The purpose of the project was to produce maps that can be used by fishermen when they participate in marine planning and other management initiatives. Living Oceans Society also uses this information to inform our MPA work. That way we can put forward proposals that avoid and/or minimize overlap with important fishing areas and reduce economic impacts on fishermen. Over 100 commercial and recreational fishermen participated in our Area 12 Pilot Study (Johnstone and Queen Charlotte Straits/Broughton Archipelago) between 2002 and 2005. This information has been analyzed and five individual fisheries summary maps were created. The anonymity of each interviewee and each participant’s individual data is respected in this process. In 2008, these summary maps were taken back to some of the original data providers for their review and comment.
This project has been a success thanks to the participation of many fishermen. The information obtained from commercial fishermen will allow Living Oceans Society to prepare an MPA analysis which meets conservation objectives while minimizing impacts to important fishing grounds. In addition, the summary maps and database produced from the interviews will be available to fishermen.
If you are a commercial or recreational fisherman and would like to participate in this project, sign up here or contact us 250-973-6580 or marineplanning@livingoceans.org
