Aboriginal fishery sockeye may not make it to market

Re: Fishery managers predict bleak salmon returns, May 19

Contrary to the article, it is unlikely consumers will be able to legally purchase Fraser River sockeye caught in aboriginal fisheries this year.

If low numbers of sockeye return to the river this year, as anticipated, harvests will be limited to meet conservation requirements for Fraser River sockeye.

Under established allocation policies, first nations’ food, social and ceremonial fisheries will receive first priority to catch the fish available for harvest.

As it is illegal for first nations to sell fish caught in a food, social and ceremonial fishery, it is unlikely Fraser River sockeye caught in aboriginal fisheries will be available for sale.

Fraser River sockeye may only be legally purchased or sold when they have been harvested in a fishery that authorizes their sale.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada expects to have economic agreements with first nations in some locations, but only where conservation and food, social and ceremonial requirements have been met to allow for regular commercial and recreational fisheries.

Consumers purchasing fish sold outside of a commercial retail outlet should ask to see the seller’s Landing Slip to be certain it was caught in a fishery authorizing its sale. TOM ROBBINS Fisheries and Oceans Canada