Fishery Notice

This notice serves as a reminder that until further notice, Sockeye non-
retention in First Nations Food, Social and Ceremonial (FSC) fisheries will be 
in effect in the following Areas and Subareas to protect Early Stuart and early-
timed stocks of the Early Summer run Sockeye management groups:

Areas 11 to 21, 24 to 27, 111, 121, 123 to 127 and Subareas 29-1 to 29-5. 

Variation Order number 2019-342 is in effect


Note: 

The proposed Fraser Sockeye window closure dates outlined in the draft 2019-
2020 IFMP for Southern BC Salmon indicate that the earliest possible dates the 
window closure will be lifted are: July 15, 2019 in Areas 11 to 17, 19 to 21, 
24 to 27, 111, 121, 123 to 127, and noon on July 19, 2019 in Areas 18 and 29. 
If the decision is made to implement a 4 week window closure the above dates 
will be July 22 and 26 respectively. The actual dates will be subject to in-
season assessment information on run size, run timing and management 
adjustments.

The fishery implications of the Fraser Sockeye escapement strategy have yet to 
be finalized, however; they will be strongly influenced by in-season run size 
estimates and management adjustments to account for environmental conditions 
during the return migration. Due to concerns for both Early Stuart and the 
early-timed stocks of the Early Summer run, the initiation of fisheries will be 
done in a conservative manner. Gill net test fisheries are scheduled to begin 
in early July in marine approach areas to provide in-season assessment 
information.  

The Department is beginning the season by implementing a moving window closure 
for all FSC fisheries in areas where these management groups are likely to be 
present. There are no commercial or recreational fisheries permitted on Sockeye 
during the window closure. 

Further, the window closure overlaps with existing management measures in place 
to protect Nimpkish River and Sakinaw Lake Sockeye.  For Nimpkish origin 
Sockeye, these measures include Sockeye non-retention in First Nations FSC 
fisheries occurring in Area 12 above Lewis Point until late July. For Sakinaw 
origin Sockeye, these measures include gear restrictions in First Nations FSC 
fisheries prior to July 25, 2019 in Johnstone Strait and prior to August 15, 
2019 in the Upper Strait of Georgia.


FOR MORE INFORMATION:
	
Contact the local DFO office in your area for updated information as it becomes 
available.

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0539
Sent June 14, 2019 at 1223

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