Herring Fishery

[tincan]

the Salish sea project just finished a 10 year study looking at basically everything.

lack of food for salmon in the Salish sea is not an issue at all.

humpback are increasing, seals and sea lions are all increasing in the Salish sea.

do you really think these predators would be increasing if they had nothing to eat??

the also found that bait is staying deeper in the water then they did historically perhaps because of the predator pressure.

since you referenced it, here are the key findings from the SSMSP... and as you can see Herring (and forage fish habitat) are listed several times in the key findings. Not the only issue, of course, but certainly something that the project found worthy of mentioning in the executive summary on several occasions. Full report can be found here for those interested in 88-pages of 'summary findings' - http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1354465-salish-sea-marine-survival-project/0?

 

[wildmanyeah]

since you referenced it, here are the key findings from the SSMSP... and as you can see Herring (and forage fish habitat) are listed several times in the key findings. Not the only issue, of course, but certainly something that the project found worthy of mentioning in the executive summary on several occasions. Full report can be found here for those interested in 88-pages of 'summary findings' - http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1354465-salish-sea-marine-survival-project/0?

yeah it’s also mention there is shifting patterns in bait fish they may be mismatched to the timing of salmon.

no where in the report does it mention that reducing the northern SOG herring fishery would result in any kind of change.

the report is much more concerned with the ever increasing predator population.

just concerned with we’re going down the same old same old path reducing fisheries and then do nothing but studies that result in more studies.

the report also notes that coho in the Salish sea seem to be making comeback dispite all their findings

 

[tincan]

no where in the report does it mention that reducing the northern SOG herring fishery would result in any kind of change.

The SSMSP doesn't comment on fisheries policy of any kind, really. Not the intent of the project.

I don't want to go around in circles with you on this and, as mentioned, herring are not the silver bullet leading to declining salmon populations. However, a takeaway of the research is that herring are quite important to both juvenille and adult chinook salmon in the SOG, especially resident herring that hang around all summer in the SOG. See Will's presentation below from just a few days ago explaining PSF's Adult Salmon Diet Program:

IMO, being more precautionary with the herring fishery is a lever we can pull in favour of salmon. Same with removing fish farms from the ocean. Neither is the silver bullet but they are things we can tip in favour of salmon NOW... unlike issues like warming waters, etc.

 

[SpringVelocity]

The SSMSP doesn't comment on fisheries policy of any kind, really. Not the intent of the project.

I don't want to go around in circles with you on this and, as mentioned, herring are not the silver bullet leading to declining salmon populations. However, a takeaway of the research is that herring are quite important to both juvenille chinook salmon in the SOG, especially resident herring that hang around all summer in the SOG. See Will's presentation below from just a few days ago explaining PSF's Adult Salmon Diet Program:

IMO, being more precautionary with the herring fishery is a lever we can pull in favour of salmon. Same with removing fish farms from the ocean. Neither is the silver bullet but they are things we can tip in favour of salmon NOW... unlike issues like warming waters, etc.

Surprised your taking the side of NGO's on this one. You know full well the implications of policies where the department goes against direct science/data. How can we ever have marked select fisheries?

The marine mammals are not showing declines as pointed out. It really reminds of the whale argument. We all know it points back to the state of the river habitat with salmon. Fact remains ECVI Chinook and coho stocks are doing fairly good. Now why is that?

IF PSF is so worried about herring where are the projects? Wouldn't enhancement projects in areas like you pointing out be a great way to tackle it vs hammering another sector?

 

[tincan]

Surprised your taking the side of NGO's on this one. You know full well the implications of policies where the department goes against direct science/data. How can we ever have marked select fisheries?

I'm not taking any sides other than what the science and research suggests is good for salmon. More herring is better for salmon. Less open net pens is better for salmon. The dept has a long history of 'going against direct science/data' and it's historically been thanks to lobbying by industry, not ENGO's. Neither group should dictate policy but if you think ENGO's have more influence than industry I think you need to look a little closer.

The marine mammals are not showing declines as pointed out. It really reminds of the whale argument. We all know it points back to the state of the river habitat with salmon. Fact remains ECVI Chinook and coho stocks are doing fairly good. Now why is that?

Fresh water habitat is hugely important as the key findings point out... but not the only factor. We can walk and chew gum at the same time (ie fix fresh water and marine habitat). ECVI systems have been supported with millions of dollars of restoration both in-river and estuaries and beyond. The Cowichan, Puntledge, Englishmen, etc have all received tons of financial help and volunteers have spend countless hours improving habitat that have likely helped many of these salmon populations.

