DFD Ilii~I~Iimr· 02027610

DFD ilii~i~iimr· 02027610

1995

INTEGRATED FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLAN

SOUTH COAST COHO SALMON

STRAIT OF GEORGIA, WEST COAST VANCOUVER ISLAND AND FRASER RIVER

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DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND OCEANS IC

,, PACIFIC REGION I

SH 349 Integrated Fisheries Management Plan: South Coast coho salmon 7114195 158 1995 DFO Team Responsible for Plan Preparation

Team Leader: S. Farlinger (A/Area Manager, South Coast Div. (SCD)) E. Lochbaum (Chief of Harvest Management, SCD) G. McEachen (Inside Troll/Net Manager, SCD) R. Brahniuk (Outside Troll/Area 20 Net Manager, SCD) N. Lemmen (Chief of C&P, SCD) B. Jubinville (C&P, SCD) R. Wilson (C&P, SCD) R. Kadowaki (Stock Assessment Division) INTEGRATED FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLAN SOUTH COAST COHO

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 OVERVIEW OF THE FISHERY ... . 1 1.1 Aboriginal Fisheries ...... 1 1.2 Recreational Fisheries ...... 1 1.3 Commercial Net Fisheries . . .. . 3 1.4 Commercial Troll Fisheries ...... 3

2.0 RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS ...... 4 2.1 Strait of Georgia ...... 4 2.2 West Coast of Vancouver Island ...... 5 2.3 Johnstone Strait ...... 5

3.0 STOCK STATUS ...... 5 3 .1 Prospects for 1995 ...... 5 3 .1.1 Canadian Stocks ...... 5 3. 1. 2 U.S. Stocks ...... 8 3 .1. 3 Expected Abundance in 1995 ...... 9 3.2 Post-season and In-season Assessment Information ...... 9 3.2.1 Commercial Catch ...... 9 3. 2. 2 Recreational Catch ...... 9 3. 2. 3 Aboriginal Catch ...... 9 3. 3 .4 Spawning Escapement ...... 10 3.2 .5 Exploitation Rate, Marine Survival and Catch Distribution ... . 10 3.2.6 Juvenile Coho Sampling Surveys ...... 10 3. 3 Environment and Habitat ...... 10 3. 4 Species Interactions ...... 11 3. 5 Stock Monitoring and Research Issues ...... 11 3.5.1 Indicator Stocks ...... 11 3.5.2 Juvenile Surveys ...... 12 3.5.3 Marine Survival ...... 12 3.5.4 Marine Distribution ...... 12

4.0 BIOLOGICAL AND MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES ...... 13 4 .1 Conservation and Sustainability ...... 13 4.2 International Considerations ...... 14 4.2. l WCVI Troll Fishery Catch Ceiling ...... 14 4.3 Domestic Considerations ...... 15 4. 3 .1 Aboriginal Fisheries ...... 15 4.3.2 Recreational Fisheries ...... 15 4. 3. 3 Commercial Fisheries ...... 16

5.0 MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND MEASURES ...... 16 5.1 Red Line - Green Line Strategy ...... 20

6.0 ENFORCEMENT ISSUES AND MEASURES .. 20 6. 1 Strategic Enforcement Plan . 20 6.2 Aboriginal Fisheries ...... 22 6.2.1 Overview ...... 22 6.2.2 Main Program Activities 22 6.2.3 Enforcement Resources Required . 22 6.2.4 Enforcement Plan Evaluation Criteria . 23 6.3 Recreational Fisheries ...... 23 6.3.1 Overview ...... 23 6.3.2 Main Program Activities .. 23 6. 3. 3 Enforcement Resources . . . 24 6. 3 .4 Enforcement Plan Evaluation Criteria . 24 6.4 Commercial Net Fisheries . .... 25 6 .4 .1 Overview ...... 25 6.4.2 Main Program Activities . 25 6 .4. 3 Enforcement Resources . . 25 6.4.4 Enforcement Plan Evaluation Criteria . 26 6.5 Commercial Troll Fisheries ... . 26 6.5.1 Overview ...... 26 6.5.2 Main Program Activities 26 6. 5 . 3 Enforcement Resources . 27 6.5.4 Enforcement Plan Evaluation Criteria . 27

7.0 IN-SEASON ADJUSTMENT MECHANISMS . 28 7. 1 In-season Communications . 28 7 .2. Decision Making Process ... 28 7. 2. 1. Aboriginal Fisheries . 28 7 .2.2. Recreational Fisheries 29 7. 2. 3 . Commercial Fisheries 29

8.0 EVALUATION AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION 30 8. 1 Stock Assessment ...... 30 8.2 Fishery Assessments ...... 30 8. 3 Evaluation of the Enforcement Plan . 31 8.4 Post-season Consultation ...... 31 1.0 OVERVIEW OF THE FISHERY

Coho salmon in the south coast of British CoI_umbia (DFO Statistical Areas 11 to 29) are caught in aboriginal, recreational and commercial net and troll fisheries. Recent catch levels for each sector are summarized in Table 1. The total recreational and commercial coho catch since 1953 is presented in Figure 1.

1.1 Aboriginal Fisheries

In marine areas of the south coast, aboriginal fisheries directed at coho salmon are limited. Coho are taken in "mosquito boat" troll fisheries by some bands on the west coast of Vancouver Island (WCVI). Coho are also taken in net and spear fisheries in, or near, local streams. Coho are also caught incidentally during directed sockeye and chum fisheries. In 1995, 18,850 coho have been allocated to south coast bands (non-Fraser River) through communal licenses.

In the Fraser river there are no directed coho fisheries. The catches range from 15,000 to 20,000 during off pink years and 10,000 to 12,000 coho during years of high pink abundance. The total 1995 allocation to Fraser River bands through communal licenses is 6, 185 coho.

1.2 Recreational Fisheries

The most intensive recreational fishery for coho in the south coast is concentrated in the Strait of Georgia. In a normal year, the highest catches occur in the upper Strait of Georgia during the period from May to July. In years when the Strait of Georgia coho migrate to the west coast of Vancouver Island, catches can be very low in inside waters. Catches increase in the Sooke and Victoria areas during late August and September when these coho return to streams to spawn. Smaller recreational coho fisheries occur on the west coast of Vancouver Island and in the Johnstone Strait area from May to September. These fisheries are continuing to grow each year. Fall freshwater recreational fisheries are very minor due to low abundances in most streams and numerous stream closures. The ten year average (1985 to 1994) coho catch in the Strait of Georgia creel census area is 603,000 coho. The ten year average coho catch for the south coast including non tidal waters and the Fraser River is approximately 700,000 coho.

In the past, tidal water coho fisheries in the south coast have been managed by the use of a daily bag limit of 4 and a two day possession limit of 8, river mouth closures and a minimum size limit of 30 ems. In 1995, as a result of the Strait of Georgia coho rebuilding program, the limit for coho in Area 12 to Area 18 plus a portion of Area 19 has been reduced to a daily bag limit of 2 and a possession of limit of 4. The minimum size limit has also been increased to 41 ems. Non-tidal fisheries will be closed except where stocks warrant a fishing opportunity.

The Sport Fishing Advisory Board (SF AB) is the primary advisor to DFO on recreational fishery issues. The SFAB has a South Coast Co-management Committee and a North Coast Co management Committee which solicit advice from local geographic advisory groups. The area co-management committees then convey their advice to the SFAB.

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 1 Table 1. Coho catch for commercial net and troll, recreational and aboriginal fisheries. Note that 1993 aboriginal catch estimates are preliminary and the 1994 estimates are being compiled. Year Troll Net Recreational Aboriginal Total 1985 1669838 427937 730387 67400 2895562 1986 2771227 386772 574559 62844 3795402 1987 2179799 302131 668406 52053 3202389 1988 1997831 183718 1090416 56388 3328353 1989 2120272 505608 542491 52484 3220855 1990 2192030 273566 650210 21295 3137101 1991 1948913 266633 207197 14919 2437662 1992 1973536 185612 633208 23548 2815904 1993 1286490 75248 853053 3281 2218072 1994 1336773 164779 310308 NA 1811860

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o ~,-,-,-~~..,.--,-,-,-,...,--.--,.....-,-,-,-,-..-r-r..,.--,-,-,-,.....--r-,-,-,-,..,....,-' 53 56 59 62 65 68 71 74 77 80 83 86 89 92 Catch Year

I -a- Total Ca1ch --- Minus Ha1chery I

Figure 1. Commercial and recreational catch of coho salmon in south coast fisheries. Total catch and total catch minus CWT associated hatchery produced catch.

