PACIFIC REGION
INTEGRATED FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLAN
LINGCOD, DOGFISH, SKATE, SOLE, FLOUNDER AND PACIFIC COD BY HOOK AND LINE
APRIL 1/2004 TO MARCH 31/2005
Spiny Dogfish, Squalus acanthias
This Integrated Fisheries Management Plan is intended for general purposes only. Where there is a discrepancy between the Plan and the regulations, the regulations are the final authority. A description of Areas and Subareas referenced in this Plan can be found in the Pacific Fishery Management Area Regulations.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. CONTACTS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ...... 2 2. GLOSSARY ...... 5 3. INTRODUCTION ...... 7 4. OVERVIEW OF THE FISHERY...... 7 5. PROSPECTS FOR THE SEASON ...... 7 6. STOCK ASSESSMENT AND RESEARCH ...... 8 6.1. General...... 8 6.2. Dogfish...... 9 6.3. Skate...... 9 6.4. Pacific Cod...... 9 6.5. Lingcod ...... 10 7. AQUACULTURE...... 10 8. CURRENT MANAGEMENT ISSUES...... 10 8.1. Inshore Rockfish Conservation...... 10 8.2. Species at Risk Act ...... 11 8.3. Pacific Fishery Monitoring and Reporting Framework...... 12 8.4. Selective Fishing...... 12 8.5. Marine Protected Areas...... 12 8.6. Protection of Unique Sponge Reefs...... 13 8.7. Commercial Groundfish Initiative ...... 13 8.8. Fishing Vessel Safety...... 14 9. SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES...... 14 9.1. General...... 14 9.2. First Nations...... 14 9.3. Recreational ...... 15 9.4. Commercial...... 15 10. EVALUATION OF PRIOR YEAR MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES ...... 15 10.1. General...... 15 10.2. Commercial...... 17 10.3. First Nations...... 18 10.4. Recreational ...... 18 10.5. Overview...... 19 10.6. Enforcement Issues ...... 20 10.7. Priorities for 2003/2004 ...... 20 10.8. Fishery Patrol Vessels...... 20 10.9. Air Surveillance ...... 20 11. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES...... 21 11.1. Commercial Fishery...... 21 11.2. Fisheries and Oceans Canada...... 21 11.3. Recreational Fishery ...... 21 12. ANNUAL HARVEST PLANS...... 22 13. ATTACHMENTS...... 22
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1. CONTACTS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
OBSERVE, RECORD AND REPORT 800-465-4336
GROUNDFISH ACTIVITY LINES/IN-SEASON UPDATES Halibut 604-666-2993 Hook and Line 604-666-5634 Trawl 604-666-1388
REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS A/Regional Resource Manager, Groundfish Al Macdonald 604-666-9033 A/Halibut/Sablefish Co-ordinator Terri Bonnet 604-666-3279 Trawl Co-ordinator Barry Ackerman 604-666-3991 A/Hook and Line Co-ordinator Kim West 604-666-0912 Trawl Quota Officer Gerry Dunsmore 604-666-0010 Hook and Line Quota Officer Louise Yada 604-666-5865 Fax 604-666-8525 Regional Aquaculture Co-ordinator Allison Webb 604-666-7009
GROUNDFISH STOCK ASSESSMENT Regional Groundfish Section Head Jeff Fargo 250-756-7165 Elasmobranchs Sandy McFarlane 250-756-7052 Inshore Rockfish Lynne Yamanaka 250-756-7211 Lingcod Jackie King 250-756-7176 Pacific Cod Allan Sinclair 250-756-7205 Port Sampling/Observer Programs Greg Workman 250-756-7113 Sablefish Rob Kronlund 250-756-7108 Shelf Rockfish Rick Stanley 250-756-7134 Slope Rockfish John Schnute 250-756-7146
ENFORCEMENT Groundfish Enforcement Coordinator Sue Bunten 604-666 6464 Prince Rupert (North/Central Area) Special Investigations Unit Supervisor Denver Marraty 250-627-3484 Halibut/Sablefish IVQ Officer, Prince Rupert Bob Sparkes 250-627-3406 Halibut/Sablefish IVQ Officer, Prince Rupert Shelly Michie 250-627-3016
Vancouver Island (South/Central Area) Special Investigations Unit Supervisor Bryan Jubinville 250-754-0221 Halibut/Sablefish IVQ Officer, Port Hardy Dave Looy 250-850-5714 Halibut/Sablefish IVQ Officer, Vancouver Island Paul Nestman 250-850-5725
Fraser River (Lower Mainland/South Area) Special Investigations Unit Supervisor Chris Williams 604-607-4171 Halibut/Sablefish IVQ/Groundfish Officer Jerry Kozak 604-666-8230
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RECREATIONAL FISHERIES Recreational Fisheries Co-ordinator Wayne Saito 604-666-3271 North Coast Resource Manager (Areas 1-6) Mark Reagan 250-627-3409 Central Coast Resource Manager (Areas 7-10) Kristen Smith 250-799-5346 Central Coast Resource Manager (Areas 11-13, 27) George Bates 250-949-6181 South Coast Resource Manager (Areas 14-26) Bill Shaw 250-756-7152 Lower Fraser River Resource Manager (Areas 28, 29) Ann-Marie Huang 604-666-7824
TREATY AND ABORIGINAL POLICY DIRECTORATE Director Treaty and Aboriginal Policy Directorate Rebecca Reid 604-666-7478 Regional Manager, Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy Wayne Fullerton 604-666-8385
FIRST NATIONS FISHERIES North Coast Resource Manager Karen-Kimura Miller 250-627-3020 Central Coast Resource Manager (Areas 7-10) Kristen Smith 250-799-5346 Central Coast Resource Manager (Areas 11-13, 27) Kent Spencer 250-286-5885 Lower Fraser River Resource Manager Debbie Sneddon 604-666-8426 South Coast AFS Implementation Officer (WCVI) Paul Preston 250-720-8941 South Coast AFS Implementation Officer (SOG) Jonathan Joe 250-756-7243
REGIONAL DATA UNIT 604-666-2716
LICENSING Pacific Fishery Licence Unit 604-666-0566 Suite 200-401 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 3S4 Fax 604-666-5855 Pacific Fishery Licence Unit 250-627-3413 417-2nd Avenue West, Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1G8 Fax 250-627-3496 Pacific Fishery Licence Unit 250-754-0400 60 Front Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5H7 Fax 250-754-0403
CATCH MONITORING CONTRACTOR Archipelago Marine Research Limited 250-383-4535 525 Head Street, Victoria, BC V9A 5S1 Fax 250-383-0103
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Web Sites To access some of these Internet sites you may be required to create a user id and password. The creation of user ids has given the Department the ability to include a variety of information that is currently not available in French.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada - www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ Pacific Region Fisheries and Oceans Canada - www-comm.pac.dfo- Consultation Secretariat mpo.gc.ca/pages/consultations/consult_e.htm Fisheries and Oceans Canada - www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ops/fm/Groundfish/default_e.htm Groundfish Fisheries and Oceans Canada - www-ops2.pac.dfo- Hook and Line mpo.gc.ca/xnet/content/groundfish/hookline/default.htm Fisheries and Oceans Canada - www-ops2.pac.dfo- Integrated Fishery Management mpo.gc.ca/xnet/content/MPLANS/MPlans.htm Plans Fisheries and Oceans Canada - www-sci.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sci/default_e.htm Science Fisheries and Oceans Canada - www-sci.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sa/default_e.htm Regional Data Unit Fisheries and Oceans Canada - www-sci.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sci/psarc/default_e.htm Pacific Scientific Advice Review Committee Fisheries and Oceans Canada - www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/default_e.htm Aquaculture Fisheries and Oceans Canada - www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sara/default_e.htm SARA Fisheries and Oceans Canada - www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans/mpa/default_e.htm Marine Protected Areas Fisheries and Oceans Canada - www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish/default_e.htm Recreational Fishing Plan Committee on the Status of www.cosewic.gc.ca/index.htm Endangered Wildlife in Canada SARA Registry www.sararegistry.gc.ca/ Archipelago Marine Research www.archipelago.ca/index.htm Ministry of Aquaculture, Food and www.agf.gov.bc.ca/fisheries/index.htm Fisheries
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2. GLOSSARY
Area/Subarea Divisions of Canadian waters for fisheries management; described in Section 2 of the Pacific Fishery Management Area Regulations, available at: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communic/policy/dnload_e.htm by-catch Incidental or unintentional catch of non-target stock or species. communal Issued to First Nations organizations pursuant to the Aboriginal Communal commercial Fishing Licences Regulations for participation in the general commercial licence fishery.
CGIAC Commercial Groundfish Integrated Advisory Committee. communal licence Issued to First Nations pursuant to the Aboriginal Communal Fishing Licences Regulations, to conduct fishing and related activities for food, social and ceremonial purposes.
COSEWIC Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
Department Fisheries and Oceans Canada
DFO Fisheries and Oceans Canada designated service Archipelago Marine Research Ltd. of Victoria, B.C.; designated to represent provider Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
DMP Dockside Monitoring Program. A program designed to validate landed fish from commercial vessels by a company that has been designated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. dockside monitor An individual designated as an observer by the Regional Director General, Pacific Region, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, pursuant to section 39 of the Fishery (General) Regulations. fishing trip That period when the vessel departs from a dock to engage in fishing until fishing ceases and catch is offloaded.
FSC A fishery conducted by First Nations for food, social and ceremonial purposes.
GHLAC Groundfish Hook and Line Advisory Committee: A consultative body of representatives from a cross-section of the industry, First Nations and other interested stakeholders. hail-out That report required by licence condition as notification prior to leaving port at the beginning of a fishing trip.
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hail-in That report required by licence condition as notification prior to landing or offloading catch at the end of a fishing trip.
IFMP Integrated Fishery Management Plan. A document that addresses management issues for First Nations, commercial and recreational fishing sectors in British Columbia. landed or landing The transfer of catch from a licensed vessel to land (including docks and wharves). observer An individual who has been designated as an observer by the Regional Director General for Pacific Region pursuant to section 39 of the Fishery (General) Regulations. offloading The landing or removal of catch from a licensed vessel. per vessel A vessel may only retain and land the quantities of fish specified in one set of conditions for that species.
PSARC Pacific Scientific Advice Review Committee
RCA Rockfish Conservation Area. An area that is closed for the protection of various inshore rockfish species to fishing activities that negatively impact rockfish.
RPA Rockfish Protection Area. An area that is closed to commercial hook and line fishing for the protection of various inshore rockfish species. selective fishing The ability to avoid known, non-target species and stocks or, if encountered, to release them alive and unharmed.
SFAB Sport Fishing Advisory Board stakeholder An individual or group that participates in the conservation and management of the resource. Typically describes licence holders, and participants in fisheries, but also includes non-consumptive participants. stock A biologically discrete population. stock assessment Analyses of fisheries and research data used to estimate stock abundance and health or evaluate the effects of fishing on a stock or population and predict the reactions of populations to alternative management choices.
TAC Total Allowable Catch. tonne Metric tonne, 1000 kg, or 2204.6 lbs. validation The verification, by an observer, of the weight of fish landed.
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verification Verification includes any or all of the following activities: Estimating, weighing, sampling all species, inspection of fishing records, and/or interviewing the vessel master.
3. INTRODUCTION
The 2004/2005 Pacific Region Lingcod, Dogfish, Skate, Sole, Flounder and Pacific Cod by Hook and Line Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP) is valid for the period of April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005. This plan applies to fisheries for the Schedule II - Other Species (Lingcod, Dogfish, Skate, Sole, Flounder and Pacific Cod) in B.C.
Additional information on hook and line fisheries for groundfish is available on the web site of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region:
www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ops/fm/Groundfish/default.htm
Management actions outlined in this plan are subject to change in response to in-season variables such as rockfish conservation and various environmental conditions. Fisheries and Oceans Canada will continue to consult with First Nations, recreational, and commercial fishers throughout the season regarding detailed fishing plans. Further consultations would occur where in-season revisions are required to address specific conservation or management concerns.
IFMPs can be found at: www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/xnet/content/MPLANS/MPlans.htm
Stock status reports, research documents, and proceedings of the Pacific Scientific Review Committee (PSARC) pertaining to groundfish resources in British Columbia are produced by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and may be obtained from the PSARC secretariat or the Fisheries and Oceans Canada web site: www-sci.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sci/psarc/default_e.htm
4. OVERVIEW OF THE FISHERY
The Schedule II - Other Species fishery involves a fishing privilege that is given to all commercial vessel-based licence eligibilities. Under this licence privilege, vessels are permitted to harvest lingcod, dogfish, sole, flounder, skate, and Pacific cod. The majority of the vessels hailed out on directed trips have primarily chosen to target lingcod or dogfish, although in 2003/2004 there was a directed effort for skate.
5. PROSPECTS FOR THE SEASON
The Schedule II - Other Species fishing plan for the 2004/2005 season will remain unchanged from 2003/2004 except for the measures introduced to address the concerns for skate species.
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Trip limits will be implemented for skate for the 2004/2005 season. The area TACs in place for lingcod for the 2003/2004 season will remain unchanged, with the addition of a TAC in the open portions of Area 4B. A decrease in the monthly lingcod limit to 10,000 pounds will be in effect for the 2004/2005 fishing season.
6. STOCK ASSESSMENT AND RESEARCH
6.1. General Expansion and improved stock assessment and research programs involving all Pacific groundfish species is an ongoing objective of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. These programs support evaluation of management measures. Opportunities for stakeholder involvement and cooperative ventures in research and assessment activities will be pursued.
Departmental activities supporting groundfish stock assessment research include:
a) Science Branch A goal of the Fisheries and Oceans Canada Science Branch is to provide high quality knowledge, products and scientific advice on Canadian aquatic ecosystems and living resources, with a vision of safe, healthy, productive waters and aquatic ecosystems. More information on the Science Branch can be found at: www-sci.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sci/default_e.htm
b) Pacific Scientific Advice Review Committee (PSARC) PSARC is the Pacific Regional body responsible for review and evaluation of all scientific information on the status of living aquatic resources, their ecosystems, and on biological aspects of stock management. More information on PSARC can be found at: www-sci.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sci/psarc/default_e.htm
c) Regional Data Unit The main role of the regional data unit is to compile, produce, maintain and provide official catch statistics for the Region, according to Regional standards and procedures. The Unit also provides information about the statistics such as the methods used to collect catch data and derive catch estimates. More information on the regional data unit can be found at: www-sci.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sa/default_e.htm
Department science staff, in conjunction with industry, conducts stock assessments of marine fish resources on the west coast of Canada. The assessments are reviewed through the Pacific Scientific Advice Review Committee (PSARC) process. PSARC is responsible for the review and evaluation of all scientific information on the status of living aquatic resources and their ecosystems, and the biological aspects of stock management. PSARC also provides internal and external clients with scientific
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information and comprehensive advice on stock and habitat status, and potential biological consequences of fisheries management actions and natural events.
