Fishery Notice

The Ahousaht, Ehattesaht, Hesquiaht, Mowachaht/Muchalaht and Tla-o-qui-aht 
First Nations (Five Nations) Communal Sale Fishery for salmon and groundfish by 
hook and line by trolling, rod and reel and hand line will open July 15, 2019 
at 00:01 hours until further notice.

1) The following Court-Defined Area is open to the retention of Pacific 
halibut, lingcod, rockfish, non-quota groundfish species, and dogfish, except 
in closed areas (defined in (3)):
Those waters of Subareas 24-1 to 24-14, 25-1 to 25-13, 25-15, 25-16, 26-1, 124-
1 to 124-4, 125-1 to 125-5, 126-1, 126-2, bounded by a line commencing at 49°
55.428' N and 127°12.185' W (Porritt Creek), westerly to a point at 49°55.523' 
N and 127°15.338' W (Grassy Island), then southwesterly to a point at 49° 
48.213' N and 127°25.125' W (within Subarea 126-2), then southeasterly to a 
point at 49°47.167' N and 127°23.161' W, then northeasterly to a point at 49°
55.15' N and 127°12.469' W (within Subarea 26-1), then southeasterly to a point 
at 49°54.425' N and 127°12.156' W, then southeasterly to a point at 49°53.939' 
N and 127°11.837' W, then southeasterly to a point at 49°53.394' N and 127°
11.282' W (Tatchu Rocks), then southeasterly to a point at 49°52.781' N and 
127° 0.964' W, then southeasterly to a point at 49°51.458' N and 127°09.546' W 
(near Tatchu Point), then easterly to a point 49°51.131' N and 127°08.198' W 
(within Subarea 25-13), then easterly to a point 49°51.073' N and 127°07.599' W 
(High Rocks), then easterly to a point at 49°51.122' N and 127°07.027' W, then 
easterly to a point at 49°51.37' N and 127°05.634' W, then easterly to a point 
at 49°51.390' N and 127°04.510' W, then easterly to a point at 49°50.559' N and 
126°59.95' W (Double Island), then easterly to a point at 49°50.553' N and 126°
58.915' W, then easterly to a point at 49°51.417' N and 126°55.452' W, then 
easterly to a point at 49° 52.077' N and 126° 50.679' W, then northeasterly to 
a point at 49°53.496' N and 126°47.91' W (Subarea 25-9), then easterly to a 
point at 49°53.579' N and 126°47.333' W, then southeasterly to a point at 49°
53.425' N and 126°46.796' W, then southeasterly to a point at 49°52.269' N and 
126°45.407' W, then southeasterly to a point at 49°51.957' N and 126°44.857' W, 
then easterly to a point at 49°51.871' N and 126° 44.458' W, then easterly to a 
point at 49°51.97' N and 126°43.609' W, then northeasterly to a point at 49°
52.072' N and 126°43.497' W, then easterly to a point at 49°52.078' N and 126°
43.221' W, then easterly to a point at 49°52.026' N and 126°42.917' W, then 
southeasterly to a point at 49°51.775' N and 126°42.516' W, then easterly to a 
point at 49°51.644' N and 126°41.072' W, then easterly to a point at 49°51.637' 
N and 126°40.721' W then southeasterly to 49°51.512' N and 126°40.476' W, then 
southerly to a point at 49° 51.438' N and 126° 40.475' W, then southerly and 
westerly following along the shoreline of Nootka Island to a point at 49°
39.562' N and 126°50.683' W (Calvin Creek), then southwesterly to a point at 49°
31.844'N and 127°01.427' W (Subarea 125-5), then southeasterly to a point at 49°
21.283' N and 126°49.027' W (within Subarea 125-5), then southeasterly to a 
point at 49°18.344' N and 126°45.585' W, then southeasterly to a point at 49°
16.641' N and
126°43.409' W, then southeasterly to a point at 49°15.956' N and 126°42.386' W, 
then southeasterly to a point at 49°15.250' N and 126°41.054' W (within Subarea 
124-4), then southeasterly to a point at 49°12.233' N and 126°34.324' W (within 
Subarea 124-3), then southeasterly to a point at 49°00.323' N and 126°07.711' W 
(within Subarea 124-3), then southeasterly to a point at 48°54.451' N and 125°
53.981' W (within Subarea 124-1), then northeasterly to a point at 49°02.307' N 
and 125°43.228' W (Seal Rocks within Subarea 124-3), then easterly to a point 
at 49°02.340' N and 125°41.631' W (Long Beach), then following the shoreline 
back to the point of commencement.