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 2 1.3 Commercial Net Fisheries

Coho salmon are caught in commercial seine and gillnet fisheries as a by-catch species during fisheries targeted on sockeye, pink and chum salmon. The two main net fisheries harvesting coho are in Johnstone Strait (Areas 11-13) and Juan De Fuca Strait (Area 20) in August and early September during fisheries directed at Fraser River pink and sockeye salmon. Coho salmon are also incidentally caught during late September to early November chum fisheries. The chum fisheries occur in Johnstone Strait and in terminal fishing areas (i.e. Area 14, Area 21 and Area 29). Coho catches during these fisheries are generally very low. The ten year average catch for all net fisheries in south coastal B.C. is 277 ,000 coho (Areas 11 to 29).

Incidental catches can be reduced in net fisheries by increased gillnet mesh sizes during chum fisheries, avoiding fisheries in areas and during periods of high coho abundance, release of coho from seine nets, boundary closures and in 1994 a red line/green line approach was implemented for Area 20. The consultative process is carried out through the South Coast Advisory Committee and its subcommittees.

1.4 Commercial Troll Fisheries

There area two distinct commercial troll fleets. The inside troll fleet is licensed to fish in Areas 12 to 18 including Area 29 (Johnstone Strait and Strait of Georgia). The outside troll fleet is licensed to fish in the remainder of the coastal waters of British Columbia including a portion of Area 12 which is called the grey zone.

The usual fishing pattern for the inside troll fleet over the last ten years was a three month fishery from July 01 to September 30. A minimum size limit of 30 ems was also in effect to prevent the retention of coho grilse in the fall. The ten year average catch is 160,000 coho. In response to the Strait of Georgia coho rebuilding program there will be no retention of coho by the inside troll fleet in 1995.

In the south coast area, the vast majority of the coho catch by the outside troll fleet occurs on the west coast of Vancouver Island. As a result of the Pacific Salmon Treaty, the WCVI coho fishery has been managed to a catch ceiling. From 1987 to 1992 the catch ceiling was 1. 8 million. In 1985 and 1986 it was 1. 7 5 million and in 1993 it was 1. 7 million. There was no catch ceiling in effect in 1994 because of the breakdown in treaty negotiations with the U.S. This fishery normally starts on or near July 1st of each year. The ten year (1985 to 1994) average catch is 1.65 million coho. This fishery is controlled by the use of a red line I green line management strategy.

The consultative process is carried out through the Inside Troll Advisory Committee (ITAC) and the Outside Troll Advisory Committee (OTAC).

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 3 2.0 RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS

2.1 Strait of Georgia

The DFO Regional Management Executive Committee (RMEC) has adopted the PSARC advice calling for an exploitation rate target for Strait of Georgia coho below the previous target of 65 % to 70 3. Rationale for this decision is contained in the following summary of working paper S94-9 (Assessment of Strait of Georgia Coho Salmon Stocks).

The status of Strait of Georgia wild coho stocks has not improved since the last full PSARC review in 1989. Spawning escapements to all three wild indicator stocks are declining and at Black Creek, have been below calculated MSY levels in three of the past four years. The index of lower Fraser spawning escapement has shown a declining trend since the 1970's.

Exploitation rates on all three of the wild stocks have consistently exceeded the previous 65 to 70 percent target range and have approached 85 percent in some years. An analysis of six years of stock-recruit data for Black Creek coho indicates that exploitation rates and escapements required to produce maximum sustained yield (MSY) are 583 and 3,150, respectively. For Mesachie Creek coho, MSY exploitation rate is probably 483 but may be as low as 183. This suggests that the previously established target exploitation rate range may be too high, especially considering the downward trend in marine survivals we have documented for two of the three wild indicator stocks and for three of the four hatchery indicators. Like the wild stocks, hatchery exploitation rates have regularly exceeded the 65 to 70 percent target range.

The stock information presented in the most recent PSARC working paper (S94-9) supports the previous recommendation to reduce fishery exploitation rates to minimize the risk of over fishing. However, reduction of the exploitation rate to 65 3 may not be sufficient should marine survival rates continue to be depressed or decline even further, or if mean stock productivities are lower than anticipated (e .g. calculated 58% MSY exploitation rate at Black Creek and 483 at Mesachie Creek). Further debate about why wild coho are declining is, in our opinion, not an issue in the near-term. Regardless of the cause, the only near-term solution is a reduction in the exploitation rate to a level that can be sustained by the least productive stock that is to be preserved. Reducing exploitation rates is not only an essential first step to rebuilding and preserving these important runs of wild salmon, it is the only short-term option available.

Even a 20 point reduction in exploitation rates may not be sufficient to protect the least productive stocks within the Strait of Georgia. The single largest producer of coho salmon, the Cowichan River, falls within this group. To maintain these stocks, measures in addition to exploitation rate reduction are likely to be required.

The catch of many stocks within the Strait of Georgia is spread among fisheries both within and outside the Strait of Georgia, and there are considerable differences among stocks in the catch distributions. In addition, there is considerable inter-annual variation in the distribution of stock aggregates, such that in some years there are few coho resident in the Strait of Georgia, while in others, most coho are resident there. Because of these among stock differences in distribution

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 4 and the variability in distributions, management actions designed to reduce exploitation rates cannot be confined to fisheries within the Strait of Georgia. Harvest rate reductions will be required in most, or all, of the fisheries talcing Strait of Georgia coho if we are to achieve the exploitation rate reduction that we think is required to preserve wild coho stocks and allow them to rebuild.

The variability in both marine survival and in fish distributions has a further important implication. Our current approach to harvest management is based, more or less, on averages: average marine survival, average distributions, and average stream productivities. Harvest management responds slowly, if at all, to variations in abundance. If we are to continue with the current system then we must move quickly to ensure that exploitation rates are held to conservative levels irrespective of abundance or distributions.

2.2 West Coast of Vancouver Island

There has been no formal assessment of WCVI coho stocks. An initial PSARC working paper is scheduled for review at the fall/1995 Salmon Subcommittee meeting. Although PSARC advice is not available for this stock aggregate, the return of coho in 1994 to some WCVI locations is cause for concern in 1997. Robertson Creek, Nitinat River and Conuma Creek hatchery stocks and the Carnation Creek wild stock all returned at extremely low levels in 1994.

2.3 Johnstone Strait

As for the west coast of Vancouver Island, there is no PSARC assessment of Johnstone Strait coho salmon stocks. PSARC review of the only working paper on these stocks indicated that there was insufficient information upon which to provide management advice.

3.0 STOCK STATUS

3.1 Prospects for 1995

3. 1. 1 Canadian Stocks

No formal forecasts are made for coho stocks in British Columbia. Preliminary results from on going work are presented to provide some insight into the abundance of Canadian coho that might be expected in south coast fisheries in 1995. Abundance is a function of the number of smolts leaving wild and hatchery rearing sites and their survival and distribution in the ocean. Coho smolts that migrated to sea in 1994 are almost entirely from the 1992 brood and will be caught as adults in 1995. The survivors from the fishery will return to spawn in the fall of that same year.

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 5 Table 2. Coho smolt and fry releases (in millions) from Strait of Georgia, Fraser River and WCVI hatcheries.

St. of Georgia Fraser River WCVI Total

Brood Year Smolts Fry Smolts Fry Smolts Fry

1992 9.0 5.9 1.1 1.5 10.1 7.4 1987-1991 Avg. 8.4 6.6 1.4 2.0 9.8 8.6

Table 1 summarizes coho fry and smolt releases from the 1992 brood year for all Canadian hatcheries that are likely to contribute to the WCVI troll fishing area in 1995. Fry and smolt release levels from the 1992 brood year were very similar to recent year levels.

Marine survival has shown a declining trend in many southern B. C. wild and hatchery coho stocks. Preliminary analysis of age-2 and age-3 survival rates indicates that there is a useful sibling survival model for the Quinsam River and Robertson Creek hatchery stocks. Similar sibling survival relationships also seem to exist for other B.C. coho stocks (e.g. Big Qualicum River and Carnation Creek). Further development of these relationships will be presented in planned WCVI and Strait of Georgia stock assessment reports.

