Hon Joanne Thompson – Minister of Fisheries,
I am writing on behalf of the anglers of South Vancouver Island to express our continuing frustration and concern regarding yet another restriction being placed on the recreational Chinook salmon fishery in South Vancouver Island waters.
Effective August 1, 2026, DFO has reduced the maximum Chinook retention size from 80 cm to 75 cm in DFO Area 19: Subareas 19-1, 19-3 and 19-4, and DFO Area 20: Subareas 20-3 through 20-7.
Recreational anglers have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness to support conservation measures when those measures are supported by sound science and provide a clear conservation benefit. However, after years of increasing restrictions and reduced access, DFO continues to introduce additional measures without clearly defining conservation objectives and expected conservation outcomes.
I am requesting that DFO provide the scientific justification for this latest restriction and demonstrate that it will result in a measurable conservation benefit to Chinook salmon. More specifically what conservation objective is the department expecting to be achieved by reducing the maximum size limit from 80 cm to 75 cm? What scientific evidence demonstrates that a 75 cm size limit provides a meaningful benefit over the previous 80 cm size limit?
I am also very concerned that this change may also create an unintended increase in Chinook mortality. By reducing the size limit, Chinook between 75 cm and 80 cm that were previously legal retention fish must now be captured, measured, handled, and released. This additional handling may result in increased mortality, particularly during August when water temperatures can be higher.
Before implementing this restriction, did DFO evaluate the increased release mortality caused by requiring anglers to release additional Chinook? Was the additional handling stress and delayed mortality taken into account in its conservation assessment? Has the department completed an assessment to demonstrate that the conservation benefit exceeds the potential mortality created by additional catch-and-release events?
I am also questioning the inconsistent application of regulations between adjacent fishing areas. Chinook salmon do not recognize DFO boundaries, yet neighboring areas have significantly different rules. On August 1, portions of Areas 19 and 20 will have a 75 cm maximum size limit, while nearby areas – Area 20-1 and 20-2 (Port Renfrew) continue with regulations allowing retention of larger Chinook.
If these differences are based on biological differences, stock composition, or conservation risk, DFO should provide the scientific evidence that supports these new restrictions.
Recreational anglers are becoming increasingly frustrated with restrictions that reduce fishing opportunities without a clear understanding that they will contribute to meeting clearly stated Chinook conservation objectives. Conservation measures must be transparent, consistent, and based on measurable outcomes—not simply additional restrictions imposed without stating or demonstrating their effectiveness.
I respectively request that DFO publicly release the scientific analysis and rationale supporting this decision and demonstrate how this new restriction will contribute to Chinook conservation.
Sincerely,
Bill Campbell
President, South Vancouver Island Anglers Coalition