PACIFIC REGION 1998 SALMON NET MANAGEMENT PLAN AREAS B, D & E SOUTH COAST & FRASER RIVER This Area B, D and E Salmon Management Plan is intended for general purposes only. Where there is a discrepancy between the Plan and the regulations, the regulations are the final authority. A description of Areas and Subareas referenced in this Plan can be found in the Pacific Fishery Management Area Regulations.
RECORD OF MANAGEMENT PLAN REVISIONS Plan: Areas A, D & E Salmon Date last revised: 6/26/98 Version Number: 1 # Date Page Subject Revision Details Contact ADDITIONAL NOTES:
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. DFO CONTACTS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION...2 2. SALMON - MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES...3 3. HISTORY OF THE FISHERY...4 4. ENFORCEMENT PLAN...5 5. ABORIGINAL FISHERIES PLAN...6 6. SPORT FISHING PLAN...6 7. INTRODUCTION...7 8. COMMERCIAL FISHING PLAN...7 8.1. 1998 Management Changes...7 8.2. Licensing...9 8.2.1. Description of Salmon Licence Area...9 8.3. Coho Conservation Measures...9 8.3.1. Thompson River...9 8.4. Assumptions Regarding Abundance... 10 8.4.1. Areas 11 to 13, 16, 18, 20 and 29... 10 8.4.2. Areas 21 to 27... 11 8.5. Allocations and Limitations... 12 8.5.1. Sockeye... 12 8.5.2. Coho... 12 8.5.3. Pink... 12 8.5.4. Chum... 13 8.5.5. Chinook and Steelhead... 13 8.6. Plan Details - Openings and Closures... 14 8.6.1. Johnstone Strait - Areas 11 to 13... 14 8.6.2. Strait of Georgia - Areas 14 to 18... 17 8.6.3. West Coast Vancouver Island - Areas 21 to 27... 17 8.6.4. San Juan and Fraser River - Area 20 and Area 29... 18 8.7. Monitoring Program... 18 9. INDUSTRY CONTACTS... 18 10. ATTACHMENTS... 18 1998 Areas B, D & E - South Coast and Fraser River Net Salmon Management Plan Page 1 of 18
1. DFO CONTACTS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 24 Hour Recorded Information Vancouver (604) 666-2828 Prince Rupert (250) 627-3470 Port Hardy (250) 949-8181 Nanaimo (250) 754-0281 PSC (604) 666-8200 Operations Centre (604) 666-0583 Salmon Inland Information (800) 257-5574 Fisheries Management Branch Regional Salmon Coordinator Wayne Saito (604) 666-0497 Fisheries Management North Coast - Areas A, C and F Area Chief of Fisheries Management David Einarson (250) 627-3426 Fisheries Manager - Areas A, C (Areas 1/2) Victor Fradette (250) 559-4467 Fisheries Manager - Areas A, C (Areas 3/4/5) Dan Wagner (250) 627-3425 Fisheries Manager - Areas A, C (Area 6) Jim Steward (250) 627-3421 Fisheries Manager - Areas A, C (Area 7/8) Lyle Enderud (250) 799-5345 Fisheries Manager - Area F Dave Rekdal (250) 627-3476 Fisheries Management Biologist - Central Coast Ron Goruk (250) 627-3460 Fisheries Management Biologists - North Coast Les Jantz (250) 627-3457 Information Coordinator - North Coast Denise Zinn (250) 627-3436 Stock Assessment North Coast Biologist Dave Peacock (250) 627-3467 Fisheries Management South Coast - Areas B, D, E, G and H South Coast Area Chief of Fisheries Management Greg Savard (250) 756-7288 Fisheries Manager - Areas B, D, E (Areas 20-26 WCVI net) Laurie Gordon (250) 723-0118 Fisheries Manager - Areas B, D (Areas 11/12/13) Gordon McEachen (250) 339-1029 Fisheries Manager - Area H (Areas 14/15/16 net) Doug Swift (250) 850-5704 Fisheries Manager - Area G (Areas 17/18/19 net) Randy Brahniuk (250) 754-0208 Fisheries Management Biologist - Areas G & H Bill Shaw (250) 756-7152 Fisheries Management Biologist - Areas B, D, E Leroy Hopwo (250) 756-7294 Fisheries Management Biologist - Areas B, D, E Paul Ryall (250) 756-7279 Fraser River Area Chief of Fisheries Management Frances Dickson (604) 666-6509 Page 2 of 18 1998 Areas B, D & E - South Coast and Fraser River Net Salmon Management Plan
Fisheries Manager - Area E (Fraser) Devona Adams (604) 666-6512 Fisheries Management Biologist - Area E (Fraser) Al MacDonald (604) 666-8616 Stock Assessment - South Coast Biologist - WCVI Wilf Luedke (250) 756-7157 Recreational Fisheries South Coast Coordinator Terry Gjernes (604) 666-3271 North Coast Coordinator Elmer Fast (250) 627-3409 Fraser River Coordinator Devona Adams (604) 666-6512 Upper Fraser Coordinator Barry Huber (250) 851-4953 Aboriginal Fisheries South Coast Manager Rebecca Reid (250) 756-7296 North Coast Manager Randy Barnhart (250) 627-3420 Fraser River Manager Bert Ionson (604) 666-2032 2. SALMON - MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES 2.1. To ensure conservation and protection of salmon stocks and their habitat through the application of scientific management principles applied in a precautionary manner based on the best scientific advice available. 2.2. Despite significant conservation measures implemented over the past three years, scientific evidence demonstrates conclusively that wild coho stocks are declining and some are at extreme risk. This is particularly the case for coho stocks from the upper Skeena and Thompson Rivers, but there are also concerns for many other coho stocks in British Columbia. Current ocean conditions are contributing to the urgency. The B.C. Coast has been categorized into areas where upper Skeena and Thompson River coho are prevalent (Red Zones), or not prevalent (Yellow Zones). There will be coho non-retention and non-possession during all fisheries in 1998. The only exception may be in localized extreme terminal areas where surpluses are identified (primarily hatchery stocks) and stocks of concern are not prevalent. In 1998, fishing plans will be guided by two conservation objectives: a) Targeting for a zero fishing mortality for critical upper Skeena and Thompson coho stocks. b) Where upper Skeena and Thompson coho stocks are not prevalent, fisheries must be selective and demonstrate that the risk of coho by-catch mortality on other stocks will be minimal. 1998 Areas B, D & E - South Coast and Fraser River Net Salmon Management Plan Page 3 of 18