Preliminary estimates of the 1994 age-2 return to the Quinsam River hatchery, indicates a below average age-3 survival of 5.5% might be expected in 1995. However, it should be noted that survival from the two most recent brood years (1990 and 1991) have fallen well below the regression line. The expectation of a 5. 5 % survival rate may therefore be optimistic if the recent trend continues.

The total return of age-2 Robertson Creek coho was the second lowest on record in 1994 at 409 fish. The return of 67 age-2's in 1993 was the lowest on record while the 5-year average from 1988 to 1992 was 6,547 fish. Only one marked age-2 coho was observed in 1994, the same number as in 1993. The 1992 brood mark rate at release of 0.05 means that approximately 17 CWTs (mark rate at return is 0.85 times mark rate at release for Robertson Creek coho jacks) should have been present in a sample of 409 fish. Analysis of previous sampling data for Robertson Creek coho suggests a very high concurrence of the mark rate at return with the mark rate at release, so the low mark rate in 1994 is troubling. Regardless of the exact return of age- 2 coho, a very poor marine survival rate is likely for age-3 fish returning in 1995.

In addition to their survival rate, the marine distribution of coho salmon stocks is a major determinant of their availability to particular fisheries. The distribution of Strait of Georgia coho stocks is known to be highly variable. In any year, the proportion of the catch of these stocks

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 6 taken inside the Strait of Georgia can vary from 10 3 to 70 %. In those years when they are in very low abundance in the Strait of Georgia, they are most likely available to be caught in higher than usual numbers off the west coast of Vancouver Island. It is .important to note that all Strait of Georgia stocks behave in a synchronous manner so that in years of high inside or outside distribution, all stocks will exhibit similar tendencies.

An extremely high outside catch distribution pattern 0.6 has been observed in two 0.5 of the past four years (Fig. .!: u 2) and could occur again in 0 u 0 .4 1995 . Winter salinity at 0 0 the Chrome Island >- Ci 0.3 lighthouse seems to be c 0 related to the distribution :;::: 6 0.2 of Strait of Georgia coho Q. 0 I.. suggesting an Cl.. 0. 1 environmental meachanism (Fig. 3). It should be 0 I I I I noted that the 1995 winter 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 salinity was on the extreme Year low end of the historical range. Figure 2. Proportion of the total catch of Big Qualicum River coho salmon taken in the WCVI troll fishery. Catch rates in the Strait of Georgia sport fishery in 1995 have been extremely low to date, with the few fish caught coming from the Victoria area. The increased size limit for coho was expected to reduce the catch prior to June, however, to date the number of released coho reported through creel survey interviews is about equal to the number of retained coho. The retained catch is estimated at 194 fish to the end of May compared with a 1991 to 1994 average of 82,861 fish. Catches from DFO troll fishery sampling charters corroborate the extremely low abundance indicated by the sport fishery.

Indications from the Barkley Sound sport fishery are that abundance of coho on the west coast of Vancouver Island is very high. Catches per boat-day have averaged 3 to 5 coho in late June/early July. This is the highest catch rate observed since the creel survey was implemented in 1987. Anecdotal information suggests that recreational coho catch rates are high from Port Renfrew north to Cape Scott. Fishing effort has been low to date but is expected to increase in July and August.

Coho catches in a large rope trawl fished by the W.E. Ricker in April of this year, indicated much higher abundances of coho in the Swiftsure Bank area than in Juan de Fuca Strait or the Strait of Georgia (memo: R.J. Beamish to J. Garrett and M. Henderson, May 24th, 1995). Also, of 46 coded wire tagged fish caught in the Swiftsure Bank area, 27 came from Canadian hatcheries and 19 from U.S. hatcheries. After expanding for the mark rate at release, about

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 7 403 of the trawl catch of 1,284 coho was estimated to have come from hatchery sources. Strait of 0.9 07 5 L 09 3 Georgia coho made up -0 0.8 Q_ about one-half of the (/) "O 0.7 c hatchery contribution. 0 8 = 0.6 0 L In summary, the overall t- 0.5 abundance of Canadian coho in south coast waters . ~ 0.3 is likely to be similar to ci. 2 0.2 1994 at levels below that Cl. in previous years. 0.1 D9 I Proporfion Inside = -4. 1 + Salinity' 0. 162 r2 = 0.48 Distribution of Strait of o+-~~-.--~~-,---~~~~~~~~--.~~----j 27 28 29 30 Georgia coho stocks will Jan / Feb Salinity at Chrome Is. likely be similar to 1991 and 1994 (recent years of Figure 3. Proportion of Big Qualicum River hatchery coho CWT high outside distribution) recoveries in the Strait of Georgia troll and sport fisheries versus Survival rates are expected mean January/February salinity at Chrome Island lighthouse. to be below average and similar to recent years for Strait of Georgia stocks and could be extremely poor for WCVI stocks, as they were in 1994. Fisheries should be managed to achieve total stock exploitation rates of less than 65% on all Strait of Georgia coho stocks.

3.1.2 U.S. Stocks

Puget Sound coho stocks are the major U.S. contributors to Strait of Georgia and WCVI fisheries. Washington coastal coho stocks are also harvested at a high rate in the WCVI troll fishery. Minor contributions are made to the WCVI troll fishery by Oregon coastal (Oregon Production Index (OPI area)) and Columbia River stocks. Overall, Puget Sound stocks are expected to return at 33 above the 1994 forecast; 1.85 million in 1995 versus 1.8 million in 1994. Natural stocks are expected to return at 33 3 above the 1994 forecast while hatchery stocks are expected to be 103 below the 1994 forecast. Washington coastal natural and hatchery stocks are expected to return at about twice the level that was expected in 1994. Combining Puget Sound and Washington coastal forecasts results in an expected total production of approximately 2.2 million. This is about 103 higher than the combined 1994 forecast. This is still a very low level of production compared with previous years; 1989 to 1993 average forecast of 3.4 million.

U.S. ocean fisheries will be limited by catch quotas totalling 105, 700 fish north of Cape Falcon (just below the Columbia River). The 1994 quota for this area was zero. The total exploitation rate on Puget Sound natural stocks of concern, the Skagit River and Hood Canal, are expected to be 70% and 593, respectively. U.S. managers anticipate that approximately 753 and 813

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 8 of the total exploitation rate on these stocks will occur in Canadian fisheries (primarily the WCVI troll fishery).

3. 1. 3 Expected Abundance in 1995

Combined Canadian and U.S. origin coho abundance in south coast B. C. waters is expected to be similar to 1994, which was a year of low abundance and very low catches (Fig. 1).

Abundance in the Strait of Georgia has been very low to date. Based on catch timing patterns in past years, catches early in the year are very good predictors of catches later on.

On the west coast of Vancouver Island, the abundance based on Canadian and U.S. stock prospects is for an abundance similar to 1994.

3.2 Post-season and In-season Assessment Information

3.2. l Commercial Catch

Commercial catch is monitored through the Commercial Catch Sales Slip system (contact: L. Bijsterveld). This is the source of final post-season catch data. In-season catch information is generated through the In-season Catch Monitoring Program (ISCMP) which involves interviews and examination of sales slips to estimate catch per unit effort and overflights to estimate effort. Stock Assessment Division staff are responsible for implementing the sales slip program and the ISCMP. On-the-water hails collected by DFO and charter patrol vessels are also used to gather in-season catch estimates in many net fisheries.

3. 2. 2 Recreational Catch

Recreational catch is estimated through creel survey programs in the Strait of Georgia (contact: L. Bijsterveld) and Barkley Sound (contact: W. Luedke). These programs involve ramp interviews to obtain catch per unit effort data and overflights to generate effort counts. The Strait of Georgia program operates from March to September, while the Barkley Sound program operates from mid-July to end of September. Catch in other areas is estimated using a variety of less intensive methods. For the Strait of Georgia, catch estimates are available on a monthly time step, approximately three weeks after the end of the month. Creel surveys are also implemented in the Fraser River (contact: J. Irvine), however, the focus is on periods and in locations where chinook salmon are the predominant species. Stock Assessment Division staff are responsible for implementing creel survey programs.

3. 2. 3 Aboriginal Catch

Aboriginal catch is estimated by individual bands or tribal councils through co-management funded programs.

