Recently, the First Nations Fisheries Council contracted a firm to conduct a public perception audit that randomly surveyed people throughout British Columbia. The purpose of the survey was to measure public opinion regarding First Nations role in fisheries management within traditional territories and more broadly, to gauge perceptions of the rights to fisheries resources, and to measure knowledge of First Nations rights, responsibilities and actions regarding the maintenance and improvement of fisheries.

The results of the survey indicate that people in British Columbia overwhelmingly recognize that First Nations have rights related to fisheries. The survey also revealed confusion about how fisheries are managed and the role of First Nations in management. It is therefore important that First Nations in British Columbia communicate examples of successful joint management or First Nations management in areas such as stock assessment, allocation, access and management, science and research, habitat protection and management, oceans and marine planning, monitoring and compliance, policy and communications, and consultations with resource users. Communicating positive stories of successful management and self-policing will help to make people in British Columbia more aware that First Nations are actively engaged in management, and are committed to the responsible use of the fisheries resource.

As part of an ongoing communications initiative by the First Nations Fisheries Council, we are encouraging people to send us their stories about successful First Nations fisheries initiatives that help to protect the resources and improve management.  If you have a program that you would like to share please contact our communications coordinator.

The results of the survey were highlighted in a news release and media backgrounder released on December 14^th, 2010.