Cohen Report Card
On October 31st, 2012, after 18 months of testimony and $26 million, the Cohen Commission’s Final Report “The Uncertain Future of the Fraser River Sockeye” was released. The Report was heralded as a blueprint for salmon conservation, providing 75 recommendations to Government, many involving deadlines and milestones. The following “Cohen Report Card” grades Government performance regarding the Cohen Final Report recommendations and deadlines.
| Recommendation | Deadline | Grade |
| The appointment of a Wild Salmon Policy (WSP) Associate Regional Director General (Final Report Volume 3 pp.14-15, rec.#4). | Immediately after release of Final Report (Oct 31, 2012) | Incomplete |
| New Wild Salmon Policy Associate Regional Director General should decide whether the Habitat Management Program (Ecosystem Management Branch) or the Science Branch will lead implementing Wild Salmon Policy Strategy 2 (Assessment of Habitat Status) and Strategy 3 (Inclusion of Ecosystem Values and Monitoring) (Final Report Volume 3 p.16, rec.#8). | January 31, 2013 | Incomplete |
| DFO will ensure salmon farm licences in the Discovery Islands don’t exceed one year, no new licences or increased production are allowed (Final Report Volume 3 p.25, rec.#14). | Immediately and continuing until September 30, 2020 | Incomplete |
| If the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans determines salmon farms in the Discovery Islands pose more than a minimal risk of serious harm those farms should cease operations (Final Report Volume 3 p.26, rec.#18). | Between now and September 30, 2020 | Pending |
| New Wild Salmon Policy (WSP) Associate Regional Director General publishes a detailed plan for WSP implementation (Final Report Volume 3 p.15, rec.#5). | March 31, 2013 | Incomplete |
| Identification of red zone Conservation Units under Wild Salmon Policy Strategy 1 (Standardized Monitoring of Wild Salmon Status) (Final Report Volume 3 p.17, rec.#9). | March 31, 2013 | Incomplete |
| As part of Wild Salmon Policy Strategy 4 (Integrated Strategic Planning), completion of a socioeconomic framework for decision making in the integrated strategic planning process (Final Report Volume 3 p.17, rec.#9). | March 31, 2013 | Incomplete |
| As part of Wild Salmon Policy Strategy 4 (Integrated Strategic Planning), response teams should be formed for all Conservation Units in the red zone (Final Report Volume 3 p.17, rec.#9). | March 31, 2013 | Incomplete |
| DFO revises salmon farm siting criteria to reflect new scientific information (Final Report Volume 3 p.16, rec.#25). | March 31, 2013 (and every 5 years thereafter) | Incomplete |
| DFO sets out a detailed plan addressing a number of points in relation to implementing the 1986 Policy for the Management of Fish Habitat (Final Report Volume 3 pp.43-44, rec.#41). | March 31, 2013 | Incomplete |
| DFO will make the rational for sockeye harvest rules public (Final Report Volume 3 pp.29-30, rec.#25). | Within 30 days of the approval of the Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP) | Pending |
| DFO completes and makes public a risk assessment of the interactions of sockeye and enhanced salmon (Final Report Volume 3 pp.28-29, rec.#23). | September 30, 2013 | Pending |
| In relation to Wild Salmon Policy Strategy 4 (Integrated Strategic Planning), DFO completes overview reports for the Fraser watershed and marine areas relevant to sockeye salmon (Final Report Volume 3 p.17, rec.#9). | September 30, 2013 | Pending |
| DFO completes its planned review of the Fraser River Sockeye Spawning Initiative model and address the criticisms of the model (Final Report Volume 3 pp.30-31, rec.#26). | September 30, 2013 | Pending |
| DFO completes its analysis of the socio-economic implications of implementing the various share-based management models for the Fraser River sockeye fishery (Final Report Volume 3 pp.38-39, rec.#38). | September 30, 2013 | Pending |
| DFO renegotiates their relationship in regard to Environment Canada’s responsibility to enforce section 36 of the Fisheries Act in the Pacific Region in accordance with the 2009 report from the office of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development (Final Report Volume 3 p.56, rec.#59). | September 30, 2013 | Pending |
