Here is the response addressed in point forms from DFO regarding the concerns I brought up in the last post. This should provide a better understanding for those who are questioning the fishery.
1. DFO has been working with Chilliwack First Nations since 2012 on opportunities on the Chilliwack River. In recent years the fishery was confined to the area upstream of the DFO hatchery.
2. Catches in this area and the lake have been very low (in past years as well as 2016) due to the migration pattern of the sockeye i.e. they arrive at the lake and immediately go deep where they can’t be caught in the nets.
3. In 2016, due to the very low forecast for Fraser sockeye, DFO and First Nations have been exploring opportunities in terminal areas where abundance permits i.e. the Chilliwack, Harrison and Pitt Rivers. No fishery has taken place on the Pitt and there has been a limited fishery on the Harrison.
4. The timing of the release of the Salmon IFMP, which has the details on the management regime, and the initiation of these terminal fisheries was tight and did not allow for broad communication regarding 2016 fishing plans. I understand some members of the Peacemakers have been discussing this fishery with the Chilliwack First Nations and may provide additional information to this group.
5. The low Fraser sockeye forecast means it is extremely unlikely the First Nations FSC harvest targets will be met this year and DFO has provided flexibility in fishing plans to access more abundant stocks like the Chilliwack.
6. In addition to the fishery upstream of the DFO hatchery, a fishing opportunity has been authorized for up to two set nets (anchored to shore on one end) to fish, one at the Highway #1 bridge and one at the train bridge downstream of that. This fishery is open until tomorrow when it will be reviewed and perhaps extended.
7. You may be aware that the Chilliwack First Nations traditionally fished on this river, continue to have an interest in reviving the traditional fishery, and as abundance increases as does their interest in fishing in these traditional areas, although likely with more modern gear.
8. The timing of this fishery is to target Chilliwack sockeye and avoid Cultus Lake sockeye. We are nearing the end of the migration of Chilliwack sockeye.
9. Only one net has fished and it has fished at the Highway #1 bridge.
10. Catch to date from the river and lake is less than 500 sockeye and 5 chinook.
11. From the picture you sent, which is from the side of the river, it is difficult to see how far the net reaches. Attached is a picture from the middle of the river that shows the area which is open to allow for migration past the net. This is consistent with other terminal fisheries authorized in Pacific Region.
12. The nets are attended at all times and require the release of non-target species. This fishery is being both monitored and enforced.
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Topic: netting vedder canal (Read 27090 times)