Fishery Notice Area 4,5: First Skeena gillnet opening

First Gillnet opening for Skeena announced.

Category(s):
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Gill Net
Fishery Notice - Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Subject: FN0563-COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Gill Net - Area C - Areas 4 & 5 - Opening
         
Area 4

Gill nets open 16 hours from 06:00 hours to 22:00 hours Wednesday July 13 in Subareas 4-4, 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, Corkline to web distance min 0 cm max 45 cm; or, max depth 90 meshes, max hang ratio 3:1, corkline to web distance min 1.2 m max 1.5 m.  V.O.# 2011-NCSAL-11.

Area 5

Gill nets open 16 hours from 06:00 hours to 22:00 hours Wednesday July 13 in Subareas 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, Corkline to web distance min 0 cm max 45 cm; or, max depth 90 meshes, max hang ratio 3:1, corkline to web distance min 1.2 m max 1.5 m.  V.O.# 2011-NCSAL-12.

Areas 4 & 5 gill net fishery is directed towards Skeena sockeye, but pinks may be retained as well.

Note new non-possession rules:

All gill net fisheries in Areas 4 & 5 are being conducted with non-retention, non-possession of chum, coho & steelhead. None of these species may be aboard a vessel that is engaged in fishing unless they are being revived in the revival tank immediately prior to release.

Area 3

Kwinageese sockeye are weak and management measures such as reduced days and closures will consequently be in place from July 8th to July 28th.