Fish Conservation Strategy for Alberta : 2006-2010
Last Update/Review: November 27, 2006
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Minister David Coutts is pleased to present the Fish Conservation Strategy for Alberta 2006-2010 .
Alberta 's Fish Conservation Strategy is an important document that provides a framework for Alberta Sustainable Resource Development to ensure Alberta 's fish benefit present and future Albertans. Within this mandate is the responsibility of managing the sustainable use of our fish resources and their conservation .
The strategy sets out the department's vision and mission statements, guiding principles, and goals and objectives for fisheries management. It guides staff and describes to its stakeholders, industry, as well as other Alberta and federal government departments what the department will do to manage Alberta 's fish resources for conservation and sustainable use.
Two additional topics in the strategy that have never been provided for the public before are the basics of day-to-day fisheries management decision-making and details on the roles of government agencies, public, aboriginals, and industry sectors in collaborating on fisheries management. The Fisheries Management Branch, Fish and Wildlife Division of Sustainable Resource Development is committed as the lead group responsible for implementing the strategy.
The Fish Conservation Strategy is revised every 5 years, with input from stakeholders and the Alberta public.
Building the document
The new strategy document is a revised and updated version of A Fish Conservation Strategy for Alberta 2000-2005 . The process of revising the 2000-2005 strategy document, which called for significant public consultation, was initiated in late 2004. As an initial step, c omments on the 2000-2005 strategy were invited from the Alberta Fisheries Management Round Table . The Round Table is a “council of wise people” created by Minister Coutts, which consists of interested citizens, and representatives of angling and conservation organizations.
Based on Round Table input, a draft strategy was prepared for review by the public in August 2006. An online survey was conducted, which asked respondents to rate their level of support for 23 key changes to the strategy. Approximately 400 Albertans responded to this survey , and the results were used to further modify the draft strategy.
As a final step, the Round Table was consulted in October 2006 on the key changes and again invited to provide their comments. Additional changes were made as a result of this feedback and a final document completed. The current edition of the fish conservation strategy better reflects the present expectations of Albertans as well as reaffiming a commitment of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development to ensure that healthy fish resources are a part of our future.
