Fishery Notice

The 2014 Forecasts: For most WCVI areas, forecasts for 2014 are for slightly 
improved abundance relative to the very low observed returns in 2013. However, 
in most areas the forecast abundance remains below or only modestly above lower 
fishery reference points. For those areas with forecasts above the fishery 
reference point, the available surplus is allocated to First Nation domestic 
use in communal licenses.

For WCVI chum the current stock status is considered poor.  Over the last three 
brood cycles, naturally spawning populations have been below target abundance 
in many years despite the precautionary harvest regime.  In addition, hatchery 
production levels have declined in recent years partially as a result of low 
abundance (i.e. hatcheries have not been able to achieve brood-stock targets in 
some years.)  Therefore, in recent years overall catches have declined relative 
to historic levels.

Updates on primary fishing areas:

Nitinat Lake - 2014 forecast was 120,000, the minimum forecast where commercial 
fisheries are planned is 225,000.  Nitinat Lake is being assessed by Ditidaht 
First Nation and Nitinat Hatchery staff. As of October 8 there is an estimated 
50,000 adult chum salmon in the lake and river system. Test-fishing by Ditidaht 
First Nations from last week support the current forecast. 

There are currently no commercial fishing opportunities anticipated in 2014. 

Egg target for Nitinat Hatchery is 20-30 million; currently Hatchery has 7 
million eggs in holding.
 

Limited Entry Chum Fisheries

For those fisheries where a significant component of the target stock is from 
naturally spawning populations, a constant harvest rate strategy of 10-20% is 
implemented.  In areas of low quality data or only naturally spawning stocks, 
including Barkley (Area 23), Clayoquot (Area 24), Esperanza Inlet (Area 25) and 
Kyuquot Sound (Area 26), the maximum allowable harvest rate is 10 to 15%.  In 
Nootka Sound, up to 20% harvest is permitted given the prevalence of hatchery 
stock in the area.  The harvest rate is controlled by limiting effort (i.e. 
number and duration of openings and, in some areas, the number of permitted 
vessels) and limiting fishing areas to approach areas only (i.e. to those areas 
where fish are migrating not holding).

Barkley Sound - 2014 forecast is 55,000. Potential harvest is 6,875.

Clayoquot Sound - 2014 forecast is 75,000. Potential harvest 9,375.

Nootka Sound, - 2014 forecast is 10,000. This is below the lower reference 
point so there is no commercial harvest opportunity available.

Esperanza 2014 forecast is 25,000 Potential harvest is 2500.
        
Kyuquot 2014 forecast is 50,000 Potential harvest is 6250.

At this time commercial fishing opportunities for chum salmon on the West Coast 
of Vancouver Island are unlikely. All potential harvest amounts identified 
above are allocated to First Nation FSC purposes.


The 24 hour toll-free phone-in line for fisheries notices is 1-866-431-3474.   


FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Please contact Mike Spence at 250-720-4448 for further information or contact 
DFO Port Alberni at 250-720-4440.

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN1118
Sent October 9, 2014 at 1630

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Printed from the Pacific Region web site on June 13, 2026 at 0156