2.3. In red zone areas, limited experimental fishing using modified fishing gear, fish traps and fish wheels, will be considered. These fisheries will be intensively monitored and required to release all coho alive and unharmed. 2.4. In yellow zone areas, commercial fishing using modified gear will be permitted (see section on selective fishing), with the goal of minimizing coho bycatch. All fisheries will have increased catch monitoring, and fishing times and areas will be adjusted based on coho bycatch concerns. 2.5. To meet the federal Crown s obligations regarding aboriginal fisheries for food, social and ceremonial purposes. 2.6. To develop sustainable commercial and recreational fisheries through partnership and comanagement arrangements with client groups and stakeholders, and to share in decision making, responsibilities, costs and benefits. 2.7. To develop fishing plans and co-operative research programs which will contribute to improving the knowledge base and understanding of the resource. 2.8. To consider the goals of stakeholders with respect to social, cultural and economic values of the fishery. 2.9. To maintain manageability and enforceability of the plan. 3. HISTORY OF THE FISHERY The introduction of entry controls in the salmon fishery in 1969 marked the beginning of licence limitation in Pacific fisheries in Canada. Salmon (A) licences were issued for fishing vessels which had a recorded catch of 10,000 lbs. or more of pink or chum salmon, or equivalent, during 1967 or 1968. A total of 5870 Salmon (A) licences were issued in 1969. Between 1969 and 1977 there was no restriction on the type of gear (gillnet, seine or troll) which could be used on a salmon licensed vessel. In 1977, a moratorium on the number of vessels allowed to fish with seine gear was implemented. In 1982, salmon vessels with a seine licence privilege were issued distinct salmon validation tabs. Those salmon vessels with a seine licence privilege were entitled to fish for salmon with any gear until 1996. Those vessels without a seine licence privilege were able to use either gillnet or troll gear or both until 1996. The once-$400 million-a-year industry recently entered into serious trouble as world salmon prices fell and critical stocks of B.C. salmon continued to decline. Two consecutive poor salmon seasons in 1995 and 1996, during which incomes and profits fell to record lows, ongoing concerns for conservation led the federal government to introduce its Pacific Salmon Revitalization Strategy. An $80-million federally-funded voluntary licence retirement program led to the retirement of 798 commercial salmon licences. Permanent single gear licensing was implemented in 1996 whereby a single licence holder could fish with only one gear type (gillnet, troll or seine). For 1996 only, the north coast licence holders were permitted to fish both gillnet and troll. In 1996, area licensing Page 4 of 18 1998 Areas B, D & E - South Coast and Fraser River Net Salmon Management Plan
which designated the coastal fishing waters into two areas for seine boats, three for gillnetters and three for trollers, was implemented where a licence holder had to choose a single area in which to fish for a period of four years. In 1996, licence holders who had chosen an area, were allowed to permanently stack an additional licence from another single licensed vessel onto their vessel in order to fish other areas or another gear type. A total of 396 licences were stacked to the end of 1996. In early 1998 industry voted to continue stacking, and by June, 1998 the total number of salmon licences stacked had increased to 623. 4. ENFORCEMENT PLAN Fisheries and Oceans Canada has the responsibility to enforce the Fisheries Act, associated regulations and conditions of licences to address conservation, health and safety issues and ensure compliance to the Fisheries Management plan. Conservation of coho and the protection of fish habitat are two of Conservation and Protection s highest priorities for the 1998 salmon season. Specific actions to address coho conservation will include: a) Deploying existing resources within Region based on priorities for conservation and protection of coho. These resources include Fishery Officers, Canadian Coast Guard vessels, Marine Enforcement Officers, Charter Patrolman and aircraft. b) Dock side monitoring of off loads of salmon. Dock side monitors will have twenty four hour access to Fishery Officers to permit timely enforcement action. c) High level of enforcement activities in those portions of the red zones where experimental fishing may be permitted. These activities will include an increase in uniform patrols, covert operations and as required, blitz type enforcement patrols to conduct vessel, person and vehicle checks of catch and gear, boundary patrols and closed area patrols. d) Increased on ground monitoring of fisheries will be conducted in yellow zones. This will include increased observer coverage, uniform patrols, and as required blitz type enforcement patrols to conduct vessel, person and