance of Chinook Salmon, SRKW's primary food, often exceeding DFO targets, undermining the rationale for recreational fishery limitations;
- Critical threats to SRKW, such as pollution and large shipping vessel traffic, remain under addressed compared to the focus on recreational fishing;
- Port Renfrew’s significant economic contribution, backed by community and the Pacheedaht First Nation, underscores the need for sensible conservation efforts; and
- Advocating for a shift from arbitrary, punitive regulations to informed, evidence-based policies that ensure SRKW protection without compromising small communities economic stability and future planning.
- Open for signature
- April 10, 2024, at 11:40 a.m. (EDT)
- Closed for signature
- May 10, 2024, at 11:40 a.m. (EDT)
- Presented to the House of Commons
-
Alistair MacGregor
(Cowichan—Malahat—Langford)
May 24, 2024 (Petition No. 441-02482)