Important Area 19/20 SFAB Online Mtg. Nov. 3, 6:45-9PM

[Whole in the Water]

Very important Area 19/20 meeting on Nov. 3 - so everyone should attend. Will be virtual online meeting due to COVID-19. Will try to post the 7 below mentioned documents if possible - not sure how.

To attend this online meeting you will need to use Microsoft Teams software. Free download here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/microsoft-365/microsoft-teams/download-app

Copy Link below, and paste into web browser address bar to access meeting.
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YzVhYWM2MWItMjg5MC00YjQyLTlmNDctMzY3YjMzNTJhNGUx%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%221594fdae-a1d9-4405-915d-011467234338%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22d7551665-eec5-4e3c-a249-519444737731%22%7d
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This is a unique time due to Covid, but also the many challenges the sport fishing industry is facing locally and coast wide. The volunteers of the SFAB process representing the sports fishers on the coast have done a great job working with the department through many webinars, calls, zooms, and Microsoft Teams. We have a lot of information compiled for our members, and a lot to cover in our meeting in a short amount of time. We ask if you can help us by reviewing all of the attached documents before the meeting, and take some notes and form potential motions on topics important to you and your fishing community. This will really help the pace and success of our local meeting!

Attached you will find 7 documents and an invite download as a reminder of meeting;

- Proposed Agenda for the meeting.

- Spring Area 19/20 SFAC Meeting minutes (to be adopted)

- Information provided to help you navigate Microsoft Teams which is the virtual platform that DFO has chosen as the means to provide a virtual meeting.

- DFO’s “Regional recreational Updates – Fall 2020”. This document provides a lot of information and updates on a variety of species management issues and policy initiatives that DFO currently has underway in a regional context. It is intended as an information document, and can be forwarded to your committee for that purpose. Note that the first XX items in the document highlight issues that will be included in SFAB consultation during the upcoming cycle.

- The “SFAB Regional Priorities and Requests for Consideration 2020\2021”. This is a list of priority issues that the SFAB species specific working group chairs and the SFAB executive have identified as regional priorities for the upcoming consultation cycle.

Not all issues apply to our area, but it is good information to understand the work that the SFAB does outside our area as well, the amount of hours volunteers are spending to help recreational fishers coast wide is staggering and we can appreciate the team work and collaboration of your SFAB chairs working on issues in there backyard, and far and wide.

- Attached, the SFAB motions tracking spread sheet will help you understand the status of SFAB motions that have already been submitted to DFO as advice. The purpose is to help committee members better understand how advice provided by either our local committee or the Regional and Main Board has been considered by DFO and what the outcome of that consideration has been. It also will assist in identifying outstanding items that require clarification.

- A powerpoint presentation included in this package courtesy of Pat Ahern that can help explain the status of the SFAB modernization process .

Elections Update: 2020\2021 is the SFAB cycle where the terms of local, regional and Main Board chairs expire. Under normal circumstances, we would hold elections to either reconfirm the mandate of existing chairs, or to replace them through a fair, transparent, anonymous and democratic process. Unfortunately, and in spite of a lot of research in to options, it is simply not possible to do this and accommodate both those who use the virtual meeting and those who prefer to call in. Therefore, we will defer elections until such time as we can hold face to face meetings again.

Thank you all for your involvement in providing your insights (motions) to further the interests of the BC Public Fishery through the SFAB. These are extremely challenging times for our fishery, and your advice and knowledge has never been more important.

Sincerely from your chairs for Area 19/20,

Ryan Chamberland
Chris Bos

View on Google Calendar
When: Tue Nov 3, 2020 6:45pm – 9pm (PST)
Where: Microsoft Teams Meeting

 

[Whole in the Water]

Can't figure out how to attach the 7 documents sent with the notice above so will post them is separate posts below. Here is the first one:

How to join a meeting without a MS Teams account

On your computer:
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On the mobile app:
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2. Once you click on the link you will see the following that will remind you to go to your app store and download the app if you haven’t already:

Choose “Get Teams” and follow the directions in your device app store.

3. Once you have download the app, and if you open it, you will see this reminder (iPad example) as Teams doesn’t synch your email calendar:

In the app if you open and click on “Join a meeting” you will get the pop-up below.

Click “Got it” and then go back to your email(or calendar if you accepted the meeting)

4. In your email/calendar click on the “Join Microsoft Teams Meeting” image:

5. Next, you'll be given two options for joining your meeting:

For our purposes “Join as a guest” works fine if you don’t want to create an account (or use your existing account).

6. Teams will ask if it's okay to use your mic. Be sure to allow it so others in the meeting will be able to hear you.

Type your name and tap Join meeting.

7. Once you're in the meeting, you can turn your video or mic on or off by tapping on the center of your screen to show the meeting controls. Tap again to hide them.

 

[Whole in the Water]

Area 19/20 Local Committee Agenda Fall 2020

Date of meeting: November 03, 2020

Where: Online (Instructions in Attachment)

Time: 6:45 online meeting opens…

7:00 meeting officially starts.

Proposed Agenda; Please email RyanC.SFAB@gmail.com to add any other agenda items before the meeting on November 03.

- Adoption of Spring Minutes, Agenda, Old Business, Post Pre Season Report.
- IFMP Recreational Sections Review, Stocks of Concern Update.
- Conservation and Protection Report – C&P Officer to provide.
- SFAB Regional Priorities and Requests for Consideration Document (Attachment)
- Southern Resident Killer Whales
- Chinook Limits/Conservation/Issues
- Coho Limits/Conservation/Issues
- Groundfish – Halibut, Cod
- Invertebrates – Crab and Prawn Issues
- Catch Monitoring – Local issues / Participation / Head Recovery Program
- SFAC/SFAB Process Issues – Covid / Vision Modernization Process (Attached)
- New Items/Local Issues/Motions

Notes:
Forming motions during the meeting as they come forward/to mind work, but if you have read the attached documents and you have a motion it would help with the success and time of the meeting to write out and send before the meeting to RyanC.SFAB@gmail.com

Attachments:

1- Proposed Agenda
2- Spring 2020 Minutes
3- DFO – Regional SFAC Meeting Info
4- SFAB Regional Priorities and Requests for Consideration
5- Vision Modernization Process Update
6- Motion / Action items summary Document
7- Microsoft Teams - Tutorial

 

[Whole in the Water]

VICTORIA AND AREA SFAC MEETING AREA 19/20 Call – In Conference Call
Monday March 16, 2020 Start: 7:06pm Minutes
Recreational Representatives:
Name Affiliation
Ryan Chamberland Area 19/20 Chairman
Chris Bos Area 19/20 Co-Chairman
Martin Paish, Angler/SFAB Main Board Chairman
Tom Cole, Angler/ACS
Tom Davis, Angler
Christopher Miller, Angler
Jerrod Pinder, Angler
Chris Close, Angler
Doug Ferrier, Angler
Gord Allen, Angler
Richard Lake, Angler
Jim Stephen, Angler
Government Attendees:
Name Affiliation
Erika Watkins DFO
Mia Cormier DFO

Adoption of Minutes
Moved Ryan Chamberland seconded by Martin Paish passed unanimously.