vehicle checks of catch and gear, boundary patrols and closed area patrols. e) Aerial surveillance of closed areas f) Non-compliance may result in court appearance, court imposed financial penalties, seizure and forfeiture of fish and equipment and fishing closures. Individuals have a responsibility to report violations. Any suspected fisheries, wildlife or pollution violations can be quickly and discretely reported to the appropriate Enforcement Officer by using the toll free Observe, Record and Report hotline. This toll free number is available 24 hours a day. Confidentiality is assured. OBSERVE, RECORD AND REPORT: 1-800-465-4DFO (1-800-465-4336) Observe: exceeding the daily bag limit; fishing in a closed area; using illegal gear; retention of prohibited salmon, i.e. coho and damage to fish habitat, i.e. pollution. 1998 Areas B, D & E - South Coast and Fraser River Net Salmon Management Plan Page 5 of 18
Record: date, time and location; identify or description of violators; boat or vehicle description and evidence at the scene. Report: report violations as soon as possible to DFO. Enforcement inquiries can also be directed to the local field offices during regular office hours. 5. ABORIGINAL FISHERIES PLAN Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) recognizes the importance of fish, including invertebrates, to the aboriginal peoples of British Columbia. Through the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy, DFO seeks to negotiate, with aboriginal organizations, access for food, social and ceremonial purposes. Subject to conservation, this access will have priority over access for commercial and recreational user groups. DFO will consult with aboriginal organizations to determine their needs, and communal licences will be issued to the aboriginal organization for the fishing. In the Red Zone areas, DFO will consult with First Nations regarding food, social and ceremonial needs, considering measures which will avoid or minimize coho bycatch in First Nations fisheries. In the Yellow Zone areas, the pilot sales fisheries will be subject to the same conservation objectives and measures as the commercial fishery. Pilot sales fishing will take place in the lower Fraser River until coho are present in late August, and the Somass River on the west coast of Vancouver Island. In the Skeena River, the Excess to Salmon Spawning Requirements (ESSR) fisheries will occur in Babine Lake and the mainstem of the Skeena River. There will be no expansion of the ESSR fisheries for sales purposes. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact the appropriate Divisional Aboriginal Fisheries staff listed in Section 1 of this fishing plan. 6. SPORT FISHING PLAN The recreational harvest of salmon is regulated via the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations made under the Fisheries Act. A DFO Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence is required for the recreational harvest of all species of fish. The regulations are summarized annually in the British Columbia Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Guide which lists closed times, bag limits, size limits (where applicable) and closed areas. If necessary, public notices are posted to document closures or changes from the Guide. Closures may be implemented in order to conserve vulnerable stocks, or to protect the public from consumption of contaminated shellfish or to meet aboriginal food, social and ceremonial needs. Page 6 of 18 1998 Areas B, D & E - South Coast and Fraser River Net Salmon Management Plan
The primary consultative body for the recreational fishing community is the Sport Fishing Advisory Board (SFAB). The SFAB has representatives from all parts of this community including the B.C. Wildlife Federation and the Sport Fishing Institute of B.C.. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact a Recreational Fisheries Coordinator listed in Section 1 of this fishing plan or a local Fisheries Office. The 1998 Salmon Management Plan provides opportunities for recreational fishing in British Columbia while reflecting the coastwide requirement for non-retention of coho salmon. Barbless hooks must be used when fishing for salmon throughout the coast. In the Yellow Zone areas, where upper Skeena and Thompson River coho stocks are not prevalent, fishing for salmon will be permitted. Extensive monitoring and strict enforcement will be in place for all areas. In the Red Zone areas, where upper Skeena and Thompson River coho are likely to be prevalent, salmon fishing will be restricted. However fishing for other species of finfish and the harvest of shellfish will be permitted. Within the red zones, small nearshore areas will be open to carefully monitored salmon fishing in order to determine if selective fishing for salmon other than coho can be conducted, with the objective of zero mortality on the stocks of concern. Monitoring by independent observers will be employed to evaluate the ability to avoid encounters of coho. If coho are encountered to any significant degree in these small experimental areas, the fishery will be moved or closed. There will be opportunities for terminal fisheries on hatchery coho in several areas such as the mouth of and in the Capilano River, in the Chehalis River and Chilliwack River, and in the vicinity of the mouth of and in the Qualicum River. In non-tidal waters, there are specific regulations for salmon by river and/or tributary. Consult the Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis. 7. INTRODUCTION This fishing plan has been developed through a series of meetings with local Area Advisory Committees. The Area B fishing plan includes representation from processors, Fishing Vessel Owners Association of B.C., Prince Rupert Fishing Vessel Owners Association, Native Brotherhood of B.C., Fisheries Council of B.C., North Island Seiners Association, Aboriginal Vessel Owners Association and Northern Processors Association. 