Vancouver Sun | February 14, 2008
By Barbara YaffeLiving Oceans also laments an increase in "corporate fleets" that have been concentrating fishing efforts in southern, urbanized areas of B.C. Fishing used to be more spread out, with much of it focused around rural coastal communities.
The three groups on Wednesday issued a call for Stephen Harper to remember the country's ocean bounty in the Feb. 26 federal budget.
"The 2008 budget is a golden opportunity for the federal government to invest the necessary funds into initiatives that improve the management of our oceans," the groups' press release says.
Specifically, they want Ottawa to pledge $300 million over five years as part of a plan to create additional marine protected areas and strengthen fisheries management. If action isn't forthcoming by June 8, World Oceans Day, the groups are threatening unspecified pressure tactics.
Most Canadians enjoy eating fish, covet time at the beach, lust for cruise vacations and ogle sea birds. Unfortunately, these life pleasures don't necessarily translate into a sense of activism on behalf of the planet's seas.
The story of the oceans is being drowned out by a high-profile push to reduce greenhouse gases as part of the campaign against global warming.
Living Oceans also laments an increase in "corporate fleets" that have been concentrating fishing efforts in southern, urbanized areas of B.C. Fishing used to be more spread out, with much of it focused around rural coastal communities.
The three groups on Wednesday issued a call for Stephen Harper to remember the country's ocean bounty in the Feb. 26 federal budget.
"The 2008 budget is a golden opportunity for the federal government to invest the necessary funds into initiatives that improve the management of our oceans," the groups' press release says.
Specifically, they want Ottawa to pledge $300 million over five years as part of a plan to create additional marine protected areas and strengthen fisheries management. If action isn't forthcoming by June 8, World Oceans Day, the groups are threatening unspecified pressure tactics.
Most Canadians enjoy eating fish, covet time at the beach, lust for cruise vacations and ogle sea birds. Unfortunately, these life pleasures don't necessarily translate into a sense of activism on behalf of the planet's seas.
The story of the oceans is being drowned out by a high-profile push to reduce greenhouse gases as part of the campaign against global warming.
byaffe@png.canwest.com