2) The following areas within the Court-Defined Area are open to the retention 
of Chinook, hatchery-marked Coho, Pink and Chum salmon, except in closed areas 
(defined in (3)): 
     a) Areas 24 and 124; 
     b) Areas 125 and 126, seaward of a boundary line located approximately 1 
nm seaward of the surfline described as: 
A line that begins at Pachena Point lighthouse at 48 degrees 43.327' N 125 
degrees 05.855' W, then to 48 degrees 42.456' N 125 degrees 06.583' W seaward 
of Pachena Point, then to 48 degrees 46.420' N 125 degrees 13.997' W seaward of 
Cape Beale, then to 48 degrees 54.572' N 125 degrees 33.622' W seaward of 
Amphitrite Point, then to 49 degrees 05.100' N 125 degrees 54.646' W seaward of 
Cox Point, then to 49 degrees 10.280' N 126 degrees 04.790' W seaward of 
Blunden Island, then to 49 degrees 16.472' N 126 degrees 15.140' W seaward of 
Rafael Point, then to 49 degrees 20.008' N 126 degrees 17.188' W seaward of 
Sydney Inlet, then to 49 degrees 23.807' N 126 degrees 24.483' W seaward of 
Hesquiat Point, then to 49 degrees 21.620' N 126 degrees 28.478' W seaward of 
Matlahaw Point, then to 49 degrees 22.113' N 126 degrees 33.508' W seaward of 
Estevan Point, then to 49 degrees 23.869' N 126 degrees 35.333' W seaward of 
Homais Cove, then to 49 degrees 27.766' N 126 degrees 35.971' W seaward of 
Split Cape, then to 49 degrees 31.494' N 126 degrees 35.669' W seaward of 
Escalante Point, then to 49 degrees 34.042' N 126 degrees 41.611' W seaward of 
Maquinna Point, then to 49 degrees 36.254' N 126 degrees 50.538' W seaward of 
Bajo Point, then to 49 degrees 39.892' N 126 degrees 55.125' W seaward of Skuna 
Bay, then to 49 degrees 44.400' N 127 degrees 00.289' W seaward of Ferrer 
Point, then to 49 degrees 50.767' N 127 degrees 10.151' W seaward of Tatchu 
Point, then to 49 degrees 59.142' N 127 degrees 28.125' W seaward of Lookout 
Island, then to 50 degrees 06.948' N 127 degrees 41.617' W seaward of Jackobson 
Point, then to 50 degrees 03.599' N 127 degrees 47.722' W seaward of Clerke 
Point, then to 50 degrees 05.868' N 127 degrees 57.906' W seaward of Solander 
Island, then to 50 degrees 19.284' N 128 degrees 00.130' W seaward of Lawn 
Point, and then to 50 degrees 31.501' N 128 degrees 14.238' W seaward of 
Topknot Point.

3) The following Rockfish Conservation Areas and West Coast Vancouver Island 
(WCVI) Chinook protection areas are closed to fishing:
a) Rockfish Conservation Areas:
i) Estevan Point - Those portions of Subareas 24-1, 124-3, 124-4, 125-1, 125-2 
and 125-5 that lie inside of a line that begins at 49°23.526'N 126°27.818'W 
north of Matlahaw Point then to 49°19.500'N 126°23.900'W in water then to 49°
17.000'N 126°31.200'W in water then to 49°22.100'N 126°44.700'W in water then 
to 49°25.067'N 126°34.598'W Hesquiat Peninsula then following the southerly 
shore of Hesquiat Peninsula to the beginning point;
ii) Vargas Island to Dunlap Island - That portion of Subarea 24-6 that lies 
inside a line that begins at 49°13.560'N 125°57.887'W in water then through 
Morfee Island to 49°13.300'N 125°56.750'W Dunlap Island then following the 
westerly shoreline of Dunlap Island to 49°12.941'N 125°56.373'W Dunlap Island 
then to 49°12.100'N 125°57.048'W Vargas Island then westerly following the 
shoreline of Vargas Island to 49°12.600'N 125°58.132'W Vargas Island then to 
the beginning point.
iii) West of Bajo Reef - Those portions of Subareas 125-2 and 125-3 that lie 
inside a line that begins at 49°37.900'N 127°01.111'W in water then to 49°
37.900'N 126°52.600'W in water then to 49°33.500'N 126°52.600'W in water then 
to the beginning point.
iv) Bedwell Sound - Those waters of Bedwell Sound in Subarea 24-7 that lie 
southerly of the parallel passing through 49°20.000' north latitude and 
northerly of the parallel passing through 49°15.600' north latitude.