8. COMMERCIAL FISHING PLAN 8.1. 1998 Management Changes 8.1.1. Continued conservation measures are required in 1998 to protect south coast coho and in particular the Thompson River coho stocks. There will be several new measures taken in the seine and gillnet fisheries that will provide maximum 1998 Areas B, D & E - South Coast and Fraser River Net Salmon Management Plan Page 7 of 18
protection to southern coho stocks by providing for more selective capture techniques and by avoiding areas of high coho encounters. 8.1.2. Seines will be required to brail and sort all sets and release coho, chinook and steelhead to the water with the least possible harm. Gillnet fisheries will also be required to sort and release all coho to the water with the least possible harm. Depending on local stock concerns, gillnets may be required to release chinook and steelhead as well. It will be illegal to land coho from any areas. All fishers are required to sort their catch accurately and release all non target salmon. Fish revival tanks are required as a condition of licence, these tanks may be used to revive these fish prior to release. 8.1.3. Mainland Inlet (Area 12) pinks are expected to have a good return. No formal forecast has been made for this area however a surplus of approximately 1 million pinks may be available in this area. A test fishing program will be conducted in this area to monitor pink abundance. 8.1.4. Area D gillnet fishers will be permitted to use 90 mesh gillnets during the Johnstone Strait sockeye fishery. During this time frame, gillnet mesh may be either the traditional multi strand, Alaska Twist, or a combination of the two. A pilot test program will be conducted in Barkley Sound, during the sockeye gillnet fishery, to compare CPUE for sockeye and non target species between Alaska Twist and traditional multistand nets. 8.1.5. The seine Ribbon Boundary will remain in effect in Johnstone Strait. The seine Ribbon Boundary between Chatham Point and Deepwater Bay is under review for the 1998 season. 8.1.6. All gillnet fisheries must be selective in nature. Vessels participating in these fisheries may be required as a condition of licence to: a) Take on board an observer, as defined in the Fishery (General) Regulations, if requested to do so by a representative of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. b) Sort all fish caught immediately; (cut mesh to release non-target salmon, i.e. coho). c) Release all prohibited species to the water with the least possible harm. d) Set the net for no longer than 30 minutes before starting to remove fish out of the net. e) Mandatory use of revival tanks to revive non-retention species prior to release. 8.1.7. All seine fisheries must be selective in nature. Vessels participating in these fisheries may be required as a condition of licence to: Page 8 of 18 1998 Areas B, D & E - South Coast and Fraser River Net Salmon Management Plan
a) Take on board an observer, as defined in the Fishery (General) Regulations, if requested to do so by a representative of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. b) Brail all sets. c) Sort all fish caught before they are placed in the hold. d) Use a standard size brailer. e) Release all prohibited species to the water with the least possible harm. f) Mandatory use of revival tanks to revive non-retention species prior to release. 8.1.8. An observer program, mandatory logbook program and fleet catch program will be required for both the gillnet and seine fleets. Details to be finalized in consultation with fishers. 8.2. Licensing 8.2.1. Description of Salmon Licence Area Area A: Areas 1 to 10 and Subarea 101-7 (Salmon Seine - North Coast) Area B: Areas 11 to 29 and 121 (Salmon Seine - South Coast) Area C: Areas 1 to 10 and Subarea 101-7 (Salmon Gill Net - North Coast) Area D: Areas 11 to 15 and 23 to 27 (Salmon Gill Net - Johnstone Strait - WCVI) Area E: Areas 16 to 22, 28, 29 and 121 (Salmon Gill Net - Fraser River - Juan de Fuca) Area F: Areas 1 to 11, 101 to 111, 130 (Troll - North Coast) and 142 Area G: Areas 20 to 27 and 121 to 127, (Troll - Outside Waters) Area 11, Subareas 12-5 to 12-13, 12-15 and 12-16 Area H: Areas 12 to 19, 28 and 29 (Troll - Inside Waters) 8.3. Coho Conservation Measures 8.3.1. Thompson River In order to address Thompson River coho conservation requirements, the South coast waters have been categorized into areas where Thompson River coho are either prevalent (red zones), or less prevalent (yellow zones). Prevalent areas will require conservation measures that will target for a zero coho by-catch mortality. In non-prevalent areas, fisheries must be selective and demonstrate that the risk of coho by-catch mortality on all stocks will be minimal. 1998 Areas B, D & E - South Coast and Fraser River Net Salmon Management Plan Page 9 of 18