1 - Fraser Chinook
DFO reported about letter of March 2nd sent out – DFO will roll over 2019 regs starting
April 1st. Our area under catch and release until July 14 or 31 dependent on FMA.
Explained regulations to those on call. Interim measures and a full review underway.
Feed back to SFAB for their proposal.

Two ideas from local SFACs thru to SFAB for consideration:
- 80 cm in place mid-July to allow fishing but avoiding Fraser Spring and Summer 5-2
- DFO + SFABs working on potential opportunities

Some of 2019 data still not in, will be ready early in-season, this is the challenge – run
reconstructions – adult return estimates, etc. – important tools for planning fisheries.
CHCOWG meeting on 20 Mar for discussions on possible opportunities – also mentioned
small group look at opportunities too. Should have been an in-person meeting but
COVID-19 changed that. Times and areas where a marked selective fishery might be
available and fishing ops where the stocks of concern do not occur are being considered.
SFAB are working very hard to find opportunities for us.

Angler – Area 19 2 different components – can the fisheries in Saanich Inlet be treated
separately there?

Chair – Yes they can be, and that is happening in the Chinook/Coho Working Group.

Angler – Looking at JDF and Haro as international area not just the Canadian side –
when we consider MSF we must include the WA hatchery fish (75,000,000)

Angler asked that this are be looked at and there is no Fraser stocks of concern until
May 15th.

Co-Chair asked two questions on Spring Months Fishery (i) DFO adopt a two-year
management approach and (ii) Why can’t we fish in April – May this year for a hatchery
fish? Conversation between multiple anglers and reps all agreed that both questions
were valid and agreed to the following.

Motion – offline working group for time savings – Tom Davis, Ryan, Chris, Martin to craft
a motion to cover the above.

Chair – We are working hard in other forums to also support the above questions. Chair
having a call with Fisheries Minister over next few weeks.

Angler – heat will come from those who don’t want us to fish especially in JDF. Need to
get foot in the door with MSF for our sector if not we will lose it.

Angler – Certain VI (West Coast) returns in 2019 were below the 4 year average.
Shouldn’t this be considered in our fish planning?

Response; the stocks angler is referring to are not located within the geographical area
of this SFAC.

2 - BIG BAR SLIDE
Last update Mar 13th – DFO hired contractors – three boulders blasted? – moving
forward – still not 100% that the obstruction issue will be resolved by the close of the
work window.

3 - SRKW
Chair gave a rundown of his work on the technical committees. Noted the support and possibility of a 1NM salmon fishing opening between
Sheringham Point and East Point in Renfrew.

Pat Ahern and Ryan responded for the SFAB – see document that was sent out.
Another round of DFO request for input open now – online survey open until Mar 24th.

Ryan proposed a one nautical corridor open area from shore out for the JDF – this was
discussed and seemed acceptable to the Technical Working Group

4- HALIBUT HYBRID MODEL
Chair ran through the 2020 regulations - One Halibut Per day;
Possession Limit of 1 Halibut over 90cm to 126cm; Or, Possession Limit of 2 Halibut under 90 cm.

Angler asked about proposing changes to the halibut guiding principles.

Response; SFAB are seeking feed-back on guiding principles.

Angler asked for a reduction in catch coast-wide to allow more halibut to come into the
Haro and Lower Georgia Strait.

Response; Likely not to happen. Halibut is handled on coast wide basis, not by area.
Too many factors if that is the possible case of lower numbers of halibut in that area, if
there actually even is.

5 - PRAWNS
200 reduced to 125 per day. Prawn letter from DFO explained why. Reconciliation with
FN was the DFO rationale. Now DFO has a department of Reconciliation and FN
partnerships. Martin not satisfied with the responses from DFO as to reason why the
daily catch limit was reduced. This could be a harbinger of what might happen to other
fisheries that would affect coastal communities.

6 - BEST PRACTICES
Best practices are being looked at. Some other groups MCC believe our release
mortality is much higher than DFO is using in their exploitation numbers. WA has
requirement for fish have to stay in water when released. Lot of work going on in the
background to craft a set of principles.

Angler – look for videos of the release mortality by Terry Gjernes, Tom Bird study.

Responses; stems from MCC pushing from FRIMM – UBC studying – Some groups
looking for a ban on ALL catch and release fisheries. Need out of the box thinking and
craft our best ideas into a new set of best practices.

Angler – has DFO said they will accept Greg Taylor’s catch and release document and
use it in fisheries management?

Response; No they will not. They will use existing PST (or PSC not sure which)
methodology and will not use the Patterson study.

7 - COMMERCIAL CRAB TRAPS
Oak Bay area having challenges with commercial gear in the way. Jim Steven will get
letters from locals and work with Chris Bos to craft a motion. Chris suggested this
happen quickly so it can go through the next GFSFWG meeting in April.

*Jim Stephen got back to Ryan Chamberland on March 22, and discussed with Ryan that his
effort to get letters/support from local Oak Bay anglers was not sufficient to pursue for 2020.

Minutes Prepared by: Ryan Chamberland, Chris Bos
- Meeting Adjourned 8:45 PM –

 

[Whole in the Water]

Motions
VICTORIA SFAB COMMITTEE MOTION 1 – 16MARCH2020
DFO IFMP PLANNING TIMETABLE
Whereas the SFAB has a meeting schedule that is now out-of-sync with the DFO salmon
IFMP planning process and is resulting in lost fishing opportunities for Canadians;

And whereas DFO does not have certain scientific data, stock assessment information
and run reconstruction results to help plan for the IFMP until as late as mid-March of
the year that the IFMP will come into effect;

And whereas there are important Public Salmon Fisheries in parts of Southern BC that
have restrictions commencing March 1st and/or April 1st of each year, where fishing
opportunities that have no impact on any stocks of concern, are overlooked due to the
out-of-sync DFO planning process for that year;

And whereas DFO is required to take into consideration the socio-economic aspects of
fisheries when planning fisheries management;

And whereas DFO under a Minister’s variation order can change fishing regulations
under exceptional circumstances at any time should the need arise;

Therefore, be it resolved that DFO institute a system where the salmon IFMP is a twoyear
plan allowing public fisheries in the period between January 1 and May 30th, thus
avoiding loss of fishing opportunity for Canadians every year.
Moved: Chris Bos Seconded: Tom Davis Passed: Unanimous

VICTORIA SFAB COMMITTEE MOTION 2 – 16MARCH2020
PUBLIC ACCESS TO CHINOOK FISHING IN SAANICH INLET
Whereas DFO annually implements fisheries management specifically for the avoidance
of certain Fraser Chinook stocks of concern in Southern British Columbia;

And whereas historic DFO CWT and DNA data indicate zero presence of these Fraser
Chinook stocks of concern in FMA 19-7 through 19-11 (Saanich Inlet);

And whereas there is no science-based reason to restrict angling opportunities to
Chinook non retention;

And whereas DFO is required to take into consideration the socio-economic aspects of
fisheries when planning fisheries management;

And whereas the DFO Salmon Head Recovery Program gathers valuable stock
information from hatchery marked Chinook heads that are returned by anglers who can
keep a hatchery-marked fish;

Therefore, be it resolved that DFO opens the Saanich Inlet for the public to retain one
hatchery marked Chinook per day and have a total possession of two, while fishing for
salmon during the period April 1st to July 31st each year.
Moved: Chris Bos Seconded: Tom Davis Passed: Unanimous

VICTORIA SFAB COMMITTEE MOTION 3 – 16MARCH2020
PUBLIC ACCESS TO ABUNDANT HATCHERY CHINOOK IN THE SPRING
Whereas DFO annually implements fisheries management specifically for the avoidance
of certain Fraser Chinook stocks of concern in Southern British Columbia;

And whereas there is no CWT or DNA evidence showing the presence of Spring or
Summer Fraser 5-2 Chinook prior to June 1st in the Public Salmon Fishery in FMAs 19-1
to 19-4 and 20-5 (Victoria and Juan de Fuca South areas);

And whereas there is insignificant risk to wild Nicola 4-2 Chinook through their very low
presence throughout April and May, especially as they would ALL be released by anglers
if encountered;

And whereas there is an abundance of hatchery-marked Chinook salmon greater than or
equal to 70% of all Chinook present during March, April and May.

