You need go no further than Campbell River
Courier-Islander August 13, 2010
You need go no further than Campbell River to see how a fisheries management decision becomes a resounding success.
Since July 15 the banks of the Campbell River have been teeming with anglers, fishing a run of what is expected to be over 500,000 pink salmon this year.
The difference in this year over last is that the government didn't open up the fishery for retention until Aug. 15. This year they opened the fishery (four per day) on July 15, mostly because the river system, including the Quinsam, simply can't handle the number of fish returning.
So combined with a successful return, thanks mostly to the work of the Quinsam hatchery staff and ocean survival, and a fishery that has already become known province wide, you have a truly great success story.
The number of anglers and the number of fish being caught is unprecedented for the Campbell River. Adults and children and whole families can be seen fishing with various methods and enjoying what truly is a Campbell River birth right.
Reports are of mainland anglers making one day trips to Campbell River, just to partake in the bounty. And then there are the other tourists from all parts of the world who are experiencing unbelievable fishing and who will take those stories back with them.
The local economy has also received a boost, from tackle shops to restaurants to hotels and motels and campsites.
But more importantly the fishery has swelled the ranks of anglers, especially young anglers. They are being introduced to a recreation that is invigorating and lots of fun. In this we hope the ranks of environmentally conscious anglers will also swell, so that the fight to protect and enhance the resource won't be engaged by 'grey hairs' alone.