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 9 3. 3 .4 Spawning Escapement

Spawning _escapement is monitored intensively at a number of south coast locations . Coho indicator stock programs at Black Creek (contact: K. Simpson), Salmon River (J. Irvine) and Mesachie Creek (contact: K. Simpson) will continue in 1995. In addition, enumeration programs are planned for the upper Pitt River, Bessette Creek, Louis Creek and Lemieux Creek in the Fraser River watershed (contact: R. Diewert, R. Bailey) . Apart from these intensive programs, an escapement survey program based on visual methods is being developed by the Stock Assessment Division in consultation with Operations Branch (Harvest Management, Conservation and Protection) and SEP staff (contact: T. Shardlow)

3.2.5 Exploitation Rate, Marine Survival and Catch Distribution

Information on these important stock parameters are collected from recoveries of coded wire tagged coho stocks. Hatchery stocks used for this purpose include Big Qualicum River, Quinsam River, Chilliwack River and Robertson Creek. Wild stocks for which these data have been collected include Black Creek, Mesachie Creek and Salmon River. Other hatchery stocks (e.g. Sliammon) provide information only on catch distribution because of incomplete or non existent escapement data. The 1992 brood release of all of the above mentioned stocks have been CWTed and recovery programs are in place. Because of the volume of recoveries and the lateness of escapement sampling, all of the components required to estimate these parameters are not available until well into the following year. Effort should be made to give priority to the decoding of escapement samples from the above mentioned stocks to expedite reporting.

3.2.6 Juvenile Coho Sampling Surveys

A juvenile sampling program has been conducted in 40 to 50 Strait of Georgia and lower Fraser River streams since 1991 (contact: K. Simpson). The intent of this program is the development of an inexpensive, low technology tool to quickly and easily monitor coho status in a larger number of streams than is possible by escapement monitoring. The 1995 program will be modified to target a subset of the 40 to 50 streams previously surveyed along with additional streams on the west coast of Vancouver Island and in the Fraser River watershed.

3.3 Environment and Habitat

Declining abundance of coho around the Strait of Georgia could be attributed to many causes, which can be categorized into three general types: deleterious habitat change, decreased marine survival of smolts, and excessive fishing mortality. The coded wire tagging and escapement programs in hatcheries and wild indicator streams permit assessment of smolt survivals and harvest rates. Increasing development around the Strait of Georgia is doubtless causing habitat disturbance, but the extent and severity are largely unknown and there are currently no systematic habitat monitoring programs in place that can give any indication of the magnitude of habitat loss or degradation.

We know that the quantity and quality of low gradient, freshwater spawning and rearing habitat

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 10 are essential components of the freshwater life history requirements of coho salmon. It is, therefore, critical that these habitats be protected if the full potential for wild stock production is to be maintained. To permit proper assessment of the status of freshwater coho habitats, data on the quantity and quality of these habitats are required. The data must be collected with sufficient breadth and detail that changes in quality and quantity can be detected in sufficient time to minimize loss and to assure mitigation under the policy of no net loss. The establishment of habitat monitoring stations on a small number of coho producing streams around the Strait of Georgia would be one way of collecting this information.

3.4 Species Interactions

As indicated in previous sections of this management plan, coho are caught in net fisheries directed at sockeye, pink and chum stocks. Management actions in these fisheries will have implications for co-migrating coho stocks. Also measures taken to reduce the chinook catch in the Johnstone Strait seine fishery have probably served to also reduce the coho catch. The catch by gillnets has probably increased, however, because of the extra fishing time required by that gear to achieve catch allocation objectives.

In troll and recreational fisheries, actions taken to conserve chinook salmon (catch ceilings, restrictive seasons, size limit increases) can increase harvest rates on coho stocks. On the other hand, harvesting of sockeye likely reduces fishing pressure on coho.

In 1995, extremely restrictive catch ceilings in the WCVI and north coast troll fisheries for chinook salmon could transfer effort to coho if extensive periods of coho non-retention are permitted. Also, extended fishing by net gear in Juan de Puca Strait directed at Fraser River pink salmon harvest could have negative impacts on Strait of Georgia and Fraser River coho on their migration to their spawning streams.

3.5 Stock Monitoring and Research Issues

3. 5 .1 Indicator Stocks

Wild indicator stock programs at Black Creek, Salmon River, and Mesachie Creek have proven to be a vital component of the monitoring program for Strait of Georgia coho salmon. While anecdotal information and results of Fishery Officer escapement surveys have in the past been used to suggest declining escapements, it is our studies on wild indicator streams that have demonstrated conclusively that apparent declines in escapement are real. In addition, by enumerating and coded-wire tagging smolts leaving the indicator sites, we have documented exploitation rates generally exceeding 70 %, and reaching as high as 85 %. Similar high exploitations have been recorded for most hatchery stocks.

Although results from PSARC working paper S94-9 on catch distribution and productivity patterns demonstrate that indicator programs are a valid approach to coho assessment, extrapolation from our results have some limitations. It appears that there may be as many as six significant stock groups within the populations surrounding the Strait of Georgia, if a stock

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 11 is defined by similar distributions of adult fish in marine fisheries. These groups are 1) the Cowichan River drainage and probably the SE of Vancouver Island, 2) the lower Fraser and central east Vancouver Island, 3) sites north of Comox on Vancouver Island , 4) Howe Sound and the southern Sunshine Coast, 5) sites around Powell River and probably the mainland inlets, and 6) the Thompson River and possibly the upper Fraser. We have a wild stock indicator in each of the frrst three areas but additional wild stock indicators are required on the mainland coast of the Strait of Georgia and in the Thompson River watershed.

3.5.2 Juvenile Surveys

The collection of accurate and precise escapement data for coho is difficult and expensive, in part because of their stock structure (many small populations) and in part because of their run timing (protracted and late in year) . A juvenile assessment technique for coho, under development over the past three years, appears promising as an alternative means of obtaining quantitative information on stock status in many streams at a relatively low cost. Further, the interpretation of juvenile survey data is greatly enhanced when surveys are operated in conjunction with a small number of more intensively monitored indicator streams. A combination of expansive juvenile surveys in conjunction with a small number of wild coho indicator stocks would form the basis of a scientifically rigorous, defensible and pro-active coho assessment program in the Strait of Georgia.

3.5.3 Marine Survival

Declining escapements are related to changes in marine (non-fishing) survival as well as fishery exploitation. Marine survival of Salmon River and Mesachie Creek coho have deteriorated since the 1985 brood while marine survival for Black Creek coho has been low in two of the last three brood years. Marine survivals of most hatchery stocks have declined in recent years. Various possible sources of non-fishing marine mortality exist including changes in numbers of predators, competition with hatchery fish, and oceanographic changes. We cannot at this stage confrrm the role of each of these. Since reduced marine survival means lower sustainable exploitation rates, additional work on marine survival is warranted. The recent declines in marine survival should be investigated to determine if they are transitory or part of a longer term pattern. Causal mechanisms should be investigated to determine if any actions are possible or required.

3.5.4 Marine Distribution

The extreme outside catch distribution pattern of Strait of Georgia coho stocks in some recent years is described in section 3 .1.1.. There are serious implications for fisheries management of this recent trend, because of the concerns for conservation of Strait of Georgia coho stocks. Management actions must either be responsive to the distribution pattern in any particular year or measures must be applied throughout the potential range of the stocks of concern. Research into the mechanisms determining marine distribution or at the very least some means of predicting it, are essential if management is to be actively adaptive.

To confrrm the distribution pattern in 1995, coded wire tag data from the WCVI troll fishery

South Coast Coho Imegrated Management Plan, page 12 will be analyzed on a priority basis so that information on the presence of Strait of Georgia coho stocks in the fust week of the fishery will be available by the third week of the fishery. This procedure will be followed for the fust three weeks of the fishery by which time the status of Strait of Georgia stocks in the WCVI troll fishery should be clarified.

