DFO Announces further SRKW Restrictions

[BC Coast Pilot]

This group has zero credibility I wouldn't get all worked up.

View attachment 79866

If they only put in as much effort into conservation as they do into their radicalism. Unlike the sportsfisherman sees it, in the streams, estuaries and hatcheries that is where we need these efforts, it's sad that the sportsfishing industry is not recognized for their ongoing support of these areas now that all of a sudden it's save the whales day

 

[mac_davy]

If they only put in as much effort into conservation as they do into their radicalism. Unlike the sportsfisherman sees it, in the streams, estuaries and hatcheries that is where we need these efforts, it's sad that the sportfishing industry is not recognized for their ongoing support of these areas now that all of a sudden it's save the whales day

it has never been about conservation, its an excuse to dismantle oil and gas and implement some version of socialism, and they will use what ever bunk science they can, and they will appeal to the emotions of an uninformed public. They are very experienced at it.

 

[ship happens]

Yep, exactly. They were using Chinook to grasp the soft heart of society before, lead them to the whales. Poor ******* whales. Now their getting used for more political bargaining

 

[salmonkiller01]

Truedope will put a salmon tax on boats and that will solve the problem. Just like a carbon tax to combat global warming

 

[steeler]

Washington state along with NOAA have the same information posted as dfo that srkw are in trouble because of a lack of food, increased boat traffic and pollution. Their website clearly states this information and actually does a good job of clearly showing the issues facing srkw. Spouting off about conspiracies and ignoring actual science will only further alienate fisherman from the general public leading to even less support for our fishing opportunities. We should acknowledge the issues they face and move forward not try to blindly say they are fine and deny reality. We can fish and they can still eat but that doesn't mean we don't have an impact whether or not these regulations actually help them doesn't change the fact they are not doing "ok". Seaweed plays a vital role in nearly all the fish species along our coast from lings to coho, I have countless spots that were once full of rock fish and seaweed that are now home to possibly a few black bass if your'e lucky and no seaweed. I don't need science to tell me how important seaweed is because I have firsthand experience but the science also points to its importance. Maybe some should read the science and take a walk along some rocks and grab a clue or they could just keep reading and propagating conspiracies on the web about how a bunch of neo-liberal technocrats are actually socialist .

 

[mac_davy]

Washington state along with NOAA have the same information posted as dfo that srkw are in trouble because of a lack of food, increased boat traffic and pollution. Their website clearly states this information and actually does a good job of clearly showing the issues facing srkw. Spouting off about conspiracies and ignoring actual science will only further alienate fisherman from the general public leading to even less support for our fishing opportunities. We should acknowledge the issues they face and move forward not try to blindly say they are fine and deny reality. We can fish and they can still eat but that doesn't mean we don't have an impact whether or not these regulations actually help them doesn't change the fact they are not doing "ok". Seaweed plays a vital role in nearly all the fish species along our coast from lings to coho, I have countless spots that were once full of rock fish and seaweed that are now home to possibly a few black bass if your'e lucky and no seaweed. I don't need science to tell me how important seaweed is because I have firsthand experience but the science also points to its importance. Maybe some should read the science and take a walk along some rocks and grab a clue or they could just keep reading and propagating conspiracies on the web about how a bunch of neo-liberal technocrats are actually socialist .

