More Commercial Openings coming

We presume the recent strong sockeye numbers at Tyee have enabled managers to sanction more openings. Gillnets open on the 26th July in Areas 3,4,5,6.
Seine opening in 3,5,6, on the 26th also.


Category(s):
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Gill Net

Fishery Notice - Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Subject: FN0546-COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Gill Net - Areas 3, 4, 5 & 6 - Opening

Area 3

Gill nets open for 16 hours from 06:00 hours to 22:00 hours Monday July 26 in 3-
2, a portion of 3-3 (closed within 1.0 nautical mile of the shore of Wales
Island), 3-4, a portion of 3-7 west of a line running from Elliot Pt on
Somerville Island south to John Pt on Hogan Island, thence along the shoreline
of Hogan Island to Father Pt, thence to Maskelyne Point on Maskelyne Island
(closed within 1.0 nautical mile of the shore of Wales Island and within 0.5
nautical miles of the shore of Pearse Island), & a portion of 3-12 (closed
within 0.5 nautical miles of the shore of Pearse Island). Max mesh 137 mm, max
depth 60 meshes, max hang ratio 3:1, cork line to web distance min 0 cm max 45
cm; or, max depth 90 meshes, max hang ratio 3:1, cork line to web distance min
1.2 m, max 1.5 m. If using 90 mesh net, every fifth cork on cork line must be
red or another distinctive colour (not white). VO# 2010-NCSAL-016.

Note non-possession rules:

The target species in Area 3 is Nass sockeye. There is now non-retention and
non-possession of chum, coho, and steelhead in all of Area 3.

In subareas 3-7 and 3-12, there is now non-retention and non-possession of
chinook.

These species must be released to the water with the least possible harm.
Operating revival tanks are mandatory and may be used to revive fish prior to
release.

Area 4

Gill nets open for 16 hours from 06:00 hours to 22:00 hours Monday July 26 in 4-
5, 4-8, 4-9, 4-12, 4-14, & 4-15. Max mesh 137 mm., max depth 60 meshes, max
hang ratio 3:1, cork line to web distance min 0 cm max 45 cm; or, max depth 90
meshes, max hang ratio 3:1, cork line to web distance min 1.2 m, max 1.5 m. If
using 90 mesh net, every fifth cork on cork line must be red or another
distinctive colour (not white). VO# 2010-NCSAL-017.

Area 5

Gill nets open for 16 hours from 06:00 hours to 22:00 hours Monday July 26 in 5-
1, 5-2, 5-3, 5-10, and 5-13 north of a line from a boundary sign 1 nautical
mile north of Keswar Pt in Principe Channel to a boundary sign on the Banks
Island shore opposite. Max mesh 137 mm, max depth 60 meshes, max hang ratio
3:1, cork line to web distance min 0 cm max 45 cm; or, max depth 90 meshes, max
hang ratio 3:1, cork line to web distance min 1.2 m, max 1.5 m. If using 90
mesh net, every fifth cork on cork line must be red or another distinctive
colour (not white) V.O.# 2010-NCSAL-018

The target species in Areas 4 and 5 is Skeena sockeye. There is non-retention
and non-possession of chum, coho, and steelhead in all of Areas 4 and 5.

Area 6

Gill nets open for 10 hours from 06:00 hours to 16:00 hours Monday July 26 in
that portion of Subarea 6-1 inside a line that begins at Emsley Point, thence
to Clio Pt Light, thence southerly along the shore to a boundary sign opposite
Coste Island, thence westerly to Coste Point, thence along the shore of Coste
Island to Louis Point, thence eastward to Legeak Point, thence along the shore
to Hopkins Point, thence to Kersey Point Light, thence along the shore of
Maitland Island to 53 degrees 44’ 219”N and 128 degrees 58” 482” south of
Emilia Island, thence to Emilia Island Light, thence along the shore of Emilia
Island to it’s most eastern point, thence to Point Ashton, thence northward
along the mainland shore to Emsley Point. Min mesh 149 mm, max mesh 165 mm, max
depth 60 meshes, max hang ratio 3:1, corkline to web distance min 0 cm, max 45
cm. V.O.# 2010-NCSAL-019

The target species in this fishery is Kitimat hatchery chum. This is an
assessment fishery, and any extension past 16:00 hours will be based on fleet
size and run strength. A second day (Tuesday) this week is unlikely. This gill
net fishery is being conducted with non-retention non-possession of steelhead
and coho. Fishermen are required to release all steelhead and coho to the water
with the least possible harm. If sockeye and chinook are alive in the net,
there is a request to release them to the water with the least possible harm.
Operating revival boxes are mandatory and may be used to revive fish prior to
release.


NOTICE TO ALL GILL NET FISHERS:

Vessel operators are reminded to keep wake and wash to a minimum in Prince
Rupert Harbour, Porpoise Harbour and Venn Passage, and specifically the Digby
Island and Metlakatla dock areas.

Vessel operators are reminded to display proper navigation lights and have them
turned on from sunset to sunrise. Failure to display proper navigation lights
is a contravention of the Collision Regulations.

Throughout the fishery opening, on-ground sampling technicians will be randomly
collecting salmon scales and DNA tissue samples for stock assessment purposes.
Your cooperation is appreciated.

Fishers are reminded that a mandatory logbook and phone-in program is in place.
Note that a phone report is required for all fishing activity even if no fish
are caught. Failure to report zero catches may result in over estimation of
total catch. See your conditions of licence for more information.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is interested in reports of sea turtles in BC
waters. By documenting sightings we are able to learn more about how, when, and
where these turtles are using our waters. If you see a sea turtle, please call
this toll-free phone number: 1-866-I SAW ONE (1-866-472-9663) or e-mail
sightings@vanaqua.org. Please include information such as the type of sea
turtle seen (i.e. leatherback), the location, and time of sighting.

Environment Canada (EC) is monitoring seabird by-catch to determine potential
impact on bird populations under current fishing effort and bird numbers. (A)
Fishers are requested to submit all dead birds entangled in nets to EC for
species confirmation and DNA analysis to determine the colony of origin. Please
call your local charter patrol to organize pick-up, drop carcasses off at a
local DFO office, or contact EC directly by calling the EC reporting line 1-866-
431-2473. Label birds with date, time, location and vessel name (Skipper name
isn’t needed). Handle birds with gloves, double bag dead birds, store on ice.
(B) EC is seeking volunteers to help map overlap in bird activity with fishing
locations during the 2010 season. Vessels will be outfitted with battery-
powered SPOT GPS units. The skipper will activate their unit while at sea;
coordinates of the vessel will be transmitted to a data server every 10-
minutes. Data will be accessible to only the EC Project Coordinator and
Skipper. Resultant data will delineate high overlap areas. This will be related
to locations of radio-tagged Rhinoceros Auklets. In an emergency, SPOT units
can activate an SOS signal which is communicated to Search and Rescue.
Interested skippers should contact Laurie Wilson (laurie.wilson@ec.gc.ca, 604-
862-8817).