And whereas the Victoria SFAB Committee believe there is no science-based reason to
restrict angling opportunities of hatchery-marked Chinook to non retention during
March, April or May each year;

And whereas DFO is required to take into consideration the socio-economic aspects of
fisheries when planning fisheries management;

Therefore, be it resolved that DFO open FMAs 19-1 to 19-4 and 20-5 (Victoria and Juan
de Fuca South areas) to the retention of one hatchery-marked Chinook only per day,
with a total possession limit of two, from April 1st to May 30th this year (2020).
Moved: Chris Bos Seconded: Tom Davis Passed: Unanimous

VICTORIA SFAB COMMITTEE MOTION 4 – 16MARCH2020
JUAN DE FUCA SRKW CLOSED AREA CHINOOK RETENTION CORRIDOR
Whereas the fisheries in Southern BC, especially those for Chinook salmon, have been
altered to support recovery of endangered SRKW;

And whereas recent scientific data has emerged that indicates SRKW forage for large
Chinook on the deep canyon wall offshore in the Juan de Fuca Strait SRKW closed area
not close to shore;

And whereas DFO is required to take into consideration the socio-economic aspects of
fisheries when planning fisheries management;

Therefore be it resolved that DFO and Transport Canada implement an open to salmon
fishing corridor consistent with local salmon regulations within the existing Juan de Fuca
SRKW closed area during that time while it is in effect;

And be it further resolved that this open corridor be the waters from the shoreline to one mile offshore between Sheringham Point (Town of Shirley, near Sooke) and East Point (Port Renfrew).
Moved: Ryan Chamberland Seconded: Chris Bos Passed: Unanimous

 

[Whole in the Water]

Post 1 of 6

Regional SFAC Meeting Information Provided by DFO Fall 2020

Higher Priority Regional Items (as discussed with the SFAB Executive):
1. Chinook Conservation
2. Salmon – other priorities
3. Howe Sound Glass Sponge Reefs
4. Groundfish – Halibut – Rockfish
5. Invertebrates
6. Regulations
Other Information:
1. Salmon Allocation Policy
2. Wild Salmon Policy 2018-2022 Implementation and Cohen Response Update
3. Draft National Fishery Monitoring Policy
4. Southern Resident Killer Whales
5. Species at Risk (SAR) Updates and Consultations
6. MPA Network Planning
7. RCA Review
8. Fraser River – Big Bar Slide

Higher Priority Regional Items:
Discussed with the SFAB Executive on October 15, 2020.

1. Chinook Conservation (Updated Oct 6, 2020)
In November 2018, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) assessed the status of 16 Southern British Columbia (BC) Chinook Designatable Units (DUs). Of these, 13 DUs are Fraser River Chinook: seven are assessed as Endangered, four as Threatened, one as Special Concern and only one was deemed Not at Risk. More details are available on the COSEWIC summary webpage (https://www.canada.ca/en/environmen...nook-salmon-2018/document-info-summaries.html)

Management measures to address conservation concerns for Fraser Chinook will likely be required for several years. Beginning April 1st, 2020, the Department implemented management measures that were announced for the 2019 season as interim measures to provide time for a technical review of the 2019 fishery management measures and completion of consultations on possible adjustments to these management measures.

On June 19, 2020, the Department announced management measures that will be in effect for the from June 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021 covered by the current Salmon IFMP (https://www.canada.ca/en/fisheries-...river-chinook-salmon-management-measures.html). Highly precautionary fishery restrictions continue to be necessary to provide a high degree of protection to at risk Fraser Spring 42, Spring 52 and Summer 52 Chinook.

Fall 2020 Regional SFAC Information Page 2 of 18

Expected fishery mortalities are not intended to be a management target and the objective is to allow as many fish to pass through to the spawning grounds as possible. Fishery impacts are expected to include incidental Chinook mortalities in Fraser River Chinook and Sockeye test fisheries, limited Chinook retention or bycatch retention in Fraser River First Nation FSC fisheries, release mortalities, and incidental mortalities during Chinook-directed fisheries. The management outcome is to reduce overall Canadian fishery mortalities on these populations to very low levels near 5%; however, actual outcomes may vary due to a range of factors including annual variability in Chinook distribution and run timing; distribution of fishing effort and uncertainties in the assessment data).

Further information on the management measures and the commonly asked questions can be found on the DFO website at https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/salmon-saumon/fraser-mgmt-gest-faq-eng.html.

In addition, Harrison River Chinook have only met the escapement goal of 75,100 once in the past eight years and this population has been assessed as threatened by COSEWIC. Under the Pacific Salmon Treaty, if Harrison Chinook do not achieve at least 85% of the escapement goal, then the Canadian ISBM fisheries should be managed to a CYER limit of 95% of the 2009-2015 average (or approx. 10.5% or 11.6% including 10% tolerance limit). The Canadian ISBM CYER for Harrison was 18% for 2019, which is greater than the preliminary CYER tolerance limit of 11.6%. These Chinook rear in local waters around Vancouver Island, are present year-round and often contribute a higher proportion of the catch. Management measures for Fraser River stream type Chinook were anticipated to reduce fishery mortalities on Harrison River Chinook in 2019 by approximately 25% and in 2020 additional management measures including an extension of the maximum size limit and no fishing for Chinook in the approaches to the Fraser River (portions of Area 28 and 29) were intended to further reduce fishery mortalities compared with 2019.

The 2019 PST indicates that if a Party anticipates that there is a risk that it may exceed its CYER limit in a given year, that Party shall advise the Commission before the fishing season, provide supporting rationale and explain how the CYER limit shall be achieved on average over a three-year period. PSC Commissioners have been informed of this issue and further discussion will be required on Canada's plan of action to address this situation moving forward. Further discussion will be required to discuss any additional actions that may be incorporated into the new 2021/22 Salmon IFMP.

Management measures in place to protect to protect Fraser River Chinook will continue to be required for the 2020/2021 salmon IFMP (in effect from June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022). IFMP consultations will incorporate opportunities to review stock assessment and fishery data to inform possible adjustments to management measures. We anticipate that any proposed changes to management measures will be assessed using the evaluation framework developed in 2020 to inform decision making. The Department is currently developing an evaluation framework to inform decision making on the potential for expanded use of mark selective fishery (MSF) regulations (i.e. retention of hatchery Chinook with healed scar in place an adipose fin). Further consultation on this work is expected in the fall/winter of 2020 and MSF opportunities may be considered in additional areas in 2021 subject to the results of the review.