8.3.1.1. Thompson River Coho Prevalent areas (Red Zones) include the following waters: a) Victoria to outer Barkley Sound which includes that portion of Area 19 westerly of Cadboro Pt.(Subareas 19-3 and 19-4), Areas 20, 21, a portion of Area 23 which includes the outer portion of Barkley Sound and Areas 123 to 127 from June through September. b) The Fraser River mouth portion of Area 29 from the third week in August until mid October. c) The Fraser River after late August until mid October. 8.3.1.2. Thompson River Coho Non-Prevalent areas (Yellow Zones) include the following waters: a) Johnstone Strait and the Mainland Inlets (Areas 11, 12 and 13). b) Strait of Georgia including Howe Sound (Areas 14 to 18, that portion of Area 19 northeasterly of Cadboro Pt., Area 28 and the outer portion of Area 29). c) Inside Area 23, Areas 24 to 27. d) Areas 124 to 127 from October to May. e) Victoria to Outer Barkley Sound which includes that portion of Area 19 westerly of Cadboro Pt. (Subareas 19-3 and 19-4), Areas 20, 21, a portion of Area 23 which includes the outer portion of Barkley Sound and Areas 123 to 127 from October through May. f) The Fraser River mouth portion of Area 29 from mid October to the third week of August. g) The Fraser River from mid October to late August. 8.4. Assumptions Regarding Abundance 8.4.1. Areas 11 to 13, 16, 18, 20 and 29 8.4.1.1. Sockeye A return of 11.2 million Fraser Sockeye is forecast with a Canadian commercial domestic TAC of approximately 3.4 million. No surpluses of Early Stuart stocks are expected. The majority of catch will come from the Summer run stock. Early Summer run and Late run stocks are expected to return in low numbers and will only be caught coincidentally during targeted summer run fisheries. The major local sockeye stock returning in 1998 is the Nimpkish-Woss stock. The required escapement is 250,000. No surplus is anticipated and early protection measures will be required if net fisheries are conducted in upper Johnstone Strait prior to the first week in August. Page 10 of 18 1998 Areas B, D & E - South Coast and Fraser River Net Salmon Management Plan
8.4.1.2. Coho Wild coho stocks continue to decline and some are at extreme risk. In the south, this is the case for the Thompson River stock. There are also concerns for most other coho stocks in the South Coast. This will require a zero fishing mortality for the critical Thompson river coho stock. Where Thompson stocks are not prevalent, coho bycatch mortality must be kept minimal through demonstrated low risk selective fisheries, and avoidance of areas of coho encounters. 8.4.1.3. Pink This is an off-cycle year for Fraser River and southern bound pink salmon. These stocks will be returning in low numbers and no surpluses are anticipated. Mainland Inlet (Area 12) pinks are expected to have a good return. No formal forecast has been made for this area however a surplus of approximately 1 million pinks may be available in this area. A test fishing program will be conducted in this area to monitor pink abundance. 8.4.1.4. Chum Study Area (Johnstone Strait, Georgia Strait and Fraser River) chum total run size is forecast to be 3.69 million. Fishers should be aware that ocean survival conditions have been poor in the last few years and that this forecast may be optimistic. 8.4.1.5. Chinook Abundance is expected to be similar to 1997. Chinook abundance for early and mid timed Fraser River stocks is expected to be good. However, abundance to The Strait of Georgia, Johnstone Strait and Mainland Inlet systems is expected to be below average again this year. 8.4.2. Areas 21 to 27 8.4.2.1. Sockeye The Barkley Sound sockeye pre-season forecast is 387,000 sockeye. At this run size there is no surplus for commercial harvest. The first re-forecast of run size will be announced June 24. 8.4.2.2. Coho Wild coho stocks continue to decline and some are at extreme risk. In the south, this is the case for the Thompson River stock. There are also concerns for most other coho stocks in the South Coast. This will require a zero fishing mortality for 1998 Areas B, D & E - South Coast and Fraser River Net Salmon Management Plan Page 11 of 18
the critical Thompson river coho stock. Where Thompson stocks are not prevalent, coho bycatch mortality on all stocks must be kept minimal through demonstrated low risk selective fisheries, and avoidance of areas of coho encounters. 8.4.2.3. Chum A return of 1.2 million chum is forecast for Area 21/22 (Nitinat) with an anticipated commercial harvest of about 900,000 pieces. A return of 300,000 chum is forecast for Area 25 (Nootka Sound) with an anticipated commercial harvest of about 50,000 pieces in the regular outside areas. Additional terminal clean up opportunities may be available on enhanced hatchery stocks in Tlupana Inlet. 8.4.2.4. Chinook Abundances are expected to be similar to 1997. 8.5. Allocations and Limitations 8.5.1. Sockeye Fraser Sockeye is forecast with a Canadian commercial domestic TAC of approximately 3.4 million. No surpluses of Early Stuart stocks are expected. The majority of catch will come from the Summer run stock. Early Summer run and Late run stocks are expected to return in low numbers and will only be caught incidentally during targeted summer run fisheries. The Barkley Sound sockeye pre-season forecast is 387,000 sockeye. At this run size there is no surplus for commercial harvest. Please refer to the attached 1998 Allocation Plan. 8.5.2. Coho There will be no directed fisheries on South Coast coho stocks in 1998. Troll, gillnet and seine fisheries will have non-retention and non-possession restrictions in place. 8.5.3. Pink This is an off-cycle year for Fraser River and southern bound pink salmon and no surpluses are anticipated. Page 12 of 18 1998 Areas B, D & E - South Coast and Fraser River Net Salmon Management Plan
