MEDIA ALERT - Cohen Commission to hear evidence on Wild Salmon Policy
beginning November 29

VANCOUVER, Nov. 25 /CNW/ - The Cohen Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of Sockeye Salmon in the Fraser River will resume evidentiary hearings in Vancouver on Monday, November 29, 2010 starting with an investigation of the Wild Salmon Policy. 

Scientists, and directors as well as former managers from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans will be testifying on the development and implementation of the Wild Salmon Policy. Dr. Brian Riddell will lead off testimony at the hearings, followed by a development panel that includes Pat Chamut, Mark Saunders and Dr. Jim Irvine. Several other panels will follow, including testimony from Dr. Carrie Holt, Dr. Kim Hyatt, Heather Stalberg, Dr. Jim Irvine, Susan Farlinger, Paul Sprout and Jeffery Young.

The commission plans to continue with the topic of 'Aboriginal Worldview, Cultural Context and Traditional Knowledge' December 13-15. After the holiday break, the commission will begin its investigation into harvest management for the Fraser River sockeye fishery on January 17.

As topic and witness schedules are subject to change, media and the public are advised to consult the calendar on the commission's website, which will be updated regularly. Hearings run primarily Mondays through Thursdays and are scheduled from 10 am to 12:30 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm each day. These hearings are open to the public and will be held at the Federal Court at 701 West Georgia Street, 8th floor.

Media should direct any requests regarding recording or broadcasting of the hearings to Carla Shore at 604-658-3646 or [email protected].

About the Cohen Commission
The Cohen Commission (www.cohencommission.ca) was established on November 5, 2009 with the appointment of the Honourable Bruce Cohen as Commissioner. Under its Terms of Reference, the commission will hold hearings to investigate and report on the decline of sockeye salmon in the Fraser River. Based on its findings, the commission will make recommendations for improving the future sustainability of the sockeye salmon fishery in the Fraser River, including, as required, any changes to the policies, practices and procedures of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in relation to the management of the Fraser River sockeye salmon fishery.

For further information:

Media Contact:
Carla S. Shore
Communications Director
Cohen Commission of Inquiry
Phone: [phone]
Cell: 604-329-0975
Email: [email protected]