You know why it's not a conspiracy Steeler because greenpac and extinction rebellion spell out their agenda on their web sites, no conspiracy needs to be created. Every single person who fishes are willing to make accommodation for conservation or the SKW, but none of us feel the complete shut down of 1.4 billion dollar industry was a good idea, unlike the technocrats who seem to not care about that economic impact. I suggest you start reading what these people really want. None of us are stupid, we are aware of the science, Washington state chinook season opens on June 15th, the science in Washington state didn't feel a 4 year summer spring shut down has been warranted. If your curious how close David Suzuki is to the extinction rebellion you can read the following national post article with links to events he attends and speaks at, and as for David and Joyce's relationship, here's David gushing and glowing endorsement of her, when he wanted her to be the actual Prime minister.
As for the SKW are in trouble because of a lack of food, they just had two calves bringing the population now to 76, fourteen members less than their peak, and now 16 member more than their lowest, they appear to be in good shape, and i am 100% for the reduction of whale watching boats, Ive witnessed first hand the train of boats 30 or 40 chasing the pods not keeping their distance, its terrible ,and the mindless people that pay for this are equally as culpable as the companies that promote it, however current experts at UBC have gone on the record and said they whales do not lack food. So in the future if you wish to refute us, bring some evidence not just call us conspiracies theorists, the science backs the public fishery and the people that are blocking the public fishery are disregarding that science, they are also linked to some very radical environmental groups, which make us suspect they have an ulterior motive that may have more to do with those groups than the plight of the SKW.

https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/southern-resident-orcas-do-not-lack-for-food-ubc-researchers-say#:~:text=Local News-,Southern resident orcas do not lack for food, UBC researchers,the Juan de Fuca Strait.

Joyce Murray’s vision for Canada - Common Ground

An open letter to Canadians from David Suzuki • I am writing this as an individual citizen, not on behalf of any organization or ... Read more

commonground.ca

https://nationalpost.com/news/extinction-rebellion-is-way-more-radical-than-you-think

 

[OldBlackDog]

And here comes more reasons to control sports fishing.

Note: whale watching boats are not a concern.

Humpback Mothers Are Being Squeezed from Both Sides | Hakai Magazine

Humpbacks prefer to keep their calves in shallow water, but increasing boat traffic is pushing them out to sea.

hakaimagazine.com

 

[SpringVelocity]

And here comes more reasons to control sports fishing.

Note: whale watching boats are not a concern.

Humpback Mothers Are Being Squeezed from Both Sides | Hakai Magazine

Humpbacks prefer to keep their calves in shallow water, but increasing boat traffic is pushing them out to sea.

hakaimagazine.com

What a joke this article is. From a whale watcher nothing to see here. When is this industry going to accept some responsibility?

Alaska Sea Adventures » Focus on Whales with Dr Adam Pack

yachtalaska.com

 

[SpringVelocity]

Pack says the whales’ daily commute is likely the consequence of them avoiding non–whale watching vessels such as fishing boats or recreational watercraft. The researchers draw a distinction between whale watching tour boats and other boats because, based on their analysis, the whales’ shift to deeper water was related to the density of non–whale watching boats, which increased during the course of the day. Whale watching boats, they say, were much fewer in number and didn’t have the same effect. The finding deviates from previous research in which vessels were absent.

 

[SpringVelocity]

From Georgia Sraight Alliance Facebook post. Georgia Straight Alliance is based right in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Response to SRKW decision:

“What we need is year-round measures.”

Our Executive Director Christianne Wilhelmson explains how year-round no-go zones and fishery closures would also make it easier for ship operators and fishers to navigate the increasingly complicated rules.

“Wouldn't it be easier if these rules were in place 12 months of the year? If people didn't have to figure it out — ‘This year, am I in the right zone? Oh no, I can't put my lure in here. I have to put it over there,’” she said. “That's problematic.”

If the federal government were using “the best science,” Wilhelmson says the federal government would have rolled out far more closures to protect chinook salmon, the whale population’s preferred prey.

Especially, she added, at a time when whale mothers need to be healthy so they can ensure their young are getting enough nutrients to grow and propagate the species.

#ICYMI:

 

[searun]

Exactly the bs that the ENGO crowd puts out there. Frankly some of the science is being cherry picked to "fit for purpose" an agenda. Its not really about following the best science, more about fitting the science to the narrative ENGO's and some ENGO leaning marine mammal science folks are advancing.

Remember those recreational closures implemented in 2018 in Areas 20-3 and 20-4 that were pitched as critical to SRKW survival....quietly went away when it became clear through new Focal Follow studies that the experts got it wrong. There's a lot of guess work and "precautionary principle" politics going on.