The PSARC process includes a forum for peer review that evaluates scientific research and literature as well as traditional ecological knowledge. The forum involves departmental staff, members of the non-government science community, and industry representatives.
Stock Assessment advice has been provided for over thirty commercially exploited groundfish stocks. Science personnel, in association with fishery managers and groundfish industry representatives, establish assessment priorities and timing schedules for assessments.
In addition to work directed at providing annual stock assessment on a rotational basis, science staff, in collaboration with resource management staff, conducts routine data collection and compilation and specialized research on the general biology of groundfish in support of stock assessment. The routine work includes:
a) collection and archiving of current catch data from fisher logs, observer logs and unloading slips. b) collection and archiving of current biological specimen data from dockside, at-sea and research cruise sampling, and archiving of historical biological data collected from departmental and contract sources. 6.2. Dogfish A longline dogfish survey is planned for 2004 for the Strait of Georgia. This survey would repeat surveys conducted in 1986 and 1989 that covered a number of areas in the Strait. Data collected will enable the examination of stock trends over the last 2 decades in the Strait of Georgia. 6.3. Skate The 2001 Canadian Science Advisory Secetariat research document (2001/129, Benson, McFarlane, and King) reviewed the biology of skates, sharks and rays found in British Columbia waters and examined the commercial fisheries on these species. The paper recommended managers consider area-specific catch limits for big skate and longnose skate.
The big skate tagging program will continue for the 2004/05 season. This program, over the next few years, should help delineate stocks in the northern areas. Ongoing age determination work will continue for both longnose and big skates. 6.4. Pacific Cod The 2002 Canadian Science Advisory Secetariat research document (2002/213, Starr, Sinclair, and Boutillier) reviewed Pacific Cod stock status on the West Coast Vancouver Island stock and found that the stock has increased since the 2001 assessment.
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6.5. Lingcod The 2001 Canadian Science Advisory Secetariat research document (2001/132, King) indicated that Georgia Strait lingcod are at very low levels.
Several projects to monitor lingcod populations in the Strait of Georgia are planned for 2004. A lingcod egg mass survey will be conducted at several sites along the British Columbia coast. As part of a larval dispersal project, larval lingcod will be sampled in the southern Strait of Georgia and a post-larval lingcod survey later in the spring. Age 2+ lingcod survey in Statistical Areas 13, 14, 15 and 16 will be conducted by hook and line. The juvenile lingcod trawl survey will be repeated aboard the M/V Neocaligus. In late summer, recreational SCUBA divers will assist in the monitoring of lingcod populations at several reference sites near Nanaimo. In areas other than the Strait of Georgia, lingcod will continue to be monitored through Port Samplers and with the groundfish synoptic surveys.
7. AQUACULTURE
Fisheries and Oceans Canada continues to support the research and development of the aquaculture sector. The Department will provide the aquaculture industry with reasonable access, by scientific licence, to the wild resource to assist industry development (growth and diversification). Request to access the wild resource will be contingent upon stakeholders providing detailed project proposals for review and approval by the Department.
More information on aquaculture can be found at: www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/default_e.htm
8. CURRENT MANAGEMENT ISSUES
8.1. Inshore Rockfish Conservation In 2002, an inshore rockfish conservation strategy was established with initial measures introduced for recreational and commercial fisheries. The strategy addresses four areas under the fisheries management and stock assessment regime:
a) protect a part of inshore rockfish populations from harvest through the use of rockfish conservation areas, b) collect information on total fishery mortalities through improved catch monitoring programs, c) reduce harvests to levels that are less than the estimates of natural mortality (i.e. less than 2 percent), and d) improve the ability to assess the status of inshore rockfish populations and monitor changes in abundance.
During 2003, the rockfish sustainability team worked with stakeholders though various advisory processes, publicly held workshops, and the Department’s consultation web site
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to modify and improve the current suite of rockfish closures. This phase of consultation has been completed with a final suite of 89 Rockfish Conservation Areas (RCAs) being implemented for March 1, 2004. These RCAs replace the existing RPAs and IARFs. Fishing activity that causes rockfish mortality within the closed area is restricted. Permitted fishing activity within the closed areas is listed on the web site. The team will continue in 2004/2005 to consult stakeholders on new RCA opportunities in the North and Central coasts and the West coast of Vancouver Island. For more information on the RCAs see Appendix 2 (area/pre-season closures) or the Internet at: www-comm.pac.dfo- mpo.gc.ca/pages/consultations/consult_e.htm
Consultations with First Nations will continue so that management of their fisheries will be consistent with conservation objectives and departmental obligations with respect to priority access for food, social, and ceremonial purposes. 8.2. Species at Risk Act SARA came into force in 2003. The purposes of the Act are “to prevent wildlife species from being extirpated or becoming extinct, and to provide for the recovery of a wildlife species that are extirpated, endangered or threatened as a result of human activity and to manage species of special concern to prevent them from becoming endangered or threatened”. For more information on SARA please see the Public Registry at: www.sararegistry.gc.ca
The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) have designated the bocaccio rockfish species as threatened. This species has not yet been legally listed under SARA. The Department is currently consulting with First Nations, stakeholders and the Canadian public on these designations to consider listing under SARA. The Department will then develop recommendations for further action to be presented to the Minister of Environment and Governor in Council (Cabinet).
If bocaccio is listed, SARA contains prohibitions against killing, harming, harassing, capturing, taking, possessing, buying, selling, or trading, and against damaging or destroying the residence of individuals. These prohibitions will apply unless a person is engaging in activities authorized under section 73, 74, 78, or 83 by a permit, license or other similar document, or a person who is engaging in activities that are permitted by a recovery strategy or action plan. Furthermore, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans must prepare a recovery strategy and action plan for all listed extirpated, endangered and threatened species.
Current management measures in groundfish fisheries need to be carefully examined to determine if fishers can engage in fishing activities affecting a listed wildlife species on the basis that:
a) affecting a listed wildlife species is incidental to groundfish fishing activities, b) all reasonable alternatives to the fishing activities that would reduce the impact on the listed species have been considered and the best solution has been adopted,
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c) all feasible measures will be taken to minimize the impact of groundfish fishing activities on the listed species, and d) fishing activities will not jeopardize the survival or recovery of the listed species.
If a permit is issued, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans must include in the public registry an explanation of why it was issued, taking into account the matters referred to above.
The Department is reviewing management measures in the groundfish fisheries to assess the impacts on listed species under SARA. Research in this area is ongoing and management measures may change based on the conditions noted above.
More information on SARA or COSEWIC can be found at: www.cosewic.gc.ca/index.htm www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sara/default_e.htm www.sararegistry.gc.ca/ 8.3. Pacific Fishery Monitoring and Reporting Framework Timely and accurate information on catch retention and at-sea releases are required to assess the status of the groundfish resource, address conservation and sustainability issues, and manage the fisheries. The Department is currently working with all fishing sectors (First Nations, commercial and recreational) to assess and improve the current methods of fishery monitoring and reporting. 8.4. Selective Fishing The by-catch of non-target species is an on-going fisheries management issue. The Department will continue work with stakeholders to address by-catch issues in all groundfish fisheries and will examine and explore selective fishing strategies to minimize mortalities of non-target fish, invertebrates, seabirds and marine mammals. 8.5. Marine Protected Areas Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are sites in tidal waters designed to protect biological diversity and habitats, maintain healthy marine ecosystems, and sustain resources for fisheries. Under the new Canada Oceans Act, the Department has authority to formally designate Marine Protected Areas.
In December 1998, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans announced Bowie Seamount as a pilot MPA. Consultations are underway to develop recommendations towards a MPA designation under the Oceans Act.
In March 2003, the Minister announced the establishment the first MPA, the Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents Area, off the southwest coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
More information on MPA’s can be found at: www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans/mpa/default_e.htm
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8.6. Protection of Unique Sponge Reefs Measures were implemented in 2002 to preserve four unique sponge reefs located in waters off central and northern British Columbia.
These sponge reefs, discovered only ten years ago, are the only known example of living Hexactinellid sponge reefs in the world today. The reefs cover nearly 1,000 square kilometres of seabed in eastern Queen Charlotte Sound and Hecate Strait. Due to the fragile skeleton nature of the reefs, it is believed that the sponge skeletons are susceptible to damage from physical contact by fishing gear. Additionally, the dense coverage of sponges provides habitat for a variety of invertebrate and fish species.
Currently, groundfish and shrimp bottom trawl fishing within the closed sponge reef areas is not permitted. The Department will continue to monitor fishing activity to ensure current measures are providing appropriate protection to these reefs. 8.7. Commercial Groundfish Initiative In 2003, a new initiative was undertaken to address issues related to conservation of the groundfish resource and commercial groundfish fishery management. A new stakeholder committee, called the Commercial Groundfish Integrated Advisory Committee (CGIAC), was formed to provide advice to the Department on strategic approaches to address the issues and make progressive changes to the current management regime for commercial fisheries. It is expected that measures developed under this initiative will begin to be implemented for the 2005/2006 fishing season; however measures may be formulated and implemented during the 2004/2005 fishing season.
To initiate progress and set an initial direction for the process, the Department outlined to the CGIAC objectives for groundfish fisheries for the 2005/2006 fishing season. The objectives advance the inshore rockfish conservation strategy, support catch monitoring standards under the Pacific fishery monitoring and reporting framework, and address concerns arising from the new Species at Risk Act. The objectives are as follows:
a) all rockfish catch must be accounted for, b) rockfish catches will be managed according to established rockfish management areas, c) fishers will be individually accountable for their catch, d) new monitoring standards will be established and implemented to meet the above three objectives, and e) species and stocks of concern will be closely examined and actions such as reduction of TACs and other catch limits will be considered and implemented to be consistent with the precautionary approach for management.
As information becomes available from this initiative, it will be made available at: www-comm.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pages/consultations/consult_e.htm
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8.8. Fishing Vessel Safety Owners and masters have a duty to ensure the safety of their crew and vessel. Adherence to safety regulations and good practices by owners, masters and crew of fishing vessels will help save lives, protect the vessel from damage, and protect the environment.
Appendix 5 outlines vessel safety measures and procedures required and/or recommended by Transport Canada.
9. SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES
9.1. General
9.1.1. Continue to implement measures under the Inshore Rockfish Conservation Strategy to protect and rebuild inshore rockfish stocks consistent with: a) improving monitoring of rockfish fisheries in all sectors, b) reducing fishery mortalities of inshore rockfish, c) continuing to develop the closed area strategy for inshore rockfish protection, and, d) improving stock assessment programs for inshore rockfish.
Performance Measure: Improved monitoring, stock assessment and a reduced fishing mortality for inshore rockfish. New rockfish protection areas are created and enforced. Educational programs are provided on rockfish conservation. 9.1.2. Reduce by-catch discards in all fisheries through implementation of management measures and education. Performance Measure: Management measures developed to decrease by-catch discards in all fisheries. 9.1.3. Review current management regimes and explore potential improvements through consultations with industry and other stakeholders. Performance Measure: Initiate consultations with groundfish fishers and other stakeholders to develop progressive approaches for improved conservation of groundfish resources and management of groundfish fisheries. 9.1.4. Continue to develop and improve catch-monitoring programs for all fisheries. Performance Measure: Consult with stakeholders to look at the current methods of catch monitoring, and set standards to improve the accuracy and timeliness of catch reporting. 9.2. First Nations Provide opportunities for First Nations to harvest groundfish for food, social and ceremonial purposes in a manner consistent with conservation objectives and the Department’s obligations with respect to priority access to the resource.
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Performance Measure: Subject to conservation needs, First Nations are provided opportunities to harvest fish for food, social and ceremonial purposes and any treaty obligations. 9.3. Recreational
9.3.1. Continue to provide recreational opportunities consistent with the objectives of the rockfish conservation strategy. Performance Measure: Opportunities are provided through management measures implemented as part of the inshore rockfish conservation strategy. 9.4. Commercial
9.4.1. Provide opportunities for the commercial sector to harvest groundfish effectively and ensure that TACs are not exceeded. Performance Measure: The total landed catch of all groundfish species stays within the recommended TACs. 9.4.2. The commercial Schedule II - Other Species fleet will have 13% of their sea days monitored by the designated at-sea observer service provider: 8% at-sea observer (ASO) and 5 % by electronic monitoring (EM). Continue to develop the EM program and to improve and expand the existing program. To ensure the attainment of acceptable standards for EM monitoring practices for the future. Performance Measure: At-sea monitoring coverage for the commercial Schedule II - Other Species fleet of 13 % of the sea days is achieved. Improvements to the EM program are made.
10. EVALUATION OF PRIOR YEAR MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES
Evaluation of the management objectives for the 2003/2004 season is based on the performance measures specified in the 2003/2004 IFMP. 10.1. General Performance measure: Each element of the Inshore Rockfish Conservation Strategy was implemented in an effort to measure and achieve a precautionary sustainable fishing mortality rate for inshore rockfish species of less than 1.5%.
The Department will continue to implement measures under the Inshore Rockfish Conservation Strategy to protect and rebuild inshore rockfish stocks. Specific measures include:
a) Implement measures/processes to account for all rockfish mortalities. b) Establish standards for at-sea observer and EM coverage. c) Continued implementation and expansion of RCAs. d) Improved stock assessment programs.
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The Department’s strategy, designed to reverse declines and to achieve stock rebuilding, is based on four specific conservation measures: reduce the total harvest of inshore rockfish, establish areas for the protection of inshore rockfish where fishing will be restricted, improve catch monitoring, and establish a stock assessment framework.
In 2003/2004 the Department moved forward with its rockfish and lingcod strategy. Consultations occurred on the proposed suite of Rockfish Conservation Areas. Implementation of this round of RCAs is expected to occur in the spring of 2004. These conservation areas are designed to provide a buffer against scientific uncertainty, and are considered an essential element contributing to the protection and rebuilding of rockfish stocks.
A reduction of inshore rockfish harvest levels was applied in 2003/2004. A significant decrease in fishing mortality was required to halt stock declines and to allow for rebuilding. Fishing restrictions intended to achieve the objective of a harvest mortality rate of 1.5 percent or less were implemented in 2002/2003 and continued for the 2003/04 season.
