B.C. Fishermen Issue Threat Of More Blockades Canadian Minister Warns Retaliation Impeding Efforts To Reopen Talks

With the Pacific salmon squabble turning from ferries back to fish Tuesday, Canadians said their government has failed them in their fight for fishing rights against the United States.

A day after releasing an Alaska ferry they held in port last weekend, British Columbia fishermen said they were prepared for more such actions if their complaints about overfishing by U.S. fleets were not addressed.

Some talked about waylaying cruise ships or cargo vessels headed for Alaska.

“Maybe people in Alaska will have to get by without some of their goods for a while,” said Bob Rezansoff, who heads the British Columbia Fishing Vessel Owners Association.

Canadian Fisheries Minister David Anderson, who came to Prince Rupert because of the fishermen’s blockade of the ferry Malaspina, said he hoped tempers would cool down so the two governments can focus on their salmon disputes.

Further retaliation against Alaska will impede efforts to reopen negotiations on a Pacific Salmon treaty between Canada and the United States, Anderson said.

“I believe we have to recognize that it’s going to be hard work that solves this problem, not dramatic gestures,” Anderson said after a second day of meetings with local fishermen.

Though glad they were able to lure Anderson here, fishermen said they have reservations the meetings will accomplish anything.

“I realize we have to have some politicians. But those people don’t know fishing or farming or whatever,” said Norman Iverson, a retired Prince Rupert fisherman. “They don’t realize this is our livelihood.”

Anderson left town Tuesday after promising fishermen he would press the U.S. government to resume bargaining on treaty issues. The latest round of negotiations broke down in May with the two sides unable to agree on methods for dividing the salmon catch among British Columbia, Alaska, Washington and Oregon.

Anderson also said he would ask Alaska Gov. Tony Knowles to ease up on demands that fishermen involved in the blockade reimburse the state for lost fares, legal costs and other expenses incurred while the ferry was tied up. The bill has not been tallied, but probably will amount to several hundred thousand dollars, said Bob King, a spokesman for Knowles.

The blockade began Saturday, shortly after the Malaspina docked in Prince Rupert. As many as 300 fishing boats surrounded the ferry, stranding hundreds of passengers headed for Alaska.

Since the Malaspina was freed late Monday night, the ferry terminal has been shut down. Alaska has suspended ferry service to Prince Rupert indefinitely, and state leaders say they may abandon the terminal altogether.