Fishery Notice

The Herring biological sampling and sounding stock assessment program in the Strait of Georgia concluded for the season on Saturday, March 18, 2023. Spawn flights concluded on Thursday March 23, 2023. Dive surveys in the Strait of Georgia concluded on April 8, 2023.

The Strait of Georgia roe Herring seine fishery opened on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 and closed on Monday, March 13, 2023 with fishing activity occurring primarily along the east coast of Denman Island. The total validated catch was 2,320.71 tons of the 2,304 ton quota. 

The Strait of Georgia roe Herring gill net fishery opened on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 and closed on Thursday, March 16, 2023. The majority of fishing activity took place between Bowser and Qualicum Bay. Total validated catch was 2,704.00 tons of the 2,611 ton quota.

The flight program for the Strait of Georgia major stock assessment area conducted a total of 12 flights, with an additional industry-funded overflight on March 12, 2023. Flights started on February 28, 2023 and concluding on March 23, 2023. Total length of spawn observed during the flight program was 25.1 NM in Area's 14 and 17. There were also reports of spawn in Areas 12, 13, 15, and 28.

The reported sounding (tons) and spawn length observations (NM) for each area are rough in-season estimates that are not used in the formal science assessments. Detailed analysis of the dive survey and seine test vessel sample data will be conducted in the post-season to inform DFO's science advice.

Spawn reports from the public are appreciated and followed up on whenever possible. A number of reports have been provided by the public this year and have been followed up on by dive teams including spawn reported in Port McNeill and along the Sunshine Coast. Please continue to report any spawn observations to the DFO email: DFO.HerringSpawnReport-RapportPonteHareng.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca. Please report the spawn as soon as possible as the eggs hatch quickly. In the email report, please include: date of spawn observed, photos, location of spawn, length of spawn, intensity (light, med, heavy), name and contact information of the person who observed the spawn.

DFO's Conservation and Protection Program continues to provide a critical function in the Federal Government's management of Canada's marine resources. Regular integrated patrols by fishery officers on land, sea and air are ongoing.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Kevin Bruce
(250)327-3639	
or kevin.bruce@dfo-mpo.gc.ca	

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0373
Sent April 11, 2023 at 1235

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