4.0 BIOLOGICAL AND MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

4.1 Conservation and Sustainability

An understanding of the riskiness of alternative exploitation rate targets requires knowledge of the 18 range of productivities and sizes of individual stocks within the 16 E 14 aggregate of concern. On the 0 ~ 12 basis of PSARC advice, DFO has Vi adopted an exploitation rate target 0 10 '- of less than the previous target of "' 8 -E 65 3 to 703 for Strait of Georgia ~ 6 and Fraser River coho stocks. Although PSARC could not recommend a specific target that would conserve the majority of Productivity Class stocks, recent marine survival rates, juvenile survey data and production information from wild Figure 4. Frequency distribution of 60 Strait of Georgia indicator stocks, all pointed to a and lower Fraser River coho populations grouped into target below the previous one. productivity classes as determined by juvenile size and density characteristics. Some recent developments in the analysis of juvenile survey data for Strait of Georgia and lower Fraser River streams may provide some insight into the distribution of their productivities

Juvenile surveys measuring fish size and density characteristics have been conducted in Strait of Georgia coho streams from 1991 to 1994. The purpose of these surveys is the development of a methodology that would make affordable the routine assessment of many more coho stocks than can be achieved by more traditional methods. Figure 4 illustrates the distribution of a productivity index calculated from these juvenile surveys. It shows a skewed distribution with less productive streams being more common than the more productive ones. As a reference point, Black Creek, a wild stock on the east coast of Vancouver Island, has a sustainable exploitation rate of 593 as determined by stock recruit analysis. Black Creek is in Productivity Class 6 and ranks ahead of 753 of the 60 populations surveyed. Unfortunately, we are unable to advise on the range of sustainable exploitation rates spanned by the populations surveyed. Although these results are preliminary, the ranking of Black Creek is consistent with the view of many coho biologists that, given its physical characteristics, Black Creek should support one of the more productive coho stocks in the Strait of Georgia area.

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 13 4.2 International Considerations

The Pacific Salmon Treaty 0 .8 .------~----, between Canada and the U.S. was 0.7 0 signed in 1985 to provide a forum 0.7 0.61 in which the conservation and c 0.6 management of the Parties' salmon :2> 0.55 f 0.5 stocks could be facilitated. Coho vi :::i o.• 0 .37 salmon, like the other species of c Pacific salmon migrate over long ,Q 15 0.3 a. distances in their ocean feeding 0 0.21 stage. This makes them ct 0 .2 0. 13 0. 13 0. 15 susceptible to intercepting fisheries 0., in both the northern boundary area 0 (Canadian stocks in Alaska) and in GSTR NWTR JSN JFN GSPTS WCSPT SWTR FGN GSN GSPTN JFTSP the southern boundary area (U.S. stocks in B. C.). Figure 5. shows the proportion of the catch made Figure 5. Proportion of U.S.-origin coho in south coast up of U.S. -origin coho for south B.C. commercial and recreational fisheries, 1987-1991 coast commercial and recreational average. fisheries.

A catch ceiling for coho in the WCVI troll fishery has been instituted since 1985 (except for 1994 when there no negotiated agreements). Other PSC mandated regulations affecting south coast fisheries include the prohibition of directed coho fishing by net gear in Area 20 and closure of the Swiftsure Bank area other than for sockeye or pink fishing. The following section provides a brief description of the WCVI troll fishery catch ceiling.

4.2.1 WCVI Troll Fishery Catch Ceiling

Except for 1994, fishery annexes to the Pacific Salmon Treaty (PST) have stipulated catch ceiling levels for coho salmon in the west coast of Vancouver Island (WCVI) troll fishery in every year since the inception of the treaty in 1985. Stalled negotiations in 1994 meant that there were no agreed fishery arrangements for the 1994 season in any fisheries where they had existed previously. Table 2 summarizes the negotiated ceilings and the actual catch for the WCVI troll fishery from 1985 to 1994.

The catch ceiling of 1. 8 million coho was established in response to U.S. conservation concerns for Washington State coho stocks and the high catches ( > 2.0 million) in the WCVI troll fishery in the 1983 and 1984 fishing years. The ceiling was reduced to 1. 7 5 million for the first two years of the treaty in exchange for an equal number of Fraser River sockeye that were transferred from the U.S. to Canada. PST mandated catch ceilings have also been in place for chinook salmon in this fishery since 1985. The ceilings were intended to limit catch within a fishery that was bounded by recent time, area and effort patterns. Beginning in 1987, a 7 .5 % management range was instituted around the ceiling for both coho and chinook salmon. Catches

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 14 could now fluctuate around the ceiling within this Table 3. PSC coho catch ceilings in range and not require immediate adjustment in the WCVI troll fishery and reported the succeeding year. catches for the years 1985 to 1994.

From Canada's perspective, the WCVI troll coho Catch Reported fishery was an important "equity" fishery in that Year Ceiling Catch it served to partially balance the interceptions by 1985 1,750,000 1,389,055 the U.S. of Fraser River sockeye and pink 1986 1,750,000 2, 156,833 salmon, and Canadian Northern Panel area 1987 1,800,000 1,821,022 stocks. At the time that the PST was signed, 1988 1,800,000 1,595,801 about two-thirds of the coho catch in this fishery 1989 1,800,000 1,952,009 was estimated to be of U.S. origin, mostly from 1990 1,800,000 1,863,608 Puget Sound and coastal Washington stocks. 1991 1,800,000 1,889,946 This balance has changed, so that in the period 1992 1,800,000 1,671,822 from 1991 to 1993 there have been on average 1993 1,700,000 953,811 slightly more Canadian-origin coho in the WCVI 1994 none 1,250,279 troll fishery than U.S.-origin coho (533 to 47%). Reasons postulated for this change include, the decline of U.S. stocks, a more northerly distribution of fishing effort within the WCVI troll fishing area, closures of areas with high concentrations of U.S.-origin stocks and the high outside distribution of Strait of Georgia coho observed in some recent years.

4.3 Domestic Considerations

4.3.1 Aboriginal Fisheries

Aboriginal fishery management objectives for coho are no different than for other salmon species. Requirements for fish for Section 35 purposes are guaranteed other than for conservation reasons. Coho are explicitly allocated in many fishing agreements with First Nations.

4.3 .2 Recreational Fisheries

Coho-directed recreational fisheries are extremely important within the Strait of Georgia and Juan de Puca Strait. Approximately 600,000 boat trips are made annually in the Strait of Georgia producing catches which have averaged 603,000 coho in the past ten years. Year-round opportunity is provided, although most of the harvest takes place from May to September; note that coho are only available to the fishery for one fishing season and the minimum size limit means that most coho are sub-legal prior to May. Fishing is controlled by daily bag limits and possession limits and a minimum size limit.

Recent extremes in the distribution of Strait of Georgia coho stocks have meant very low levels of abundance in the Strait of Georgia in some years (1991 and 1994). This condition appears likely again in 1995. Combined with an apparent low abundance of chinook salmon, fishing effort is likely to be below average in 1995. There is concern, however, that Strait of Georgia

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 15 coho returning through Juan de Fuca Strait and Johnstone Strait will be heavily fished in these migratory areas . In particular, action is likely required in the Juan de Fuca Strait area beginning in late August.

Smaller, coho-directed fisheries occur on the west coast of Vancouver Island and in Johnstone Strait. They are also year-round and are controlled with bag limits and size limits. Effort in these areas is increasing in recent years, reflecting in part a migration of effort from the Strait of Georgia.

4.3.3 Commercial Fisheries

Although there are no directed coho net fisheries in British Columbia, net fisheries in Juan de Fuca Strait and Johnstone Strait will likely require measures to reduce their impact to pass Strait of Georgia coho from outside waters. The harvest rate in the WCVI troll fishery should also be reduced. If this is done by implementing a catch ceiling, the ceiling level should be in the 0.8 to 1.2 million range to provide the required protection to Strait of Georgia stocks.

5.0 MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND MEASURES

There are very few aboriginal fisheries directed on coho salmon in southern B.C. and no significant management issues are expected. Recreational fishery management issues and measures are described in Table 4. Commercial net fishery management issues and measures are described in Table 5. Commercial troll fishery management issues and measures are described in Table 6.

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 16 Table 4. Management issues and measures pertaining to south coast recreational fisheries for coho salmon in 1995.

Issue # Management Issues Management Measures

I Strait of Georgia and Fraser River wild coho stocks are a major In 1995, the Strait of Georgia recreational fishery (Area 12 to conservation concern. PSARC has recommended reducing Area 18 plus a portion of Area 19) will have a reduced coho exploitation rates to below the previous target of 65% to 70%. daily bag limit of 2 and a possession of limit of 4. The The Strait of Georgia recreational fishery is the largest single minimum size limit has also been increased to 41 ems. The harvest sector. non-tidal fisheries will be closed except were stocks warrant a fishing opportunity.

