Derby
Crew Member
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October 13, 2021 Seeking better understanding and working on the development of strategies to aid in recovery of salmon stocks and to allow for access and opportunity to sustainable fisheries has been a constant objective for the SFI and many of BC's angling community. SRKW AND PREY AVAILABILITY IN THE SALISH SEA A University of BC study, released in the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences on October 12, 2021, provides newly published information, supported in part by previous analysis and Chinook abundance estimates developed by Washington State Fish and Game, that refutes the link between the health and fitness of Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) and the availability of Chinook salmon in Juan De Fuca Strait during the summer months. The UBC study used a variety of sonar and fishing techniques to identify concentrations of large Chinook salmon in the Juan de Fuca Strait, the summer feeding grounds of SRKW, and Johnstone Strait, the summer feeding grounds of Northern Resident Killer Whales (NRKW). The full study is found here. The findings will not come as a surprise to anglers who frequent the study area and confirms observations of abundance of Chinook and behaviour of SRKW in the Salish Sea. From Southern resident killer whales encounter higher prey densities than northern resident killer whales during summer – Authors Mei Sato, Andrew W. Trites, and Stéphane Gauthier; “Contrary to expectations, we found that both killer whale habitats had patchy distributions of prey that did not differ in their frequencies of occurrence, nor in the size compositions of individual fish. However, the density of fish within each patch was 4–6 times higher in the southern resident killer whale habitat. These findings do not support the hypothesis that southern resident killer whales are experiencing a prey shortage in the Salish Sea during summer and suggest a combination of other factors is affecting overall foraging success.” One of those other factors is known to be the impact that vessel noise and physical presence has on SRKWs ability to forage and communicate. As many are aware, the SFI has long proposed implementation and enforcement of a 400m minimum avoidance zone between SRKWs and all vessels. To that end we offer both our thanks and congratulations to the tens of thousands of anglers and recreational boaters who have achieved a 71% reduction in incidents closer than 400m as reported by a recent press release by the Raincoast Conservation Society. This reduction clearly illustrates the effectiveness of boater and angler driven communication to reach an audience of hundreds of thousands of individuals that spend tens of thousands of days boating and fishing each year in Juan De Fuca and southern Georgia Strait. While the UBC study explains that it is a combination of other factors that affect overall foraging success in the Salish Sea, we urge all anglers and boaters to continue to respect the 400m avoidance distance as the best way to allow Killer whales undisturbed access to this abundant prey population, particularly when compared to what is available to the NRKW. Anglers have consistenly argued that avoidance and reduction of human interference due to noise or disturbance is the more important and impactful contribution to recovery, rather than either fishery restrictions or static closed areas. It is hoped that this study will allow DFO to focus on measures and actions that will benefit SRKW to best extent possible rather than to ineffectively and unnecessarily restrict opportunity for boaters and anglers. Recognizing that there has been sustained attention and focus given to SRKW, the SFI will continue to monitor and share findings and studies as they become available. Many reports, articles, presentations and studies, including this one, are archived on the SRKW and Pinnipeds page of the SFI website. THE BIG SPLASH RAFFLE - STILL TIME TO PURCHASE THE GRAND PRIZE WINNING TICKET! The early bird prizes for the Big Splash online raffle were drawn on Friday. Congratulations go to D. Fennell of Surrey who won the BioLite Firepit and Okuma SXT Mooching Rod package and to C. Cliff of Victoria who won the Duncanby Lodge engraved Islander TR3 Reel. Thanks again to our sponsors for the early bird prizes and to Kingfisher Boats, Yamaha, Scotty, GA Checkpoint for the Grand Prize boat and trailer package and to Langara Fishing Adventure, Coastal Springs Float Lodge, Nootka Marine Adventures, and Codfather Charters, Hardy Buoys, the Quarterdeck Inn and Pacific Coastal Airlines for the amazing fishing trips up for the final draw too. While the early bird draw has now come and gone there is still time left to get tickets to win one of the final or grand prize draws. Visit the SFI website for more information and to purchase tickets. Until next time, tight lines, The SFI Team ---- Check out the Fishing BC App on iOS or Android. Help the new Species ID feature to learn by submitting your fish photos. |
