FISHERIES

 

The BC Chamber of Commerce recognises:

 

1. that jurisdiction over management of sea coast and inland fisheries rests with the federal government;

 

2. that the provincial government manages the conservation of freshwater fisheries on behalf of the federal government:

 

3. that the federal government has authority to prevent habitat destruction and harm to fish;

 

4. that, in the commercial fisheries, the responsibility for processing and marketing of fish products resides with private enterprise and the provincial government;

 

5. that the responsibility for regulation of boating rests with the federal government (Department of Transport);

 

6. that the economic and social values to BC and Canada of the commercial and sport fishing industries are significant; and

 

7. that the economic and social benefits to BC and Canada from the development of mariculture and aquaculture industries can be very significant and should be encouraged.

 

The Chamber therefore urges the continuation and broadening of cooperation between the federal and provincial governments and private enterprise to protect, develop and ensure the optimum economic returns from this renewable material resource.