IMO some of these measures we are complaining about (Vessel Slow Downs) are not well thought through because they were hastily fashioned - intended to create an illusion of doing something while actually constructed to create trade offs to keep the recreational community happy by avoiding more broad closures the ENGO's were pressing for...while giving appearances of doing something to keep the ENGO crowd happy they won a battle to close down more recreational fisheries. Classic bait and switch....so don't light your hair on fire about how the slow down measures were somehow science-based.

 

[SpringVelocity]

Fishery Notice
Category(s):
ABORIGINAL - General Information
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Gill Net
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Seine
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Troll
RECREATIONAL - General Information
RECREATIONAL - Salmon
Subject:
FN0500-Southern Resident Killer Whale Recovery - Salmon Fishing Closures in the Southern Gulf Islands - Effective May 27, 2022 until October 31, 2022


This notice provides information on planned fisheries management measures for the recovery of Southern Resident Killer Whales that will be in place from 00:01 hours May 27, 2022 until 23:59 October 31, 2022.

Subarea 18-9, and those portions of 18-2, 18-4, and 18-5 inside a line drawn from Collinson Point on Galiano Island at 48°51.590' N and 123°21.152' W, then easterly to 48°51.450' N and 123° 20.722' W at Helen Point on Mayne Island, then southerly following the shoreline of Mayne Island to 48°50.010' N and 123°19.675' W at Dinner Point, then southerly to 48°49.141' N and 123°19.632' W at Stanley Point on North Pender Island, then southerly following the shoreline of North Pender Island to 48°44.199' N and 123°13.893' W at Wallace Point, then easterly to 48°43.951' N and 123°12.489' W at Tilly Point on South Pender Island, then easterly following the shoreline of South Pender Island to 48°44.697' N and 123°10.467' W at Teece Point on South Pender Island, then northeasterly to 48°45.817' N and 123°09.319' W at Murder Point on Saturna Island, then easterly following the shoreline of Saturna Island to 48°46.967' N and 123°02.733' W near Saturna Island Sector Light, then southeasterly to a point in water at 48°46.934' N and 123°02.665' W, then southwesterly to a point in water at 48°46.558' N and 123°03.147' W, then southwesterly to a point in water intersecting with the international boundary with the United States of America at 48°44.866' N and 123°04.638' W, then westerly following the international boundary with the United States of America to a point in water intersecting with the international boundary with the United States of America at 48°43.063' N and 123°11.026' W, then southwesterly following the international boundary with the United States of America to a point in water intersecting with the international boundary with the United States of America at 48°41.640' N and 123°16.073' W, then southerly following the international boundary with the United States of America to a point in water intersecting with the international boundary with the United States of America at 48°41.269' N and 123°15.948' W, then westerly to 48°41.088' N and 123°17.622' W at Arachne Reef Light, then northeasterly to a point in water approximately 0.5 nautical miles from the shoreline of Moresby Island at 48°42.753' N and 123°16.439' W, then northwesterly to a point in water located approximately 0.5 nautical miles from the shoreline of Moresby Island at 48°44.563' N and 123°18.529' W, then westerly to a point in water at 48°44.263' N and 123°19.142' W, then northwesterly to 48°46.522' N and 123°22.002' W at Beaver Point on Saltspring Island, then northerly to a point at 48°49.285' N and 123°21.301' W on Prevost Island, then northerly following the shoreline of Prevost Island to 48°49.979' N and 123°21.883' W near Porter Bight on Prevost Island, and then northeasterly in a straight line back to the point of commencement.

In addition, all fishing will be prohibited (with some exceptions) from June 1 until November 30, 2022 in the Interim Sanctuary Zones located in portions of Subarea 18-4 (Pender Island) and Subarea 18-5 and 18-11 (Saturna Island). A separate Variation Order and Fishery Notice will be provided in advance of the effective dates.