Catch monitoring in the commercial fishery was also improved last year. Commercial fishery monitoring tools included increased number of fishery observers, use of experimental camera technology, dockside monitoring, logbook data and biological sampling at landing sites. Catch monitoring in the recreational and First Nations fisheries will also be improved this year. Improvements to the coverage of recreational creel surveys are being developed, and consultations are currently on going with First Nations to develop or improve catch monitoring programs. Developing and refining fishery monitoring efforts in each fishery will assist the Department to produce a detailed stock assessment plan.
A draft stock assessment framework has been developed. The stock assessment framework will be finalized in 2004. The framework will outline the most effective methods to estimate inshore rockfish population abundance and to monitor the effectiveness of management measures over time.
Performance measure: To continue to implement conservation measures to protect and rebuild Strait of Georgia lingcod stocks.
In 2003/2004 the Department moved forward with its rockfish and lingcod strategy. A stock assessment framework for lingcod was developed in 2003 and the department is working with stakeholders towards a lingcod management framework. Conservation concerns for lingcod in the Strait of Georgia were addressed by the Department through closures of the commercial fishery in 1990 and the recreational fishery in 2002.
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10.2. Commercial Performance Measure: One hundred percent dockside monitoring, and 357 days of at- sea observer coverage was attained, and electronic monitoring was implemented in the 2003/2004 fishing season. Total landed commercial harvest of lingcod and dogfish was within five percent of the TAC. Commercial data was collected through the Dockside Monitoring Program (DMP), at-sea observer and logbook programs.
The Department provided an opportunity for the commercial Schedule II - Other Species fishery to continue while employing adequate management controls and monitoring in the commercial fishery to ensure commercial lingcod and dogfish TAC was not exceeded. This was achieved through a precautionary management approach, 100% Dockside Monitoring Program (DMP) of all commercial hook and line landings and increased at-sea observer coverage, and in-season management actions (time and area closures).
Total lingcod landed coast-wide in 2003/2004, equalled 100.7% of the lingcod TAC. Total dogfish landed coast-wide in 2003/2004, as of March 9, 2004, equalled 38% of the dogfish TAC.
Performance Measure: Effective RPAs/RCAs were implemented during the 2003/2004 fishing season that apply to all fisheries that have a significant impact on inshore rockfish stocks.
During 2003 the rockfish sustainability team worked with stakeholders though various advisory processes, publicly-held workshops and the Department’s consultation web site to modify and improve the current suite of rockfish closures. This phase of consultation has been completed with a final suite of 89 Rockfish Conservation Areas (RCAs) being implemented for the spring of 2004. These RCAs replace the existing RPAs and IARFs. Fishing activity that causes Rockfish mortality within the closed area is restricted. Permitted fishing activity within the closed areas is listed on the web site. The team will continue in 2004/2005 to consult stakeholders on new RCA opportunities in the North and Central coasts and the West coast of Vancouver Island. For more information on the RCAs see Appendix 2 (area/pre-season closures) or the Internet at: www-comm.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pages/consultations/consult_e.htm
Performance Measure: In 2003 the Department, in collaboration with industry and other stakeholders, conducted a comprehensive review of the current management regimes and explored possible measures for a more integrated approach for all commercial groundfish hook and line fisheries.
Consultation meetings with various stakeholders started in early 2003 and continued throughout the year. A consultative body called the Commercial Groundfish Integrated Advisory Committee (CGIAC) was created in late 2003. During 2004 the committee will meet to discuss current issues and give advice to the Department on new integrated measures.
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Performance Measure: The spawning biomass of Pacific cod found in Hecate Strait and Dixon Entrance areas continued to be protected through a closed area strategy.
The Department continued to implement conservation measures for Pacific cod in the Hecate Strait and Dixon Entrance areas including a non-retention provision of Pacific cod in the commercial Schedule II - Other Species fishery 10.3. First Nations Performance Measure: Subject to conservation needs, first priority was accorded to First Nations for opportunities to harvest fish for food, social and ceremonial purposes and any treaty obligations.
Fishing opportunities were provided to First Nations consistent with conservation objectives and the Department’s obligations to provide rockfish for food, social and ceremonial purposes
Performance Measure: Catch monitoring programs continued to be developed in collaboration with First Nations organizations during the 2003/2004 fishing season.
In consultation with First Nations, the Department is working to improve catch- monitoring programs in the First Nations fishery. Catch monitoring programs are being developed in collaboration with some First Nations organizations with the goal of improving catch monitoring and data collection in the First Nations fishery. Working with First Nations to develop catch monitoring programs for groundfish species remains an important Departmental goal in 2004/2005.
Performance Measure: The Inshore Rockfish Conservation Strategy continued to be implemented in collaboration with First Nations organizations during the 2003/2004 fishing season.
The Department consulted with many First Nations organizations in an attempt to ensure that First Nations were provided sufficient information on conservation concerns for inshore rockfish, and that First Nations had an opportunity to provide input. Continuing to implement the Inshore Rockfish Conservation Strategy in collaboration with First Nations remains a Departmental priority in 2004/2005. 10.4. Recreational Performance Measure: Daily recreational catch limits remained at appropriate levels to achieve an overall sustainable harvest of Schedule II - Other Species. The estimated precautionary sustainable fishing mortality rate for Strait of Georgia lingcod is as close to zero as possible.
The Department provided an opportunity for the recreational harvest of Schedule II - Other Species while employing adequate management controls and monitoring in the recreational fishery to ensure that fishery impacts on Schedule II - Other Species are within sustainable levels. With the goal of reversing declines and ensuring the rebuilding of Strait of Georgia lingcod stocks, the Groundfish Subcommittee of PSARC
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recommended, in 2001, that fishing mortality on Strait of Georgia lingcod be reduced to as close to zero as possible. Due to conservation concerns, the commercial fishery for lingcod in the Strait of Georgia was closed in 1990. To further reduce fishery impacts on the Strait of Georgia stock, the Department, in 2002, removed the recreational lingcod bag limit of 1 per day and implemented a non-retention, non-possession regulation in the Strait of Georgia for recreational anglers. In 2002, the Department also implemented a minimum size limit of 65 cm in the South Coast waters.
Performance Measure: Catch monitoring measures were implemented in the recreational fishery to improve the collection of all groundfish catch data (retained and released catch).
Creel observers received increased training in rockfish species identification during 2002. The collection of groundfish species catch data was also improved. However, due to budgetary constraints, there was a decline in creel survey interviews by area and time.
Performance Measure: Recreational harvest of fin fish species, including Schedule II - Other Species, were consistent with the RCA Strategy employed for the 2003/2004 fishing season.
Consistent with the Inshore Rockfish Conservation Strategy, recreational harvest of fin fish, including Schedule II - Other Species, was not permitted in the interim areas of restricted fishing in 2003/2004. The only recreational fishing activities permitted in the interim areas of restricted fishing were hand picking, diving or trapping invertebrates.
10.5. Overview Enforcement activities are carried out by fishery officers, marine enforcement officers, charter patrolman and First Nations guardians working throughout Pacific Region. Observers, designated by the Department, complement enforcement staff by performing a monitoring, verification and sampling function.
There are approximately 183 fishery officers stationed in the Pacific Region, which encompasses the province of B.C. and Yukon Territory. They are designated as ‘fishery officers’ under section 5 of the Fisheries Act and have full enforcement powers and responsibilities outlined in the Act, The Criminal Code of Canada, the Constitution Act, and other Federal and Provincial statutes.
Marine enforcement officers also carry ‘fishery officer’ designation and have similar powers as fishery officers. They work from Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and are trained in enforcement duties. Charter patrolman carry out, observe, record and report activities.
First Nations guardians are employed by their Band or Tribal Group and wear the uniform of that Band or Tribal Group. They are tasked with enforcement of the aboriginal fishery of their Band or Tribal Group. First Nations guardians may assist
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fishery officers in enforcement activities outside the aboriginal fishery, depending on their level of training and agreements between the Band and the Department.
Observers, designated by the Department, as per section 39(1) of the Fisheries General Regulations, perform duties related to monitoring of fishing activities, examination and measurement of fishing gear, recording scientific data, monitoring the landing of fish and verification of the weight and species of fish caught and retained; and biological sampling. Observers are not armed and do not have the powers of search, seizure, or arrest.
Archipelago Marine Research Ltd., under contract to the Department, supplies Fisheries and Oceans Canada certified observers to conduct dockside monitoring and weigh-out inspections at all approved landing locations. Observers document all landed by-catch and notify fishery officers of any incidents at offloads. Observers interview the fisher, assigning catch to the appropriate rockfish stock area and spot-check harvest logs for consistency with verbal reports.
Fishery officers coast-wide have been tasked with the responsibility of responding to calls from observers reporting occurrences during commercial groundfish landings. During routine patrols, fishery officers will inspect Schedule II - Other species vessels for compliance with permitted species, to ensure fishers are fishing in open areas, and for full compliance with pen marking and dockside monitoring requirements. 10.6. Enforcement Issues The extremely large number of vessels with Schedule II - Other Species fishing privileges poses a significant challenge to fishery officers. All vessel-based licences have Schedule II - Other Species privileges. 10.7. Priorities for 2003/2004 a) Enforce compliance of the DMP for Schedule II - Other Species landings. b) Enforce licensing regulations prohibiting retention of species incidentally taken on hook and line gear in the commercial fishery. c) Enforce fishing prohibitions in areas closed for rockfish protection. d) Enforce the mandatory hail-out of all Schedule II - Other Species vessels. e) Enforce the mandatory use of seabird avoidance measures. 10.8. Fishery Patrol Vessels All at-sea patrols will be conducted using program vessels (mostly 7.3 meter and 9.2 meter rigid hull inflatable vessels) and CCG vessels. They are staffed and operated by fishery officers, native guardians, and marine enforcement officers. 10.9. Air Surveillance Patrol coverage using charter aircraft is utilized to identify potential violations, concentrations of fish and fishers as well as distribution. In large geographical areas this allows for better coverage. Air surveillance resources are generally used from July to September and longer if available.
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Flight reports, photographs, and other data collected from over-flights are readily available to departmental managers and fishery officers through an intranet-based flight information system. Digital images of vessels will be collected and added to a web-based licence system, providing fishery officers ready access to recent vessel photographs to assist in field identification.
11. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
11.1. Commercial Fishery In 2003/2004, commercial vessel owners and operators in the rockfish and Schedule II - Other species fisheries contributed approximately $600,000 to cover the management costs of the fisheries associated with at-sea observer coverage, the electronic monitoring, the DMP, and fishing logbook data handling. An independent third party was contracted to provide the at-sea observer and DMP services.
Schedule II - Other species participants paid a registration fee that covered at-sea monitoring costs for the season and a portion of dockside monitoring fees. The remainder of the costs of operating the DMP were collected through an hourly monitoring fee. The costs of the DMP program were split out between rockfish and Schedule II - Other Species participants. Registration fees were different between the two components of the fishery due to different data requirements and differences in the cost of supplying service to the two groups. All active participants paid the same hourly rate based on their usage of the dockside monitoring service. 11.2. Fisheries and Oceans Canada In 2003/2004, Fisheries and Oceans Canada contributed approximately $98,000 to support the activities of the at-sea observer program for the commercial groundfish hook and line fisheries.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada also contributed to the management and enforcement of the Schedule II - Other species fishery through a groundfish manager, a groundfish hook and line fisheries manager, a groundfish hook and line quota officer, general duty fishery officers, vessel patrols, and air surveillance. Fisheries and Oceans Canada also provides scientific support for research and stock assessments, management of the resource, and consultation processes. 11.3. Recreational Fishery The recreational sector has a financial responsibility through payment of licence fees to access the resource (salmon, groundfish, shellfish, etc). Refer to the 2003-2005 Sports Fishing Guide available at www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish/default_e.htm for more information.
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12. ANNUAL HARVEST PLANS
2004/2005 Commercial Schedule II - Other Species Harvest Plan - see Appendix 1
2004/2005 Recreational Harvest Plan - see the 2003-2005 Sports Fishing Guide available at www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish/default_e.htm or the nearest Fisheries and Oceans Canada office.
2004/2005 First Nations access to fish for food, social and ceremonial purposes is managed through a communal licence, which can permit the harvest of groundfish species. For additional information on communal licences see the Internet at: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communic/fish_man/afs_e.htm
13. ATTACHMENTS
Appendix 1: 2004/2005 Commercial Schedule II - Other Species Harvest Plan. Appendix 2: GHLAC membership. Appendix 3: Descriptions and Maps of Closed Areas. Appendix 4: Map of Statistical Areas for Southern British Columbia. Appendix 5: Hook and Line Groundfish Logbook Example. Appendix 6: Safety at Sea. Appendix 7: Seabird Handling Guidelines.