Fall 2020 Regional SFAC Information Page 3 of 18

2. Salmon – Other Priorities (Updated Oct 6, 2020)
The Department intends to release the 2021/22 Salmon priorities letter in December 2020. This letter will outline the Department’s key planning priorities for developing the 2021/22 Northern and Southern BC Salmon IFMPs. Feedback will be sought in writing on these priorities throughout December and January and further discussions with the SFAB (as well as First Nations and others) on these priority topics will take place during the consultation process from February to April. Draft salmon IFMPs will be released at the end of February and the 2021/22 final IFMPs are targeted for release in June 2021.

3. Strait of Georgia and Howe Sound Glass Sponge Reef Marine Refuges (Updated 16 September 2020)
The Strait of Georgia and Howe Sound Glass Sponge Reef Conservation Initiative aims to protect BC’s globally unique glass sponge reef ecosystems. These fragile reefs are important habitat for many marine species, filter vast amounts of water, and play important roles in carbon and nitrogen processing.

Phase I: In June 2015, DFO implemented fishery closures to all recreational and bottom-contact fishing in nine areas in the Strait of Georgia and Howe Sound to protect glass sponge reefs as marine refuges. In April 2016, additional closures for First Nations Food, Social and Ceremonial harvesting using bottom-contact gear were implemented for the same reefs.
Phase II: In Spring 2019, the second phase of the Strait of Georgia and Howe Sound Glass Sponge Reef Conservation Initiative was completed, with the establishment of eight new marine refuges (totaling 3.5km²) in Howe Sound to protect nine glass sponge reefs.
Phase III: In May, 2019, DFO Science surveyed nine remaining areas in Howe Sound to assess their ecological significance. The results of the survey are now available: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas-sccs/Publications/ScR-RS/2020/2020_026-eng.html. Based on the latest Science advice, additional management measures are being considered in Phase III of the initiative.

DFO Contact: Lindsay Klopp at Lindsay.Klopp@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Current closure locations and more information is available at http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans/ceccsr-cerceef/closures-fermetures-eng.html
Educational poster (with map on page 2): http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/about-notr...ents/glass-sponges-eponges-siliceuses-eng.pdf

 

[Whole in the Water]

Post 2 of 6

4. Groundfish
Halibut (Updated September 10, 2020)

Fall 2020 Regional SFAC Information Page 4 of 18
Harvest advice for the 2020 Halibut season was considered at the 96th Session of the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) Annual Meeting. The meeting was held February 3-7, 2020, at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage, Alaska.
IPHC Annual Meeting Report: https://www.iphc.int/uploads/pdf/am/2020am/iphc-2020-am096-r.pdf

The 2020 recreational TAC is 877,750 pounds. The following initial management measures were recommended by the SFAB and adopted for 2020/21 by the Department:
 Season opening on March 1, 2020
 No person shall retain a Halibut greater than 126cm head-on length (97cm head-off).
 The Possession limit is either:

o One (1) Halibut measuring 90cm to 126cm head-on length (69cm to 97cm head-off), OR,
o Two (2) Halibut each measuring less than 90cm head-on length (69cm head-off)
 The daily catch limit is 1 per day, with a possession limit of 1 or 2 as above, and an annual limit of 6.

Note: For the month of March 2020, the fishery will continue under the 2019/20 conditions of licence, which are the same as the 2020/21 conditions listed above. All Halibut retained by a licence holder between March 1-31, 2020 should be recorded on the 2019/2020 Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence, and between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021 on the 2020/2021 Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence. The area from which each Halibut is caught and its head-on length should immediately be recorded, in ink, on the respective licence.
Head-off measurements are made from the base of the pectoral fin at its most forward point to the extreme end of the middle of the tail.

The DFO and Sport Fishing Advisory Board (SFAB) Halibut Committee meets monthly throughout the season to review estimated catches. In late July it was determined that the recreational fishery harvest to June 30, 2020 was approximately 116,276 pounds of the recreational fishery's Total Allowable Catch of 877,750 pounds. Given the current management measures in effect and catch forecasts to December 31, 2020, DFO, on the advice of the SFAB, increased to the daily limit of halibut measuring under 90 cm in length from one (1) to two (2), effective 00:01 hours August 14, 2020 until further notice.
Recreational Halibut catch for the 2019 season (to December 31, 2019) was estimated to be 816,639 pounds, resulting in an estimated remaining balance of 73,374 pounds on the 2019 recreational TAC.

DFO Contact – Maureen Finn (Maureen.Finn@dfo-mpo.gc.ca)

Rockfish (Updated February 24, 2020)
During pre-season consultations with the SFAB held in Richmond on February 13-14, 2020, Rockfish conservation measures were discussed. Descending devices continue to aid in the survivability of Rockfish that are being returned to the ocean, which would otherwise suffer fatal barotrauma effects. For 2020/21, per a condition of licence, the use of a descender device remains mandatory when releasing Rockfish:

Fall 2020 Regional SFAC Information Page 5 of 18

Anglers in vessels shall immediately return all Rockfish that are not being retained to the water and to a similar depth from which they were caught by use of an inverted weighted barbless hook or other purpose-built descender device.
Restrictions to daily catch limits for rockfish remain for the following species:
 Yelloweye – zero retention in Outside and Inside Waters
 Bocaccio – zero retention in Outside and Inside Waters
 A catch limit of three rockfish per day in Outside waters, only one of which may be a
o China, Tiger, or Quillback Rockfish
Note: Outside waters are Management Areas 1 to 11, 21 to 27, 101 to 111, 121 to 127, 130, 142, Subareas 12-14 and 20-1 to 20-4.

DFO Contact – Maureen Finn (Maureen.Finn@dfo-mpo.gc.ca)

5. Invertebrates (Updated Oct 5, 2020)
Prawn
Fishery independent surveys conducted in the fall prior to spawning help to determine, on a year by year basis, whether winter fishing is permissible during the critical winter spawning period, January 1 to March 31. The annual surveys are conducted by the PPFA and were scheduled this Fall in Oct-Nov for the “high use areas”, but have been cancelled due to concerns about potential COVID-19 liability issues on the commercial vessels used for the surveys. The PPFA is planning on reinstating the surveys in the “high use areas” in 2021 (PPFA post-season review), pending favourable pandemic circumstances.

DFO Science conducts the survey in Howe Sound (research study site) and is seeking approval to go ahead this Fall under new COVID-19 safe work procedures; the proposed schedule is Nov 2-13 (and February).
DFO Science is updating the Science advice CSAS 2012/041 from past survey years - 2001-2019.

Fisheries Management will work with the SFAB again this Fall to apply risk tolerances for being below the spawner index that lead to precautionary closures in some areas and pulse fishing in other areas during the spawning period this year, i.e., January 1 to March 31, 2021. The seasonal winter closures in selected areas where most recreational prawn effort occurs remain an important component of the recreational management strategy.

