Fisheries minister promises “rigorous and robust action” to protect Fraser River salmon

A weekly roundup of news and views on energy, mining, forests, fisheries and more

More fish to fry. Four years after the Cohen Commission completed a report on the decline of sockeye salmon in the Fraser River, Federal Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc has reiterated his government’s commitment to act on all 75 recommendations. However, he did not say that Ottawa would follow through on the Cohen recommendation to separate promotion of salmon farming from its regulation in the federal fisheries department. LeBlanc argued that DFO was promoting “sustainable” salmon farming. (Vancouver Sun)

Keep the Peace. Amnesty International is calling on the provincial and federal governments to order a halt to construction of the $9-billion Site C hydroelectric dam, saying the megaproject on the Peace River threatens the human rights of indigenous peoples. In a report released on Tuesday, the human-rights advocacy organization argued that the project should only proceed on the basis of free, prior and informed consent of all affected indigenous peoples. At least two area First Nations are challenging the project in court. (Globe and Mail)

More rocks for Gibraltar. Taseko Mines has announced the acquisition of new mineral claims next to its Gibraltar mine in south-central British Columbia. The mine is Canada’s second-largest open pit copper mine, and the new claims represent nearly 6,000 acres of land located about two kilometres from the extension zone of Gibraltar. According to the Vancouver-based mining company, the area was explored about 30 years ago and it is associated with porphyry deposits. (Mining.com)

Superpower’s energy demands fall. China’s imports of crude oil, coal and natural gas dropped in July, offering no solace to producers hoping demand from the world’s largest energy consumer may help mop up global gluts of the fuels. Data from the country’s General Administration of Customs reflects sluggish economic growth, contrasting with the country’s rising energy imports in the first six months of 2016. Analysts suggest that China’s demand for fuels is sluggish because of high domestic stockpiles. (Bloomberg)

Catch and release. Fishermen on B.C.’s North Coast are not happy about extra enforcement by Fisheries and Oceans officers. The DFO has confirmed that it sent extra officers to the region to curtail bycatch violations. When fish that aren’t in season are accidentally caught, they must be returned to the water unharmed. According to officials, this is not always happening. (CBC)