2004/2005 Lingcod, Dogfish, Skate, Sole, Flounder and Pacific Cod by Hook and Line Integrated Fisheries Management Plan Page 22 of 22 Appendix 1: Schedule II - Other Species Commercial Harvest Plan
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. MANAGEMENT CHANGES AND REMINDERS FOR 2004/2005 ...... 3 1.1. In Season Changes ...... 3 1.2. Hail-out Requirement(s) for At-sea Monitoring...... 3 1.3. Electronic Monitoring...... 3 1.4. Seabird Avoidance Measures...... 3 1.5. Rockfish Protection Areas ...... 4 1.6. Skate Species ...... 4 1.7. Retention of Lingcod ...... 4 2. LICENSING ...... 4 2.1. Licence Category ...... 4 2.2. Species ...... 5 2.3. Gear...... 5 2.4. Licence Fees...... 5 2.5. Licence Application and Issuance ...... 5 2.6. Licence Documents...... 6 2.7. Vessel Replacements ...... 6 3. SEABIRD AVOIDANCE MEASURES AND DEVICES...... 6 4. STOCK MANAGEMENT AREAS ...... 7 5. CLOSURES ...... 7 6. QUOTAS AND OPEN TIMES ...... 7 6.1. Lingcod Management ...... 7 6.1.1. Open Times and Total Allowable Catch...... 7 6.1.2. Permanent Closures ...... 8 6.1.3. Catch Limits...... 8 6.1.4. Size Limits ...... 8 6.1.5. Catch and Fishing Data...... 8 6.2. Dogfish Management...... 8 6.2.1. Open Times and Total Allowable Catch...... 8 6.2.2. Permanent and Seasonal Closures ...... 8 6.2.3. Catch Limit ...... 8 6.2.4. By-catch ...... 8 6.2.5. Catch and Fishing Data...... 9 6.3. Pacific Cod Management...... 9 6.3.1. Open Times...... 9 6.3.2. Permanent and Seasonal Closures ...... 9 6.3.3. Catch Limit ...... 9 6.3.4. Catch and Fishing Data...... 9 6.4. Skate Management...... 9 6.4.1. Open Times...... 9 6.4.2. Permanent and Seasonal Closures ...... 9 6.4.3. Catch Limit ...... 9 6.4.4. Catch and Fishing Data...... 10
Appendix 1: Schedule II- Other Species Commercial Harvest Plan Page 1 of 13 6.5. Sole and Flounder Management ...... 10 6.5.1. Open Times...... 10 6.5.2. Permanent and Seasonal Closures ...... 10 6.5.3. Catch Limits...... 10 6.5.4. Catch and Fishing Data...... 10 7. NOTICE OF IN-SEASON CLOSURES AND CHANGES...... 10 8. DATA REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ...... 11 8.1. Fish Slip Requirements...... 11 8.2. Hook and Line Groundfish Logbook...... 11 9. AT-SEA MONITORING...... 11 9.1. Hail-Out Requirements ...... 11 9.2. Requests for Observer Coverage ...... 11 10. DOCKSIDE MONITORING PROGRAM...... 12 10.1. Designated Landing Locations ...... 12 10.1.1. In Canada ...... 12 10.1.2. In United States...... 13 10.2. Conversion Factors ...... 13
Appendix 1: Schedule II- Other Species Commercial Harvest Plan Page 2 of 13
1. MANAGEMENT CHANGES AND REMINDERS FOR 2004/2005
In consultation with the advisors of the Groundfish Hook and Line Advisory Committee (GHLAC), changes have been introduced to the 2004/2005 Integrated Fisheries Management Plan for the Schedule II - Other Species licence. 1.1. In Season Changes Management actions to address inshore rockfish conservation, Species at Risk Act and other proposed protected areas continue to be developed. In-season changes to the 2004/2005 Schedule II - Other Species Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP) may be required with respect to area openings, closures and other in-season restrictions. 1.2. Hail-out Requirement(s) for At-sea Monitoring Guidelines regarding notification of the requirement to conduct at-sea monitoring continue for 2004/2005. All vessels are required to carry an at-sea observer or employ electronic monitoring equipment each trip that vessel embarks upon, unless given a hail- out number at the time of the hail-out. The vessel master will be informed as to the type of at-sea monitoring required for that trip at hail-out. To facilitate this requirement, the vessel master must hail-out a minimum of 24 hours prior to leaving port to commence a fishing trip. In addition, vessels can only hail-out between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., seven days a week. See Section 9 and the conditions of licence for more details. 1.3. Electronic Monitoring Industry has been working with the designated service provider over the last year in advancing the application of electronic monitoring for the collection of at-sea data in the Schedule II - Other Species fleet. The Department will be using electronic monitoring as part of its overall at-sea monitoring coverage for the 2004/2005 fishing season. Electronic monitoring is viewed as a viable method for comprehensive at-sea monitoring in the future. See Section 10 and the conditions of licence for details.
When an electronic monitoring system is utilized, all components of the system must be functioning and in use during the entire fishing trip. If the equipment becomes inoperative or malfunctions all fishing gear must be removed from the water and all fishing activity cease until the system is functioning properly. See the conditions of licence for details. 1.4. Seabird Avoidance Measures In the 2004/2005 fishing season all vessels fishing under the authority of a Schedule II - Other Species licence using long line gear are required to use mandatory seabird avoidance devices and measures as a condition of licence. Vessel masters are required to ensure that they refer to the conditions of licence for specific avoidance requirements. In 2004, fishery officers will be actively enforcing compliance with the conditions of licence pertaining to seabird avoidance requirements. See Section 3 and the conditions of licence for more details. For seabird handling guidelines see Appendix 7.
Appendix 1: Schedule II- Other Species Commercial Harvest Plan Page 3 of 13 1.5. Rockfish Protection Areas A final suite of 89 Rockfish Conservation Areas (RCAs) will be implemented for the spring of 2004. These RCAs replace the existing RPAs and IARFs. See Appendix 3 descriptions and maps of closed areas. Fishing activity that causes rockfish mortality within the closed area is restricted. Permitted fishing activity within the closed areas is listed on the web site.
New RCA opportunities in the north and central coasts and the west coast of Vancouver Island will be pursued for 2004/05. For more information on the RCAs see Appendix 3 (area/pre-season closures) or the Internet at: www-comm.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pages/consultations/consult_e.htm 1.6. Skate Species The catch of the various skate species in the commercial hook and line fisheries has increased significantly. For the 2004/2005 season an interim measure for skate will be implemented while consultation continues on groundfish integration. Vessels will be restricted to a maximum weight of skate (all species combined) that may be landed per calendar month per vessel. This amount for the 2004/2005 season has been set at 12,500 pounds round weight and will be reviewed for the 2005/2006 season. See Section 6 and the conditions of licence for details. 1.7. Retention of Lingcod Vessels are restricted to a maximum weight of lingcod that may be landed per calendar month per vessel. This amount has been reduced to 10,000 pounds per month for the 2004/2005 season. This decrease was requested by the GHLAC advisors with the expectation of extending the season. See Section 6 and the conditions of licence for details.
2. LICENSING
2.1. Licence Category A category C, CA, communal commercial FC or any vessel based licence is required to commercially harvest Schedule II - Other Species. “Schedule II” refers to Schedule II, Part II of the Pacific Fishery Regulations, 1993.
Category C, Schedule II - Other Species licence eligibilities are limited entry and vessel based. Category FC are party based licence eligibilities.
A Special Schedule II - Other Species licence (category CA) is used to allow vessels with commercial or communal commercial licence eligibilities for the following species to harvest Schedule II species and transport prior to the availability of licence issuance: a) Halibut b) Prawn and Shrimp by Trap c) Crab (Areas I & J)
Appendix 1: Schedule II- Other Species Commercial Harvest Plan Page 4 of 13 Vessels fishing under authority of a Schedule II - Other Species licence may transport fish caught by other vessels and may also be designated to fish under the authority of a category Z licence. Authorization for fishing tuna species in waters of the U.S.A. is not included under the conditions of licence for Schedule II Species. Conditions of licence continue to authorize fishing tuna in Canadian Fisheries waters or the High Seas. 2.2. Species Lingcod (ophiodon elongatus) Spiny dogfish (squalus acanthius) Skates Sole Flounder Pacific cod 2.3. Gear Fishing for Schedule II - Other Species is permitted by hook and line gear (long line, jig, hand line and troll) except lingcod. Long line gear is not permitted when fishing for lingcod. 2.4. Licence Fees Category C or CA Licence fees are $30.00. There is no annual licence fee for communal commercial licences. 2.5. Licence Application and Issuance Personalized applications are mailed to the contact vessel owner/licence eligibility holder for all Schedule II - Other Species (category C and FC) licence eligibilities. Category C applications must be completed and submitted with required annual fees to a Pacific Fisheries Licencing Unit (PFLU) by December 31 of each year in order to maintain the eligibility, whether fishing takes place or not.
Category CA applications must be completed and submitted prior to licence issue although there is no annual application requirement. Category CA applications are only accepted when the IFMP and conditions of licence are not yet available for a vessel based licence and the vessel is not eligible for any other available or issued licence that allows harvesting of Schedule II species. Category CA licence documents must be returned prior to issuance of any other licence that allows harvesting of Schedule II species.
The vessel owner or any authorized representative may sign both category C or CA application forms.
The licence eligibility holder may sign category FC application forms. As licence eligibility holders are Aboriginal groups, only an authorized signing authority may sign the application. The PFLU must have on record a copy of either a Confirmation of Signing Authorities or an Amendment to Confirmation of Signing Authorities form advising who the signing authorities are.
Appendix 1: Schedule II- Other Species Commercial Harvest Plan Page 5 of 13 Prior to licence issue, vessel owners must ensure any Ministerial conditions placed on the licence eligibility are met. 2.6. Licence Documents Schedule II - Other Species licence documents are valid from the date of issue to December 31 of each calendar year.
Replacements for lost or destroyed licence documents may be obtained by completing a Declaration Concerning Licence Documents form. Please contact a PFLU for further details. 2.7. Vessel Replacements The vessel owner(s) of a Schedule II - Other Species licensed vessel may make application to replace a commercial fishing vessel with a vessel that does not exceed the length of the vessel to be replaced. Both the replacement vessel and the vessel being replaced must have a survey on file with the PFLU or submitted with the vessel replacement application. Vessels must be surveyed according to Fisheries and Oceans Canada Vessel Measurement guidelines. Vessel owners considering replacing current vessels should contact a PFLU for complete information.
3. SEABIRD AVOIDANCE MEASURES AND DEVICES
By the conditions of licence all Schedule II - Other Species vessels must use mandatory seabird avoidance measures and devices to avoid the incidental catch of seabirds. There are three major requirements outlined in the conditions of licence:
a) All vessels using longline gear must use the avoidance measures listed in detail in the conditions of licence. Vessels must ensure that the discharge of bait and offal is handled in a reasonable manner such that it does not attract seabirds to fishing hooks. b) All vessels must release all birds caught in the least harmful manner and record birds caught in logbooks as by-catch. A record shall be kept as to the quantity caught, species, and condition (alive or dead) of bird upon release; this record shall be made daily. c) Based on vessel size and location of fishing activity, vessels must use seabird avoidance devices including the use of single and paired streamers and a towed buoy.
Licence eligibility holders are required to ensure they refer to their conditions of licence for specific avoidance requirements.
Appendix 1: Schedule II- Other Species Commercial Harvest Plan Page 6 of 13 4. STOCK MANAGEMENT AREAS
Name Area/Subarea
3C Areas 21, 23, 24, 121, 123, 124 and Subarea 125-6. 3D Areas 25, 26,126 and Subareas 27-2 to 27-11,125-1 to 125-5, 127-1 and 127-2. 4B Areas 13 to 20, 28 and 29 and Subareas 12-1 to 12-13, 12-15 to 12-48. 5A Areas 11, 111 and Subareas 12-14, 27-1, 127-3, 127-4 and 130-1. 5B Areas 7 to 10, 108 to 110 and Subareas 102-3, 107-2, 107-3, 130-2 and 130-3. 5C Areas 6, 106 and Subareas 2-1 to 2-19, 102-2 and 105-2 and 107-1. 5D Areas 3 to 5, 103, 104 and Subareas 1-2 to 1-5 and 101-4 to 101-10, 102-1 and 105-1. 5E Area 142 and Subareas 1-1 and 2-31 to 2-100 and 101-1 to 101-3.
5. CLOSURES
All year-round closures, seasonal closures and Rockfish Conservation Areas are listed in Appendix 3.
6. QUOTAS AND OPEN TIMES
6.1. Lingcod Management
6.1.1. Open Times and Total Allowable Catch With the exception of those seasonal and year round closures noted in this plan, the lingcod fishery will be open as follows:
Stock TAC Opening Date Closing Date Mgmt. Area 4B 12 tonnes June 1, 2004 November 15, 2004 or when TAC attained 3C 150 tonnes April 15, 2004 November 15, 2004 or when TAC attained 3D 180 tonnes April 15, 2004 November 15, 2004 or when TAC attained 5A April 15, 2004 November 15, 2004 or when 200 tonnes TAC attained 5B April 1, 2004 November 15, 2004 or when TAC attained 5CDE 420 tonnes April 1, 2004 November 15, 2004 or when TAC attained
Appendix 1: Schedule II- Other Species Commercial Harvest Plan Page 7 of 13 6.1.2. Permanent Closures In addition to the permanent closures in Appendix 3, for all hook and line fisheries, the following Areas and Subareas will be closed for lingcod:
Strait of Georgia: Closed year-round in Areas and Subareas 12-1 to 12-6, 12-8, 12-11, 12-12, 12-15 to 12-48, 13 to 19, 20-5 to 20-7, 28 and 29. 6.1.3. Catch Limits 10,000 pound limit per calendar month per vessel. 6.1.4. Size Limits Head on: not less than 65 cm in length, measured from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail.
Head off: not less than 50 cm in length, measured along the shortest length of the body to the tip of the tail. 6.1.5. Catch and Fishing Data Dockside monitoring, at-sea observer program, and hail-in and hail-out are mandatory for this fishery. 6.2. Dogfish Management
6.2.1. Open Times and Total Allowable Catch With the exception of those seasonal and year round closures noted in section 4 of this plan, the dogfish fishery will be open as follows:
Stock Mgmt Area Total Allowable Opening Date Closes Catch 4B 3,400 April 1, 2003 March 31, 2005 or when TAC attained Coast-wide 8,100 April 1, 2003 March 31, 2005 or (excluding 4B) when TAC attained 6.2.2. Permanent and Seasonal Closures For permanent and seasonal closures see Appendix 3. 6.2.3. Catch Limit There are no trip or period limits on the quantity of dogfish permitted to be taken. 6.2.4. By-catch a) Rockfish - A by-catch of rockfish (any species) shall be permitted, when fishing for and retaining spiny dogfish, which shall not exceed 1% by round weight of the total round weight of spiny dogfish on board the vessel at any time. This by-catch only applies to those areas of 4B (Gulf of Georgia) open to dogfish fishing while open to commercial rockfish fishing.
Appendix 1: Schedule II- Other Species Commercial Harvest Plan Page 8 of 13 b) Lingcod - A by-catch of lingcod shall be permitted, in areas open to lingcod, when fishing for and retaining spiny dogfish by long line gear, which shall not exceed 2%, by round weight of the total round weight of spiny dogfish on board the vessel at any time. 6.2.5. Catch and Fishing Data Dockside monitoring, at-sea observer program, and hail-in and hail-out requirements are mandatory for this fishery. 6.3. Pacific Cod Management
6.3.1. Open Times With the exception of those seasonal and permanent closures noted in this plan, the Pacific cod fishery will be open from April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005. 6.3.2. Permanent and Seasonal Closures In addition to the permanent and seasonal closures listed in Appendix 3, Stock Management Areas 5C/D - Areas 3 to 6, 103 to 106 and Subareas 1-2 to 1-5, 2-1 to 2-19 and 101-4 to 101-10 and 102-1, 102-2 and 107-1 (Hecate Strait/Dixon Entrance areas) are closed to fishing for Pacific cod. This action is to protect the spawning biomass of Pacific cod found in Hecate Strait and Dixon Entrance areas. 6.3.3. Catch Limit The 100 pound trip limit of Pacific cod will continue for the 2004/2005 fishing season. 6.3.4. Catch and Fishing Data Dockside monitoring, at-sea observer program, and hail-in and hail-out requirements are mandatory for this fishery. 6.4. Skate Management
6.4.1. Open Times With the exception of those seasonal and permanent closures noted in this plan, the skate fishery will be open from April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005. 6.4.2. Permanent and Seasonal Closures For permanent and seasonal closures see Appendix 3. 6.4.3. Catch Limit In 2001 PSARC recommended to cap skate catches at the average level from 1996 to 2000. It was determined, at the time, that the hook and line catch of skate was minimal and no action needed. In 2003 the hook and line skate landings increased three fold from 2002. For the 2004/2005 season an interim measure will be implemented while consultation continues on groundfish integration. Vessels will be restricted to a maximum weight of skate (all species combined)
Appendix 1: Schedule II- Other Species Commercial Harvest Plan Page 9 of 13 that may be landed per calendar month per vessel. A monthly catch limit of 12,500 pounds round weight will be implemented for the 2004/2005 season. 6.4.4. Catch and Fishing Data Dockside monitoring, at-sea observer program, and hail-in and hail-out requirements are mandatory for these fisheries. 6.5. Sole and Flounder Management
6.5.1. Open Times With the exception of those seasonal and permanent closures noted in this plan the sole and flounder fishery will be open from April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005. 6.5.2. Permanent and Seasonal Closures For permanent and seasonal closures see Appendix 3. 6.5.3. Catch Limits There is no limit on the quantity of sole and flounder that is permitted to be landed. 6.5.4. Catch and Fishing Data Dockside monitoring, at-sea observer program, and hail-in and hail-out requirements are mandatory for this fishery.
