Media Alert - Cohen Commission to hold public forums in Lillooet, Campbell
River, Steveston, Victoria, New Westminster, Prince George, Chilliwack and
Kamloops

VANCOUVER, Aug. 4 /CNW/ - The Cohen Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of Sockeye Salmon in the Fraser River will hold a series of public forums to provide an opportunity for community members to share information with the commission they believe to be relevant to the mandate of the commission. Forums are planned for eight communities along the Fraser River and the sockeye's migratory route from mid-August through October.

Forums are scheduled for Lillooet (August 18), Campbell River (August 25), Steveston/Richmond (September 13), Victoria (September 16), New Westminster (September 20), Prince George (September 23), Chilliwack (September 29) and Kamloops (October 21). Further details on location and time of the forums are available on the commission's website at http://cohencommission.ca/en/PublicForums/PublicForumsSchedule.php. All forums are open to the public.

Members of the public wishing to present at a public forum must apply through the commission's website at www.cohencommission.ca. The commission has identified five questions and invites input on these and any other topics that the public believe to be relevant to its mandate:

    
    What is your vision for the sustainability of Fraser sockeye?
    What is required to secure the future of Fraser sockeye?
    What are the major habitat issues for Fraser sockeye and how can these be
     mitigated?
    How can Fraser sockeye be effectively harvested?
    How can citizens participate in the recovery of Fraser sockeye?
    

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]