IF PSF is so worried about herring where are the projects? Wouldn't enhancement projects in areas like you pointing out be a great way to tackle it vs hammering another sector?

Here are just a few of the projects. Literally millions of dollars spent on research and restoration of forage fish on their habitats over the last couple years alone. The restoration of dozens of ECVI estuaries (via debris removal and eelgrass planting) may be a factor in the fairly good ECVI returns?
Forage fish habitat:

Eelgrass restoration for herring:

Nearshore and Estuary projects - https://psf.ca/work/habitat/marine-conservation/#toggle-id-2

I know this research and work isn't always easy to track down but for the past decade or so PSF and partners have been working on the SSMSP and spend $10's or Millions and found out some very useful stuff. Restoration work has been happening for years and will continue to carry on. This entire project is ecosystem based so it's intent is to look at the entire picture holistically and try to make positive change for salmon where possible. Given the scale of the work needed this project is just a starting point but hopefully much of the work can be scaled up with PSSI funds and others.

 

[wildmanyeah]

I'm not taking any sides other than what the science and research suggests is good for salmon. More herring is better for salmon. Less open net pens is better for salmon. The dept has a long history of 'going against direct science/data' and it's historically been thanks to lobbying by industry, not ENGO's. Neither group should dictate policy but if you think ENGO's have more influence than industry I think you need to look a little closer.

Fresh water habitat is hugely important as the key findings point out... but not the only factor. We can walk and chew gum at the same time (ie fix fresh water and marine habitat). ECVI systems have been supported with millions of dollars of restoration both in-river and estuaries and beyond. The Cowichan, Puntledge, Englishmen, etc have all received tons of financial help and volunteers have spend countless hours improving habitat that have likely helped many of these salmon populations.

Here are just a few of the projects. Literally millions of dollars spent on research and restoration of forage fish on their habitats over the last couple years alone. The restoration of dozens of ECVI estuaries (via debris removal and eelgrass planting) may be a factor in the fairly good ECVI returns?
Forage fish habitat:

Eelgrass restoration for herring:

Nearshore and Estuary projects - https://psf.ca/work/habitat/marine-conservation/#toggle-id-2

I know this research and work isn't always easy to track down but for the past decade or so PSF and partners have been working on the SSMSP and spend $10's or Millions and found out some very useful stuff. Restoration work has been happening for years and will continue to carry on. This entire project is ecosystem based so it's intent is to look at the entire picture holistically and try to make positive change for salmon where possible. Given the scale of the work needed this project is just a starting point but hopefully much of the work can be scaled up with PSSI funds and others.

serious questing do you expect the herring returns to increase as a result of the change?

we should also note that the Salish sea report included waters that has been closed to herring fishing for a very long time.

 

[wildmanyeah]

I'm not taking any sides other than what the science and research suggests is good for salmon. More herring is better for salmon. Less open net pens is better for salmon. The dept has a long history of 'going against direct science/data' and it's historically been thanks to lobbying by industry, not ENGO's. Neither group should dictate policy but if you think ENGO's have more influence than industry I think you need to look a little closer.

there is more money in studying salmon then industry these days.

Greg Taylor found that out

 

[SpringVelocity]

there is more money in studying salmon then industry these days.

Greg Taylor found that out

So true.

 

[tincan]

serious questing do you expect the herring returns to increase as a result of the change?

we should also note that the Salish sea report included waters that has been closed to herring fishing for a very long time.

I don't know exactly what to expect as a result of the decreased harvest in herring. I suppose time will tell and I'm open to re-visiting the issue at any time as more results / info is learned. I guess my hope is that by decreasing the herring harvest more diverse populations of herring with thrive and potentially be 're-introduced' to historical spawning and rearing areas in the SOG and beyond. I think it's a safe bet to say that by decreasing the harvest of SOG herring by 50% we can expect there to be more adult herring around in general. Given the complexities of ecosystems it's tough to predict much beyond that.

One thing I do know about herring, however, is that they are the #1 contributor to the diet of harbour seals (hake up there as well) so more herring for seals (especially in more areas in the SOG if herring populations expand) could be less salmon in the bellies of seals. Again, complex stuff and no guarantee but certainly something the herring/forage fish experts in the vids above are thinking about.

 

[SpringFever552]

there is more money in studying salmon then industry these days.