7. NOTICE OF IN-SEASON CLOSURES AND CHANGES
In-season changes to the 2004/2005 Schedule II - Other Species Integrated Fisheries Management Plan may be required with respect to area openings, closures and other in-season management measures. Vessel owners and masters are encouraged to call the Groundfish Hook and Line activity line (604) 666-5634 for in-season updates. In addition, Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) Radio (MCTS) broadcasts fishery announcements and notice of Commercial Groundfish closures, openings, or boundary changes on live marine radio channel broadcasts once weekly. A pre-announcement prior to the actual broadcast is announced on Channel 16 VHF (International Safety and Distress) the live voice broadcast then is read over all CCG Weather and Notices to Shipping CMB (Continuous Marine Broadcast) frequencies. Fishery Broadcast schedules is as follows:
Tofino MCTS Mondays at 1315 hrs PST (1415 hrs PDST) Comox MCTS Tuesdays at 0720 hrs PST (0820 hrs PDST) Prince Rupert MCTS Tuesdays at 1105 hrs PST (1205 hrs PDST)
Appendix 1: Schedule II- Other Species Commercial Harvest Plan Page 10 of 13 8. DATA REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
8.1. Fish Slip Requirements An accurate written report shall be furnished on a fish slip of all fish caught and retained under the authority of this licence. Fish slip books may be purchased at most departmental offices.
Refer to Schedule II - Other Species conditions of licence for fish slip requirements. 8.2. Hook and Line Groundfish Logbook A condition of the licence requires the vessel master to be responsible for the provision and maintenance of a true record of daily fishing activities in a Hook and Line Groundfish Logbook. This information is necessary to assist with the biological assessment and management of the Schedule II - Other Species fishery.
Refer to Schedule II - Other Species conditions of licence for logbook requirements.
9. AT-SEA MONITORING
Information on retained and released catch by the Schedule II - Other Species fishery is necessary for management of the fishery and the resource. Information from at-sea monitoring will be collected to determine the level and species composition of the fishery catch and by- catch. All vessels are required to carry an at-sea observer or electronic monitoring system each trip that vessel embarks upon unless notified otherwise at the time of hail out. When hailing out, the vessel owner or master will either be issued a hail out number authorizing the vessel to proceed to the fishing grounds or be requested to take an observer who will provide the hail out number to the vessel. In the event of electronic monitoring coverage the designated service provider will provide the hail-out number at time of installation.
The at-sea coverage level for 2004/2005 will be 13% of the estimated total sea-days. This will constitute 8% at-sea observer coverage and 5% electronic monitoring. Coverage will be stratified to the extent possible by area fished, gear type used and fishing effort. 9.1. Hail-Out Requirements All vessels fishing under the authority of a Schedule II - Other Species licence are required to carry an at-sea observer or employ electronic monitoring each fishing trip the vessel embarks on, unless they are given an exemption. To facilitate this requirement, vessels must hail-out a minimum of 24 hours prior to leaving port to commence a fishing trip. Vessels can only hail-out between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., seven days per week. 9.2. Requests for Observer Coverage Under Section 46 of the Fisheries (General) Regulations, the licence eligibility holder or master of a fishing vessel shall, at the request of the Regional Director General, permit an observer to go on board that vessel to perform the designated duties for the period of time specified, and arrange for embarkation or disembarkation of the observer at the times and places specified. The vessel master shall provide all reasonable assistance to the
Appendix 1: Schedule II- Other Species Commercial Harvest Plan Page 11 of 13 observer; responsibilities with respect to this assistance are specified in Section 46 of the Fishery (General) Regulations.
10. DOCKSIDE MONITORING PROGRAM
Dockside monitoring is an integral part of fisheries management. All vessels fishing under the authority of a Schedule II - Other Species licence shall have all fish validated to ensure proper sorting and enumeration (weighing) by species.
Archipelago Marine Research (AMR) is the designated contractor for this program and will provide observers certified by the Department to monitor all rockfish offloading. Vessel masters are encouraged to contact AMR at (250) 383-4535 or (800) 663-7152 to discuss program requirements. Prior to the vessel’s first trip, vessel masters must contact AMR to register and pay fees.
As a condition of licence, all Schedule II - Other Species licence eligibility holders or vessel masters are required to provide a minimum of 24 hours advance notice of landing (hail-in report) to obtain observer services. All requests for observer services that provide less than 24 hours advance notice will be handled as quickly as possible; however vessel masters are urged to provide as much advance notice as practical to avoid delays. Refer to the 2004/2005 conditions of licence for further details of the information reporting requirements.
No fish may be landed or removed in any way from the vessel until commencement of the landing is authorized by a designated observer. A designated observer must verify the weight of all fish caught under authority of the licence. All fish shall be weighed on a scale approved by Industry Canada (Consumer and Corporate Affairs Canada). 10.1. Designated Landing Locations Vessels landing spiny dogfish, lingcod, pacific cod, sole, flounder and skate, shall land and offload only at the following designated locations, subject to conditions of licence: 10.1.1. In Canada Ahousat Kyuquot Queen Charlotte City Alert Bay Lund Sayward Beaver Cove Masset Shearwater Bella Bella Nanaimo Sidney Campbell River Port Alberni Sointula Chemainus Port Edward Sooke Coal Harbour Port Hardy Tofino Comox Port McNeil Ucluelet Courtenay Port Renfrew Vancouver (Greater) Cowichan Bay Powell River Victoria (Greater) French Creek Prince Rupert Winter Harbour Gold River Quadra Island Zeballos
Appendix 1: Schedule II- Other Species Commercial Harvest Plan Page 12 of 13 10.1.2. In United States Bellingham Blaine 10.2. Conversion Factors To facilitate the conversion of product weight to round weight for the purposes of monitoring annual quotas, fishing period limits and trip limits, the Department shall set conversion factors and ice/slime and glaze allowances. Indicated below are the factors and allowances that shall be used at the commencement of the 2004/2005 fishery. As changes may be made in-season, Conditions of Licence are the final authority and should be referenced to determine what factors and allowances are in effect at any time.
Licence eligibility holders may request to use different conversion factors or ice/glaze allowances that are more applicable to their operation. If this is requested, a quantity of fish, as directed by the Department, shall be supplied at no charge. Testing shall be conducted by the Department and/or contract personnel and conditions of licence amended to reflect the results. Further testing may be required in-season to verify the continued appropriateness of the amended factors.
Species Frozen Fresh
All groundfish Round 0.96 Round 0.98 4% glaze allowance 2% ice / slime allowance
Lingcod Japanese cut 1.60 Japanese cut 1.64 Western cut 1.33 Western cut 1.36 Head-on 1.08 Head-on 1.11
Dogfish Head-on 1.20 Head-on 1.25 Head-off 1.75 Head-off 1.82
Pacific Cod Japanese cut 1.48 Japanese cut 1.51 Western cut 1.26 Western cut 1.28 Head-on 1.08 Head-on 1.11
Soles Head-on 1.60 Head-off 1.64 Head-off 1.20 Head-on 1.22
Skate Flap / Wing 2.32 Flap / Wing 2.45
All of the above conversion factors for dressed fish include a 2% ice/slime allowance for fresh product and a 4% glaze allowance for frozen product.
Appendix 1: Schedule II- Other Species Commercial Harvest Plan Page 13 of 13 Appendix 2: 2004/2005 Groundfish Hook and Line Advisory Committee
Name Address Phone Fax
Elected “ZN” Representatives
Chris Acheson PO Box 663 (250) 537-9649 (250) 537-9648 (Outside ZN) Ganges, BC V8K 2W3
Greg Bolderson 939 McFeely Drive (250) 752-1314 (250) 752-1344 (Outside “ZN”) Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 2B7
David Boyes 499 Powerhouse Road (250) 338-2188 (250) 338-2183 (Outside ZN) Courtenay, BC V9N 9L1
Tom Caflisch 115 Barlow Road (250) 923-4751 (250) 923-3231 (Inside ZN) Campbell River, BC V9W 1T1
Peter Donaldson PO Box 599 (250) 721-2394 Phone/Fax (Outside ZN) Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0
Dale Erikson PCFVOG (250) 336-2437 (250) 338-2392 (Outside ZN) 4095 Minto Road Courtenay, BC V9N 9P6
Henry Heggelund P.O. Box 476 (250) 642-3316 (250) 642-3076 (Outside “ZN”) Sooke, BC V0S 1N0
Dave Keeling 2189 Carmen Road (250) 758-3477 (250) 758-0560 (Outside ZN) Nanaimo, BC V9S 5L7
John Koolman Hook and Line Groundfish (250) 642-4770 (250) 642-4902 (Outside “ZN”) Assoc 2286 Henlym Drive, RR#3 Sooke, BC V0S 1N0
Jim Nightingale 4420 Maple Lane (604) 946-0947 Phone/fax (Outside ZN) Ladner, BC V4K 2Z5
Blair Pearl Box 200 (604) 885-3189 (604) 885-4881 (Outside ZN) Roberts Creek, BC V0N 2W0
Herb Van Grootel 41 - 50th Street (604) 948-2831 (604) 948-2741 (Outside “ZN”) Delta, BC V4M 2S5 (604) 948-2731
Appendix 2: Groundfish Hook and Line Advisory Committee Page 1 of 3 Name Address Phone Fax
Valentyne deLeeuw Gulf “ZN” Fishermen’s Assoc. (250) 746-8987 (250) 746-8997 (Inside “ZN”) 4021 Cambrai Road Duncan, BC V9L 6G1
Ernest Wouters 240 Lodgepole Drive (250) 951-2243 (250) 951-2246 (Inside “ZN”) Parksville, BC V9P 2S2
Appointed Members
George English 1741 Huband Road (250) 339-6389 (250) 339-6321 (Outside ZN - Option A) Courtenay, BC V9J 1Y3
Lawrence Paulson 165 Crestview Drive (250) 624-9250 (250) 628-9311 (Outside ZN - Option B) Prince Rupert, BC V8J 2Z4
Ryan Edwards Box 52 (250) 726-2044 e-mail (Dogfish) Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0 emilyryan@ telus.net
Michael Renwick B.C. Dogfish Hook and Line (604) 948-8089 (604) 948-8079 (Dogfish) Industry Association #207 - 1318 56th Street Tsawwassen, BC V4L 1AZ
Michael Guns Hook and Line Groundfish (250) 479-4159 (250) 479-4186 (Lingcod) Assoc. 390 Quayle Road Victoria, BC V9E 2B4
Walter Lancashire 1450 Nursery Road (250) 287-9229 (250) 287-9202 (Lingcod) Campbell River, BC V9W 4V5
Dan Edwards UFAWU (604) 726-4316 e-mail Box 469 danedwards@ Ucluelet, BC V0R 3AO telus.net
Regional Aquatic Management (250) 726-7083 (250) 726-7434 Society P.O. Box 406 Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0
Andy Amos Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal (250) 724-1585 (250) 724-2172 Council P.O. Box 1383 Port Alberni, BC V9Y 7M2
Appendix 2: Groundfish Hook and Line Advisory Committee Page 2 of 3 Name Address Phone Fax
Archipelago Marine Research
Greg Clapp #200 - 525 Head Street (250) 383-4535 (250) 383-0103 (2nd Floor) Victoria, BC V9A 5S1
Province of British Columbia
Dennis Chalmers Ministry of Agriculture, (250) 356-7642 (250) 356-0358 Fish and Food Aquaculture and Commercial Fisheries Branch Windsor Court 808 Douglas Street Victoria, BC V8W 2Z7
Appendix 2: Groundfish Hook and Line Advisory Committee Page 3 of 3 Appendix 3: Area Closures
1. Permanent Closures
1.1. Strait of Georgia Lingcod The following Areas and Subareas will be closed for lingcod:
Strait of Georgia: Closed year-round in Areas and Subareas 12-1 to 12-6, 12-8, 12-11, 12-12, 12-15 to 12-48, 13 to 19, 20-5 to 20-7, 28 and 29.
1.2. Hecate Strait Pacific Cod Stock Management Areas 5C/D - Areas 3 to 6, 103 to 106 and Subareas 1-2 to 1-5, 2-1 to 2-19 and 101-4 to 101-10 and 102-1, 102-2 and 107-1 (Hecate Strait/Dixon Entrance areas) are closed to fishing for Pacific cod.
1.3. Georgia Strait Closures
Area/Subarea Rationale for Closure
13-2 to 13-9, 13-11 and 13- Closed to all commercial fishing. 27 14-11 and 14-14 Harbour areas. 16-3 and 16-4 Harbour area. 17-7 and 17-14 Harbour areas. 17-20 and 17-21 Protect shallow water environment. 18-8 Harbour area. 19-1 Harbour area. 19-6 Protect shallow water environment. 19-7 to 19-12 Designated sport-fishing area (open for dogfish only). 20-6 and 20-7 Harbour area. Area 28 Designated sport-fishing area. 29-7 to 29-17 Protect shallow water environment and Fraser River.
1.4. WCVI Closures
Area/Subarea Rationale for Closure
22 Protect shallow fresh water environment
2. Year-round Closures The following areas will be closed April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005.
Queen Charlottes Subareas 2-1, 2-31 to 2-37, 2-63 to 2-68; and that portion of Subarea 2-69 from Hunter Point to Fame Point shoreward of the 50 fathom contour line as shown on Chart No. 3869 as published by the Canadian Hydrographic Service of the Department.