In addition, fishing is prohibiting in the following areas on the West Coast of Vancouver Island in support of Southern Resident Killer Whale recovery:

Commercial and recreational salmon fishing is prohibited in a portion of 29-3 at the Mouth of the Fraser River from August 1 to September 30, a portion of Subarea 121-1 and 121-2 from July 15 (or following the expiry of the Chinook non-retention measures) until October 31, 2022, and in Subareas 20-1 and 20-5 from August 1 (or following the expiry of the Chinook non-retention measures) until October 31, 2022. A separate Variation Order and Fishery Notice will be provided in advance of the effective dates.

The Southern Resident Killer Whale population is small and declining, with only 72 individuals remaining, not including two new calves reported March and April 2022, and is exposed to a number of anthropogenic threats, including underwater noise and disturbance from vessels. Given the imminent threats the whales are facing, additional management measures are in effect:

Vessels must stay 400m away from killer whales (with some exceptions) in all southern BC coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet until May 31, 2023.

Vessels must travel at no more than 10knots (with some exceptions) from June 1, 2022 until November 30, 2022 in the Seasonal Slowdown Areas located in portions of Subareas 121-1, 121-2 and 21-0.

The Government is also asking vessel operators to respect the following voluntary measures:
-Stop fishing (do not haul gear) within 1000 metres of killer whales and let them pass;
-Reduce speed to less than 7 knots when within 1000 metres of the nearest marine mammal;
-When safe to do so, turn off echo sounders and fish finders; and
-Place engine in neutral idle and allow animals to pass if your vessel is not in compliance with the approach distance regulations

For further information on the suite of Southern Resident Killer Whale mandatory and voluntary management measures, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/southern-resident-killer-whales

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Marine Mammal Team
DFO.SRKW-ERS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0500
Sent May 25, 2022 at 1725

 

[High Time]

My understanding was that this ridiculous,draconian, measure in the southern gulf islands, would come into play when the SRKW were observed on the inside waters. I don't see any reference or conformation of this in the above announcement. Not that it would justify what they want to do in order to create a marine park for political reasons but are they just disregarding their own regulations and doing it anyway.

 

[BC Coast Pilot]

My understanding was that this ridiculous,draconian, measure in the southern gulf islands, would come into play when the SRKW were observed on the inside waters. I don't see any reference or conformation of this in the above announcement. Not that it would justify what they want to do in order to create a marine park for political reasons but are they just disregarding their own regulations and doing it anyway.

J pod has been recently sighted in the area

 

[gone fishin]

J pod has been recently sighted in the area

That would mean J pod is nowhere near areas 121-1, 121-2 and 21-0. and will not be for sometime!!
Right?
They have never been in there on the days I have fished that area over many years yet the insane and unenforceable speed limit of 10 knots go into affect June 1

 

[OldBlackDog]

Researchers believe the new female orca brings hope to the endangered species, but there is still concern

A new female orca calf off the southern coast of Vancouver Island is exciting, but also a stark reminder of how endangered the species is, according to the Marine Education and Research Society.

www.cheknews.ca

 

[SpringVelocity]

My understanding was that this ridiculous,draconian, measure in the southern gulf islands, would come into play when the SRKW were observed on the inside waters. I don't see any reference or conformation of this in the above announcement. Not that it would justify what they want to do in order to create a marine park for political reasons but are they just disregarding their own regulations and doing it anyway.

I think the regulation has more to do with who lives on island personally, and who pushed hard for that area especially. Hate to say it. It's funny how the most infractions logged are around that island. Also there is letter attached from this group on Trans mountain. So as much as you guys think this is new these groups have been actively looking for this for 10+ years.

Look up Gulf island Alliance. https://www.gulfislandsalliance.ca/

Islands in Trust - GIA’s new video | Gulf Islands Alliance

Click here to watch GIA’s new video…

www.gulfislandsalliance.ca

 

[mac_davy]

I think the regulation has more to do with who lives on island personally who pushed hard for that area especially. Hate to say it. It's funny how the most infractions logged are around that island.

