1% For the Fish: A Tofino Fishing Charter Fleet Salmon Conservation Initiative
Tofino Fishing Charter Fleet 1% for the Fish: A local Salmon Conservation Initiative
A grass roots, local Tofino fishing charter operator initiative has been headed by local owner/operators aimed at raising funds and awareness to improve the sustainability and rehabilitation of local Clayoquot Salmon populations. A few of us in Tofino that share a similar environmental conscience feel a binding responsibility to start raising funds and awareness to help improve local Tofino salmon stocks for future generations.
The 1% for the Fish program allows any charter operator or local business to contribute 1% of profits or revenues to be put towards recognized stewardship initiatives such as the Tofino Salmon Enhancement Society, and the Clayoquot Salmon Round Table. Although we, as sportfishing anglers, celebrate when the oceans are brimming with salmon, not all rivers offer the same production levels as some of the runs we enjoy fishing for through out the season. Despite other systems being extremely productive in recent years, the reality is that certain salmon stocks, namely Clayquot Sound chinook salmon, have been hard hit because of a variety of factors over the last 100 years or more. Climate change, historic fishing pressures, mal-practice of clear cut logging and the unknowns of salmon farming and fish disease implications may or may not all play a cumulative role in dwindling local chinook stocks. Although there has been accountable sportfishing regulations to restrict the impact on local stocks, the reality is that some rivers still need to identify plausible and substantiated limiting factors causing their decline.
On a positive note, groups like the Tofino Salmon Enhancement Society have contributed endless volunteer hours through community initiatives and their hatchery production and enhancement efforts. It is for this reason that our 1% for the Fish initiative is proud to support the Tofino Hatchery, and it’s hard working staff and board members. On another note, the Clayoquot Salmon Round table has been reinstated has made noticeable progress. Recently, common stakeholders come together to petition to have a Clayoquot Salmon status and limiting factors workshop conducted to identify where the potential missing research and data may be present, all in an attempt to better understand the current situation and how to improve the sustainability and restoration of local chinook salmon.
In it’s first year, the Tofino Fishing Charter Fleet – 1% for the Fish initiative, raised over $6000 with hopes to grow contributions from other charter related businesses and tourism related businesses in the future.
To find out more how the program works and how to get involved please contact us toll free at 18557263828 or email us at info@cleanlinesportfishing.com. Blake Klopfenstein Owner/head guide Cleanline Sportfishing Tofino, B.C.