6. Crab
In February of 2017, the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo/Xai’Xais, Nuxalk and Wuikinuxv Nations and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) that commits the parties to working together to develop and undertake a collaborative process for identifying and recommending management objectives (starting with conservation and sufficient First Nation food, social, and ceremonial access) and measures that will achieve healthy crab populations and sustainable crab fisheries on the Central Coast. In-season management changes are expected to occur in portions of subareas in PFMAs 6,7,8,9 in 2020/2021 as an outcome of this process. A decision is pending on this process.

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7. Intertidal Bivalves
All bivalve harvest must occur within the confines of the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program (CSSP) which is a federal food safety program jointly administered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). The goal of the program is to protect Canadians from the health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated bivalve molluscan shellfish. The purpose of the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program is to ensure that bivalve molluscs are safe for human consumption. To achieve this, the CSSP controls the harvest of all bivalves within Canadian tidal waters. How the CSSP works is all documented in the CSSP manual https://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/f...ation-program/eng/1527251566006/1527251566942 .

One current area of interest identified by the SFAB sits right over top of a sewage outfall and sanitary closure. You can read a bit about this on line – I’ve included the link below. This Sanitary Closure exists due to the fact that there is extensive evidence of the spread of disease in humans following the consumption of contaminated shellfish. Although a wide range of diseases have been described, the more common include typhoid, salmonellosis, gastroenteritis, norovirus, infectious hepatitis, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection.
https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/contamination/sani/a-s-4-eng.html#4.5_1120

 

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In the meantime, fishers may continue to use their paper licence to record required catch data. In addition there is electronic recording functionality available, via the National Recreational Licensing System (NRLS). The NRLS allows you to record catch data directly to your licence account, against a particular licence. If you have a cell phone signal and can access your NRLS account, and show your NRLS catch data to a Fishery Officer, you may use it to record catch instead of on a paper licence.

For enforcement purposes, you must be able to produce both a copy of your licence, either paper or on your cell phone - and catch records for any of the 3 required species (if retained) – chinook, halibut and lingcod. If you have used NRLS to do this for your catch currently in possession, you must be able to show these NRLS catch records to a Fishery Officer, otherwise catch data records on a paper licence are required.

BC Sport Fishing Regulations – proposed Omnibus Bill and other changes
A number of changes to the BC Sport Fishing Regulations (BCSFR) are under review. Some of these changes pertaining to the recreational fishery have been outstanding for a number of years. The Omnibus Bill consultation has been delayed per the October 2019 Federal Election and the subsequent Covid-19 pandemic; the latest news on the consultation period for the Omnibus Bill is winter 2020, however this is subject to change.

During past discussions over the last several years with regard to changes to the BCSFR, and in particular the pending ‘Omnibus Bill’, we have presented advice that the ability to vary fishing gear in-season (in particular leader lengths) was part of the Omnibus Bill, and various reference has been made to this in several documents provided to the SFAB. However this has been a mistake on our part, and we have learned that the two items are separate and distinct regulatory processes.

The rationale for this is as follows:
 The Omnibus Bill was initiated in 2010 and the leader length item in 2015, and regulatory items that are introduced separately are not normally brought together.
 As part of the 2019 Fisheries Act amendment, subsection 43 (m) was amended to allow the Governor in Council to make a regulation in respect to:
o (m) if a close time, fishing quota or limit on the size or weight of fish or fishing gear or equipment has been fixed in respect of an area under the regulations, authorizing persons referred to in paragraph (l) to vary the close time, fishing quota or limit or fishing gear or equipment in respect of that area or any portion of that area - fishing gear or equipment being added

 A change to the Fishery General Regulations (FGR) is the next step (mirroring changes to the Fisheries Act to support gear type variability). This process is lead Nationally since it is a National regulation.
 The next step thereafter is for the BCSFRs to also be amended. This is led by the Pacific Region since it is specific to the area.
o Incorporating gear variability into the BCSFR will require a significant work-up of ‘gear tables’ as applicable to potentially multiple fisheries, finfish – salmon and non-salmon,
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and invertebrates, tidal and non-tidal; this work is distinct from the much more limited scope items in the Omnibus Bill.

Unfortunately, these separate regulatory items, despite being in the regulatory change request process at the same time, were presented as part of the same process, when they should have been presented as distinct items in our consultations with the SFAB, for which we apologize. Regulatory changes typically take a longer time to move through the review process, often competing with other government priorities at the time.

Omnibus Bill proposed amendments will:
1. Require the release of female Dungeness and Red Rock Crabs. This is to ensure that a viable breeding population of Dungeness Crabs and Red Rock Crabs is sustained by making the release of female crabs mandatory under the regulations. This is consistent with the requirement in the commercial fishery.

Currently this is achieved by a Condition of Licence, now including King crab.]
2. Require the use of barbless hooks in the tidal portion of the Fraser River. This is to reduce post-release mortality of fin fish in the tidal portion of the Fraser River by requiring the use of barbless hooks by all anglers. Already in place for salmon, but not for other species. The Province is especially concerned with steelhead and White Sturgeon survival.

3. Require rot cords in all recreational traps to prevent “ghost fishing” by lost or forgotten traps. Rot cord breaks down over time to render lost traps ineffective. Already required in commercial traps and recreational crab traps; this amendment would extend the requirement to prawn and octopus traps.

4. Revoke aggregate daily quotas from the non-tidal waters section of the regulations. The province of British Columbia has identified intensive fishing on specific species in specific non-tidal waters as a means to combat the spread of identified aquatic invasive species. The aggregate daily limits currently set out in the BCSFR cannot be varied for specific bodies of water, and therefore do not permit directed intensive fishing. This is consistent with provisions in the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations.
5
. Require sinking or weighted buoy lines for recreational trap fishing. Floating buoy-lines in recreational trap fisheries have been identified as posing a hazard to boaters due to the possibility of the line becoming entangled in a vessel’s propeller, possibly resulting in a sudden stop or break-down on the water and repair costs for vessel damage.

6. Require operators’ telephone numbers on recreational trap buoys. Markers or buoys used in trap fishing are required to carry the name of the operator of the trap. The operator’s telephone number would aid in contacting the operator in cases where trap gear has been moved from restricted areas (e.g. Victoria harbour navigational channels), or removed from the water or lost and recovered.

When the consultation period opens, submissions will be invited via our web page on any of the regulatory changes as noted above.

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Other Regulatory Processes: Enable the use of variable leader lengths for selective fishing. This is intended to curtail the use of extended leaders at times of low abundance of vulnerable stocks to reduce the likelihood of foul-hooking. As described above, this will require a work-up of comprehensive ‘gear-tables’, as well as regulatory amendments to both the Fishery General Regulations and the BC Sport Fishing Regulations.
Further changes to BCSFR S22: In addition, with respect to the following change - Remove the text “in ink” from S22 BCSFRs - that was already completed by a separate regulatory process (April 2019), further amendments are proposed for BCSFR S22 to (1) include halibut in catch reporting requirements, and (2) more clearly support electronic catch reporting via mobile apps such as the FishingBC App – proposed text changes are underlined below:
22 A licence holder who catches and retains a halibut, a lingcod or a chinook salmon shall immediately record the catch on the licence or, if a record can be made in an authorised catch registry that reports electronically to or is kept by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, in that registry.

