Anglers ticketed during a demonstration fishery on the Fraser River in September are heading to court next month.
A GoFundMe to pay their legal fees was launched by the Fraser Valley Salmon Society (FVSS) to support the Fraser River Sportfishing Alliance (FVSA), raising $19,220 as of Nov. 23.
A court date for the anglers is set for Dec. 1, and some sportfishing advocates are considering attending the courthouse in support, possibly outside in a truck convoy with COVID protocols in place.
The demonstration fishery on Sept. 9, 2020, saw more than 70 anglers heading out on Fraser River to bar-fish selectively to show they could avoid impacting any migrating stocks of concern. They were warned by fishery officers they could be fined or have rods confiscated.
Six individuals were subsequently ticketed for fishing on the Fraser during a closed time to salmon fishing.
91裸聊视频淭hose tickets were a catalyst to continuing our efforts to secure allocation and the opportunity to fish with a public fishery,91裸聊视频� said Dean Werk, president of the salmon society. 91裸聊视频淲e91裸聊视频檙e doing this for future generations.91裸聊视频�
The demonstration went ahead despite federal officials turning down the groups91裸聊视频� request for approval for a 91裸聊视频渢est91裸聊视频� fishery opportunity on the Fraser River.
91裸聊视频淲e were trying to establish that we could fish selectively using a barbless hook and not impact migrating stocks of concern,91裸聊视频� Werk said.
Angling groups have been lobbying for years for restricted leader lengths to permit selective bar fishing but to no avail since DFO has not opted to enact any gear restrictions.
91裸聊视频淲e carefully considered all options and made the decision to put our time and effort toward a legal challenge,91裸聊视频� according to the GoFundMe description. 91裸聊视频淭his decision was not taken lightly.91裸聊视频�
It was the consensus of the members that the legal route was the only viable option remaining as all negotiations with DFO had proven futile, they said.
91裸聊视频淭he lack of consideration to the public fishery is concerning, frustrating and unjustified. It91裸聊视频檚 time for action.91裸聊视频�
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