Fishery Notice

Category(s):
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Gill Net
Subject:
FN1131-COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Gill Net - Chum - Area D - Area 14 - Mid-Vancouver Island - Opening


Preliminary analysis of the Area D chum assessment fishery in portions of Area 
14 is forecasting a small chum surplus in the Puntledge River only at this time.

Area D - Area 14

Gill nets open 12 hours from 08:00 hours to 20:00 hours Friday, October 27, 
2017 in the following areas:

Subareas 14-7, 14-9, 14-10 and;

That portion of Subarea 14-11 outside the Comox Bar, northeasterly of a line 
from Longbeak Point on Denman Island, to a fishing boundary sign on Willemar 
Bluffs. 

The minimum mesh size 149 mm (5 and 7/8 in). The maximum net depth 90 meshes. 
The maximum hang ratio 3:1. Corkline to web distance minimum 0 cm, maximum 2 m.

The target species in this fishery is chum salmon, the incidental catch of pink 
salmon may be retained in the areas open to fishing. There will be non-
retention of sockeye, coho, chinook, and steelhead.

All planned fisheries are subject to change with updated in-season assessment 
information and weather constraints. Harvesters should contact their Area 
Harvest Committee representatives for updated information. 

Variation Order No. 2017-SAL-14-GN-04


PLEASE NOTE:

Fishers that encounter Atlantic Salmon are encouraged to contact the Atlantic 
Salmon Watch Program at Toll free: 1-800-811-6010 or by Email: aswp@dfo-
mpo.gc.ca Further information on the Atlantic Salmon Watch Program can be found 
at: http://www.pac.dfompo.gc.ca/science/aquaculture/aswp/index-eng.html  

Fishers are reminded that Catch Reports are due not later than 12 hours 
following the completion of a fishery opening. End Fishing Reports are due 
within 24 hours following the end of a fishing trip.  Fisher that fail to 
fulfil their fishing reporting requirements by the set time requirements are in 
non-compliance and can expect to be charged with a violation. 

Please note that all Salmon gill net fisheries have new requirements for 
recording and reporting catch.  See 2017 Fishery Notice FN0558 which highlights 
some of these changes and requirements for Area D gill net fisheries. 

Fishers must be aware of the requirements set forth in the Conditions of 2017-
18 Salmon Area D Licence.  It is the responsibility of the licence holder and 
vessel master to review their current Conditions of Licence and to be aware of 
all the requirements that are set forth.  This includes both the mandatory use 
of operational revival boxes and submitting Fishing Activity Reports (Start, 
End, Pause, Cancel Trip, and Daily Catch Reports)

Please note changes to transporting of salmon.  Please see FN0157 and Part III 
of your conditions of licence for additional details.  Instructions for the 
Salmon Transfer Log, and the Salmon Transfer Log may be found on our web page 
in section 'Additional Licensing Services Forms' at: 
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/licence-permis/licence-commercial-eng.html.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is monitoring seabird by-catch to 
determine potential impact on bird populations under current fishing effort and 
bird numbers.  Fishers are requested to submit all dead birds entangled in nets 
to ECCC for species confirmation and DNA analysis to determine the colony of 
origin.

Please drop carcasses off at a local DFO office, or contact ECCC directly by 
calling the Wild Bird Mortality Reporting Line 1-866-431-2473 (BIRD).  Handle 
birds with gloves, double bag dead birds.  Label bag with date, time, location, 
fishery opening and vessel name (Skipper name isn't needed).  Alternatively, 
please send photographs of birds with a reference object such as a coin, and 
the date, time, location, fishery opening and vessel name to 
laurie.wilson@canada.ca.  Questions: contact Laurie Wilson 
(laurie.wilson@canada.ca, 604-862-8817).

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is interested in reports of sea turtles in BC 
waters.  By documenting sightings we are able to learn more about how, when, 
and where these turtles are using our waters.  If you see a sea turtle, please 
call this toll-free phone number: 1-866-I SAW ONE (1-866-472-9663).  Please 
include information such as the type of sea turtle seen (i.e. leatherback), the 
location, and time of sighting.

Fishers should be advised that whales can be encountered in the fishing area.  
Fishers should take precautionary measures to avoid fishing near whales to 
avoid potential contact with fishing gear.  If a whale becomes entangled in 
fishing gear, fishers should immediately call the Observe, Record, Report (ORR) 
line at 1-800-465-4336.  Fishers are advised not to attempt to free the whale 
of the fishing gear as this can pose a serious threat to the safety of the 
fisher and the animal. 

Fishers are advised to notify local DFO managers or patrol vessels to report 
abandoned, lost, or entangled gear.

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Christine Bukta, Resource Manager, Campbell River (250)286-5888

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN1131
Sent October 24, 2017 at 1630