DFO Contact – Feliksas Markevicius (Feliksas.Markevicius@dfo-mpo.gc.ca)

Other Information:
1. Salmon Allocation Policy Review Overview (Updated Sep 17, 2020)
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has embarked on a collaborative process with First Nations and stakeholders to review and update the 1999 Pacific Salmon Allocation Policy (SAP). The existing Policy sets out a series of principles for allocating salmon in BC among the three harvest groups (First Nations food, social and ceremonial; commercial; and recreational) and within the commercial fishery among gear types (gillnet, seine and troll). The full text of “An Allocation Policy for Pacific Salmon (1999)” may be found here: http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/species-especes/salmon-saumon/pol/index-eng.html.

Since the SAP was first adopted twenty years ago, there have been significant changes to fisheries management, policy, and Indigenous rights. For example, today, treaties and reconciliation agreements are being signed and implemented. There have also been increased conservation requirements for stocks of concern, as salmon returns have become more uncertain. In the recent BC Supreme Court Ahousaht decision, the SAP principle of priority of allocation to the recreational fishery for Chinook and Coho over the right-based fishery of five Nuu-chah-nulth Nations (Ahousaht, Ehattesaht/Chinekint, Hesquiaht, Mowachaht/ Muchalaht, and Tla-o-qui-aht) was found to be an unjustified infringement of their Aboriginal rights.

 

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Following this decision, then Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard the Honourable Dominic Leblanc made a public statement that the Department would work in collaboration with Indigenous groups and stakeholders to renew and co-develop the 1999 SAP.
The Department has initiated a phased approach to develop an updated Policy involving a high degree of collaboration with First Nations, the recreational and commercial fishing sectors, and the Province of B.C. We have engaged the services of an independent facilitator (Tawney Lem Consulting Inc.) to support the collaborative process.

We are currently in Phase 1 of the review, working on the collaborative development of a Terms of Reference to guide the scope and process of the review. Meetings have occurred with First Nations Fisheries Council working group, the five Nuu-chah-nulth Nations, the Commercial Salmon Advisory Board and the Sport Fishing Advisory Board, and the independent facilitators have developed a draft Terms of Reference (TOR) based on these discussions. Consultations on the draft TOR will be taking place this Fall 2020. For further information, please contact Nadine Pinnell, Manager, Consultation Secretariat (Nadine.Pinnell@dfo-mpo.gc.ca) or Heather Owens, A/Manager, Salmon Management (Heather.Owens@dfo-mpo.gc.ca).
2. Wild Salmon Policy 2018-2022 Implementation and Cohen Response Update
(Updated Oct 6, 2020)

Over fall 2018, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard officially announced the release of the Wild Salmon Policy 2018 – 2022 Implementation Plan and the final Cohen Response 2018 Status Update, as part of an integrated strategy to protect and rebuild wild salmon in BC.

The Wild Salmon Policy 2018-2022 Implementation Plan is a five-year plan that outlines 48 concrete activities and 9 overarching approaches that Pacific Region will undertake towards maintaining and restoring Pacific salmon populations and their habitats. These activities are clustered under three overarching themes: Assessment, Maintaining and Rebuilding Stocks, and Accountability, and it is recognized that while DFO has a leadership role to play, the overall success in advancing the Wild Salmon Policy (WSP) will require ongoing and enhanced collaboration going forward with partners including other levels of government, First Nations and stakeholders.

The first Annual Report on activities was published in April 2019; the 2019-20 Annual Report was published on July 3, 2020. The 2019-20 annual report was postponed, beyond the anticipated April 2020 release, due to DFO focusing efforts on maintaining essential services while advancing measures to minimize COVID-19 transmission. Both the Implementation Plan, and the Annual reports can be found on DFO’s Wild Salmon Policy Page: https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/species-especes/salmon-saumon/wsp-pss/index-eng.html
For more information contact: Jenny Liu Jenny.Liy@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

3. National Fishery Monitoring Policy (Updated September 11, 2020)
The national Fishery Monitoring Policy was finalized in November 2019 and is now available at: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/reports-ra...ry-monitoring-surveillance-des-peches-eng.htm. This policy aims to bring consistency in the development, delivery and evaluation of

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monitoring programs for all federally-managed wild capture fisheries in Canada, and will supersede the 2012 Strategic Framework for Fishery Monitoring and Catch Reporting in the Pacific Fisheries.

The Introduction to the procedural steps for implementing the Fishery Monitoring Policy was also developed to outline a process for the consistent national application of the Fishery Monitoring Policy, including steps such as assessing monitoring programs, setting monitoring objectives and requirements, and operationalizing monitoring programs. This document can be found at: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/reports-rapports/regs/sff-cpd/fmp-implementation-psp-mise-en-oeuvre-eng.htm

To discuss the Policy with regional staff, please contact Dan Leus at dan.leus@dfo-mpo.gc.ca or (250) 756-7147. We welcome your feedback and questions, as your contributions and participation are valuable to the implementation of the national Fishery Monitoring Policy.

4. Southern Resident Killer Whales (Updated September 10, 2020)
Management Measures to Address Reduced Prey Availability, and Physical and Acoustic Disturbance

The Government of Canada is taking important steps to protect and recover the Southern Resident Killer Whale population, in keeping with direction provided in Species at Risk Act (SARA) recovery documents. In May 2018, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister of Environment and Climate Change determined the Southern Resident Killer Whale population faces imminent threats to its survival and recovery. Given the status of the population and ongoing threats to Southern Resident Killer Whale recovery, DFO implemented a number of measures between 2018 and 2020, including measures aimed at increasing prey availability and accessibility for Southern Resident Killer Whales - particularly Chinook salmon—and reducing threats related to physical and acoustic disturbance in key foraging areas.

For the 2021 salmon fishing season, the Department will be reviewing the 2020 fishery management actions and discussing potential measures with Indigenous groups, as part of the Southern Resident Killer Whale Prey Technical Working Group and with the Indigenous Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Group, and with key stakeholder groups.
The Department intends to ensure that any updates to actions for the 2021 season can be implemented by Spring 2021 to coincide with the return of Southern Resident Killer Whales in greater numbers to the Salish Sea.

Further information regarding the Southern Resident Killer Whale management measures to support recovery, please contact the Marine Mammal Team (DFO.SRKW-ERS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca).

Monitoring and Assessment Framework: The Government of Canada developed a monitoring and assessment framework for the 2019 Southern Resident Killer Whale management measures (and beyond) to track progress and inform future management decisions. The development of this framework was informed by input from the Southern Resident Killer Whale Technical Working Groups, the Indigenous and Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Group as well as through engagement opportunities

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with U.S. partners (e.g. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the Province of British Columbia, Indigenous groups, and stakeholder organizations. The framework includes short and long-term indicators, associated performance measures, and is informed by many data sources. The 2019 monitoring and assessment report is being drafted, with input by Indigenous groups, the Southern Resident Killer Whale Technical Working Groups and the Indigenous Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Group. The 2019 report is expected in Fall/Winter 2020/21.