These areas are closed for all commercial groundfish fisheries.
Swiftsure Commercial Those portions of Subareas 121-1 and 121-2 inside a line: that begins at 48°34.0’ N 125°06.0’ W then true east to 48°34.0’ N 124°54.2’ W then to 48°29.62’ N 124°43.4’ W then following the International Boundary 48°29.3’ N 124°58.0’ W between Canada and the United States of America to then to the beginning point.
Please note the recreational fishing closure in this area is as follows:
Recreational Those portions of Subareas 121-1 and 121-2 inside a line: that begins at 48°34.0’ N 125°06.0’ W then true east to 48°34.0’ N 124°54.2’ W then to 48°29.62’ N 124°43.4’ W then following the International Boundary 48°29.55’ N 124°56.2’ W between Canada and the United States of America to then to the beginning point.
3. Seasonal Closures These closures go into effect 72 hours prior to the halibut opening each year for all commercial hook and line fishing vessels. Their intent is to ensure a fair and orderly opening for the halibut fishery.
Coast-wide Map of 72-Hour ‘Halibut Opening’ Closure
Those portions of Area 101 that are: east of the meridian passing through 134°00.0' west longitude; west of the meridian passing through 132°40.0' west longitude; and south of the parallel passing through 54°30.0' north latitude.
Those portions of Subareas 102-2, 102-3, 108-2, 130-2, 130-3 and 142-1 that are inside a line that: that begins at 52°11.0’ N 131°22.16’ W then westerly to 52°10.0’ N 131°30.0’ W then true south to 51°30.0’ N 131°30.0’ W then true east to 51°30.0’ N 130°00.0’ W then true north to 52°10.0’ N 130°00.0’ W then westerly to 52°13.0’ N 131°00.3’ W
Those portions of Area 111 and Subarea 130-1 that lie inside a line that: begins at 54°15.0’ N 130°00.0’ W then true east to 54°15.0' N 129°30.0' W then true south to 51°00.0’ N 129°30.0’ W then true west to 51°00.0’ N 130°00.0’ W then true north to the beginning point. 4. Rockfish Conservation Areas
Area 1 - Frederick Island
Those waters of Subarea 1-1, 101-1 and 142-2 that lie inside a line that: begins at 53°56.246’N 133°17.500’W then true east to 53°56.246’N 133°11.862’W [Hope Point] then to 53°57.144’N 133°07.938’W [Graham Island] then southerly following the shoreline of Graham Island to the intersection with 53°47.0’ north latitude, then to 53°47.000’N 133°10.000’W then to the beginning point.
Area 2 - South Moresby
Subareas 2-31 to 2-37.
Area 4 - Stenhouse Shoal
That portion of Subarea 4-1 that lies inside a line that: begins at 54°23.65’N 131°01.10’W [Southerly tip of then to 54°24.15’N 130°55.30’W the Connel Islands] then true south to 54°20.10’N 130°55.30’W then true west to 54°20.10’N 131°01.10’W then true north to the beginning point.
Area 6 - Kitasu Bay/Laredo Inlet
Subareas 6-18, 6-19 and that portion of Subarea 6-16 that is easterly of a straight line from Dallain Point on Princess Royal Island to Wilby Point on Swindle Island.
Area 7 - McMullin Group
Those waters of Subareas 7-1, 7-18 and 7-19 that lie inside a line that: begins at 52°05.5’N 128°29.7’W then true east to 52°05.5’N 128°23.3’W then true south to 52°00.4’N 128°23.3’W then true west to 52°00.4’N 128°29.7’W then true north to the beginning point.
Area 7 - Goose Island
Those waters of Subareas 7-25, 7-26, 107-2 and 107-3 that lie inside a line that: begins at 52°00.4’N 128°29.7’W then true east to 52°00.4’N 128°23.4’W then to 51°50.6’N 128°26.1’W then true west to 51°50.6’N 128°29.1’W then to 51°56.1’N 128°32.5’W then to the beginning point.
Area 9 - Fish Egg Inlet
Those waters of Fish Egg Inlet in Subarea 9-12 that lie easterly of a line from 51°37.400’N 127°47.500’W to 51°36.625’N 127°46.950’W except that portion of Elizabeth Lagoon that lies westerly of the meridian passing through 127°48.5’ west longitude.
Area 10 - Smith Sound
Those portions of Subarea 10-2 to 10-4 that lie shoreward of a line that: begins at 51°22.450’N 127°46.656’W [Cranstown Point] then to 51°22.015’N 127°48.488’W [Dugout Rocks Light] then to 51°18.560’N 127°50.660’W [Thorndike Shoal] then to 51°14.895’N 127°50.025’W [Egg Island Light] then to 51°15.477’N 127°48.238’W [Table Island] then to 51°18.283’N 127°41.067’W [Cathcart Island] then to 51°18.683’N 127°41.250’W [Moss Islands] then to 51°19.550’N 127°42.004’W [Mainland]
Area 11 - Storm Islands
Those waters of Subarea 11-2 that lie inside a line that: begins at 51°02.000’N 127°44.700’W [Storm Islands] then to 51°03.527’N 127°37.903’W [McEwan Rock Light] then to 51°00.013’N 127°33.852’W [Harris Island Light] then to 51°01.100’N 127°42.100’W then passing through the Storm Islands to the beginning point.
Area 12 - Numas Islands
In Area 12, those waters in the vicinity of the Numas Islands that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°47.9’ N 127°07.6’ W then to 50°46.6’ N 127°02.4’ W then to 50°44.3’ N 127°04.0’ W then to 50°45.7’ N 127°09.3’ W then to the beginning point.
Area 12 - Weynton Passage
In Area 12, those waters of Weynton Passage that lie within a line that: begins at 50°37.122’N 126°49.800’W [Donegal Head] then to 50°35.200’N 126°48.324’W [Ksuiladas Island] then to 50°34.294’N 126°47.250’W [Hanson Island] then following the westerly shore of Hanson Island to 50°33,867’N 126°46,533’O [Hanson Island] then to 50°34.467’N 126°51.833’W [Pearse Islands] then following the northerly shore of Pearce Island to 50°35.033’N 126°53.133’W [Pearse Islands] then to the beginning point.
Area 12 - Salmon Channel
Those waters of Subareas 12-6 and 12-7 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°42.500’N 126°52.300’W [near Foster Rock] then to 50°44.200’N 126°48.900’W [near Holford Rocks] then to 50°44.100’N 126°48.250’W [near Holford Islets] then to 50°41.325’N 126°48.504’W [near Penfold Islet] then to 50°41.800’N 126°50.900’W [near Twin Islets] then to the beginning point.
Area 12 – Susquash
Those waters of Subareas 12-8 and 12-17 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°39.536’N 127°16.947’W [False Head] then to 50°39.900’N 127°16.000’W then to 50°37.800’N 127°11.800’W then to 50°37.300’N 127°12.400’W [Vancouver Island] then northwesterly following the Vancouver Island shoreline to the beginning point.
Area 12 - Browning Island
Those waters of Subarea 12-13 that lie northeasterly of a line that: begins at 50°54.250’N 127°20.000’W then to 50°52.400’N 127°12.700’W then to 50°52.347’N 127°10.752’W [Aylmer Point]
Area 12 - Goletas Channel
Those waters of Subarea 12-15 that lie easterly of a line: from 50°52.823’N 127°50.639’W[Nigei Island] to 50°51.200’N 127°51.500’W[Vancouver Island]
Area 13 - Maud Island
Those waters of Subarea 13-3 that lie northerly of a line: from 50°07.677’N 125°20.540’W [Maud Island South Light] to 50°06.867’N 125°17.833’W [Quadra Island]
Area 13 - Menzies Bay
Those waters of Menzies Bay in Subarea 13-3 that lie westerly of a line: from 50°07.717’N 125°21.667’W to 50°06.950’N 125°21.000’W
Area 13 - Deepwater Bay
Those waters of Deepwater Bay in Subarea 13-7 that lie southerly of a line: from 50°10.861’N 125°20.885’W[near Separation Head] to 50°11.434’N 125°20.268’W
Area 13 - Kanish Bay
Those waters of Kanish Bay in Subarea 13-11 that lie easterly of the meridian passing through 125°21.75’ west longitude.
Area 13 - Waiatt Bay/Octopus Islands
Those waters of Subarea 13-12 that lie southerly of the parallel passing through 50°17.6’ north latitude and northwesterly of a line: from 50°17.2’ N 125°12.2’ W [Maurelle Island] to 50°15.4’ N 125°13.0’ W [Quadra Island] This includes all of Waiatt Bay.
Area 13 - Maurelle-Read Island
Those waters of Subarea 13-12 that lie southerly of a line: from 50°15.400’N 125°13.000’W[Quadra Island] to 50°17.200’N 125°12.200’W[Maurelle Island] and northerly of a line: from 50°13.711’N 125°09.500’W[Quadra Island] to 50°13.894’N 125°09.283’W[Maurelle Island]
Area 13 - Heriot Bay
Those waters of Subareas 13-14 and 13-15 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°06.5’N 125°09.7’W then true east to 50°06.5’N 125°06.8’W then true south to 50°05.7’N 125°06.8’W then true west to 50°05.7’N 125°09.7’W then true north to the beginning point.
Area 13 - Penn Islands
Those waters of Subareas 13-16 and 13-17 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°12.033’N 125°04.991’W [Read Island] then true east to the intersection with the shoreline of Read Island, then following the shoreline of Read Island in a southerly, then easterly, then northerly direction to the intersection with the parallel passing through 50°12.200’ north latitude, then true east to 50°12.200’N 125°00.300’W then true south 50°10.600’N 125°00.300’W then true west to 50°10.600’N 125°03.400’W then to the beginning point.
Area 13 - Stuart Island
Those waters of Subarea 13-20 that lie southerly of the parallel passing through 50°25.15’ north latitude and westerly of the 500 metre contour line that follows the easterly shoreline of Stuart Island, as shown on Chart No. 3541 published by the Canadian Hydrographic Service of the Department.
Area 13 - Thurston Bay
In Subarea 13-26, the waters of Thurston Bay and Cameleon Harbour that lie westerly of a line: from 50°22.524’N 125°19.872’W [Davis Point] to 50°20.988’N 125°21.000’W [Sonora Island]
Area 13 - Bute Inlet North
Subarea 13-22
Area 13 - Jackson Point
Those waters of Subarea 13-26 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°25.300’N 125°19.530’W [Thurlow Point] then true east to 50°25.300’N 125°19.200’W then to 50°22.011’N 125°22.300’W then true west to 50°22.011’N 125°23.020’W [Brougham Point] then northerly following the shoreline to the beginning point.
Area 13 - Walkem Islands
In Subarea 13-28, those waters shoreward or northerly of a line that: begins at 50°22.638’N 125°33.083’W [Edith Point] then to 50°21.457’N 125°31.510’W [Walkem Islands Light] then to 50°20.707’N 125°27.930’W [Turn Island Light] then through Turn Island to 50°20.876’N 125°27.429’W [East Thurlow Island]
Area 13 - Topaze Harbour
Subarea 13-37
Area 13 - Forward Harbour
Subarea 13-38
Area 13 - Cooper Reach
In Subarea 13-43, those waters of Cooper Reach that lie northerly of the parallel passing through 50°37.0’ north latitude at Campbell Point.
Area 14 - Ajax/Achilles Bank
Those waters of Subarea 14-6 and 14-12 that lie inside a line that begins at 49°39.50’ N 124°43.42’ W then to 49°40.90’ N 124°39.60’ W then to 49°33.00’ N 124°28.50’ W then to 49°31.95’ N 124°29.25’ W then to the beginning point.
Area 14 - Lasqueti Island South
In Subarea 14-3, those waters shoreward of a line: from 49°27.350’N 124°15.450’W [near Old House Bay] to 49°26.400’N 124°10.975’W
Area 15 - Copelands Islands
In Subarea 15-3 those waters in the vicinity of the Copeland Islands that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°02.70’ N 124°52.60’ W then to 50°03.00’ N 124°51.80’ W then to 50°02.03’ N 124°49.70’ W then to 49°59.70’ N 124°47.50’ W then to 49°58.90’ N 124°49.00’ W then to the beginning point. This includes all the waters of the Copelands Island Marine Park shown on Chart No. 3538, published by the Canadian Hydrographic Service of the Department.
Area 15 - Gifford Peninsula
In Subareas 15-4 and 15-5 those waters of the Desolation Sound Marine Park, as shown on Chart No. 3538 published by the Canadian Hydrographic Service of the Department, that lie southerly of the parallel passing through 50°09.4’ north latitude and northerly of the parallel passing through 50°04.4’ north latitude. This includes all of Galley Bay.
Area 15 - Teakerne Arm
Those waters of Teakerne Arm in Subarea 15-5 that lie easterly of the meridian passing through 124°54.0’ west longitude.
Area 15 - Kinghorn Island
Those waters of Subarea 15-5 in the vicinity of Kinghorn Island that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°06.5’N 124°52.0’W then to 50°06.5’N 124°51.1’W then to 50°05.2’N 124°49.8’W then to 50°04.5’N 124°49.8’W then to 50°04.5’N 124°52.0’W then to the beginning point.
Area 16 - Thormanby Island
That portion of Subarea 16-1 that lies southerly of a line that: begins at 49°30.497’N 123°58.937’W [South Thormanby Island] then to 49°31.123’N 123°59.107’W [Tattenham Ledge Light Buoy] then to 49°30.726’N 123°58.252’W [Grant Island] then following the northerly shoreline of Grant Island to 49°30.732’N 123°58.058’W [Grant Island] then to 49°30.771’N 123°57.940’W [Mainland] and northerly of a line: from 49°29.533’N 123°57.240’W[Lemburg Point] to 49°30.587’N 123°56.019’W [near Square Bay]
Area 16 - McNaughton Point
That portion of Subarea 16-2 that lies inside a line that: begins at 49°35.300’N 124°01.300’W then to 49°35.400’N 124°00.950’W then southerly following the shoreline to 49°32.873’N 123°59.410’W [near Wood Bay] then to 49°32.700’N 123°59.700’W then to 49°33.900’N 124°00.700’W Then to 49°34.600’N 124°00.974’W then to the beginning point.
Area 16 - Nelson Island
That portion of Subarea 16-16 that lies easterly of the meridian passing through 124°12.05’ west longitude.
