Fishery Notice

Tsu-ma-uss commercial Economic Opportunity fishery is open in the following 
areas and times: 

Tseshaht First Nation - Communal drag seine open 7 hours 05:00 hours to 12:00 
hours June 21, 2019 in that portion of subarea 23-1 in the Somass River known 
as Paper Mill Dam Pool.

Hupacasath First Nation - Gill nets open for 10 hours, 05:00 hours to 15:00 
hours Friday June 21, 2019 in portions of subareas 23-1 and 23-2 from the tidal 
boundary signs at Paper Mill Dam in the Somass River downstream into Alberni 
Inlet to a line from Hocking Point due east to the opposite shore. Only 
designated members selected by the Hupacasath First Nation Fishery Manager may 
participate.

The combined TAC for both nations is 2000 pieces. 

Only individuals designated by the Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations are 
authorized to participate in this fishery. Fish harvesters are advised to 
contact their Band Office for a copy of the conditions of their fishing licence.

The target species in this fishery is Somass Sockeye salmon. Incidentally 
caught Coho and Chinook may be retained and sold. All other species must be 
released back to the water alive and unharmed.
 
It is mandatory that all salmon retained under the authority of this licence be 
transported to the nearest landing station and made available for inspection. A 
monitor shall be present during all landing of catch to record the number and 
weight of each species of salmon delivered and a landing slip issued. 

For 2019 there is a new minimum approach distance for Killer whales of 400 m, 
in all Canadian Fisheries waters in the Pacific Ocean and British Columbia. For 
other whales, dolphins and porpoises the minimum approach distances is 100 m. 
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.

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 call your local charter patrol to organize pick-up, 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 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.

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:

Mike Spence, Resource Manager, Port Alberni (250) 720 4440

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0562
Sent June 21, 2019 at 0943

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Visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Printed from the Pacific Region web site on July 25, 2026 at 2246