Fishery Notice

Vancouver Island has experienced variable levels of precipitation in recent weeks. Due to the increased levels of precipitation, conditions in Region 1 (Vancouver Island) streams are improving. Water temperatures have decreased and increased flows are allowing salmon to enter their natal streams and access important spawning areas. It is anticipated that these trends will continue in the coming weeks. As a result of improving environmental conditions, the Department is lifting the salmon fishing closures that were implemented on October 8, 2022, in most Region 1 freshwater systems and in the Campbell River on October 21, 2022.

Effectively 00:01 hours November 11, 2022, Region 1 streams will revert back to their original annual status prior to the October 8th Region 1 closures and October 21st Campbell River closure.

Fishers are reminded that the Puntledge River will remain closed to the retention of Chum salmon as returns to date have been low and it is anticipated that the escapement goal will not be achieved. Further, fishers are reminded to review the DFO Region 1 webpage and the Province of BC's Freshwater Synopsis for additional time, area, and gear regulations prior to fishing.
Variation Order: 2022-RCT-524 and 2022-RFQ-523

Notes:
Barbless hooks are required when fishing for salmon in tidal and non-tidal waters of British Columbia.
Anglers are further reminded that intentionally (willfully) foul-hooking fish or attempting to foul hook fish is illegal and that non-compliance may result in closure. Foul hook is defined as: hooking a fish in any part of its body other than the mouth.
Information about finfish closed areas and salmon non-retention areas, and other recreational fishing information, can be found on the Internet at:
Recreational fishing limits, openings and closures in British Columbia | Fisheries and Oceans Canada (dfo-mpo.gc.ca)
The term "hatchery marked", "marked", or "adipose fin clipped" means a fish that has a healed scar in place of the adipose fin.
Sport anglers are encouraged to participate in the Salmon Sport Head Recovery program by labeling and submitting heads from adipose fin-clipped Chinook and Coho Salmon.  Recovery of coded-wire tags provides critical information for coast-wide stock assessment. Contact the Salmon Sport Head Recovery Program toll free at 1-866-483-9994 for further information.

Did you witness suspicious fishing activity or a violation?  If so, please call the Fisheries and Ocean Canada 24-hour toll free Observe, Record, Report line at 1-800-465-4336 or by email at DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

For the 24 hour recorded opening and closure line, call toll free at 1-866-431-FISH (3474).

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Or contact your local DFO office at 
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/contact/regions/pacific-pacifique-eng.html

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN1281
Sent November 10, 2022 at 1609

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Visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Printed from the Pacific Region web site on April 25, 2024 at 2207