A video was uploaded today by celebrity sport fisherman, Gary Cooper of the popular television show, “Nice Fish”. The video is a call to action for sport fisherman on Vancouver Island to join a peaceful protest in Victoria July 15th, 9AM at Ogden Breakwater in front of Victoria Harbour.

Hatchery Chinook are open for retention in Washing State as of July 1st, and share the same waters (The Salish Sea) as British Columbia’s South Coast. However, waters around Vancouver Island, namely the Southern region, still remains closed due to Minister Wilkinson’s announcement in April 2019, for non-retention of both hatchery (marked) and wild Chinook salmon. Several areas are to remain closed until August 1st, causing tremendous economic hardship.

Ryan Chamberlain, owner and lead guide of Vancouver Island Lodge, and Darren Wright, co-owner and guide of Island Outfitters share their message and ask those effected to join the protest in this video.