Alberni Inlet springs

[Fish-Hunter]

Tseshaht First Nation and Hupacasath First Nation caught an estimated 9,400 chinook salmon during a limited fishery opening last Tuesday in the harbour and in the Somass River.

Limited to what? I ask... To as many fish as you can scoop up??? To as many fish as you can fit into your boat??? To the point that you start to feel guilty, because you know that you alone have taken in one boat more than the entire opening was, for many boats??? Limited to a complete lack of common sense and a complete disregard to the responsibility of conservation. This is bloody INSANE!

Fisheries and Oceans Canada opened the chinook fishery for two hours for a small number of fish to be harvested. However, DFO South Coast area director Andrew Thomson said that the high number of fish caught might indicate there is more fish in the river than what DFO originally thought.

It may also "indicate" that almost all of the fish from this run are staging (correction: WERE STAGING, as they are now on their way to China!!!), waiting for a shot of fresh cooler water to come down the river, to signal them to move up to the spawning grounds. It could also "indicate" an infraction of the law, and complete negligence.

"For the chinook salmon, we do a pre-season forecast but we don't do an in-season forecast," he said. He added that the higher than expected number of salmon caught is not a conservation concern.

Are you kidding me??? Did the reporter not pick up on this??? He is saying that they do a pre season forecast, but not an in-season forecast, yet he just previously indicated that they must have done some form of an in-season forecast to have an idea of how many fish were there to catch, because above he says; "the high number of fish caught might indicate there is more fish in the river than what DFO originally thought". When did they formulate this "thought" about how many fish would be available at the time of this opening? In the Pre-Season??

Both TFN and HFN chief councillors said the fishery was very successful.

That would depend upon what one defines "successful", now wouldn't it? If by risking the health of the future stocks, and complete pillage of the run, then perhaps it was "successful". And it they get away with this behaviour without consequences, then perhaps they could look at it as "successful". I see it as "SHAMEFUL"

"It's fabulous for Port Alberni," said HFN chief councillor Steven Tatoosh. "All our kids will have clothes for school."

Are they providing clothing for ALL the kids in Port Alberni now????

He estimated that the salmon harvest brought in between $200,000 and $300,000. He added that China snapped a large volume of the salmon.

This is great! Hey you can save on shipping them to China by putting them on the next freighter full of logs leaving for China.

After the harvest was over, Braker ran an informal poll among the TFN fishermen. He said that 70 to 75% of the money would be spent in the Alberni Valley. Fishermen intended to use their gains to pay for retail, entertainment, restaurants and services.

"It's a huge boost for the local economy," he said.

DFO is currently evaluating whether or not First Nations will be allowed to hold a coho salmon fishery later in the fall.

"DFO is assessing the current coho salmon population and should reach a decision within a week," Thomson said.

If there is a coho salmon fishery, Braker said it would not bring in as good of a price, since he expects the run won't be as big.

" We want to hear from you. Send comments on this story to news@avtimes.net. Letters must include daytime phone number and hometown.

JBertrand@avtimes.net

The rest of this I don't even want to comment on.

This whole thing really Stinks. Something is pretty fishy around here!

FH

 

[profisher]

Complete joke. The SFAB can't do much, not their mandate. Hopefully many local individuals flood the editor section of the local newspaper with letters of discuss at what DFO allowed and then sugar coated afterward.

 

[searun]

Complete joke. The SFAB can't do much, not their mandate. Hopefully many local individuals flood the editor section of the local newspaper with letters of discuss at what DFO allowed and then sugar coated afterward.

Not so fast you guys. The SFAC process is an effective and worthwhile process if you have the time to participate. Moreover, we have excellent and knowledgable representation at the Harvest Round Table through the local SFAC. As such, have considerable opportunity to influence and have input into fishery management decisions.

That said, sometimes the best laid plans do not pan out as planned for any of the sectors. Remember this situation wont play out well in the future for FN leaders at the Round Table Process - its a major embarrassment. The reality is the FN sector quite likely had difficulty controlling a wild west cowboy style fishery which will make for some interesting discussions around how future fisheries will be conducted after this major error.

So, by participating in the local SFAC process you will at least have access to the latest data and facts upon which you and the group can make informed decisions. There are a lot of unknown variables still in play for our fishery, so what is needed at the moment is facts. The SFAC can help gather those facts.

Contrary to some posts on this forum, there are plans in the works to arrange a SFAC meeting, but be patient these things don't just happen overnight - especially if you want to get the right people and facts in the room!!

 

[chris73]

... interesting discussions around how future fisheries will be conducted after this major error.

Do this sort of error a couple more times and you won't have a fishery anymore up there, period. I don't understand the lack of urgency in your post. It's not that this has happened the first time up there.