2 Strait of Georgia coho stocks appear to have migrated out to the In 1995, the recreational limits for coho will be reduced to a WCVI again this year. These coho need to be protected in the daily bag limit of 2 and a possession of limit of 4 coho in Sooke and Victoria areas during late August and September when that portion of Area 19 south of Cadboro Pt. to Area 20 they migrate back to the rivers to spawn. (Bonilla Pt /Tatoosh line) after September 01 /95.

3 Wild and enhanced WCVI coho stocks appear to be low in In 1995, WCVI non-tidal fisheries will be closed except abundance in recent years. Spawning escapements in some where stocks warrant a fishing opportunity. streams have been very poor.

4 The Fraser River recreational fishery for coho is open year-round This proposal requires internal DFO review and discussion with a daily bag limit of 2 and a possession of limit of 4. To through the consultative process. complement measures taken in ocean fisheries, fishery managers believe that this fishery should be reduced to a daily bag limit of I coho and a possession of limit of 2

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 17 Table 5. Management issues and measures pertaining to south coast commercial net fisheries for coho salmon in 1995.

Issue # Management Issues Management Measures

I Coho saved by the catch ceiling in the WCVI troll fishery will In I 995, a by-catch observer program will be implemented to monitor coho, be subject to harvest in the Juan de Fuca Strait (Area 20) chinook and steelhead catch. Under the present forecast of abundance in the sockeye and pink fishery. Strait of Georgia coho, which are a WCVI troll fishery, a catch of not more than I 79,000 coho in the Area 20 net major conservation concern, have likely migrated to the WCVI fishery should be permitted. An expected weekly catch progression has been and will be returning through Area 20. A harvest rate developed and time/area regulations will be implemented if the weekly reduction on coho of I 0% is required to complement the progression is being substantially exceeded. In addition, fishing closures will be reduction taken in the WCVI troll fishery. considered during periods of particularly high coho abundance.

2 Strait of Georgia coho conserved by WCVI troll fishery In addition to the reduced fishing area in Johnstone Strait, seiners will be actions will be harvested during Johnstone Strait requested to voluntarily release all chinook and coho caught during sockey/pink/chum net fisheries. The harvest rate on coho in sockeye/pink/chum fisheries. these fisheries needs to be reduced if over-all stock exploitation rates are to be reduced by the required amount.

3 Johnstone Strait coho by-catch during the chum assessment In 1994, this fishery was conducted with the non-retention of coho and an fishery is low, however, the recreational fishermen in the informal recreational observer program was implemented. The non-retention of Campbell River area have, and will continue to protest this coho and a more formalized recreational observer program will be repeated in fishery because it reduces recreational fishing success. 1995 during the assessment fishery (third week of September). Closing of areas with high coho abundance will also be reviewed.

4 The Area 14 (Big Qualicum R. and Little Qualicum R.) chum The coho catch in this fishery has been reduced by area closures, a minimum fishery has an average catch 2,500 to 3,500 coho. This fishery mesh size restriction of 149 mm, and the opening of this fishery after the peak normally takes place between mid-October and late November. migration of coho. These measures will continue in 1995. In recent years, this This is a high profile fishery which is closely monitored by fishery has become more acceptable to the recreational community. the recreational community.

5 The Area 29 (Fraser R.) chum fishery has a small by-catch of A minimum mesh size of 158 mm (6.25 inches) will be implemented in this coho, however, catch estimates are believed to be poor due to fishery in 1995 to reduce the coho by-catch. In addition, since 1990 the start false sales-slip reporting. This fishery normally takes place of this fishery has been delayed from October 15th to the last week of October between mid-October and early November. This is a high for steelhead conservation. This delay has also reduced the coho catch. profile fishery which is closely monitored by the recreational community.

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 18 Table 6. Management issues and measures pertaining to south coast commercial troll fisheries for coho salmon in 1995.

Issue # Management Issues Management Measures

1 Strait of Georgia wild coho stocks are a major conservation In 1995, the Inside Troll fleet will not be permitted to retain concern. PSARC has recommended reducing exploitation rates to coho. This reduction in catch was intended as the full below the previous target of 65% to 70%. Over 75% of the coho commercial fishery contribution to the rebuilding program. catch by the inside troll fleet catch is comprised of these stocks.

2 Coho available to the WCVI troll fishery are a combination of The WCVI troll fishery is managed through a catch ceiling. The U.S. and Canadian-origin stocks. Both countries have catch ceiling for the 1995 season has been set unilaterally by conservation concerns. The concerns are intensified now that Canada at 1.2 million in the absence of a fishing agreement with Strait of Georgia and Fraser River coho appear to have migrated the U.S .. This fishery will be managed by a red line/green line to the WCVI. strategy and the use of closed areas to slow down the fishing rate. Once the catch ceiling is met, the coho fishery will be closed.

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 19 5.1 Red Line - Green Line Strategy

Red line-green line catch levels Table 7. Red line - green line catch levels for the for the 1995 WCVI coho troll 1995 WCVI coho troll fishery. fishery are presented in Table 7. Conservation Areas S, G, H and Week Fl will be closed at the start of Ending Red Line Green Line the season (Appendix Figure 1). These closures will assist in 08-JUL 350,000 125,000 slowing down the coho catch early 15-JUL 600,000 300,000 in the season in order to extend 22-ruL 850,000 550,000 coho fishing opportunities until 29-JUL 975,000 725,000 after the pink fishery in early September. Catch levels above 05-AUG 1,025,000 825,000 the red line signal the need for 12-AUG 1,050,000 875,000 management interventions to slow 19-AUG 1,100,000 925,000 down the catch while catch levels 26-AUG 1, 150,000 1,000,000 below the green line signal the need to re-open previously closed 02-SEP 1,190,000 1, 150,000 areas. The closure and re-opening 09-SEP 1,200,000 1, 190,000 sequence will be determined in season and could include some or all Conservation Areas except for Area S. Advance notice for Conservation Area closures will be a minimum of 48 hours, while re-openings may be announced with less than 12 hours notice. See the Pacific Region 1995 Troll Fishing Plans for the west coast of Vancouver Island for more details.

6.0 ENFORCEMENT ISSUES AND MEASURES

6.1 Strategic Enforcement Plan

An optimal mix of enforcement resources will be integrated into the 1995 fishery management plans. These resources will include, Fishery Officer time, fisheries patrol vessels (FPVs), charter patrol vessels, air surveillance, vehicles and Fishery Officer operated boats.

• Fishery Officers will be deployed according to the allocation in Table 8.

• FPVs will be deployed by the Conservation and Protection (C&P) sector to maintain orderly control of fisheries. They will be chiefly responsible for enforcement activities, openings and closures, boundary patrols, close time patrols and licensing compliance. There will also be a requirement for collection of in season catch data and stream enumeration work.

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 20 Table 8. Fishery officer days assigned by priority - July to November, 1995.

Fishery Victoria Nanaimo P.Alberni C. River P. Hardy G.I.S. Total

Fraser SX/PK

Net - Area 201JS 80 20 20 80 40 20 260

Troll - SG 10 10 10 10 10 10 60

Aboriginal - JSISG 10 20 10 40 20 20 120

Recreational - JS ISG 30 15 5 20 10 NIA 80

SG Coho

Troll - SG 30 30 15 15 10 10 110

Aboriginal - SG 10 10 10 10 10 10 60

Recreational - SGIJFS 80 80 NIA 30 30 10 230

WCVI Salmon

Troll 20 10 35 35 20 20 140

Aboriginal 20 10 40 20 10 20 120

Recreational 20 5 30 15 15 nla 85

Clams

Closures 200 400 100 50 20 50 820

Openings 50 50 20 20 20 20 140

Habitat 50 80 60 80 50 60 380

Special Duties n/a n/a nla n/a nla 145 145

Groundfish

Closed areas* 16 184 120 160 180 80 740

Note: 1) SG - Strait of Georgia, JS - Johnstone Strait, JFS - Juan de Fuca Strait 2) These allocations are by fishery and will be combined where fisheries and/or closed areas occur together) * - this includes closed times for all fisheries .

• Charter patrol vessels will be deployed by Fisheries Management sector. They are used to augment the FPV fleet and are chiefly employed for stock assessment (in-fishery hails), stream enumerations and limited enforcement duties (including ORR - observe, record & report).

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 21 • Air surveillance will be conducted on opening and closure patrols, closed time and area patrols, fleet enumeration, stream enumerations and deployment of staff. Both Fisheries Management and C&P will have a flying budget, and both will liaise closely with each other when a flight is planned, in order to maximize our effectiveness.

