July 29th, 2005Recreational sockeye retention has been announced by DFO this afternoon.
http://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/xnet/content/fns/index.cfm?pg=view_notice&lang=en&DOC_ID=81338&ID=recreationalThe current status of the Early Summer and Summer Run components of the Fraser
River sockeye return provides for recreational sockeye retention opportunities
in most Southern B.C. marine waters. This fishery is a low impact fishery on
Fraser River sockeye stocks and addresses conservation objectives for stocks of
concern.
The next update regarding the status of the recreational sockeye retention
fishery will be Tuesday, August 2 following the next Fraser River Panel meeting.
RETENTION OPPORTUNITIES
Effective 0001 hrs Saturday, July 30 and until further notice, the daily limit
for sockeye in the waters described below is four (4) per day:
- West Coast of Vancouver Island (Areas 24 to 27, 121 and 123 to 127);
- Juan de Fuca Strait (Area 20);
- that portion of Johnstone Strait southerly of Lewis Point (Subareas 12-1 to
12-4 and Area 13);
- Strait of Georgia, except for that portion that lies easterly of a line from
Gower Point to Thrasher Rock Light to Salamanca Point on Galiano Island. (Areas
14, 15, 17 to 19 and Subareas 29-1, 29-2 and 29-5 only);
- Howe Sound, Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm (Area 28).
Barkley Sound (Area 23) remains open to sockeye retention with a daily limit of
4 per day.
In order to minimize impacts on Nimpkish River sockeye, it is anticipated that
retention of sockeye salmon in the waters of Johnstone Strait above Lewis Point
and in Queen Charlotte Strait (Areas 11, 111 and Subareas 12-5 to 12-48) will
not commence until approximately August 4, this date will be confirmed on
Tuesday, August 2.
FRASER RIVER, TIDAL, NON-TIDAL AND MOUTH
Sockeye retention is currently not permitted in Area 29, easterly of a line
from Gower Point to Thrasher Rock Light to Salamanca Point on Galiano Island
(Subareas 29-3, 29-4 and 29-6 to 29-17).
Sockeye retention is currently not permitted in the Fraser River tidal and non-
tidal waters.
An update on sockeye retention opportunities in the Fraser River and in those
portions of Area 29 that are currently closed will be provided on Tuesday,
August 2.
YEAR ROUND NON-RETENTION AREAS
Sockeye retention will not be permitted in Jervis Inlet, Malspina Strait and
Sechelt Inlet (Area 16) to protect returning Sakinaw Lake sockeye.
Sockeye retention is not permitted in Nitinat Lake (Area 22); and in Boundary
Bay (Subarea 29-8)
HEAD RECOVERY PROGRAM
Anglers are requested to release any sockeye that have the adipose fin
removed. These fish are hatchery raised sockeye and part of a recovery program
designed to increase the numbers of Cultus Lake Sockeye.
Sport anglers are reminded to participate in the voluntary Salmon Sport Head
Recovery program by labelling and submitting heads from adipose fin-clipped
chinook and coho salmon. Recovery of coded-wire tags from adipose fin-clipped
chinook and coho salmon provides critical information for coast wide stock
assessment. For program information and head depot locations contact the
voluntary Salmon Sport Head Recovery Program at 1-866-483-9994 or
www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish.
Rockfish Protection areas that are currently in effect are closed to all fin
fishing. Descriptions of these closures can be found in Fishery Notice FN0341
dated June 8, 2005. Maps for these closures are located on the DFO web site at
the following address:
www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish/Restricted_Areas/Rockfish_Maps_2004/default_e.htm
Variation Order No. 2005-343.
5. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
For more information contact the local DFO office in your area for updated
information as it becomes available.