category(s):
RECREATIONAL - Salmon
Subject:
FN0608-Recreational - Salmon: Sockeye - A portion of Subarea 23-1 and 23-2 to 23-11 - Opening July 1, 2017
The finfish closure in part of Alberni Inlet (portions of Subarea 23-1 and
Subarea 23-2 and 23-3) implemented on June 14, 2017 as outlined in FN0536 has
been lifted.
Effective 00:01 hours Saturday July 1, 2017 until further notice the daily
limit for sockeye salmon will be two (2) sockeye per day in Area 23, Barkley
Sound and Alberni Inlet except for:
The tidal portion of the Somass River (which will remain closed) described as
that portion of Subarea 23-1 from the tidal boundary signs at Paper Mill Dam on
the Somass River downstream to a line commencing at a boundary sign in upper
Alberni Harbour situated at 49°14.19 north latitude and 124°50.23 west
longitude thence through the southern most point of Hoik Island then to the
flashing green light at the mouth of the Somass River, then due east to a
boundary sign on the opposite shore.
Variation Order # 2017-339 and 2017-340.
On June 29, 2017 Department staff met with the Area 23 Harvest Committee to
discuss fishery planning for Area 23 Somass Sockeye. The attendees at this
meeting were representatives from the Tseshaht, Hupacasath and Maa-nulth First
Nations and stakeholders from the commercial gillnet and seine fishery, and the
Alberni Valley Sport Fishing Advisory Committee.
The pre-season forecast for Somass sockeye was 172,000. A run reforecast was
not provided today due to a high level of uncertainty around run timing and an
unexpectedly low proportion of age 4 fish that usually provide a significant
contribution to the later part of the run. As a result, fisheries are being
planned conservatively based on a total estimated run to date of 210,000 and a
16% harvest rate. At the meeting the Area 23 Harvest Committee recommended
opening the tidal recreational sockeye fishery with the exception of the tidal
portion of the Somass River. The Area 23 Harvest Committee has agreed to
revisit the finfish closure in the Somass River at next week's committee
meeting.
The Somass Sockeye in-season stock assessment program will be in place in 2017.
This program collects escapement, test fishing, catch and environmental
information on a weekly basis. This information is collected and a reforecast
will be made weekly every Thursday for the duration of the season. This may
lead to further recreational sockeye opportunities if conditions warrant.
Fishers are reminded that the Uchuklesit Inlet finfish closure as described in
FN578 is in effect