• Fishery Officer operated vessels, consisting of rigid hull inflatables, jet boats and skiffs, will be deployed from FPVs or from land-based facilities, in several geographic areas. The small boat fleet is used mainly for short periods for conveyance of Fishery Officers to allow for faster and greater coverage of an area while performing monitoring and enforcement activities.

• Vehicles will be used for conveyance of Fishery Officers to monitoring ports, designated landing sites and fishing sites in communal, sport and commercial fisheries. Vehicles which are outfitted with emergency equipment will conduct vehicle checks and may be called upon to assist in road blocks.

• Special operations will be organized as required to maintain control of illegal activities. This may result in redeployment of key staff and some equipment.

6.2 Aboriginal Fisheries

6. 2. 1 Overview

As a rule, there is no aboriginal fishery that targets solely on Strait of Georgia coho stocks. However, many of the aboriginal fisheries, in the South Coast Division on either the ECVI or WCVI, will harvest Strait of Georgia coho as an incidental catch. Patrols will be undertaken to insure proper control and management of the fisheries that occur.

6.2.2 Main Program Activities

The enforcement efforts to address the various First Nations fisheries on both coasts will be addressed in concert with the other fisheries that occur in the area at the same time. In addition to the above dedicated patrols will be undertaken throughout the fishing period.

In general the fisheries will be patrolled by aircraft, patrol vessel, vehicle, foot and where required special operations in all the areas of concern. Efforts are being made to have the First Nations guardians assist in the proper management and protection of the various fisheries .

6.2.3 Enforcement Resources Required

Sea Days: DFO patrol vessels and vessels operated by Fishery Officers will be utilized to patrol the main fisheries. Effort will be dedicated to closed times and areas.

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 22 Charter Vessels: The tidal waters in the vicinity of Vancouver Island will be patrolled by up to 19 charter patrol vessels. The masters and the vessels will be able to provide basic enforcement and deterrence while on patrol.

Air Hours: Aircraft will be utilized as available and in concert with other land and vehicle patrols of the area

6.2.4 Enforcement Plan Evaluation Criteria

a. Number of vessels checked b. Number of incident reports c. Number of boardings at sea d. Number of landing sites checked e. Number of persons checked f. Number of vehicles checked g. Number of violations h. Number of written warnings given i. Number of charges laid j. Number of prosecutions and penalties k. Number of patrols 1. Number of violations detected as a result of vehicle, vessel, and air patrols m. Results of client surveys n. Feedback from fishery officers o. Feedback from advisors p. Media coverage q. Number on plant inspections r. Number of seizures of illegal gear

6.3 Recreational Fisheries

6.3.1 Overview

The sport coho fishery occurs both in tidal and non-tidal waters. The area involved is expansive and the total number of angler days is growing. The fishery occurs predominantly in the very near-shore waters of Vancouver Island on both the east and west coasts (ECVI and WCVI, respectviely) . Patrols will be dedicated to enforcing bag limits and other conservation measures. The following four geographic areas will be of particular interest; Johnstone Strait, Strait of Georgia, Juan de Fuca Strait and the conservation closures on the Swiftsure Bank.

The closures that exist in the non-tidal waters may be expanded to include additional river systems. The only recreational river fishing opportunities will occur on enhanced stocks and in those streams where escapement goals will be met.

6.3.2 Main Program Activities

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 23 The enforcement patrols in the fishing area will be coordinated with the patrols undertaken to address the various other fisheries that occur in the same areas. However, due to the priority placed on Strait of Georgia coho conservation, dedicated efforts will be directed at all of the noted areas of concern.

During the later part of the fall when the adult coho begin their migration into the freshwater system time will be dedicated to address the in-river illegal fisheries that might occur.

Ramp and dockside checks in the various communities will be undertaken to ensure bag limits are adhered to .

6. 3. 3 Enforcement Resources

Sea Days: DFO patrol vessels and vessels operated by Fishery Officers will be utilized to patrol the recreational fishery as the programs dictate and as the opportunities arise. In-river patrol efforts will be conduct by foot, small vessels and vehicles to ensure the safe migration of the adult coho salmon.

Charter Vessels: The tidal waters in the vicinity of Vancouver Island will be patrolled by up to 19 charter patrol vessels. The masters and the vessels will be able to provide basic enforcement coverage to patrol and monitor this fishery.

Air Hours: Aircraft will be utilized as available and in concert with other patrols.

6.3.4 Enforcement Plan Evaluation Criteria

a. Number of sport vessels checked b. Number of incident reports c. Number of boardings at sea d. Number of ramp checks e. Number of persons checked f. Number of vehicles checked g. Number of violations h. Number of written warnings given i. Number of charges laid j. Number of prosecutions and penalties k. Number of patrols 1. Number of violations detected as a result of vehicle, vessel, and air patrols m. Results of client surveys n. Feedback from fishery officers o. Feedback from advisors p. Media coverage

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 24 6.4 Commercial Net Fisheries

· 6.4.1 Overview

There is no directed net fishery on Strait of Georgia coho salmon stocks, however, the Area 20 pink salmon seine fishery in the latter part of August and early part of September will be problematic and is the main concern in this sector. This fishery could potenitally intercept a large number of returning adult coho that are destined for Strait of Georgia streams. It will be very difficult to provide fishing opportunity for pink salmon while protecting the returning adult coho salmon.

Given the above, it will be very difficult to provide any effective enforcement presence on the grounds. Sorting the catch and releasing coho will be nearly impossible. If it is determined that a closure is necessary then, and only then, can C&P provide effective patrols of the area.

The closure and in-fishery patrols will be conducted by DFO patrol and charter patrol vessels and charter aircraft. Smaller vessels operated by Fishery Officers will be utilized when situations require.

6.4.2 Main Program Activities

Program activities for this fishery are limited. As the season unfolds and as the fishing plan evolves, C&P will patrol the closed times and areas to insure that no illegal net fishing takes place.

6. 4. 3 Enforcement Resources

Sea Days: Two to three patrol vessels will be utilized in Area 20 to address the above noted openings and closures from late August to early September. The vessels operating will be augmented by one to two headquarters vessels and other smaller patrol vessels as required. Designated deck officers will provide enforcement presence while on patrol. The Deck Officers on the patrol vessels will be complemented by Fishery Officers as is required as the season progresses.

Several smaller vessels operated by fishery officer staff will patrol the area to complement and supplement the larger vessels in the patrol fleet. If the opportunities present themselves it may be possible to utilize other agency vessels (Department of National Defence (DND), Canadian Coast Guard (CCG)) to support the overall enforcement program in Area 20.

Charter Vessels: One to two charter patrol vessels will be employed to assist DFO patrol vessels and staff to patrol the areas of concern. The masters on these vessels will provide basic enforcement presence while on patrol.

Air Hours: Aircraft patrols will be provided in concert with other mandated enforcement and management patrols of the same areas. In order to supplement and/or complement the DFO

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 25 aircraft patrols, efforts will be made to coordinate and use flights from both DND and CCG. Depending upon availability, these two agencies can provide both fixed- and rotary-winged aircraft.

6.4.4 Enforcement Plan Evaluation Criteria

a. Number of vessels checked b. Number of incident reports c. Number of boardings at sea d. Number of dockside checks e. Number of persons checked f. Number of vehicles checked g. Number of violations h. Number of written warnings given 1. Number of charges laid J. Number of prosecutions and penalties k. Number of patrols 1. Number of violations detected as a result of vehicle, vessel, and air patrols m. Results of client surveys n. Feedback from fishery officers o. Feedback from advisors p. Media coverage q. Number on plant inspections r. Number of sightings of illegal gear and seizure of said gear s. Number of sanctions and penalties t. Number of vessel sightings u. Level of cooperation and coordination with U.S. agencies in boundary area

6.5 Commercial Troll Fisheries

6. 5. 1 Overview

The coho troll fishery occurs predominantly off the west coast of Vancouver Island in the near shore waters (Areas 121 to 127) and to a lesser degree in Johnstone Strait and the Strait of Georgia. In 1995, there will be two main areas and issues of concern, the first will be the area closures south of Cape Beale, and the second will be the non-retention of coho in the Strait of Georgia and Johnstone Strait while the troll fleet is harvesting other spsecies. A third issue that may arise is the non-retention of coho during the WCVI troll fishery if the catch ceiling has been taken and the troll fleet is still harvesting other species.