Area 17 - Trincomali Channel
That portion of Subarea 17-2 that lies southeasterly of a line: from 48°58.810’N 123°34.100'W [Spotlight Cove, Galiano Island] to 48°57.398’N 123°34.453’W [Chivers Point] and northwesterly of a line from 48°56.600’N 123°30.570’W [Retreat Cove, Galiano Island] to 48°55.895’N 123°32.102’W [Panther Point]
Area 17 - Saltspring Island North
Those waters of Subareas 17-2 and 17-6 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°56.000’N 123°35.850’W [Saltspring Island] then to 48°56.343’N 123°36.165’W [Grappler Rock Light] then to 48°57.533’N 123°35.486’W [most northerly of the Secretary Islands] then following the southerly shoreline in an easterly direction to the intersection with the parallel passing through 48°57.6’ north latitude, then true east to the most southerly of the Secretary Islands, then following the westerly shoreline in a southerly direction: to 48°57.400’N 123°34.628’W[Secretary Islands] then to 48°57.398’N 123°34.453’W [Chivers Point] then following the westerly shoreline of Wallace Island to 48°55.895’N 123°32.102’W [Panther Point] then to 48°55.183’N 123°32.904’W [Saltspring Island] then northerly and westerly following the shoreline of Saltspring Island to the beginning point. Area 17 - Pylades Island
Those waters of Subareas 17-4 and 17-17 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°04.15’N 123°42.20’W then to 49°04.30’N 123°40.80’W then to 49°03.50’N 123°40.60’W then to 49°03.40’N 123°42.00’W then to the beginning point.
Area 17 - Danger Reefs
Those waters of Subarea 17-4 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°03.6’N 123°43.6’W then to 49°03.9’N 123°43.0’W then to 49°03.0’N 123°42.3’W then to 49°02.8’N 123°42.8’W then to the beginning point.
Area 17 - Thetis/Kuper Island
Those portions of Subareas 17-4, 17-5 and 17-6 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°02.468’N 123°42.785’W [Miami Rock Buoy] then to 49°01.267’N 123°41.194’W [Pilkey Point] then following the northerly and westerly shoreline of [West of Foster Thetis Island to 48°58.156’N 123°40.420’W Point] then to 48°57.458’N 123°39.715’W [Active Point] then southerly following the westerly shoreline of Kuper Island to 48°56.031’N 123°37.921’W [Josling Point] then to 48°55.773’N 123°42.364’W [Bare Point Light] then to the beginning point. Area 17 - Ballenas Island
The waters of Subareas 17-11 and 17-12 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°21.023’N 124°09.615’W [Ballenas Island Light] then true east to 49°21.023’N 124°07.600’W then true south to 49°19.600’N 124°07.600’W then true west to 49°19.600’N 124°09.615’W then true north to the beginning point.
Area 17 – Ladysmith
Subarea 17-7 and that portion of Subarea 17-6 that lies westerly of a line that: begins at 48°59.210’N 123°45.468’W [Coffin Point] then to 48°57.513’N 123°45.375’W [Boulder Point]
Area 17 - Valdes Island
Those waters of Subareas 17-10, 17-17 and 29-5 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°08.200’N 123°41.549’W [Gabriola Island] then true east to 49°08.200’N 123°41.140’W [Breakwater Island] then southerly following the westerly shoreline of Breakwater Island to 49°07.546’N 123°40.897’W [Breakwater Island] then to 49°07.110’N 123°41.125’W [Valdes Island] then northerly following the shoreline of Valdes Island to 49°07.625’N 123°42.913’W [Dibuxante Point] then to 49°07.775’N 123°43.033’W [Gabriola Island] then easterly following the shoreline to the beginning point.
Area 17 - Gabriola Island
Those waters of Subareas 17-12, 17-13 and 17-15 inside a line that: begins at 49°13.043’N 123°53.432’W [Snake Island Light] then to 49°11.950’N 123°51.250’W [Tinson Point] then southerly following the shoreline of Gabriola Island to 49°10.575’N 123°52.190’W [Descanso Bay Light] then to 49°10.040’N 123°53.612’W [Jack Point Light] then northerly through Snake Island to the beginning point.
Area 18 - Mayne Island North II
Those portions of Subareas 18-1 and 29-4 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°53.163’N 123°19.250’W [Cain Peninsula] then true north to 48°53.259’N 123°19.250’W [Gossip Island] then following the easterly shoreline of Gossip Island to 48°53.671’N 123°19.367’W [Gossip Island] then to 48°53.950’N 123°19.100’W then to 48°52.300’N 123°15.200’W then true south to 48°51.550’N 123°15.200’W [Mayne Island, near Edith Point] then northwesterly following the Mayne Island shoreline to 48°52.398’N 123°17.487’W [Active Pass Light] then to 48°53.099’N 123°18.362’W [Gossip Shoals Light and Bell Buoy U47] then to 48°52.778’N 123°18.724’W [Rip Point] then northwesterly following the shoreline of Galiano Island to the beginning point.
Area 18 - Prevost Island
Those waters of Subareas 18-3, 18-4 and 18-9 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°49.67’N 123°21.10’W [Portlock Point Light] then to 48°49.60’ N 123°20.70’W then to 48°48.40’ N 123°21.40’W then to 48°48.60’ N 123°23.10’W then to 48°49.60’ N 123°24.10’W then to 48°49.70’ N 123°24.00’W [Prevost Island] then following the southeasterly shoreline of Prevost Island to the beginning point.
Area 18 - Bedwell Harbour
In Subarea 18-4 that portion of Bedwell Harbour that lies northerly of a line: from 48°44.200’N 123°13.900’W [Wallace Point] to 48°43.950’N 123°12.483’W [Tilly Point] and southeasterly of a line from 48°45.250’N 123°14.500’W [South Pender Island] to 48°44.900’N 123°14.750’W [North Pender Island]
Area 18 - South Pender Island
That portion of Subarea 18-5 that lies inside a line that: begins at 48°45.144’N 123°11.390’W [South Pender Island] then to 48°44.633’N 123°09.973’W [Eastern tip of Blunden Island] then to 48°44.000’N 123°10.720’W then to 48°44.139’N 123°11.029’W [Gowlland Point Light] then northerly following the shoreline of South Pender Island to the beginning point.
Area 18 - Portland Island
That portion of Subarea 18-6 that lies inside a line that: begins at 48°44.100’N 123°22.200’W [Northern tip of Portland Island] then to 48°44.012’N 123°20.404’W [Canoe Rock Light] then to 48°43.339’N 123°21.045’W [Pellow Islets Light Buoy U15] then to 48°42.639’N 123°22.962’W [Celia Reef Light Buoy U14] then to 48°43.559’N 123°23.215’W [Kanaka Bluff Light] then following the southwesterly shoreline of Portland Island to the beginning point.
Area 18 - Burgoyne Bay
Those waters of Subarea 18-7 that lie easterly of a line: from 48°47.263’N 123°33.243’W [Bold Bluff Point] to 48°48.417’N 123°32.813’W
Area 18 - Maple Bay
Those waters of Maple Bay in Subarea 18-7 that lie westerly of a line: from 48°49.314’N 123°35.195’W[Arbutus Point] to 48°48.504’N 123°35.333’W [Paddy Mile Stone]
Area 18 - Patey Rock
Those waters of Subarea 18-7 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°42.25’N 123°31.50’W then true east to 48°42.25’N 123°30.50’W then true south to 48°41.85’N 123°30.50’W then true west to 48°41.85’N 123°31.50’W then to the beginning point.
Area 18 - Saturna Island
Those waters of Subareas 18-1 and 18-11 that lie southerly of a line that: begins at 48°50.000’N 123°14.008’W [Grainger Point] then true east to 48°50.000’N 123°11.420’W [near the northern tip of the Bell Chain Islets] then to 48°49.300’N 123°10.600’W [near the southern tip of the Bell Chain Islets] then to 48°48.520’N 123°10.300’W [Saturna Island] then following the northerly shoreline of Saturna Island to 48°48.834’N 123°11.342’W [Winter Point] then to 48°48.862’N 123°11.351’W [Ralph Grey Point] then following the northerly shoreline of Samuel Island to the beginning point.
Area 19 - Royal Roads
Those waters of Subarea 19-3 that lie inside or shoreward of a line that: begins at 48°25.854’N 123°26.375’W [Duntze Head] then to 48°25.550’N 123°26.500’W then to 48°25.150’N 123°25.400’W then to 48°25.311’N 123°25.208’W [Saxe Point]
Area 19 - Race Rocks
Those waters of Subareas 19-3 and 20-5 that lie inside the 40 meter contour line surrounding Great Race Rock and Rosedale Rock as shown on Chart No. 3461 published by the Canadian Hydrographic Service of the Department.
Area 19 - Gonzales Point
Those waters of Subarea 19-4 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°24.600’N 123°18.533’W then to 48°24.370’N 123°17.900’W then to 48°23.800’N 123°18.050’W then true west to 48°23.800’N 123°18.600’W then to the beginning point.
Area 19 - Discovery Island
Those waters of Subarea 19-4 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°26.875’N 123°14.378’W [Fulford Reef North Cardinal Buoy VK] then to 48°26.000’N 123°13.700’W then to 48°25.400’N 123°13.333’W then to 48°25.407’N 123°13.500’W [Sea Bird Point] then westerly following the northerly shoreline of Discovery Island to 48°25.458’M 123°14.949’W [Discovery Island] then to 48°25.831’N 123°15.311’W [Chatham Islands] then to 48°26.100’N 123°15.532’W then to 48°26.300’N 123°15.700’W [Channel Point] then to 48°26.550’N 123°15.300’W then to the beginning point; and those waters of Rudlin Bay that lie northerly of a line: from 48°25.176’N 123°14.245’W[Commodore Point] to 48°25.313’N 123°13.641’W[Discovery Island] Area 19 - Beaumont Shoal
Those waters of Subareas 19-4 and 19-5 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°28.8’N 123°11.9’W then true east to the intersection with the International Boundary between the United States and Canada, then southerly following the International Boundary to the intersection with the parallel passing through 48°26.7’ north latitude, then true east to 48°26.7’N 123°11.7’W then to the beginning point.
Area 19 - D’Arcy Island
That portion of Subarea 19-5 that lies inside a line that: begins at 48°34.253’N 123°16.671’W [Northern tip of D’Arcy Island] then to 48°34.300’N 123°16.100’W [Northern tip of Little D’Arcy Island] then true east to the intersection with the International Boundary between Canada and the United States of America, then following the International Boundary until the intersection with the parallel passing through 48°32.4’ north latitude, then true west to 48°32.400’N 123°17.100’W then true north to 48°33.924’N 123°17.100’W [D’Arcy Island Light] then following the southwesterly shoreline of D’Arcy Island to the beginning point.
Area 19 - Domville Island
Those waters of Subarea 19-5 that lie inside a line: begins at 48°40.847’N 123°19.212’W [Brethour Island] then to 48°41.088’N 123°17.622’W [Arachne Reef Light] then to 48°41.100’N 123°17.300’W then to 48°40.500’N 123°17.000’W then to 48°39.780’N 123°16.555’W [Gooch Island] then following the northerly shore of Gooch Island to 48°39.750’N 123°18.058’W [Gooch Island] then to 48°39.839’N 123°18.728’W then to 48°39.452’N 123°19.574’W [Forrest Island] then following the northerly shoreline of Forrest Island to 48°39.963’N 123°20.466’W [Forrest Island] then to 48°40.600’N 123°19.750’W then to 48°40.708’N 123°19.392’W [Brethour Island] then following the southerly shoreline of Brethour Island to the beginning point. Area 19 - Senanus Island
Those waters of Subarea 19-8 that lie within a line that: begins at 48°35.8’N 123°29.5’W then true east to 48°35.8’N 123°28.7’W then true south to 48°35.3’N 123°28.7’W then true west to 48°35.3’N 123°29.5’W then to the beginning point.
Area 19 - Finlayson Arm
Those waters of Subarea 19-12 that lie southerly of a line: from 48°30.20’N 123°33.10’W to 48°30.12’N 123°32.70’W
Area 20 – Carmanah
Those waters of Subarea 20-1, Area 21 and Subarea 121-1 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°37.350’N 124°45.847’W [Vancouver Island] then to 48°37.000’N 124°46.800’W then to 48°34.500’N 124°41.500’W then to 48°35.100’N 124°40.774’W [Vancouver Island] then following the Vancouver Island shoreline to the beginning point.
Area 20 - Becher Bay II
Those waters of Subarea 20-5 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°19.007’N 123°36.418’W [West Bedford Island] then to 48°18.964’N 123°36.039’W [Large Bedford Island] then following the westerly shoreline of Large Bedford [Large Bedford Island to 48°18.881’N 123°35.900’W Island] then to 48°18.800’N 123°35.900’W then to 48°18.733’N 123°36.250’W [South Bedford Island then to 48°18.950’N 123°36.449’W [West Bedford Island] then following the easterly shoreline of West Bedford Island to the beginning point.
Area 20 - Sooke Inlet
Those waters of Subareas 20-5 and 20-6 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°21.800’N 123°47.967’W [Vancouver Island] then following the shoreline in an easterly direction to 48°21.237’N 123°44.056’W [Parsons Point] then true south to 48°20.900’N 123°44.056’W then to 48°21.200’N 123°45.500’W then to 48°21.900’N 123°45.900’W then to 48°21.600’N 123°47.800’W then to the beginning point.
Area 20 - Bentinck Island
Those waters of Eemdyk Pass in Subarea 20-5 that lie westerly of the meridian passing through 123°32.450’ west longitude and northerly of a line: from 48°18.692’N 123°33.486’W to 48°18.640’N 123°32.916’W
Area 21 - Pachena Point
Those waters of Area 21 and Subarea 121-2 that inside of a line that: begins at 48°43.327’N 125°05.855’W [Pachena Point Light] then true south to 48°42.800’N 125°05.855’W then to 48°40.580’N 124°59.528’W then true north to the Vancouver Island shoreline, then northwesterly following the Vancouver Island shoreline to the beginning point.
Area 21 - Dare Point
Those waters of Area 21 inside a line that: begins at 48°39.700’N 124°49.181’W [near Clo-oose] then southerly following the shoreline of Vancouver Island to 48°38.433’N 124°47.767’W then to 48°38.842’N 124°49.930’W [Clo-oose light and whistle buoy] then to the beginning point.
Area 23 - Folger Passage
Those waters of Subareas 23-7, 23-8 and 123-3 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°50.8’N 125°18.9’W then to 48°48.5’N 125°14.9’W then to 48°47.4’N 125°16.3’W then to 48°49.8’N 125°20.3’W then to the beginning point.
