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 07:00 to 19:00 hours September 29 and September 30 in 
the following area: 

Gill nets may be used in portions of Subarea 23-1 and 23-2 from Paper Mill Dam 
Pool in the Somass River then downstream into Alberni Inlet to a line drawn 
from Hocking Point due east to the opposite shore except for the following 
areas listed below which remain closed.

-That portion of subarea 23-1 in the Somass River from the upstream entrance to 
Mccoy Pool downstream to the Highway 4 Bridge crossing.

-That portion of subarea 23-1 in the Somass River from a line drawn 
perpendicular to the flow of the river to both shore lines which passes through 
the green can buoy at the entrance to the Clutesi Marina Boat Ramp then 
downstream to a line drawn parallel with the power lines in the lower Somass 
River near the Pulp Mill.

-There is a general 250 metre radius boundary closure on all creeks and rivers 
in the Alberni Inlet within the above described area except the Somass River.

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. 
 
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:

Lindsay Reed, Resource Manager, Port Alberni (250) 720 4468

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN1003
Sent September 27, 2019 at 1355

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