Fishery Notice

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is reminding harvesters of ongoing oil spill response activities in the Nootka Sound area. A sunken vessel continues to leak oil in Zuciarte Channel (PFMA 25-15) on the eastern side of Bligh Island. 

An on-water emergency zone is in effect in Zuciarte Channel. Fishers are asked to avoid the area while operations continue. Multiple containment booms are in place, and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and other response crews are on site.

Please use extreme caution if transiting the area as a number of vessels are actively working in subareas 25-4, 25-6 and 25-15. If required, contact Coast Guard on Channel 16.

Beginning in mid-June, additional response crews, vessels, and equipment will be in the area to conduct the next phase of response operations. To the extent possible, bulk oil and diesel will be removed from the wreck. The oil removal process and subsequent work to remove boom from the area is expected to take approximately two to three weeks to complete, depending on weather.

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) will be directing all vessels not engaged with the response to stay clear of the established emergency zone. Harvesters are required by law to comply with this direction when received. The oil removal operation is complex and involves a wide array of equipment. Fishing gear must not be deployed in the emergency zone. 

More information on the spill and spill response efforts, including images and regular updates, can be found at http://www.spillresponsebc.ca/. 

Please contact 1-888-801-5860 to report observations of oil-impacted wildlife or oil on beach in the area. An update will be provided once response operations are completed or if the situation changes.

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0557
Sent June 9, 2021 at 1617

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Printed from the Pacific Region web site on April 18, 2024 at 0031