On 31 October, 2012, after 18 months of testimony and $26 million, the Cohen Commission's Final Report "The Uncertain Future of the Fraser River Sockeye" was released. The Report was heralded as a blueprint for salmon conservation, providing 75 recommendations to Government, many involving deadlines and milestones.
The day the Final Report was released to the public, then Acting Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Gail Shea, tabled it in the House of Commons, but beyond that, there has been no meaningful response by Government, Watershed Watch Salmon Society reports.
Meanwhile, three deadlines related to the recommendations have already passed. These include critically important steps in moving forward with the 2005 Wild Salmon Policy, quoted to be "Canada's expression of the precautionary principle applied to Pacific salmon." Six more deadlines are pending for the end of March - and the clock continues to tick for Fraser River sockeye.
Out of grave concern for moving forward with implementing Justice Bruce Cohen's recommendations, Watershed Watch Salmon Society and the SOS Marine Conservation Foundation have launched the "Cohen Report Card."
This resource will track Government action regarding the Cohen Final Report recommendations and deadlines. The "Cohen Report Card" can be accessed at:
http://www.watershed-watch.org/cohen-report-card
