VANCOUVER - A federal commission examining the collapse of sockeye salmon stocks in B.C.'s Fraser River will focus on everything from the organizational structure at the Fisheries Department to the possible effects of salmon farming.
The commission of inquiry, headed by B.C. Supreme Court Judge Bruce Cohen, has released a discussion paper outlining its areas of interest.
The paper says the focus will be on fish biology and ecosystem issues, including salmon farms, water pollution, urbanization and climate change.
The inquiry will also consider the Fisheries Department's structure, harvesting techniques and forecasting methods.
Ottawa ordered the inquiry last year after one-tenth of an estimated 10.5 million sockeye returned to the Fraser River, forcing the closure of commercial and aboriginal food fisheries.
Three days of public hearings will be held in Vancouver starting next Tuesday, with the rest scheduled to resume in September.