 

[steel_dreamin]

Was the FN catch a "target" or "regulated" number? if the former then this all a moot point.

No accountability for anyone and this process will continue. DFO will not get their hands dirty in FN issues.

It would take an idividual to persue via legal venues to really raise the issue to the level that is required which I doubt will happen unless somebody has alot of spare time and very deep pockets. Even then, it will most likely be dismissed as the courts are "enabaling" FNs.

pardon the spelling/grammer - mobile device.

 

[PurgedTT]

I really am speechless about the whole subject. Salmon are bearing the load to support FN's. There are people in port alberni that are suffering just as bad as FN's w/o government hand outs.

Does that mean there is literally maybe 12,000 - 14,000 possible spawner's left for escapement this year when target was 24,000?? What the ****?

Why is it joe blow on welfare on 8th ave can't go net salmon for profit then either when they are down on their luck?

Discrimination at it's finest.

 

[Degree of Freedom]

There is a follow-up article being prepared due to the response this one got...the editor called me this morning to ask my permission to run my email in the letters to the editor section. Will be interesting to see the content of said article.

Tseshaht First Nation and Hupacasath First Nation caught an estimated 9,400 chinook salmon during a limited fishery opening last Tuesday in the harbour and in the Somass River.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada opened the chinook fishery for two hours for a small number of fish to be harvested. However, DFO South Coast area director Andrew Thomson said that the high number of fish caught might indicate there is more fish in the river than what DFO originally thought.

"For the chinook salmon, we do a pre-season forecast but we don't do an in-season forecast," he said. He added that the higher than expected number of salmon caught is not a conservation concern.

Both TFN and HFN chief councillors said the fishery was very successful.

"It's fabulous for Port Alberni," said HFN chief councillor Steven Tatoosh. "All our kids will have clothes for school."

He added that five or six buyers were on boats and that the fish went basically straight from the nets to the buyers.

Fish were sold for $1.50 per 0.45 kilogram. While this year's price is a little lower than last year, Tatoosh said it's just the way the market is right now.

Meanwhile, TFN chief councillor Hugh Braker said the fish caught on average were 30-pound salmon.

He estimated that the salmon harvest brought in between $200,000 and $300,000. He added that China snapped a large volume of the salmon.

After the harvest was over, Braker ran an informal poll among the TFN fishermen. He said that 70 to 75% of the money would be spent in the Alberni Valley. Fishermen intended to use their gains to pay for retail, entertainment, restaurants and services.

"It's a huge boost for the local economy," he said.

DFO is currently evaluating whether or not First Nations will be allowed to hold a coho salmon fishery later in the fall.

"DFO is assessing the current coho salmon population and should reach a decision within a week," Thomson said.

If there is a coho salmon fishery, Braker said it would not bring in as good of a price, since he expects the run won't be as big.

" We want to hear from you. Send comments on this story to news@avtimes.net. Letters must include daytime phone number and hometown.

JBertrand@avtimes.net

 

[eaglemaniac]

Right On! DoF. When is that coming out in the AV Times? Thanks eman

 

[profisher]

Searun.... I meant the SFAB isn't the best group (self interest) to embarrass DFO publicly. Better for individuals from all walks of life (even non fishers) to do that...many of them!!!

 

[lorneparker1]

Do this sort of error a couple more times and you won't have a fishery anymore up there, period. I don't understand the lack of urgency in your post. It's not that this has happened the first time up there.

Its Pat man,

Things are always "in the works" big secrets and big things happening "behind the scenes"

Yah right!

Lorne

 

[Derby]

Its Pat man,

Things are always "in the works" big secrets and big things happening "behind the scenes"

Yah right!

Lorne

Lorne you are just bad news man....

 

[Sculpin]

Its Pat man,

Things are always "in the works" big secrets and big things happening "behind the scenes"

Yah right!

Lorne

Just hire this guy and be done with it Lorne.

LOL. What part of get involved don't you understand. The meetings are not secret for Christ's sake. You just have to show up. "90% of life is just showing up and doing the work" quote from Tred Barta. If you don't like something then bitching on here is not going to do you any good and it's not going to do sports fishing any good either.


Regards,
John

 

[Derby]

Just hire this guy and be done with it Lorne.

LOL. What part of get involved don't you understand. The meetings are not secret for Christ's sake. You just have to show up. "90% of life is just showing up and doing the work" quote from Tred Barta. If you don't like something then bitching on here is not going to do you any good and it's not going to do sports fishing any good either.


Regards,
John

Well said John... Just go out and fish and learn Lorne..perhaps one day you will understand......

 

[lorneparker1]

Just hire this guy and be done with it Lorne.

