Fishery Notice

A commercial Economic Opportunity fishery is authorized for the Tseshaht and 
Hupacasath First Nations for Chinook salmon using gill nets in upper Alberni 
Inlet and the tidal portion of the Somass River.

This fishery is open from 20:00 hours September 4th to 05:30 hours September 
5th, 2019 in the following area: 

Portions of subareas 23-1 and 23-2 from Paper Mill Dam Pool in the Somass River 
south in the river downstream into Alberni Inlet to a line from the navigation 
light at Hocking point due East to the opposite shore. 

There may be another fishery opening the following depending on catches. The 
announcement will be made after the September 5th Area 23 Harvest Committee 
meeting.  

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 for a copy of the conditions of their fishing licence.

The target species in this fishery is Somass Chinook. Incidentally caught Coho 
may be retained and sold as well. There will be non-retention of Sockeye. All 
non-target species will be released 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. 

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 - FN0887
Sent September 5, 2019 at 1531

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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 December 15, 2025 at 1454