SMITHERS - Smithers resident John Brockley was recognized on Parliament Hill yesterday for his hard work and dedication in promoting and developing recreational fishing in British Columbia.

While Mr. Brockley wasn't able to attend because of ill health, Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Nathan Cullen was at the ceremony to pay tribute to Mr. Brockley and others receiving National Recreational Fisheries Awards.

"John Brockley has been a tireless advocate for fish," Cullen said.

Mr. Brockley, whose association with the BC Sport Fishing Advisory Board spans 25 years, was also a key participant in a multi-sectoral forum dealing with the Pacific salmon allocation process.

The National Recreational Fisheries Awards recognize up to five Canadians each year who have been instrumental in protecting fisheries and habitat within their communities for future generations. Recipients are chosen by a national selection committee of prominent Canadians.

Mr. Brockley received his award from the parliamentary secretary to the Fisheries Minister at a meeting of the BC Sport Fishing Advisory Board in Parksville on April 21.