LOL. What part of get involved don't you understand. The meetings are not secret for Christ's sake. You just have to show up. "90% of life is just showing up and doing the work" quote from Tred Barta. If you don't like something then bitching on here is not going to do you any good and it's not going to do sports fishing any good either.


Regards,
John

No conspiracay. I was just stating thats his answer to everything. "its in the works" "cant say"

Lorne

 

[runamuk]

I guess the next time a sporty gets nailed for bonking too many fish , the proper defence will be " I guess there is more fish down there than we thought". Some how I can't see that working for us .

 

[Jeep09]

Jesse is quite the guy, been to his house on the Baja a few times. He is the real deal, the conspiracy stuff is what he lives and breaths

 

[IronNoggin]

Letter to the Editor of the AV Times I sent:

" I am writing in response to the article “First Nations Fishery a Success” published in the AV Times on Monday September 10, 2012.

To call any fishery that Over-Harvests to the tune of 7,800 above and beyond their allotted quota a "success" is beyond Ludicrous. This opening had a target harvest rate of 1,900 chinook. Instead, the fishery removed 9,700 chinook. That represents an Over-Harvest of 511%!
Any other Sector that willingly surpassed their quota by such a huge margin would be the recipient of charges under the Fisheries Act, and subject to catch / equipment seizure.

The Chinook run to this river was forecasted to be but 34,000 overall. That requires an escapement of about 24,000 spawners to meet the 57.2M egg target for the system. At this point, over 23,000 have been removed from this year’s run, leaving a questionable 11,000 at best to try and meet broodstock requirements. Put simply, 11,000 can NOT meet even half of the number of eggs required to ensure this run continues into the future!

What the Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nation’s did under these circumstances is unquestionably an Irresponsible and Unconscionable act. By their own actions, they have placed the very survival of Stamp River Springs in jeopardy for all.

Adding insult to injury is the understood fact that some of the individuals involved in this particular fishery were “stockpiling” springs before the opening ever happened. Another contravention that if performed by anyone else would have resulted in charges.

DFO is also accountable for this excessive Over Harvest. It is believed they were apprised of the “stockpiling”, and had two Patrol Boats supposedly “monitoring” the fishery. They HAD to see what the harvest rate was developing like, and yet chose to stand idly by while the carnage continued. For South Coast area director Andrew Thomson to publicly suggest that “the higher than expected number of salmon caught is not a conservation concern” under the present circumstances is completely Irresponsible in my opinion. DFO is after all the “management authority” for our fish, and are supposed to place Conservation first and foremost. Remarks of that nature, in light of such huge harvest excesses, serve only to illustrate just how out of touch many within that Department have become with reality in my humble opinion.

The Area D Gillnet (commercial) that followed the day after can in comparison truly be labeled a success. Close monitoring and communications with DFO ensured they stayed within but 6 fish of their allowed catch. A breath of fresh air in the way things are “managed” here, and certainly setting a rather fine example of just how to prosecute a successful fishery while adhering to the quota assigned by Management. Something I truly believe the Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nation’s would be well advised to pay attention to.

Chinook salmon are an “Icon” to this area, and a great many people rely on their well-being, both from an economic and recreational point of view. To jeopardize their numbers for all due to sheer arrogance and greed is more than Irresponsible. It is in fact Criminal, and in my opinion should be dealt with accordingly. To publicly label such atrocious acts a “Success” borders on Lunacy. I therefore am writing this letter in the hope that you either publish it, or print something in the way of a retraction.

DFO is now clinging to the “hope” that more fish arrive than they had forecast. That may or may not occur. In the meantime, the recreational angling remains open. I, amongst many, have put away my rods as I simply cannot justify putting this stock at any further risk. I truly hope most anglers feel the same way. And for those that chose to go regardless, please “Tread Lightly”! The very future of these fish may well depend on it!!

Sincerely,
Matt Stabler"

Apparently they are running a "follow-up" story for tomorrow's paper. Kinda wondering just how much "spin" will be involved this go-around...

Nog

 

[baddogg]

Well said Matt. I have a question though. I don't understand what "stockpiling" means when it comes to this type of fishing.

Cheers

 

[Derby]

great letter Matt....

 

[IronNoggin]

I have a question though. I don't understand what "stockpiling" means when it comes to this type of fishing.

Thanks. Just heard they are actually going to print the letter tomorrow. Perhaps a good thing I'll be out of town for a spell...

"Stockpiling" in this instance refers to the Illegal act of fishing BEFORE a legal opening, holding those fish, and them claiming to have caught them in the fishery after it does open. ANY one else try that BS, The Dino would be on them like a Fat Kid on a Smartie! In this case, the blind eye gets turned yet again...

Nog