6.5.2 Main Program Activities

Enforcement and management flights, in conjunction with vessel patrols of closed and open areas, will be conducted during the troll season. One flight per week of the entire area will be required to patrol and manage the fishery . The DFO air and sea patrols of the open and closed

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 26 areas will be augmented by the charter patrol vessels and support from other agencies. Due to the differences in the fisheries on both coasts of Vancouver Island, the patrols required will be altered accordingly to insure the proper program is implemented to meet the goals of the fishery. On the WCVI, the emphasis will be on area closure patrols and possibly non-retention of coho during the troll fishery, while on the ECVI the emphasis will be on coho non-retention patrols.

6.5.3 Enforcement Resources

Sea Days: Two to three patrol vessels will be utilized on the west coast of Vancouver Island to address the opening and closures involved in this fishery. The vessels operating on the west coast will be augmented by one to two headquarters vessels, as required. Designated deck officers will provide enforcement presence while on patrol. The Deck Officers on the patrol vessels will be complemented by Fishery Officers as is required as the season progresses.

One to four patrol vessels will be utilized on the east coast of Vancouver Island to address the openings and closures and the non-retention issues in this segment of the troll fishery. At times, and when appropriate, these patrol vessels will be augmented by the headquarters vessels. All the vessels and officers tasked to this fishery will provide enforcement presence. Several smaller vessels operated by fishery officer staff will patrol the area to complement and supplement the larger vessels in the patrol fleet. If the opportunities present themselves it may be possible to utilize other agency vessels (DND, CCG) to support the overall enforcement program in Johnstone Strait and the Strait of Georgia.

Charter Vessels: Up to 15 charter patrol vessels will be employed to assist DFO patrol vessels and staff to patrol the areas of concern during this fishery in the various areas. The masters on these vessels will provide basic enforcement presence while on patrol.

Air Hours: Air patrol will be provided in concert with other mandated patrols of the same areas . As the season progresses, and where appropriate, we will coordinate our efforts with CCG and DND to augment our flight resources, they may be able to provide either fixed- or rotary-wing aircraft to assist in our patrols.

6. 5 .4 Enforcement Plan Evaluation Criteria

a. Number of vessels checked b. Number of incident reports c. Number of boardings at sea d. Number of dockside checked e. Number of persons checked f. Number of vehicles checked g. Number of violations h. Number of written warnings given 1. Number of charges laid J. Number of prosecutions and penalties k. Number of patrols

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 27 l. Number of violations detected as a result of vehicle, vessel, and air patrols m. Results of client surveys n. Feedback from fishery officers o. Feedback from advisors p. Media coverage q. Number on plant inspections r. Number of seizures of illegal gear s. Number of sanctions and penalties t. Level of cooperation and coordination with U.S. agencies in boundary area

7 .0 IN-SEASON ADJUSTMENT MECHANISMS

7 .1 In-season Communications

The Chief of Fisheries Management will have overall responsibility to ensure that various user groups and agencies are informed of management status as the season progresses. In-season management changes to all fisheries will require effective communication between Fisheries Management and Conservation and Protection staff at the field and divisional level.

In the commercial fishery, catch and effort data will be submitted to the appropriate Management Coordinator, summarized and forwarded to the Salmon Manager. Recreational openings and closures required as a result in-season decisions will be coordinated by the Recreational Fisheries Coordinator with the appropriate Fishery Managers and C&P staff. Variations orders and associated public notices will be completed and posted by local C&P. Communication releases will be developed by the Recreational and Management Coordinator, and with Communications Branch where necessary. A Stock Assessment Division contact person will be consulted as appropriate when stock conservation issues arise.

Weekly decisions are communicated to industry by Notice to Industry and patrol vessel announcements. Outside troll annoucements are made from patrol vessels on Thursday afternoon. Inside troll announcements are made on Wednesday and Friday as required from patrol vessels. In-season catch and escapement data are provided to industry, aborginal groups, DFO field, divisional and regional offices by the Salmon Manager.

7 .2. Decision Making Process

7. 2 .1. Aboriginal Fisheries

• For aboriginal fisheries, in-season adjustments will be in consultation with local bands and tribal groups.

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 28 7 .2.2. Recreational Fisheries

• For recreational fisheries, adjustments to local fishing plans will be made through consultation with the local sport fish representatives, the Recreational Fishery Coordinator and the local Fishery Management Coordinator. Regional changes to fishing plans will be made through consultation with the SF AB and senior DFO management. The Stock Assessment Contact will be consulted as appropriate when conservation issues arise.

7. 2. 3. Commercial Fisheries

• Monday to Wednesday - collection and summanzmg of commercial and aboriginal fisheries data by Fisheries Managers. Data entered and forwarded to the Salmon Fisheries Manager, who will distribute the data as required to industry, aboriginal groups and D FO offices.

• Internal managers phone conference Wednesday 1000 hrs, WCVI Troll: WCVI Troll manager, Salmon Coordinator, Northern Coordinator, C&P when required

• Internal managers phone conference Thursday 0830 hrs, Net Fisheries: Chief Fisheries Management, Salmon Fisheries Manager, Regional Salmon Coordinator, and appropriate Fisheries Managers; C&P and Stock Assessment when required.

• Fraser Panel Friday a.m. to guide weekly fishery decisions in panel waters.

• All sector area committees meet monthly to keep sector communications open.

• Internal managers phone conference Thursday p.m.- Inside Troll: Inside Troll Manager, Regional Salmon Coordinator; C&P and Stock Assessment as required.

• Region/division/NHQ update Tuesday and Thursday by teleconference: Area Managers, Sector Chiefs, Regional Director and NHQ.

• Decisions that will be very disruptive to the fleet will be made in consultation with inseason advisors or subcommittees of the SCAC or OTAC.

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 29 CONTACT LIST

South Coast Salmon Manager John Greenlee 723-0057 Inside Troll/Net Manager Gord McEachen 339-1029 Areas 14-18 Johnstone St Manager Greg Savard 287-2102 Areas 11,12,13,27 WCVI Manager (non-troll) Laurie Gordon 723-0118 Areas 21-26 Juan de Puca (Area 20) Manager Randy Brahniuk 754-0208 Outside Troll Manager Randy Brahniuk 754-0208 Chief, Fish Management Ed Lochbaum 756-7288 Area Manager Sue Farlinger 756-7280 Chief, C&P Norm Lemmen 756-7159 Manager, Aboriginal Fisheries Colin Masson 756-7001 Recreational Fishery Coordinator Terry Gjemes 756-7222 Stock Assessment Contact Ron Kadowaki 756-7229

8.0 EVALUATION AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION

8.1 Stock Assessment

Evaluation of stock status will require the assembly and analysis of catch, escapement, CWT and juvenile survey data. A PSARC report on the status of WCVI coho stocks is planned for the fall/ 1995 Salmon Subcommittee meeting as is a paper on the evaluation of the new harvest measures imposed in 1995 for the conservation of Strait of Georgia coho. An update of the Strait of Georgia coho assessment is planned for spring/1996. Staff from the South Coast Salmon Section of the Stock Assessment Division have already been tasked with the preparation of these papers.

8.2 Fishery Assessments

In fisheries where catch ceilings or by-catch limits have been imposed, post-season evaluation will involve assessments of the effectiveness of the management measures used to maintain catch within these limits. Criteria to judge effectiveness would include; was the actual catch within the prescibed limits?, if not, why not. Did catch per unit effort differ from expectations? Did

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 30 effort differ from expectations? Did time/area controls function as expected?

Fishery assessment will also include a thorough review of the effectiveness of in-season communications within DFO and with each of the fishing sectors.

8.3 Evaluation of the Enforcement Plan

Evaluation of the enforcement plan will be against established criteria described in section 6 of this report. This will be done post-season, by the C&P sector in consultation with other DFO sectors and the public advisory process where appropriate.

8.4 Post-season Consultation

Post-season reviews of commercial fisheries will take place in OTAC, ITAC and SCAC meetings. The recreational community will be consulted at the local level through the local sport fish advisory committees and regionally through the SF AB South Coast Co-management Committee and the SFAB. Post-season reviews with aboriginal groups will take place through established co-management consultation processes.

South Coast Coho Integrated Management Plan, page 31 Figure 1. 1995 Conservation Areas.

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