Mainland Inlet (Area 12) pinks are expected to have a surplus of approximately 1 million pinks. Please refer to the attached 1998 Allocation Plan. 8.5.4. Chum In Johnstone Strait targeted chum fisheries could occur in early October based on clockwork management guidelines, but these fisheries must be able to achieve coho conservation objectives. Due to coho conservation concerns the late September Assessment fishery will likely be cancelled in 1998. The Johnstone Strait and Fraser River Clockwork Management Guidelines for 1998 area as follows: Total Stock Harvest Rate 0.0 to 3.0 million 10% * 3.0 to 3.9 million 20% 3.9 to 5.2 million 30% over 5.2 million 40% * 10% harvest rate to include non-commercial catch, catch in assessment fisheries and incidental catch in sockeye or pink fisheries after September 1. The potential for terminal fishing opportunities on Qualicum, Jervis, Nanaimo and Cowichan stocks will be monitored in-season. At Nitinat, fisheries will commence with gillnets around late September to early October. Seine fisheries will commence around early/mid October based on gillnet catches and escapements into Nitinat Lake. The early gillnet fisheries will be governed by by-catch of coho and steelhead. Please refer to the attached 1998 Allocation Plan. 8.5.5. Chinook and Steelhead There will be no directed net fisheries on South Coast chinook or steelhead stocks, including Somass, Conuma and Fraser River stocks. For seines, there will be nonretention and non-possession of chinook and steelhead during all fisheries in 1998. The normal seine Ribbon Boundary restrictions will remain in effect in Johnstone Strait. For gillnets, there will be voluntary release of all live chinook and steelhead. Please refer to the attached 1998 Allocation Plan. 1998 Areas B, D & E - South Coast and Fraser River Net Salmon Management Plan Page 13 of 18
8.6. Plan Details - Openings and Closures 8.6.1. Johnstone Strait - Areas 11 to 13 Effective Date Area Action Early to Late July Areas 11 to 13 All areas remain closed to protect Fraser River Early Stuart and Early Summer Stocks. Late July to Early Aug. Late July to Early Aug. Early Aug. to Mid Aug. Area 12 Areas 11 to 13 Areas 11 to 13 Area 12 Mainland Inlet Pinks Troll and seine test vessels will be employed to identify any surplus pinks. The boundaries to be determined in-season, coho sensitive areas will remain closed. Open for gillnets for 1 to 2 days if Early Summer run stocks of concern have cleared the area and abundance of Summer run stocks are showing. The number of open hours in a day to be determined by coho conservation requirements. The fishing area will be reduced to avoid coho encounters. The top boundary will be Lewis Point with the lower boundary near Separation Head. Open for seine for 1 day (12 hours) if Early Summer run stocks of concern have cleared the area and abundance of Summer run stocks are showing. The fishing area will be reduced to avoid coho encounters. The top boundary will be Lewis Point with the lower boundary near Loggers Point. Open for gillnets for 2 to 3 days on Summer run sockeye stocks. The number of open hours in a day to be determined by coho conservation requirements. The fishing area will be reduced to avoid coho encounters. The top boundary will be Lewis Point with the lower boundary near Separation Page 14 of 18 1998 Areas B, D & E - South Coast and Fraser River Net Salmon Management Plan
Effective Date Area Action Head. Open for seine for 1 day (12 hours) on Summer run sockeye stocks. The fishing area will be reduced to avoid coho encounters. The top boundary will be Lewis Point with the lower boundary near Loggers Point. Mid Aug. to Late Aug. Areas 11 to 13 Open for gillnets for 1 to 3 days on Summer run sockeye stocks. Late run sockeye may be a concern in late Aug. The number of open hours in a day to be determined by coho conservation requirements. The fishing area will be reduced to avoid coho encounters. The top boundary will be Lewis Point with the lower boundary near Separation Head. Open for seine for 1 day ( 12 hours ) on Summer run sockeye stocks. Late run sockeye may be a concern in late Aug. The fishing area will be reduced to avoid coho encounters. The top boundary will be Lewis Point with the lower boundary near Loggers Point. September Areas 11 to 13 Closed to protect late run sockeye and migrating coho. No chum assessment fishery is anticipated in 1998. Early Oct. Areas 11 to 13 Chum fishing will be dependent on Johnstone Strait Clockwork Management Guidelines and identification of harvestable chums. The following fishing boundaries would be in place: Subareas 12-1 to 12-6, 12-8 to 12-12, 12-18 (east of a line running from Lewis Point to Donegal Head on Malcolm Island), 12-21, 12-24, 13-7 (except Deepwater Bay), 13-8 to 13-10, 13-27 to 13-32, 13-35 (west of a line 1998 Areas B, D & E - South Coast and Fraser River Net Salmon Management Plan Page 15 of 18