| In relation to Wild Salmon Policy Strategy 4 (Integrated Strategic Planning), habitat indicators and benchmarks are developed by DFO for assessment of the Strait of Georgia, Juan de Fuca Strait, Johnstone Strait, and Queen Charlotte Sound (Final Report Volume 3 p.17, rec.#9). | December 31, 2013 | Pending |
| As part of Wild Salmon Policy Strategy 4 (Integrated Strategic Planning), DFO will start an integrated strategic planning process for Fraser River sockeye salmon (Final Report Volume 3 p.17, rec.#9). | January 31, 2014 | Pending |
| An independent body will report to the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans and the public on Wild Salmon Policy implementation progress (Final Report Volume 3 pp.66-67, rec.#75). | March 31, 2014 (and every two years thereafter) | Pending |
| The Wild Salmon Policy Associate Regional Director General will report on implementation progress on DFO’s website (Final Report Volume 3 p.15, rec.#7). | March 31, 2014 (and every anniversary thereafter) | Pending |
| In relation to Wild Salmon Policy Strategy 4 (Integrated Strategic Planning), response teams will complete plans for the protection and restoration of priority Conservation Units (Final Report Volume 3 p.17, rec.#9). | December 31, 2014 | Pending |
| An independent body will report to the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans and the public on the extent to which the Cohen Commission’s recommendations have been implemented (Final Report Volume 3 pp.66-67, rec.#75). | September 30, 2015 | Pending |
| The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans will prohibit net-pen salmon farming in the Discovery Islands unless they are satisfied that farms pose at most a minimal risk of serious harm to migrating Fraser sockeye (Final Report Volume 3 pp.25-26, rec.#19). | September 30, 2020 | Pending |
Final Report of the Cohen Inquiry into the Decline of Sockeye Salmon in the Fraser River
Watershed Watch Salmon Society’s Executive Director, Dr. Craig Orr, and Fisheries Biologist, Stan Proboszcz, attended the Cohen evidentiary hearings, and also compiled the report “Cohen Inquiry Highlights: Synopsis of Key Evidence from the Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of Fraser River Sockeye.” They are available to assist with interpreting Cohen Inquiry evidence and the Final Report’s recommendations in light of their participation and comprehensive review of the inquiry.
To arrange an interview please contact:
- Dr. Craig Orr, Executive Director, Watershed Watch Salmon Society – 604-809-2799
- Stan Proboszcz, Fisheries Biologist, Watershed Watch Salmon Society – 604-314-2713
- Cohen Final Report – The Uncertain Future of Fraser River Sockeye
- Statement from the Scientists’ Think Tank: Charting a Course of Action on Cohen Recommendations, SFU February 27, 2013
- Timeline for science-related recommendations from the Cohen Commission, Scientists’ Think Tank, February 27, 2013
- Cohen Final Report media release; October 31, 2012; “Cohen Commission’s final report says Fraser River sockeye salmon face an uncertain future”
- Cohen Inquiry Highlights: Synopsis of Key Evidence from the Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of Fraser River Sockeye, Watershed Watch Salmon Society
- SOS Marine Conservation Foundation President, Eric Hobson’s, submission to the Cohen Inquiry, December 19, 2011
- Atlantic Salmon Federation’s 3-page backgrounder interpreting the Cohen Final Report
- Video of the October 31, 2012 News Conference (entire presentation)
- Justice Cohen discusses salmon farming at the October 31st News Conference in the video “Justice Cohen Gets Tough on Fish Farms – Inquiry Report Released“
- Watershed Watch and SOS Cohen Final Report Media Release “Salmon Conservationists Commend Justice Cohen on his Final Report – But Will Government Listen?“
- Cohen Aquaculture Daily – updates and media coverage from the Cohen aquaculture hearings
- Cohen Commission webpage
- Bundling of news items below.
