Resource: Knowledge Integration in Salmon Conservation and Sustainability Planning: Towards Effective Implementation of Wild Salmon Policy Strategy Four

Authors / Publisher: Julia Gardner for Watershed Watch Salmon Society and the David Suzuki Foundation

Date: March 2009

PDF: Knowledge Integration in Salmon Conservation and Sustainability Planning: Towards Effective Implementation of Wild Salmon Policy Strategy Four

Summary:

Watershed Watch and the David Suzuki Foundation believe that the Wild Pacific Salmon Policy is a significant natural resource policy achievement for Canada, and for Pacific Rim countries as a whole. This federal policy lays the foundation for truly sustainable Pacific salmon management in Canada consistent with the latest conservation science. The success of its implementation should also serve as a model for sustainable, ecosystem-based natural resource management. The focus on the conservation of salmon diversity is the underlying principle of not just salmon persistence, but for sustainable fisheries in general.

Since the release of the policy in 2005, significant achievements have been made on the first three strategies, which focus on defining what we hope to conserve, and the methods for tracking the status of salmon and salmon habitats. This process has been supported by science, with some integration of traditional knowledge.

Despite the progress on these strategies, significant challenges remain to actually implementing the Wild Salmon Policy. These challenges include a lack of finances and people to support implementation, as well as support for the monitoring efforts required for ongoing management. This paper focuses on the specific challenge of meeting the fourth strategy of the policy, namely, Integrated Strategic Planning, which is a key element to functional implementation of the policy. In other words, when people who care about salmon are working together on sustainable management of wild salmon, a successful outcome is more likely.

We recognize that the profound shifts in the approach of government and stakeholders necessary to achieve the recommendations of this report require leadership from all sectors and all levels of government. Watershed Watch Salmon Society and the David Suzuki Foundation remain committed to helping those who will help us all in building a sustainable future for wild Pacific salmon in Canada. We hope this paper proves to be useful to them.

Acknowledgements:

With the support of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Jim Pattison Foundation, and the Bullitt Foundation we commissioned Dr. Julie Gardner to prepare this paper to help guide integrated planning efforts under the Wild Salmon Policy. Dr. Gardner’s work explores fundamental themes of communication, trust, transparency and uncertainty that must be considered and embraced for successful implementation of the policy.

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