Area 23 - Broken Islands Group
(legal description on following page) That portion of Subarea 23-8 that lies inside a line that: begins at 48°55.329’N 125°19.300’W [Eastern tip of Dodd Island] then to 48°55.767’N 125°17.600’W [Northwest tip of Jarvis Island] then to 48°56.533’N 125°16.537’W [Western tip of Prideaux Island] then follows the [Eastern tip of Prideaux southerly shoreline to 48°56.4’ N 125°15.867’W Island] then true east to 48°56.300’N 125°15.600’W [Northwest tip of Nettle Island] then follows the [Southern tip of Nettle southerly shoreline to 48°55.463’N 125°15.200’W Island] then true south to 48°55.056’N 125°15.200’W [Gibraltar Island] then follows the [Southwestern tip of westerly shoreline to 48°54.767’N 125°15.767’W Gibraltar Island] then true south to 48°54.400’N 125°15.767’W [Dempster Island] then follows the [Southeastern tip of easterly shoreline to 48°54.275’N 125°15.833’W Dempster Island] then to 48°53.500’N 125°16.600’W [Northwestern tip of then to 48°52.853’N 125°18.600’W Effingham Island] then follows the [Southwestern tip of westerly shoreline to 48°52.000’N 125°19.000’W Effingham Island] then true south to 48°51.900’N 125°19.000’W [Austin Island] [Southeastern tip of then to 48°51.300’N 125°20.283’W Howell Island] then follows the northerly shoreline to 48°51.733’N 125°20.817’W [Western tip of Howell Island] then true west to 48°51.733’N 125°21.186’W [Wouwer Island] then follows the [Western tip of Wouwer northerly shoreline to 48°51.850’N 125°22.100’W Island] [Eastern tip of Benson then to 48°52.833’N 125°22.622’W Island] [Eastern tip of Clarke then to 48°53.317’N 125°22.376’W Island] then true north through Owens Island [Southern tip of Lovett to 48°54.243’N 125°22.376’W Island] then follows the [Northern tip of Lovett easterly shoreline to 48°54.472’N 125°22.400’W Island] [Western tip of Dodds then to 48°55.400’N 125°20.650’W Island] then follows the southerly shoreline to the beginning point.
Area 24 - Vargas Island
That portion of Subarea 24-6 that lies inside a line that: begins at 49°13.560’N 125°57.887’W then through Morfee Island to 49°13.300’N 125°56.750’W [Dunlap Island] then following the westerly shoreline of Dunlap Island to 49°12.941’N 125°56.373’W [Dunlap Island] then to 49°12.100’N 125°57.048’W [Vargas Island] then westerly following the shoreline of Vargas Island to 49°12.600’N 125°58.132’W [Vargas Island] then to the beginning point.
Area 24 - Bedwell Sound
Those waters of Bedwell Sound in Subarea 24-7 that lie southerly of the parallel passing through 49°20.0’ north latitude and northerly of the parallel passing through 49°15.6’ north latitude.
Area 24 - Saranac Island
In Subarea 24-7, those waters that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°15.500’N 125°55.621’W [north of Hecate Bay] then to 49°15.500’N 125°52.021’W then easterly following the shoreline to the intersection with the meridian passing through 125°51.450’ west longitude, then true south to the intersection with the shoreline of Meares Island, then westerly following the shoreline of Meares Island to 49°14.100’N 125°53.926’W then to 49°14.725’N 125°56.182’W [Kraan Head] then northerly following the shoreline to the beginning point. Area 27 – Topknot
Those waters of Subareas 27-1, 27-2, 127-1 and 127-3 that lie inside a line that begins at the intersection of the westerly shoreline of Vancouver Island with the parallel passing through 50°29.0’ north latitude, then true west to the intersection with the meridian passing through 128°18.0’ west longitude, then true north to Cape Palmerston, then southerly following the shoreline of Vancouver Island to the beginning point.
Area 27 - Brooks Bay
Subareas 27-5 and 27-6 and those waters of Subarea 27-4 that lie northeasterly of a line: from 50°17.263’N 127°51.893’W[Heater Point] to 50°13.847’N 127°48.495’W [Donald Islets Light]
Area 27 - Holberg Inlet
That portion of Subarea 27-11 that lies easterly of a line: from 50°36.117’N 127°45.013’W [Norton Point] to 50°35.600’N 127°45.590’W [Dahlstrom Point] and westerly of the meridian passing through 127°37.1’ west longitude at Thorp Point.
Area 28 - Pasley Island
Those waters of Subarea 28-1 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°21.930’N 123°30.200’W [In water] then to 49°22.300’N 123°28.637’W [Hermit Island] then to 49°22.682’N 123°27.106’W [Ragged Island] then to 49°22.775’N 123°26.750’W [In water] then to 49°20.872’N 123°27.252’W [Worlcombe Island] then following the northerly shoreline of Worlcombe Island to 49°20.907’N 123°27.903’W [Worlcombe Island] then to 49°21.502’N 123°29.181’W [Popham Island] then to the beginning point.
Area 28 - Millers Landing
That portion of Subarea 28-2 that lies inside a line that: begins at 49°25.189’N 123°18.962’W [Hood Point] then true north to the intersection with the 200 meter contour line that follows the westerly shoreline of Bowen Island as shown on Chart No. 3512 published by the Canadian Hydrographic Service of the Department, then easterly and southerly following the 200 meter contour line until the intersection with the parallel passing through 49°23.45’ north latitude, then true west to the intersection with the shoreline of Bowen Island at Miller Point, then following the shoreline of Bowen Island in a northerly direction to the beginning point. Area 28 - Bowyer Island
In Subarea 28-2, those waters inside or shoreward of the 200 meter contour line that surrounds Bowyer Island, as shown on Chart No. 3512 published by the Canadian Hydrographic Service of the Department.
Area 28 - Pam Rock
Those waters of Subarea 28-2 and 28-4 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°31.230’N 123°17.200’W [Anvil Island] then to 49°30.200’N 123°17.900’W then to 49°28.600’N 123°16.600’W then to 49°28.800’N 123°18.000’W then to 49°31.164’N 123°19.174’W [Anvil Island then easterly following the southerly shoreline of Anvil Island to the beginning point.
Area 28 - Croker Island
Those waters of Subarea 28-13 that lie southerly of the parallel passing through 49°27.0’ north latitude near Granite Falls.
Area 29 - Galiano Island North
That portion of Subarea 29-5 that lies inside a line that: begins at 48°57.60’ N 123°30.54’ W [Shore of Galiano Island] then to 48°58.40’ N 123°29.70’ W then to 48°56.88’ N 123°25.87’ W then to 48°56.00’ N 123°26.10’ W [Shore of Galiano Island] then follows the Galiano Island shoreline in a northwesterly direction to the beginning point.
Area 105 - West Banks Island
Those waters of Area 105 that lie inside a line that: begins at 53°27.967’N 130°40.000’W [southwestern tip of Bonilla then true east to 53°27.967’N 130°35.241’W Island] then to 53°15.400’N 130°18.000’W [near North Danger Rocks] then to 53°12.000’N 130°10.400’W then true west to 53°12.000’N 130°18.000’W then to 53°15.700’N 130°25.700’W then to 53°25.000’N 130°38.000’W [near South Rocks] then to the beginning point.
Area 111 - Scott Islands (map 49)
Those waters of Area 111 and Subareas 127-3 and 127-4 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°52.0’N 128°56.5’W then true east to 50°52.0’N 128°33.0’W then true south to 50°45.0’N 128°33.0’W then true west to 50°45.0’N 128°56.5’W then true north to the beginning point.
Appendix 4: Map of Statistical Areas for Southern British Columbia.
Management Areas - Southern British Columbia
Area 111 Area 11 Area 12
Area 13
Area 27 Area 15 Area 127 Area 26 SG Area 16 Area 25 Area 14 Area 28 Area 126 Area 24
WCVI Area 23 Area 17 Area 29 Area 125
Area 124 Area 22 Area 18
Area 121 Area 20 Area 123 Area 19 N
W E
S
Appendix 4: Area Maps Page 1 of 1 Appendix 5: Hook and Line Groundfish Harvest Logbook
Appendix5: Hook and Line Groundfish Harvest Logbook Page 1 of 1
Appendix 6: Fishing Vessel Safety
Owners and masters have a duty to ensure the safety of their crew and vessel. Adherence to safety regulations and good practices by owners, masters and crew of fishing vessels will help save lives, protect the vessel from damage and protect the environment. All fishing vessels must be in a seaworthy condition and maintained as required by Transport Canada (TC), Workers Compensation Board of British Columbia (WCB) and other applicable agencies. Vessels subject to inspection should ensure that the certificate of inspection is valid for the area of intended operation. Before leaving on a voyage the owner, master or operator must ensure that the fishing vessel is capable of safely making the passage.
Critical factors for a safe voyage include the seaworthiness of the vessel, vessel stability, having the required carriage safety equipment in good working order, crew training, and knowledge of current and forecasted weather conditions.
Useful publications include Transport Canada Publication TP 10038 ‘Small Fishing Vessel Safety Manual’ which can be obtained from Transport Canada or printed from the Internet at www.tc.gc.ca/MarineSafety/Tp/Tp10038/tp10038e.htm.
On July 30, 2003 all crew with more than 6 months at sea will be required to have taken minimum Marine Emergency Duties (MED) training or be registered for such training. MED provides a basic understanding of the hazards associated with the marine environment; the prevention of shipboard incidents (including fires); raising and reacting to alarms; fire and abandonment situations; and the skills necessary for survival and rescue.
Fishers are reminded of the importance of paying close attention to current weather trends and forecasts during the voyage. Marine weather information and forecasts can be obtained on VHF channels 21B, Wx1, Wx 2, Wx 3, or Wx 4. Weather information is also available from Environment Canada on the Internet at: www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/marine/region_03_e.html.
Vessel stability is paramount for safety. Care must be given to the stowage and securing of all hatches, through deck fittings, cargo, skiffs, equipment, fuel containers and supplies, and also to correct ballasting. Fishers must be familiar with their vessels centre of gravity, the effect of liquid free surfaces on stability, loose water or fish on deck, loading and unloading operations and the vessels freeboard. Know the limitations of your vessel; if you are unsure contact a reputable marine surveyor or the local Transport Canada Marine Safety office.
Fishers should ensure that all crew are able to activate the Search and Rescue (SAR) system early rather than later by contacting the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). It is strongly recommended that all fishers carry a registered 406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). These beacons should be registered with the National Search and Rescue secretariat. When activated, an EPIRB transmits a distress call that is picked up or relayed by satellites and transmitted via land earth stations to the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC), which will task and coordinate rescue resources.
Appendix 6: Fishing Vessel Safety Page 1 of 3
Fishers should monitor VHF channel 16 or MF 2182 Khz and make themselves and their crews familiar with other radio frequencies. All crew should know how to make a distress call and should obtain their restricted operator certificate from Industry Canada. However, whenever possible, masters should contact the nearest Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) station (on VHF channel 16 or MF 2182 kHz) prior to a distress situation developing. Correct radio procedures are important for communications in an emergency. Incorrect or misunderstood communications may hinder a rescue response.
As of August 1, 2003 all commercial vessels greater than 20m in length are required to carry a Class D VHF DSC radio. A registered Digital Selective Calling (DSC) VHF radio has the capability to alert other DSC equipped vessels in your immediate area and MCTS that your vessel is in distress. Masters should be aware that they should register their DSC radios with Industry Canada to obtain an MMSI number or the automatic distress-calling feature of the radio may not work.
A DSC radio that is connected to a GPS unit will also automatically include your vessels current position in the distress message. More detailed information on MCTS and DSC can be obtained from the Internet at www.pacific.ccg-gcc.gc.ca or by contacting your local Coast Guard MCTS centre. MCTS centres are located at Vancouver, Victoria, Prince Rupert, Comox and Tofino.
Fishers must be knowledgeable of the Collision Regulations and the responsibilities between vessels where risk of collision exists. Navigation lights must be kept in good working order and must be displayed from sunset to sunrise and during all other times of restricted visibility. To help reduce the potential for collision or close quarters situations which may also result in the loss of fishing gear, fishers are encouraged to monitor the appropriate local Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) VHF channel, when travelling or fishing near shipping lanes or other areas frequented by large commercial vessels. Vessels required to participate in VTS include:
a) every ship twenty metres or more in length b) every ship engaged in towing or pushing any vessel or object, other than fishing gear, c) where the combined length of the ship and any vessel or object towed or pushed by the ship is forty five metres or more in length; or d) where the length of the vessel or object being towed or pushed by the ship is twenty metres or more in length. Exceptions: a) a ship towing or pushing inside a log booming ground. b) a pleasure yacht less than 30 metres in length. c) a fishing vessel that is less than 24 metres in length and not more than 150 tons gross.
More detailed information on VTS can be obtained from the Internet at www.pacific.ccg- gcc.gc.ca/mcts-sctm/index_e.htm or by calling (604) 775-8862.
Appendix 6 Fishing Vessel Safety Page 2 of 3
Fishers are encouraged to use the buddy system when transiting and fishing as this allows for the ability to provide mutual aid. An important trip consideration is the use of a sail plan that includes the particulars of the vessel, crew and voyage. The sail plan should be left with a responsible person on shore or filed with the local MCTS. After leaving port the fisher should contact the holder of the sail plan daily or as per another schedule. The sail plan should ensure notification to JRCC when communication is not maintained which might indicate your vessel is in distress. Be sure to cancel the sail plan upon completion of the voyage.
Appendix 6: Fishing Vessel Safety Page 3 of 3
Appendix 7: 2004 Seabird Handling Guidelines
All vessels must release any birds caught in the least harmful manner and record birds caught in logbooks as by-catch. The Canadian Wildlife Service provides the following bird handling guidelines:
Seabirds have strongly pointed or hooked bills and will inflict damage to a person’s hand or body. Before handling a bird, it may be advisable to put on a pair of gloves. NEVER HOLD A BIRD CLOSE TO YOUR EYES. Get the bird on board as quickly and gently as possible and, depending upon the size of the bird, seize the bill (large birds like an albatross) or immobilize their wings (medium to small birds like fulmars, shearwaters, auks, and gulls).
a) Grab the bill. b) Restrain the wings to prevent flapping. c) Determine location of hook. d) Cut barbed end off with pliers. e) Remove hook from body or bill. f) If hooks were swallowed, do not remove hook backward up a bird’s throat. g) First, attempt to reach down the bird’s throat and remove the hook. h) If unable to reach hook, make a small (1-2 cm) incision in the bird’s neck and pull out the hook. i) If an incision is made, place bird in a dark, clean, dry box for 1-2 hours to let it recover. Return to the water only during the daylight hours.
Appendix 7: Seabird Handling Guidelines Page 1 of 1