- Surrey Leader; March 18, 2013; “Fraser sockeye watchers see stock rebuilding“
- Coquitlam Now; March 6, 2013; “Scientists, MP want action on salmon“
- Global TV; February 27, 2013; “Future of Fraser River Sockeye remains in doubt: report“
- Globe and Mail; November 23, 2012; “Ottawa moves against PEI lab that reported virus in B.C. salmon“
- Vancouver Sun; November 20, 2012; “The one that got away: B.C.’s environmentalists miss opportunity“
- Campbell River Mirror; November 20, 2012; “Marine Harvest continues wild salmon research“
- Courier-Islander; November 16, 2012; “Recommendations of the Cohen Commission Report“
- Burnaby Now; November 16, 2012; “MP says feds have mismanaged fisheries“
- Pique News; November 15, 2012; “Feds encouraged to heed Cohen report“
- Vancouver Sun; November 14, 2012; “B.C. urged to not renew leases for open-net salmon farms“
- Kelowna Capital News; November 14, 2012; “Mystery of Fraser River salmon far from solved“
- Huffington Post; November 12, 2012; “Five Ways the Government Can Save Our Fisheries“
- Merritt Herald; November 9, 2012; “Salmon mystery far from solved“
- FIS Canada; November 6, 2012; “DFO tables Cohen report in House of Commons“
- The Fish Site; November 5, 2012; “Cohen Commission Final Report: Aquaculture to Continue, Future of Sockeye Salmon Uncertain“
- The Fish Site; November 5, 2012; “Mainstream Welcomes Research to Help Fill Knowledge Gap“
- Sacramento Bee; November 5, 2012; “Smoking Gun in Cohen Report is Lack of Knowledge about Factors Affecting Wild Salmon Populations“
- Daily Astorian; November 5, 2012; “Fraser River has a lesson“
- Financial Post; November 5, 2012; “Salmon inquiry ignores native poaching“
- Globe and Mail; November 4, 2012; “Judge Cohen’s recipe for change“
- Vancouver Sun; November 3, 2012; “Sockeye salmon report sobering, but definitive“
- FIS; November 3, 2012; “Salmon farming sector calls Cohen report ‘balanced’“
- First Perspective; November 3, 2012; “First Nations Welcome Cohen Commission Final Report and Recommendations“
- Globe and Mail; November 2, 2012; “Cohen report’s message resonates in Atlantic Canada“
- The Province; November 2, 2012; “Atlantic salmon group praises Cohen Commission findings on fish pens“
- Chilliwack Progress; November 2, 2012; “Cohen report falls short: Sto:lo Tribal Council“
- Nature; November 2, 2012; “Government ‘confusion’ is harming sockeye salmon“
- FIS; November 2, 2012; “Risky salmon farms must be shut down: report“
- The Fish Site; November 2, 2012; “Fraser River Sockeye Salmon Face an Uncertain Future“
- The Fish Site; November 2, 2012; “Salmon Farmers Support Cohen Commission Report“
- Fish News EU; November 2, 2012; “Sockeye decline remains a mystery“
- Courier-Islander; November 2, 2012; “DFO upper management takes it on the chin“
- Nanaimo Daily News; November 2, 2012; “Special report on salmon gets mixed reviews in Nanaimo“
- Maple Ridge News; November 2, 2012; “Cohen: Fish Act Changes ‘troubling’“
- HQ Comox Valley; November 2, 2012; “Fish Farmer’s Not Concerned with Cohen Report“
- Media release; November 2, 2012; “First Nations Welcome Cohen Commission Final Report and Recommendations“
- Canadian Press; November 1, 2012; “Feds failing salmon, says commission“
- Vancouver Sun; November 1, 2012; “Salmon farmers find sockeye report ‘quite balanced’ – Farm fish spokesman confident more research will vindicate their operations“
- Times Colonist; November 1, 2012; “Fish farmers, critics see support in report“
- Times Colonist; November 1, 2012; “Report calls for freeze on fish farms off Vancouver Island“
- Vancouver Sun; November 1, 2012; “Cohen critical of Fisheries Act changes – Inquiry commissioner says Ottawa lowers ‘standard of protection’ for salmon“
- Vancouver Sun; Novmeber 1, 2012; “Politicians call for action to save B.C. sockeye after release of report“
- Vancouver Sun; November 1, 2012; “‘No smoking gun’ to explain decline of Fraser River sockeye salmon – report“
- Huffington Post; November 1, 2012; “The Results Are In: Wild Salmon Need Action Now“
- Outdoor Canada; November 1, 2012; “Cohen Commission releases final report into Fraser River sockeye decline“
- Fish News EU; November 1, 2012; “All sides claim victory following Cohen’s conclusions“
- The Fish Site; November 1, 2012; “BC’s Salmon Farmers Support Continued Research in Fish Health“
- Epoch Times; November 1, 2012; “No Easy Answers in BC Sockeye Decline, says Cohen“
- Post Media News; November 1, 2012; “B.C.’s salmon report shows the effect of politics dictating environmental policy“
- Campbell River Mirror; November 1, 2012; “Salmon farmers put brave face on chilling report“