Look up Gulf island Alliance. https://www.gulfislandsalliance.ca/

https://www.gulfislandsalliance.ca/2016/12/islands-in-trust/[/U

what a joke, these self flatulating virtue signaling fakes, most of these people who made this video own water front homes, that wont be handing them over.

 

[onefish]

Just came in from outside the fingers. A nice little pod of whales including a bull and what looked like a calf. Flat calm and only 3 boats watching from a distance. They are a pain with respect to regs but they are nice to see none the less.

 

[Derby]

Southern Resident Killer Whale Bulletin ​ Photo by: Miles Ritter Stay up to date on rules and guidelines//Help protect this iconic species INTERIM ORDER IN EFFECT JUNE 1, 2022​ A reminder that as of June 1, 2022, Transport Canada’s Interim Order for the Protection of the Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) in the Waters of Southern British Columbia, 2022 is in effect including: Give killer whales space - stay 400m away (effective until May 31, 2023): Vessels must stay at least 400m away from all killer whales in southern B.C. coastal waters between Campbell River and Ucluelet, including Barkley and Howe Sound. If killer whales approach any vessel, boaters should place their engine in neutral and wait for the animals to pass. Interim Sanctuary Zones (effective June 1 – November 30, 2022): Interim Sanctuary Zones will again be in effect off of Pender Island and Saturna Island. No boating or fishing will be permitted in these areas, subject to certain exceptions for emergency situations and Indigenous vessels. *NEW* Seasonal Slowdown Areas - Swiftsure Bank (effective June 1 – November 30, 2022): Transport Canada is introducing Seasonal Slowdown Areas around Swiftsure Bank. All vessels must slow down to no more than 10 knots when safe to do so while traveling through the area. This measure was co-developed with Pacheedaht First Nation and considers new scientific information about Southern Resident Killer Whale habitat use and foraging behaviour. Visit the management measures website for maps and further information​ EXPLORE >>​ HOW FAR IS 400M?​ Curious what a killer whale looks like when you are 400m away? The team at Straitwatch developed an amazing educational "distance finder" to answer that question. Check out an image below. This simple guide (it's the size of a business card) helps mariners get a better sense of when they are too close to marine mammals like killer whales or humpback whales. Interested in ordering educational products like posters, brochures and distance finders to distribute at a marina, visitor centre, or in your community? Please reach out to tc.srkw-ers.tc@tc.gc.ca and place your order today. For more information on additional ways to help whales while on the water, please visit bewhalewise.org and seeablowgoslow.org. JUNE IS ORCA ACTION MONTH!​ This year the theme for Orca Action Month is "Stream to Sea" and we are celebrating the Orca-Salmon connection. Join the Virtual Kick-Off event on Sunday, June 5 from 3:00pm - 5:00pm. Can't make the Kick-Off event? No problem! Explore the events calendar to find events and activities for all ages throughout the month. Events are created to inspire action to help protect the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales and restore the salmon they depend on to survive. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to get involved throughout the month of June! MEET THE SOUTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES​ This week we introduce you to Surprise! (L-86), who surprised researchers in 1991 due to the big age gap between her and her older sister, Nugget (L-55). Meeting Surprise! and her family in the Salish Sea would certainly be a very welcome ‘surprise!’. Please remember to keep your distance from whales. If a whale approaches you, turn your engine to neutral and let the whale pass. To continue learning about the Southern Resident Killer Whales and how to help keep them safe, join Parks Canada Ecosystem Scientists behind the scenes while they research the whales and their surroundings in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Photo by: Miles Ritter Report any violations or incidents involving marine mammals (that you observed or were involved in) to Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s 24/7 Observe, Record, Report Line: 1-800-465-4336 DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca​ For more information on the 2022 measures and how the Government of Canada is keeping its promise to protect and recover this endangered, iconic whale population, please follow these links:​ 2022 Management Measures​ Watching Marine Wildlife​ CONTACT​ ​ FOLLOW US​