In addition to previously announced conservation measures to address Fraser 
River Chinook conservation concerns, the Department is implementing additional 
precautionary management measures to address impacts on upstream Chinook 
passage at the Big Bar landslide on the Fraser River.  For this fishery the 
Department is implementing a maximum size limit for retained Chinook to further 
protect larger at-risk Fraser Chinook that are migrating upstream of the 
landslide.  The maximum size limit will be in effect until July 31 when the 
majority of these at risk Fraser Chinook will have migrated through marine 
approach areas.

The maximum size limit for chinook is 80 cm in PFMA 124, 125 and 126 seaward of 
a boundary line located approximately 1 nm seaward of the surfline.   The 
boundary line is described in 2) above.

Retention of Sockeye is prohibited.

All rockfish encountered in this fishery must be retained. Non-quota groundfish 
species are subject to the following trip limits (in round pounds): 

- "Other rockfish," including Bocaccio: 100 pounds
- Bocaccio: 25 pounds
- Pacific Cod: 100 pounds
- Sole and flounder: no limit

Note: Salmon are measured from the tip of the nose to the fork of the tail.

When targeting salmon species, barbless hooks will be required in order to 
improve survivals of released non-target or undersize salmon species.

All harvesters must file a start fishing report (hail out) prior to 
participating in the fishery by calling or texting 250-266-0418 or emailing 
hail@taaqwiihak.ca or completing the report online at www.taaq.ca.

A vessel designated to harvest fish shall be identified by a T'aaq-wiihak decal 
number and a T'aaq-wiihak flag. The T'aaq-wiihak flag shall be mounted as high 
as practical and be clearly visible, legible and unobstructed.  Individuals who 
fish under authority of the licence shall carry documentation to establish 
their identity as Participants (T'aaq-wiihak Card) and membership in one of 
Ahousaht, Ehattesaht, Hesquiaht, Mowachaht/Muchalaht, and Tla-o-qui-aht First 
Nations while participating in the fishery and while transporting fish 
harvested in the fishery, and will present such documentation on request by any 
fishery officer or fishery guardian.

All fish caught in this fishery are to be landed at the designated landing 
sites: 
-	Zeballos Government Dock/Mid-Island Ice;
-	Lions Gate Fisheries dock, Tofino;
-	Fourth Street Dock, Tofino; and
-	Ahminaquis Boat Launch, Gold River.

Transferring of catch from one vessel to another is permitted provided the 
transfer does not exceed the trip limit or the vessel cap.  When transferring 
catch from one vessel to anther that exceeds the trip limit or vessel cap, the 
vessel master must receive advance permission from the First Nation's Fishery 
Manager for the transfer to be authorized. 

All vessel masters must obtain a Landing Slip in order to sell any fish caught 
in the fishery. All fish sold in this fishery must be accompanied by a Sales 
Slip. 

All Halibut retained for sale must be tagged by a dockside observer prior to 
sale.

All fish retained will be validated by dockside observers. Harvesters must 
permit dockside observers access to their catch at landing sites for the 
validation procedure. Five Nations dockside observers will be sampling Chinook 
(and Coho when applicable) for coded-wire tags as required at the Tofino 
designated landing sites. J.O. Thomas and Associates' dockside observers will 
be sampling Chinook (and Coho when applicable) for coded-wire tags as required 
at the Zeballos designated landing site.

Vessel masters will maintain a logbook and submit a completed report to the 
dockside observer at each landing. Landing slips will not be issued by the 
dockside observers without the submission of completed logbook reports. 

Vessel masters are reminded to refer to the communal licence authorizing this 
fishery for complete details. Copies of the licence are available from the DFO 
Resource Manager, Ryan O'Connell (250-756-7243) and the T'aaq-wiihak Fisheries 
Manager, Alex Gagne (250-725-3899).

Did you witness suspicious fishing activity or a violation?  If so, please call 
the Fisheries and Ocean Canada 24-hour toll free Observe, Record, Report line 
at (800) 465-4336.

For the 24 hour recorded opening and closure line, call toll free at 1-(866)431-
FISH(3474).

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 is not 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.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Ryan O'Connell, A/Resource Manager, Nanaimo (250) 756-7243

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0649
Sent July 12, 2019 at 1643

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