Greg Taylor found that out

So did AM

So true.

X 2

 

[Derby]

Category(s):
COMMERCIAL - Herring Special Usestyle='mso-special-character:line-break'>

Fishery Notice - Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Subject: FN1345-2021/2022 Special Use Herring Fishery Opening - December 20, 2021 - Amendment to FN1344

This notice amends FN1344. Options for the transfer of additional TAC up to 902 tons are under consideration, and changes will be provided in subsequent fishery notices. The full corrected fishery notice follows.

The 2021/2022 Pacific Herring Commercial Fishing Plan for the Special Use fishery was circulated for review from October 15 to November 14, 2021. Thank you to those that submitted advice and recommendations for the plan during this period, the plan has now been finalized and the approved commercial plan can be found here: href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/txs1pcbehe2kidg/APPROVED 2021_2022 Special Use Fishing Plan.pdf?dl=0">https://www.dropbox.com/s/txs1pcbehe2kidg/APPROVED 2021_2022 Special Use Fishing Plan.pdf?dl=0
An interim allocation of 451 short tons has been approved for the Strait of Georgia management area only. Options for the transfer of additional TAC up to 902 tons are under consideration, and changes will be provided in subsequent fishery notices.

As per Variation Orders #2021-526 and #2021-527, the Special Use fishery will open to fishing at 18:00 hours on December 20, 2021 until February 15, 2022. Fishing is permitted in portions of Area 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 excluding the following areas which remain closed and subject to any additional constraints listed in individual conditions of license:

That portion of Subarea 12-4 inside a line running from Lewis Point to Ella Point [Beaver Cove];

Subarea 12-20 [Parson Bay];

That portion of Subarea 12-3 from a point on shore due North to a point at 50°30.33' N 126°37.47' W then East to a point at 50°29.65' N 126°30.23' W then due South to the shoreline [Robson Bight - Michael Bigg Ecological Reserve from a point on shore due North to a point at 50°30.33' N 126°37.47' W then East to a point at 50°29.65' N 126°30.23' W then due South to the shoreline (Robson Bight - Michael Bigg Ecological Reserve)

That portion of Subarea 13-7, East of a line drawn from a boundary sign at 50°11.4 34'N 125°20.268'W to a boundary sign at 50°10.861' N 125°20.885' W near Separation Head on Quadra Island [Deepwater Bay]

Subarea 14-14 [Comox Harbour]

Subarea 16-3 [Bargain Bay];

Subarea 16-4 [Pender Harbour];

Subarea 16-5 [portion of Sechelt Inlet];

That portion of Subarea 16-10 within a radius of 0.3 nautical miles from the mouth of Sakinaw River.

Subareas 17-1 to 17-9;

That portion of Subareas 17-10 and 17-17 described as the waters of Gabriola Pass bounded by a line from Dibuxante Point at 49°07.625'N and 123°42.913'W on Valdes Island, thence following the Northerly shore of Valdes Island to Cordero Point at 49°07.7002N and 123°42.1262W on Valdes Island, thence to the most Southerly tip of Breakwater Island at 49°07.5462N and 123°40.8972W, thence following the Westerly shore of Breakwater Island to the most Northerly point on Breakwater Island at 49°08.360'N and 123°40.872'W, thence due West to Gabriola Island at 49°08.355'N and 123°41.4770'W, thence following the Southerly shore of Gabriola Island to the point of land located at 49°07.777'N and 123°43.045'W, thence in a straight line Southerly to the point of commencement at Dibuxante Point;

Subarea 17-14 [Nanaimo Harbour];

That portion of Subarea 17-16 South of a line at Dodd Narrows, drawn from Joan Point at 49°08.150'N 123°49.145'W on Vancouver Island Easterly to Purvis Point at 40°08.174N 123°49.016'W on Mudge Island;

Subarea 17-20 [Nanoose Harbour]

ELECTRONIC MONITORING:
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, an alternative to at-sea observers will be available during the 2021/2022 fishing season. This will include the use of video and electronic monitoring (EM) systems on board vessels. Please note: arrangements for at-sea observer services or EM installation shall be made by contacting the service provider at 604-291-6340 (between 08:00 h and 16:00 h, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays) at least 72 hours in advance of the intended time of departing port.

Licence holders and vessel masters are advised to fully review the licence conditions that address EM requirements.


FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Marisa Keefe, Regional Herring Officer
href="mailto:Marisa.Keefe@dfo-mpo.gc.ca">Marisa.Keefe@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Fisheries and Oceans Canada Operations Center - FN1345
Sent December 20, 2021 at 15:12
Visit us on the Web at href="http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca">http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
If you would like to unsubscribe, please submit your request at: href="http://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fns-sap/index-eng.cfm?pg=manage_subscription">http://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fns-sap/index-eng.cfm?pg=manage_subscription


If you have any questions, please contact us via e-mail to: href="mailto:DFO.PACOpsCentre-CentredesOpsPAC.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca">DFO.PACOpsCentre-CentredesOpsPAC.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

 

[sawbill]

I could see the allocation shifted to a different user group. All resource sectors are headed that direction.

 

[wildmanyeah]

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXtmumKJVYq/

pacificherring As you may have heard, the quota for herring fishery in the Strait of Georgia has been reduced. Fisheries Minister Joyce Murray decided to reduce the quota from the long-standing, science-validated 20% harvest rate to a 10% harvest rate. This decision is a shock to our industry.

Conservation groups have been unfairly targeting our fishery for several years. We believe that
fisheries management decisions should be based on solid peer-reviewed science, not the number of signatures on a petition.

The argument that a 10% harvest rate will provide more food for salmon is not based on science. Salmon eat primarily juvenile herring of which there are hundre

 

[wildmanyeah]

 

[SpringVelocity]

View attachment 73215

Look at the last paragraph. The decline in wild salmon is tied to herring. Come on.

 

[steeler]

Look at the last paragraph. The decline in wild salmon is tied to herring. Come on.

Yeah that is correct. Herring were a major if not the biggest food source for springs and coho historically, the biomass is so depleted currently that they play less of a role then they did. They are important and if the pressure was taken off this last tiny biomass of them they might return to larger numbers and redistribute along the coast and help to stop the decline. Basing everything off current numbers and so called "science" is a sure fire way to miss the root causes of depleted salmon stocks. If you go to a lake and remove all the sticklebacks eventually it would look like cuttie's don't feed on them and then foolish people would be arguing that sticklebacks don't have anything to do with cutthroat survival.

 

[SpringVelocity]

Yeah that is correct. Herring were a major if not the biggest food source for springs and coho historically, the biomass is so depleted currently that they play less of a role then they did. They are important and if the pressure was taken off this last tiny biomass of them they might return to larger numbers and redistribute along the coast and help to stop the decline. Basing everything off current numbers and so called "science" is a sure fire way to miss the root causes of depleted salmon stocks. If you go to a lake and remove all the sticklebacks eventually it would look like cuttie's don't feed on them and then foolish people would be arguing that sticklebacks don't have anything to do with cutthroat survival.

Wow that was quick. So your saying salmon are declining because there isn't any food? Lol come on.

So sick of this narrative on here.

 

[onefish]

I have fished lakes where the the trout have big heads and very skinny bodies because of lack of food. I have never caught a salmon that looks like this.

 

[SpringVelocity]

I have fished lakes where the the trout have big heads and very skinny bodies because of lack of food. I have never caught a salmon that looks like this.

Same as the whales are starving. If we are going to manage our fish stocks like this then why are we even sitting down on any working group? Commercial/Recreational are an open target.

Look at some of these posts on here. 3+ years of the same BS with environmentalists at the table burning up time and money where we could have been doing something for fish.

This herring fishery reduction is purely a political cave by pressure from environmental groups. The same ones that have been pushing for MPA, whale sanctuaries, fishing closures etc the list goes on. Where does it end?

What is going happen this year for our salmon fisheries? When we see decisions like this it really speaks volumes on what may be coming.

 

[steeler]

Wow that was quick. So your saying salmon are declining because there isn't any food? Lol come on.

So sick of this narrative on here.

talk about quick. Yeah that's what I am saying. Not the only only factor however it is a very obvious simple factor. When has it every worked out well catching your foods food. The narrative does need to change we need less dinosaurs that have already failed and to start looking out for the fish not just the opportunity to kill them or make a buck off them. As a sports fisherman the target is the most important thing if there aren't enough target obviously you don't take from what they are eating. The whats going to happen too poor old us narrative is tired, If sports fishing is going to be taken seriously we need to be the ones sounding the alarm not crying like little kids that we might loose out as salmon go extinct. The general public already see's alot of sports fishing as entitled white guys if we were to be more conservationist it would go along way to building trust with people that sports fisherman are stewards not just looking to kill eat and brag.