- Kelowna Capital News; November 1, 2012; “MPs now can decide whether to conserve B.C. salmon“
- WWSS / SOS Cohen Media Release; October 31, 2012; “Salmon Conservationists Commend Justice Cohen on his Final Report – But Will Government Listen?“
- Vancouver Observer; October 31, 2012; “The Cohen Commission: a report that could save BC’s wild salmon“
- CTV News; October 31, 2012; “Changes to Fisheries Act could harm Fraser River salmon“
- Global BC; October 31, 2012; “Cohen Commission report makes 75 recommendations on the future of Fraser River sockeye salmon” (includes video)
- The Tyee; October 31, 2012; “Wild Salmon Advocates Cheer Cohen Commission Report – NDP’s Donnelly, Alexandra Morton, farmers and more weigh in on 75 recommendations to protect the fish“
- CBC News; October 31, 2012; “No ‘smoking gun’ for Fraser River sockeye salmon collapse“
- CBC News; October 31, 2012; “B.C. sockeye collapse report to be released today“
- National Post; October 31, 2012; “Report on B.C. salmon decline short on details, long on maybes“
- Surrey North Delta Leader; October 31, 2012; “Freeze new salmon farms on sockeye migration route: Cohen“
- Globe and Mail; October 31, 2012; “Halt salmon farm development in sensitive spawning area, Cohen report urges“
- Globe and Mail; October 31, 2012; “Commission presses Ottawa to curb fish-farm impact on sockeye“
- Canadian Press; October 31, 2012; “Salmon inquiry makes 75 suggestions to protect salmon, finds no ‘smoking gun’“
- Huffington Post; October 31, 2012; “Cohen Commission Report into Fraser River Decline Released Today“
- Fisheries and Oceans Media Release; October 31, 2012; “Minister Shea tables the Final Report of the Cohen Commission in the House of Commons“
- Fisheries and Oceans Media Advisory; October 31, 2012; “Parliamentary Secretary Randy Kamp Provides Initial Response to Commissioner Cohen’s Final Report on the Fraser River Sockeye“
- Cohen Final Report media release; October 31, 2012; “Cohen Commission’s final report says Fraser River sockeye salmon face an uncertain future“
- CTV News; October 31, 2012; “Report on sockeye salmon collapse to be released” (includes video)
- 24 Hours; October 31, 2012; “B.C. salmon commission finds no ‘smoking gun’ in fish decline“
- News 1130; October 31, 2012; “No single smoking gun for sockeye decline“
- CKNW; October 31, 2012; “Cohen report says future “uncertain” for Fraser River sockeye“
- CKNW; October 31, 2012; “NDP accuse the Feds of undermining the Cohen Inquiry report“
- City News Toronto; October 31, 2012; “Salmon inquiry makes 75 suggestions to protect salmon“
- Bonnyville Nouvell; October 31, 2012; “Salmon inquiry makes 75 suggestions to protect salmon, finds no ‘smoking gun’“
- CBC; October 30, 2012; “Release of B.C. salmon inquiry report generates debate“
- Nanaimo Daily News; October 30, 2012; “White hopes report helps out sockeye run“
- Globe and Mail; October 29; “Fisheries stakeholders searching for answers on eve of Cohen Report’s release“
- Vancouver Sun; October 29, 2012; “Salmon inquiry final report will be made public Wednesday in Ottawa“
- Vancouver Sun; October 29, 2012; “B.C. salmon inquiry final report will be made public Wednesday“
- McLeans; October 29, 2012; “Fraser River’s missing salmon: inquiry’s final report will be made public“
- Canadian Newswire; October 29, 2012; “Media Alert – Commissioner Bruce Cohen to address media regarding his final report on Fraser River sockeye salmon“
- Watershed Watch and SOS Marine Conservation Foundation Media Advisory; October 29, 2012; “Cohen Commission Final Report to be Made Public on October 31st – Scientists available to interpret findings of the Cohen Inquiry into the Decline of Sockeye Salmon in the Fraser River“
- Cohen media alert; October 29, 2012; “Commissioner Bruce Cohen to address media regarding his final report on Fraser River sockeye salmon”
- Vancouver Sun; October 28, 2012; “Critics blame feds for poor return of sockeye to Fraser River in 2009“
- News 1130; October 28, 2012; “Report into faltering salmon stocks due out this week“
- Metro News; October 26, 2012; “Deadline looms for B.C. sockeye salmon report“
- Vancouver Sun; October 23, 2012; “Salmon catch provisions extended pending fishery inquiry report“
On October 31st, 2012, after 18 months of testimony and $26 million, the Cohen Commission’s Final Report “The Uncertain Future of the Fraser River Sockeye” was released. The Report was heralded as a blueprint for salmon conservation, providing 75 recommendations to Government, many involving deadlines and milestones. The following “Cohen Report Card” grades Government performance regarding the Cohen Final Report recommendations and deadlines.
