PACIFIC REGION INTEGRATED FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLAN SALMON SOUTHERN B.C. JUNE 1, 2005 - MAY 31, 2006 Oncorhynchus spp This Integrated Fisheries Management Plan is intended for general purposes only. Where there is a discrepancy between the Plan and the Fisheries Act and Regulations, the Act and 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 DEPARTMENT CONTACTS INDEX OF INTERNET-BASED INFORMATION GLOSSARY 1. INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................................................11 2. GENERAL CONTEXT .............................................................................................................12 2.1. Background.................................................................................................................12 2.2. New Directions ...........................................................................................................12 2.3. Species at Risk Act .....................................................................................................15 2.4. First Nations and Canada’s Fisheries Framework ......................................................16 2.5. Pacific Salmon Treaty.................................................................................................17 2.6. Research......................................................................................................................17 2.7. Fishing Vessel Safety..................................................................................................18 3. OBJECTIVES............................................................................................................................19 3.1. Conservation Objectives.............................................................................................19 3.2. First Nations Objectives..............................................................................................24 3.3. International Objectives..............................................................................................24 3.4. Domestic Allocation Objectives .................................................................................24 3.5. Enforcement Objectives..............................................................................................25 3.6. Salmon Enhancement Objectives ...............................................................................25 4. DECISION GUIDELINES AND SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES ........................36 4.1. General Decision Guidelines ......................................................................................36 4.2. Chinook - AABM/ISBM Management.......................................................................40 4.3. ABM Coho..................................................................................................................47 4.4. Fraser River Sockeye Decision Guidelines ................................................................52 4.5. Barkley Sound Sockeye Decision Guidelines ............................................................65 4.6. Okanagan Sockeye Decision Guidelines ....................................................................67 4.7. Johnstone Straight Chum Mixed-Stock Harvest Strategy ..........................................69 4.8. Fraser River Chum Decision Guidelines ....................................................................72 4.9. Area 14 Chum Decision Guidelines ...........................................................................74 4.10. Area 16 Chum Decision Guidelines .........................................................................77 4.11. Area 17 Chum Decision Guidelines .........................................................................78 4.12. Area 18 Chum Decision Guidelines .........................................................................80 4.13. Area 19 Chum Decision Guidelines .........................................................................81 4.14. Nitinat Chum.............................................................................................................83 4.15. Nootka Chum............................................................................................................86 4.16. Nimpkish Chum Decision Guidelines ......................................................................88 4.17. Fraser River Pink ......................................................................................................90 4.18. Mainland Inlet Pink Decision Guidelines.................................................................91 4.19. Bute Inlet Chum Decision Guidelines ......................................................................93 5. 2005 SOUTHERN B.C./FRASER RIVER FIRST NATIONS FISHING PLAN (FOOD, SOCIAL AND CEREMONIAL FISHERIES ONLY) ..................................................................96 5.1. Specific Conservation Measures.................................................................................96 5.2. Communal Licence Harvest Targets...........................................................................97 5.3. Aboriginal Commercial Fishing Opportunities ..........................................................98 2005/2006 Southern B.C. Salmon Integrated Fishery Management Plan Page 1 of 132 5.4. Special Projects or Initiatives .....................................................................................98 6. 2005 SOUTHERN B.C. / FRASER RIVER RECREATIONAL FISHING PLAN................100 6.1. Chinook.....................................................................................................................100 6.2. Coho..........................................................................................................................101 6.3. Sockeye.....................................................................................................................102 6.4. Pink ...........................................................................................................................102 6.5. Chum.........................................................................................................................102 7. 2005 SOUTHERN B.C./FRASER RIVER COMMERCIAL FISHING PLAN .....................103 7.1. Implementation .........................................................................................................103 7.2. Licence Application and Issuance ............................................................................103 7.3. Mandatory Log-Book and Phone-In Program ..........................................................104 7.4. Proposed Changes to Commercial Fishery Regulations...........................................104 7.5. South Coast Non-Retention Species.........................................................................105 7.6. Revival Tanks ...........................................................................................................105 7.7. Gill Net Construction................................................................................................105 7.8. Retention of Lingcod by Salmon Troll .....................................................................106 7.9. Selective Fishing and other Conservation Measures ................................................106 7.10. Collaborative Agreements (Co-management) ........................................................108 7.11. Special Projects or Initiatives .................................................................................108 7.12. First Nations Economic Opportunities ...................................................................109 7.13. South Coast Net ......................................................................................................110 7.14. Area G Troll (Outside Waters) ...............................................................................115 7.15. Area H Troll (Inside Waters) ..................................................................................118 8. 2004 POST-SEASON REVIEW .............................................................................................121 8.1. Conservation/Sustainability Objectives....................................................................121 8.2. First Nations Objectives............................................................................................125 8.3. International Objectives............................................................................................125 8.4. Domestic Allocation Objectives ...............................................................................125 8.5. Enforcement Objectives............................................................................................126 8.6. Enhancement Objectives...........................................................................................127 9. ATTACHMENTS....................................................................................................................132 Page 2 of 132 2005/2006 Southern B.C. Salmon Integrated Fishery Management Plan DEPARTMENT CONTACTS A more comprehensive list of contacts can be found online at: www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ops/fm/salmon/default_e.htm 24 Hour Recorded Information Openings/Closures (604) 666-2828 Toll Free (888) 431-3474 Nanaimo (250) 754-0281 Port Alberni (250) 723-0417 Pacific Salmon Commission Office (604) 684-8081 PSC Test Fisheries