Southern Resident Killer Whale Technical Working Groups: In December 2018, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Transport Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada convened Technical Working Groups (TWGs) to support the development of measures to address key threats to the recovery of the Southern Resident Killer Whales. Similar to the 2019 and 2020 process, the TWGs will be reviewing and providing feedback on the management measures for implementation in 2021 that address the threats to recovery of SRKW (including increasing prey availability, Southern Resident Killer Whale sanctuaries, vessel disturbance [noise and physical disturbance] and contaminants), as well as longer-term actions to support Southern Resident Killer Whale recovery.

5. Species at Risk (SARA) Updates and Consultations (Updated Oct 5 2020)
Pacific Salmon
Over 60 salmon and two anadromous trout designatable units (DUs) have been recently, or will soon be, assessed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). For regular (non-emergency) processes, COSEWIC’s submission of its assessments to the Government of Canada, via its annual report, initiates the process to determine whether or not to list a species under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). The Governor in Council (GIC; Cabinet) may, on the recommendation of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, add the species to the List of Wildlife Species at Risk; decide not to add the species to the List; or refer the matter back to COSEWIC. To inform the recommendation and final listing decision, DFO prepares the following regional information: a Recovery Potential Assessment (science advice); management scenarios (outlining measures to potentially be taken if the species is, or is not listed); Indigenous Cultural Significance information; a Cost-Benefit Analysis; and, consultations with First Nations, stakeholders, and the general public.

Species / Population No. of DUs DU’s COSEWIC Assessment Assessed Status SARA Status Sakinaw Sockeye 1 2016 (April) EN TBD Interior Fraser Coho 1 2016 (Nov.) TH TBD Okanagan Chinook 1 2017 (April) EN TBD Fraser River Sockeye (Group I) 24* 2017 (November) EN (8*), TH (2), SC (5), NAR (9) TBD Southern BC Chinook (Group I) 16 2018 (November) EN (8), TH (4), SC (1), DD (2), NAR (1) TBD

 

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with U.S. partners (e.g. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the Province of British Columbia, Indigenous groups, and stakeholder organizations. The framework includes short and long-term indicators, associated performance measures, and is informed by many data sources. The 2019 monitoring and assessment report is being drafted, with input by Indigenous groups, the Southern Resident Killer Whale Technical Working Groups and the Indigenous Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Group. The 2019 report is expected in Fall/Winter 2020/21.

Southern Resident Killer Whale Technical Working Groups: In December 2018, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Transport Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada convened Technical Working Groups (TWGs) to support the development of measures to address key threats to the recovery of the Southern Resident Killer Whales. Similar to the 2019 and 2020 process, the TWGs will be reviewing and providing feedback on the management measures for implementation in 2021 that address the threats to recovery of SRKW (including increasing prey availability, Southern Resident Killer Whale sanctuaries, vessel disturbance [noise and physical disturbance] and contaminants), as well as longer-term actions to support Southern Resident Killer Whale recovery.

5. Species at Risk (SARA) Updates and Consultations (Updated Oct 5 2020)
Pacific Salmon
Over 60 salmon and two anadromous trout designatable units (DUs) have been recently, or will soon be, assessed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). For regular (non-emergency) processes, COSEWIC’s submission of its assessments to the Government of Canada, via its annual report, initiates the process to determine whether or not to list a species under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). The Governor in Council (GIC; Cabinet) may, on the recommendation of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, add the species to the List of Wildlife Species at Risk; decide not to add the species to the List; or refer the matter back to COSEWIC. To inform the recommendation and final listing decision, DFO prepares the following regional information: a Recovery Potential Assessment (science advice); management scenarios (outlining measures to potentially be taken if the species is, or is not listed); Indigenous Cultural Significance information; a Cost-Benefit Analysis; and, consultations with First Nations, stakeholders, and the general public.

Species / Population No. of DUs DU’s COSEWIC Assessment Assessed Status SARA Status Sakinaw Sockeye 1 2016 (April) EN TBD Interior Fraser Coho 1 2016 (Nov.) TH TBD Okanagan Chinook 1 2017 (April) EN TBD Fraser River Sockeye (Group I) 24* 2017 (November) EN (8*), TH (2), SC (5), NAR (9) TBD Southern BC Chinook (Group I) 16 2018 (November) EN (8), TH (4), SC (1), DD (2), NAR (1) TBD
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Steelhead Trout (Thompson & Chilcotin)** 2 2020 (November) TBD^ TBD Fraser River Sockeye (Group II) 7 2021 (April) (November) TBD^ TBD Southern BC Chinook (Group II) 12 2020 (November) TBD^ TBD
*Includes Cultus Lake Population
**Regular re-assessment (declined for emergency listing July 2019)
^delayed from April 2020 due to COVID-19
DU – Designatable Unit
EN – Endangered TH – Threatened SC – Special concern
DD - Data Deficient
NAR - Not At Risk

DFO is currently working to developing regional listing information for the above noted species, to support GiC’s decision. Opportunities to provide input and for online and in-person consultation will be forthcoming.
Further information on the SARA listing process can be found at: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/publications/sara-lep/policy-politique/index-eng.html. DFO’s BC Salmon Integrated Fisheries Management Plans identify specific conservation objectives for these and other salmon stocks in the section titled Fishery Management Objectives for Stocks of Concern.

DFO contact: Chantelle Caron (chantelle.caron@dfo-mpo.gc.ca)

Lower Fraser River White Sturgeon
The Lower Fraser River White Sturgeon designatable unit was assessed in 2012 by COSEWIC as threatened. Lower Fraser River White Sturgeon extends from the mouth of the Fraser River to Hell’s Gate.

For aquatic species assessed as threatened or endangered, DFO is required to follow a standard process to support the Species at Risk Act listing process and provide listing recommendations to the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, who provides them to GiC for decision. DFO develops regional listing information, including recovery potential assessments, management scenarios, socio-economic analyses, cultural significance information and consultation input, to support GiC’s decision.
Consultation Opportunities:
Development of the recovery potential assessment for Lower Fraser River White Sturgeon is underway.
It is anticipated that engagement on management scenarios and online and in-person consultations on the regional listing recommendation will occur in 2021.
DFO contacts:
Ahdia Hassan (ahdia.hassan@dfo-mpo.gc.ca)
Erin Gertzen (erin.gertzen@dfo-mpo.gc.ca)

Humpback Whale

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The North Pacific Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) was originally listed as Threatened under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) in 2005.The North Pacific Humpback population was re-assessed as Special Concern in 2011 by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), and was legally listed as Special Concern under SARA in 2017. As required under SARA, DFO and the Parks Canada Agency are developing a Management Plan that sets out the overall management goal(s), objectives and conservation activities needed to ensure that the species does not become threatened or endangered.

Consultation Opportunities:
It is anticipated that consultations on the draft Management Plan will occur in winter 2020-21.
DFO contact: Heather Brekke (heather.brekke@dfo-mpo.gc.ca)

Grey Whale
The Pacific Coast Feeding Group and Western Pacific populations of Grey Whale were assessed by COSEWIC as Endangered in 2017. For aquatic species assessed as Threatened or Endangered, DFO is required to follow a standard process to support the Species at Risk Act listing process and provide listing recommendations to the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, who provides them to GiC for decision. DFO develops regional listing information, including recovery potential assessments, management scenarios, socio-economic analyses, cultural significance information (where available) and consultation input, to support GiC’s decision.

