FN0294-Recreational: Variation Order 2006-217 is issued for FINFISH, LINGCOD and ROCKFISH in the Strait of GeorgiaFN0299-Correction to the previous noticeLingcodEffective June 15, 2007 at 00:01 hours to September 30, 2007, 23:59 hours, hook and line fishing only, you may retain one lingcod per day in
Areas 13-19 including
Sub-area 29-5. Area 28 and the balance of Area 29 will remain closed due to continued concern for low abundance.
To summarize, for the Areas described:
- one lingcod per day, minimum size limit is 65 cm;
- ten lingcod per year, minimum size limit is 65 cm;
- hook and line gear only, (no spear fishing)
The recreational total fishing mortality of 7,000 pieces has been determined as the allowable recreational mortality limit to ensure continued rebuilding of the lingcod population within the Strait of Georgia. The effort, catch and discards within the recreational fishery will be monitored. If the monitoring program indicates that the allowable mortality may be reached before September 30, 2007, the fishery will be closed.
RockfishInshore rockfish are currently closed for fishing throughout the Strait of Georgia. To ensure that conservation requirements are met, the recreational rockfish fishery will operate concurrently with the lingcod fishery. The rockfish fishery will open with lingcod on June 15, 2007 at 00:01 hours and close on September 30, 2007, 23:59 hours. The daily limit for rockfish is one.
Rockfish Conservation Areas, RCAsThe RCAs announced for the 2007 fishing season are in effect within the Strait of Georgia. Since these areas restrict hook and line fishing, lingcod will receive additional protection from these closures. The consultation process for identifying RCAs has been completed.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact - Gary Logan, 604-666-6810