Rushbrook cleaning tables to be removed at end of the month

The sport fishing industry is up in arms over a recent decision by the Port Edward Port authority to remove cleaning tables from the Rushbrook floats as of July 31st.

The move seems to have stemmed from an ages old dispute between the commercial and sport fishers for space at the congested docks. By removing the cleaning tables, sports fishing charter operators are warning that business for them and for other small businesses in the city may suffer. The plan to remove the tables comes on the heels of the city launching an increased parking enforcement policy in the Rushbrook area, which has left many visitors to the city confused by the rules and surprised by tickets at the end of the day.

The Daily News featured the story and some of the fallout from the decision on the cleaning tables, as its front page item in Friday’s paper.

SPORT FISHERS FUME AS FISH TABLES ORDERED OFF FLOATS
By Kris Schumacher
The Daily News
Friday, July 13, 2007

Page one

The recent decision by the Port Edward Port Authority to order the removal of fish-cleaning tables from the Rushbrook Floats is ridiculous, claim charter fishermen and local businesses.
"People come down here specifically to watch the boats come in and guys clean fish," said Northern B.C. Fishing Charters operator Steve Carpenter. "It helps the charter guys get clients, it helps Bob's [On the Rocks] sell food, and they will lose all that business. We're getting pressure by the commercial guys not to dock there, and it's just not right. Everybody should be able to share the facility."

The issue stems from a history of complaints by commercial fishermen and vessel operators about the congested dock.

Up until now, sport and charter fishermen have been able to use the dock to load, unload and clean their catch on two large metal tables installed at the bottom of the dock ramp.

But a recent decision handed down by the Port Edward Harbour Authority general manager Richard Hill will see the Rushbrook cleaning tables removed after July 31.

"A few of us were informed, but the decision was made without any prior consultation with us," said Randy Janzel, owner and operator of Unreel Charters in Prince Rupert. "The Port Authority just said They're going, and that's all there is to it.'"

"We'd like to resolve it in the fall when we all have time and we're done our season," said Janzel, who's sent out a letter to city councillors asking for help. "We definitely have to clean the fish for our customers, and it's the only place we can load and unload our clients in Prince Rupert. So it only makes sense we do it there. And we all have small boats, so we can't put facilities on our vessels."

The dock space available at Rushbrook has been a contentious issue for years because the marina is primary intended for use by commercial vessels. Currently, other fishing vessels are allowed to moor boats there for the season, but only before the first three fingers, which are reserved for commercial fishing boats.

"The commercial guys are saying we're parked in their loading zone too," said Janzel. "The solution that needs to take place is policing the loading zones, which has never been done in the 15 years I've been chartering here. There's a two-hour maximum time limit to park there, and after that there's a $50 an hour charge. There's guys that park there for three days in a row, both commercial and sport fisherman included, and there's never been a fine handed out.

They're very aware of it, but they just let it slide. That would be an easy solution, but I don't think that's ever going to happen."

Local business people are also concerned about what the disappearance of the cleaning tables might mean for their businesses.

"It sucks," said Heather Vibert, co-owner of Bob's On the Rocks. "Because all those charter guys use those tables, a lot of their clients buy our ice. It's going to be hugely inconvenient. Locals come and watch the catch of the day, and if there's no tables down here, there's no locals coming down, so they're not buying coffee from me, they're not buying ice cream from me."

"I think it's a slap in the face to all the charters who are out to make a living, and myself," said Charmayne Carlson, owner of Dolly's Fish Market where many people have their fish packaged. "It's going to detour a lot of tourists, a lot of sports fishermen from coming in. It's a cost-effective way for them to bring their fish to me. This is a high tourist area, and 90 per cent of the people coming in are not from the cruise ship. It's sports fishermen spending a lot of money in this town. And it's not only me and Bob's, it's everybody."

See Monday's paper for the response from the Richard Hill of the Port Edward Port Authority, and to learn what local politicians think about the issue.