Effective Date Area Action 8.6.1.1. Notes running from Gunner Point to a boundary sign on the Hardwicke Island shore opposite) and 13-40 (west of a line running from a prominent point approximately 1.5 miles east of Eden Point on West Thurlow Island across to a boundary sign on the Hardwicke island shore opposite. 8.6.1.1.1. All fishery timings and duration are subject to change based on in-season abundance and timing information. Johnstone Strait fisheries after late July/early August will depend on stock abundance, seines are generally expected to fish about three weeks at least one 12 hour fishing per week. Area D Gillnets are generally expected to fish up to two to three days per week starting late July to early August, until mid to late August. Gillnet fisheries in Johnstone Straits are anticipated to start on Wednesdays of each week during directed Fraser River sockeye fisheries. 8.6.1.1.2. Areas of high coho encounters in Johnstone Straits may be closed. The fishing area has been reduced to below Lewis Point in Johnstone Straits for both the gillnet and seine fleets for 1998. This action has been taken to reduce coho encounters. These boundaries will be reviewed following results of the new selective harvest techniques used during the 1998 season. 8.6.1.1.3. For early fisheries, the areas above Lewis Point (Subareas 12-5, 12-6, 12-8 and 12-9) may be closed to protect Nimpkish Sockeye. The general guide to open these areas will be when the Round Island Gillnet test fishery indicates 10% or less Nimpkish component. 8.6.1.1.4. Daylight only fisheries or shortened days may be considered for gillnet fisheries in order to minimize coho encounters. 8.6.1.1.5. Subarea 12-2 will open to fishing after Adam/Eve pinks stocks have cleared this sanctuary area and migrated upstream (estimated timing will be August 20 to 25). 8.6.1.1.6. For early fisheries conducted below Lewis Point the seine ribbon boundary will run from Big Bay, Hanson Island instead of Cracroft Point. Page 16 of 18 1998 Areas B, D & E - South Coast and Fraser River Net Salmon Management Plan
8.6.2. Strait of Georgia - Areas 14 to 18 Fraser sockeye fisheries in Area 16 are not planned at this time. However, this area may be used as an area to provide opportunities for Area E gillnet and/or Area B seine fishers to catch portions of their allocations if they are unable to achieve them in their traditional areas. Fishing opportunities in Area 16 will be reviewed in-season. The potential for terminal fall chum fishing opportunities will be initiated as appropriate through in-season consultation with the Mid Vancouver Island Advisory Committee. 8.6.3. West Coast Vancouver Island - Areas 21 to 27 Effective Date Area Action Late June Area 23 No commercial surplus of sockeye is forecasted. The first run reforecast is June 24. If surpluses become available the first fisheries would be gillnet only in portions of Subareas 23-4, 23-5 and 23-6 with the regular stream mouth boundaries place. Mid to late July and later openings may include portions of Subarea 23-2 and 23-3. Seine opening would be dependent on identification of a large surplus of sockeye. Late September Area 25 Open to gillnet only, one day per week, daylight only in Subareas 25-7, portion of 25-6. Further fishing will be announced in-season. After mid October further terminal gillnet fishing may be considered in portions of 25-4 and 25-5. Early October Area 4 & 121 Plan details to be developed after industry consultation by early Sept. 1998 Areas B, D & E - South Coast and Fraser River Net Salmon Management Plan Page 17 of 18
8.6.4. San Juan and Fraser River - Area 20 and Area 29 Sockeye and pink fishing plans for the Panel Areas will be developed by the Fraser River Panel or, in the event there is no Pacific Salmon Treaty fishing agreement, DFO in conjunction with the Canadian Caucus of the Fraser River Panel. Area 29 (Fraser River) and Area 18 may be an option for Area B seine fishers to catch summer run Fraser Sockeye. This will be reviewed in season. Due to conservation concerns San Juan (Area 20) will remain closed. A small experimental selective fishery may be considered to explore future fishing opportunities. (See Coho Conservation Measures for explanation of red and yellow zone fishing areas that apply to Area 20 and 29.) 8.7. Monitoring Program There is a requirement to develop selective and sustainable fisheries through partnership and co-management arrangements with client groups and stakeholders, to share in decision making, responsibilities, costs and benefits. In order to closely track the target species catch and non-target species encounters, in particular for coho, more extensive monitoring programs are required to assist in meeting conservation objectives in 1998. These programs may include a mandatory logbook program, on-grounds observer program, catch reporting program and a test fishing/monitoring program where required. Monitoring programs must be developed that will meet DFO standards. Consultations between DFO and industry will be required to develop these programs for implementation in 1998. 9. INDUSTRY CONTACTS In 1998 all fishing areas have established an in-season advisory process which will meet to discuss the progress of fisheries and look at recommendations for upcoming fishing times. Fishers are encouraged to contact the designated advisors in their areas to provide feedback on fishery management programs. A notice to industry will be issued in early July outlining who the inseason advisors are for each area. 10. ATTACHMENTS 1998 Salmon Commercial Allocation Plan Page 18 of 18 1998 Areas B, D & E - South Coast and Fraser River Net Salmon Management Plan
PACIFIC REGION 1998 SALMON COMMERCIAL ALLOCATION PLAN NORTH & SOUTH COAST
