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 00:01 hours May 
25, 2019 until further notice.

Chinook, Coho, Chum, Pink, Halibut, rockfish, Lingcod and Dogfish may be 
retained. Retention of Sockeye is prohibited.

The following Court Defined Fishing Area is open to the retention of groundfish 
and salmon (except Chinook and wild Coho):
 
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.

The fishery is open to the retention of wild Coho in those portions of Areas 24-
1 to 24-14, 25-1 to 25-13, 25-16, and 26-1 that are described in the Court 
Defined Fishing Area above.
 
The fishery is open to the retention of Chinook in those portions of Areas 24, 
25, 26, 124, 125 and 126 described in the Court Defined Fishing Area above 
which are shoreward of the Boundary Line approximately 1 nm seaward of the 
surfline described as:
A line that begins at Pacheena 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.

Fishing is not permitted within Rockfish Conservation Areas defined as:
a) 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 (Estevan Point - Chart 3603);

b) 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(Vargas Island 
to Dunlap Island - Chart 3603) and;

c) 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 (West of Bajo Reef - Chart 3604).

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

When directing on salmon species, barbless hooks are 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. Transferring of 
catch from one vessel to anther that exceeds the trip limit or vessel cap must 
receive advance permission from the vessel master's 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 Landings 
Slip and 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 (250-756-7160) 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 caught in fishing 
gear 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 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.

As of June 1, vessels throughout the critical habitat of the Southern Resident 
killer whale, including recreational boats and commercial vessels, will be 
required to stay at least 400 metres away from all killer whales. Vessels are 
also asked to reduce their speed to less than 7 knots if they are within 1,000 
metres of killer whales in certain areas, and to turn off their echo sounders 
and turn engines to neutral idle if a whale is within 400 metres.

As required by the US Marine Mammal Protection Act regulations, all countries 
exporting fish and fish products to the United States must comply with the 
updated import provisions which include requirements to report and record all 
incidental fishery-related interactions with marine mammals. As such, Canada 
has committed to updating licence conditions for all marine commercial and 
First Nation economic fisheries to include reporting requirements for 
interactions with marine mammals: the link to the online National form and 
instructions for filling in and reporting can be found here: 
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/mammals-mammiferes/report-
rapport/page01-eng.html. 
For more information, please see FN0388.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Ryan O'Connell, A/Resource Manager, Nanaimo (250) 756-7160

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0445
Sent May 21, 2019 at 1532

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