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May 6, 2022 2022 SRKW MANAGEMENT MEASURES ANNOUNCED The 2022 SRKW management measures were announced Friday of last week and can be found at this link. These measures represent significant gains, maintenance of, or moderate losses in fishing opportunity dependent on the area on the south coast. While static closures continue to be a component of DFO measures, the SFI does not support the approach as a means to protect a highly migratory and fast moving species like Killer Whales or their access to an equally migratory prey, salmon. The use of static closures or sanctuaries\no go zones will not provide any measurable protection to SRKW and limits the scope and area that protections are provided to the whales when they are in our waters. Although static closures and sancturaries continue to be implemented it would be more effective if there were presence or no presence triggers that could be applied to close and open areas so that activities in and around these zones could take place at times when whales are not present. In addition to the highly moveable and migratory habits of thier prey, there is increasing evidence that the habits of SRKW and other whales are changing and adapting. To have rigid parameters on confined area closures is ineffective for the whales. The idea that prey availability is a limiting factor in the ability for SRKW to increase their population levels has been debunked by many recent studies released by UBC, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and DFO scientists. These studies indicate that the abundance of Chinook when and where the SRKW are feeding in the Salish Sea, which includes the Straits of Juan de Fuca and Georgia, is significantly more than enough to support SRKW while they are in the area. Rather than prey availability restrictions by area or activity, we hope to see prey accessibility aided through use of mobile avoidance zones at the appropriate distances, currently 400m, to minimize distractions due to noise or proximity. The mobile avoidance zones are an effective tool that provides protection from competition for prey (aka prey accessibility) and physical disturbance wherever the whales are. It is the use of this strategy and changing habits of the whales that is likely responsible for any gains towards recovery and growth. LOCAL AND TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE HELPING WHALES AND COMMUNITIES In the south western portion of BC's SRKW habitat, notably Juan de Fuca Strait and the Port Renfrew area, the 2022 measures reflect the value and efficacy of the SFAB in bringing together community voices and interests, including collaboration with local indigenous communities, to provide a local perspective at well attended and organized public meetings. We offer our thanks to DFO for respecting the local SFAB process and considering the advice provided at those sessions, to the SFAB representatives who advocated for those local processes to occur with senior levels in DFO, and to those who co-chaired the sessions. Southern Gulf Islands and the mouth of the Fraser River are locations where more research is needed to identify both how much and when the SRKW use these areas for foraging and before new management measures are added or created that may or may not have a positive effect. As example, large portions of Pacifc Fishery Management Areas (PFMA) 20-3 and 20-4 were closed on the basis that it was believed that they were important foraging areas only to find that those beliefs did not stand up to scientific scrutiny. It is frustrating and damaging to perception and sustainable opportunity that DFO continues to implement optical solutions that are designed to placate vocal interests. These window dressing solutions have the potential to harm local residents and businesses unecessarily yet do not benefit the whales. We look forward to continuing to participate in consultation regarding SRKW in the hopes that good science, common sense and respect for local input can prevail over optics in efforts to effectively and meaningfully improve the circumstances for whales on our coast. BIG SPRING RAFFLE The Big Spring Raffle is underway, tickets are going fast and the Early Bird draw is just around the corner - May 19 ticket cutoff. Two early Bird Prizes, a special edition Duncanby Lodge Islander TR3 Reel and a BioLite Firepit and Okuma Rod package will be drawn on May 20. Main prizes including the Grand Prize, a Kingfisher Boat, Yamaha Motor and Scotty downriggers package, and trips to Langara Fishing Adventures and Newton Cove Resort - Nootka Marine Adventures will all be drawn on July 1. Multiple prizes can be won with the purchase of one ticket. For tickets and details visit the SFI homepage. FISHING BC APP - NEW AND ENHANCED FEATURES For fishing activity