1. MINISTERIAL DECISION On May 21, 1998 in response to severe conservation concerns, Minister Anderson announced the following two conservation objectives. First, there will be a zero fishing mortality for critical Upper Skeena and Thompson coho where these stocks are prevalent (red zones). Second, where upper Skeena and Thompson stocks are not prevalent (yellow zones), the goal is to minimize the bycatch mortality on other coho stocks. 2. SELECTIVE AND EXPERIMENTAL FISHING Minister Anderson s announcement signals a dramatic change in direction for commercial fishing activities in BC. Starting with the 1998 salmon season, fishing activities will be required to be selective. Selective fishing means the salmon fleets must adapt their traditional practices and gear to ensure that non-target species are avoided, or if caught, released alive and in good condition. Experimental techniques provide small scale opportunities to test new technologies to evaluate the feasibility of either avoiding coho or releasing them alive and in good condition. Limited commercial experimental fishing for salmon species other than coho will be permitted in prevalent areas. Approved projects will be intensively monitored. Eligibility for conducting experimental fishing is restricted to current commercial salmon participants. 3. COMMERCIAL ALLOCATION PLAN FOR 1998 The 1998 plan will stipulate commercial allocation target which are intended to guide fishing activities where possible. However, given the severe concerns for coho and uncertainties regarding fleet size, this plan will be adjusted to accommodate the conservation rules in place to protect coho. This plan is also subject to meeting DFO s obligations to First Nations, international commitments and management feasibility constraints. Mr. Kelleher has been working with commercial fishing industry stakeholders to develop long term sharing arrangements. His report Commercial Salmon Allocation has been used in developing this allocation plan and is now publicly available. Key features of the 1998 commercial salmon allocation plan are: 3.1. Gear Shares 1998 commercial salmon allocations will initially be based on shares of gillnet 34%, seine 42% and troll 24% (measured in sockeye equivalents), as recommended by Mr. Kelleher. Gear shares may be adjusted to reflect impacts of the 1998 restructuring program. Consultations with industry will occur prior to any changes. 3.2. Area Licensing 1998 Commercial Salmon Allocation Plan Page 1 of 3
Since 1996, commercial salmon allocation plans have been based on single gear and area licensing and this will continue in 1998. This means that licence holders are restricted to fish in the areas for which they are licensed. For 1998, fishing arrangements will be subject to the following: 3.2.1. The Pacific Salmon Revitalizaton Strategy (PSRS) document sent to all licence holders on April 4, 1996, stated that when migration patterns of Fraser River sockeye and pink salmon are such that allocations will not be achieved, a portion of Area 12 (seaward of Blackfish Sound) will be open to Area G fishers to assist in the achievement of allocation targets. 3.2.2. Area G trollers will be allowed access to a portion of Area 11 to assist them in achieving their Fraser River sockeye and pink allocations and to alleviate potential gear conflicts, as recommended by Mr. Kelleher. Mr. Kelleher further stated that the above should only be permitted until area re-selection, which is scheduled to occur after the 1999 salmon season. 3.3. Area F Harvest of Fraser River Sockeye Area F trollers will be permitted to harvest a small number of Fraser River sockeye in Area 2W subject to restrictions to minimize risk when run size is uncertain, implement a suitable monitoring program and take the catch from the overall troll share. Mr. Kelleher recommended that access should only be permitted prior to area re-selection. Based on current knowledge of Fraser River sockeye, it is expected that Area F trollers could take approximately 75,000 sockeye. 3.4. Continuation of 1997 Special Provisions to Redress Shortfalls in Fraser River Sockeye During the 1991 to 1994 Time Period. This special provision allowed Northern seine Area A and troll Area F access to Fraser River sockeye to address shortfalls in their catch of Fraser River sockeye during 1991 to 1994. Continuing with this approach in 1998, means that where possible, additional access to Fraser River sockeye will be given to southern troll Areas G and H plus seine Area B, to address shortfalls in their catch during 1991 to 1994. 4. IMPACTS OF CONSERVATION MEASURES Gear shares of each species will reflect historical arrangements where possible. However, all fisheries will be affected by coho conservation measures. This will result in a reduced total allowable catch. Some fisheries will be more affected than others. Examples of fisheries that will be particularly affectedinclude: Page 2 of 3 1998 Commercial Salmon Allocation Plan
4.1. North Coast 4.1.1. Areas 1 & 101 Sockeye, pink, chum(seine A, Gillnet C and Troll F). 4.1.2. Areas 4 & 5 Sockeye, pink, chum(seine A, Gillnet C and Troll F). 4.2. South Coast 4.2.1. Areas 121 to 127 Sockeye, chinook(troll G). 4.2.2. Areas 20 Sockeye (if low diversion through Johnstone Straits - Seine B). Given the magnitude of changes introduced this year, it is expected that some or all licence areas will experience difficulty in achieving their allocations. 1998 Commercial Salmon Allocation Plan Page 3 of 3