Consultation Opportunities:
Consultations on the regional listing recommendation for Western Pacific population and Pacific Coast Feeding Group population of Grey Whale are anticipated to be held in winter 2020-21.

DFO contact: Heather Brekke (heather.brekke@dfo-mpo.gc.ca)

Fin Whale:
The Fin Whale (Pacific population) was listed as Threatened under SARA in 2006. In May 2019, COSEWIC re-assessed this population as Special Concern. This reassessment was received by the Minister of the Environment in October 2019. Fisheries and Oceans will hold online consultations on whether or not the Schedule 1 status of the Pacific Fin Whale should be changed from Threatened to Special Concern.

Consultation Opportunities:
Consultations on whether to amend the status of the Fin Whale (Pacific population) under SARA are anticipated to be held in winter 2020-21.
DFO contact: Heather Brekke (heather.brekke@dfo-mpo.gc.ca)

 

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MPA Network Planning (Updated September 21 2020)
The MPA network planning process is an important initiative for protection and maintenance of marine biodiversity and ecological representation in the Northern Shelf Bioregion. It is an initiative established through a tripartite governance agreement between the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and 17 First Nations. There are 21 Nations not involved in the partnership process but which have traditional territories which overlap with the planning footprint.

The draft MPA Network design scenario was shared in February 2019 with non-signatory First Nations and in early spring 2019 with stakeholders. Meetings with sub-regional and bioregional advisory committees, and sector-based bilateral meetings, were held to discuss the draft design further and clarify the engagement process moving forward. Stakeholders provided feedback in June 2019 and January 2020, including two alternative design scenarios proposed by the commercial fishing sector and ENGOs.

A stakeholder forum was held in February 2020 to present and discuss feedback received. DFO completed its internal review of the draft design scenario and presented the report to the MPA Technical Team in March 2020. Governance partners are considering all input received to date and will be reporting out to stakeholders in late fall 2020. Revising the draft scenario will occur during the winter 2021 after which there will be further consultations, including public engagement in coastal communities, on scenario #2 and the accompanying socio-economic analysis.

More information on the MPA Network process can be found at: http://mpanetwork.ca/bcnorthernshelf/ or by contacting: info@mpanetwork.ca
DFO Contacts – Karen Leslie (Regional Manager, Marine Spatial Planning, North Coast) Karen.Leslie@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

7. RCA Review (Updated September 21, 2020)
DFO is continuing a multi-year review of the current 162 RCAs; discussions are also underway on aligning the review of RCAs in the Northern Shelf Bioregion with the MPA network planning process in the area. Engagement in other bioregions will occur in subsequent years, however delays due to the current pandemic are anticipated. For a summary of general marine planning initiatives, including contacts and links, please see the attached document ‘Marine Planning Initiatives-Summary_Sept 15_2020_final(1).pdf.

The RCA review assesses current activities in RCAs and their risks to rockfish and their habitat and will explore other measures to improve the conservation effectiveness of RCAs. Two recent

Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) RCA assessments of interest include:

1) a risk assessment of permitted human activities in RCAs – link to: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas-sccs/Publications/SAR-AS/2019/2019_057-eng.html

2) a regional assessment of ecological attributes in RCAs – link to: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas-sccs/Publications/ScR-RS/2019/2019_022-eng.html.

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Further information on RCAs is available online at: http://dfo-mpo.gc.ca/rockfish-conservation, or for any questions and further information on the RCA review, please contact DFO.RCA-ACS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

8. Fraser River – Big Bar Slide (Updated Sept 22, 2020)
In June 2019, DFO received reports of a landslide in a remote, rugged canyon along the Fraser River north of Lillooet, British Columbia, on the traditional territory of the Secwepemc Nation. Huge pieces of rock and significant debris had sheared off a 125-metre cliff and crashed in to the river, narrowing the river and creating a 5-metre-high waterfall. The landslide created an impassible barrier for all salmon destined for rivers and streams upstream of this slide fish passage, and an immediate ecological crisis for the returning stocks and the ecosystem above the slide site.

In September 2019, based on the collaborative efforts of the First Nations, Provincial and Federal governments, combined with the support of other agencies, stakeholder groups, and geotechnical and hydrological experts, thousands of salmon were able to migrate past the landslide site. This movement was achieved through the trapping and transport of fish, as well as the partial re-establishment of a natural fish passage due to rock manipulation and naturally lower water levels. Throughout the operation, the safety of the response team remained a top priority.

In October 2019, the response to the Big Bar landslide transitioned from the Emergency Response Incident Command System to an ongoing urgent project response.
In December, 2019, DFO awarded the contract for winter construction at the landslide site to Peter Kiewit Sons ULC (Kiewit). This work included breaking up and removing rock at the site to improve passage for Pacific salmon during the migration season. Despite challenging weather and difficult access, Kiewit has successfully met the winter work objectives of gaining access to the site to clear debris, blasting boulders and widening the river channel.

Two technical working groups, comprising experts from governments, stakeholders, non-profit organizations, and academia, were established to develop comprehensive mitigation measures for alternate fish passage systems and conservation-based enhancement ahead of the 2020 migration season. This spring, systems like a “nature-like” fishway, the Whooshh Passage Portal™ and ‘truck and transport’ were implemented.

The migration of salmon up the Fraser River this year has been significantly slowed by high water levels from late April to early August. As a result, fish arrived at Big Bar much later than usual. Salmon are now able to pass at much higher river volumes compared to 2019, which is the direct result of the construction of the “nature-like” fishway and rock removal this past winter. Increasing numbers of salmon are able to successfully pass the slide site without assistance. As such, alternative fish passage

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systems such as the Whooshh Passage Portal™ and ‘truck and transport’ have been temporarily suspended.

DFO’s monitoring program is expected to continue until the end of the coho migration season in early November. The program remains key to understanding fish movement at Big Bar, the impacts of the remaining slide debris on migration, and the effectiveness of the alternative fish passage systems. Data analysis is currently underway to determine the flow levels at which salmon can pass the slide site and the associated survival rates.

The emergency enhancement program has met its collection targets for chinook and sockeye salmon this season. To date, the team has collected 118 chinook and 414 sockeye from the earliest migrating and most at-risk stocks. These salmon are being used to support impacted populations. Together with the Upper Fraser Fisheries Conservation Alliance, DFO recently completed the collection of additional at-risk salmon from natal streams.

In partnership with the Province and First Nations governments and representatives, DFO is considering all available options to address the Big Bar landslide to reduce the long-term impact on future salmon stocks. Plans and designs are well underway for an engineering solution, such as a permanent fishway, that will restore natural fish passage at the site.
DFO and the Province have invested significant funds to address the Big Bar landslide. It is important that efforts continue, as required, on this critical initiative – until the point that sustainable passage for Pacific salmon is re-established.

Further details and weekly updates/bulletins may be found on the DFO website at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pacific-smon-pacifique/big-bar-landslide-eboulement/index-eng.html

 

[Whole in the Water]

Can't figure out how to post the 2 Excel spreadsheets or PowerPoint slide deck so if you want to see these probably best to contact Ryan Chamberlain the Area 19/20 SFAB Local Chair at
ryanc.sfab@gmail.com