on the water this season and to have up to date DFO regulations in hand, to record your catch, contribute to improving a computer learning species identification feature and a UBC study on released salmon, and to use other useful features download the Fishing BC app. Free to everyone, get the FBC app on Apple or Android devices. FISHING BC 2022 Fishing BC, the promotional and awareness raising program partnering the SFI, with Destination BC, the BC Fishing Tourism Association and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, markets fishing in BC to anglers within and beyond our borders, is regularly updating materials and information available on its site. Visit fishingbc.com and be reminded of all the opportunities and variety available for fishing in BC. Until next time, tight lines, The SFI Team |
June 7, 2022FISHING RELATED INCIDENTAL MORTALITY (FRIM) STUDY LAUNCHES IN BAMFIELD The SFI, partnered with UBC and funded by the Provincial and Federal govenrments through the BC Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund, launched a project in Bamfield last week intended to improve understanding of Fishing Related Incidental Mortality or FRIM in Chinook salmon in the public fishery. FRIM is the name attributed to the percentage of Chinook salmon that die as a result of an encounter and release by a recreational angler. Studies conducted many years ago showed that survival rates of recreationally caught and released Chinook salmon were high. But, techniques and practices of anglers have evolved over time, there are now better assessment tools and techniques available, and this study plans to hold fish for a longer period to better understand the extent and physical reasons behind FRIM. This is important information to add to the existing knowledge about release impacts as hatchery retention and mark selective fisheries are considered. The findings of this study will assist fishery managers to implement and adapt management measures to account for, and potentially mitigate, impacts of selective fishing activity Maintaining salmon fishing activity for the public fishery is highly important to the coastal economy and social fabric of BC. It is apparent that selective fishing methods including mark selective fisheries will play an increasingly important role in fishery management and fishery opportunities in the future. The premise behind selective fishing is to ensure that any non-target stocks or species can be successfully released back into the water in a condition that will allow for future spawning success. BEST PRACTICES - RELEASE 'EM RIGHT The results of this study will also be used to produce a set of best practices for salmon fishing, that if followed by anglers will reduce overall FRIM in the fishery and benefit both potential fishing opportunity, and most importantly, the potential for released fish to spawn successfully. The best practices developed will be made available to anglers in a variety of means including written, video and social media content. Stay tuned for further developments after the study completes in 2023. CITIZEN SCIENCE IN ACTION This study, the efforts of the Avid Angler, and other sampling and catch data collection programs happening along the coast couldn't occur without the participation and contribution of guides and everyday anglers. PORT RENFREW NETPEN PROJECT A collaboration between the Pacheedaht First Nation, local guides, anglers, and the SFI with support from DFO is making good progress and expecting to release 40,000 juvenile Chinook into the waters of Port Renfrew soon. This collaborative project involves people who care deeply about the future sustainability and importance of salmon and the fishery activity they provide in the Port Renfrew area. This project is a great example of an entire community pulling together to achieve a balance between the cultural, socio-economic and conservation objectives associated with local salmon populations. SRKW MEASURES TRIGGERED The SRKW measures announced in early May have now been implemented. Sanctuary closures and fishery restrictions have been triggered by the appearance of SRKW in coastal waters. Please adhere to the regulations and where possible avoid whales rather than approach them. Specific regulations and details are found here. FISHING BC APP - NEW AND ENHANCED FEATURES For fishing activity on the water this season and to have up to date DFO regulations in hand, to record your catch, contribute to improving a computer learning species identification feature and a UBC study on released salmon, and to use other useful features download the Fishing BC app. Free to everyone, get the FBC app on Apple or Android devices. Until next time, tight lines, The SFI Team |
We are excited to announce a return to an in person SFI Big Splash Annual Social and Fundraiser evening on Friday, November 18th! And our 2022 Conference is also taking shape. The agenda and a full speakers list will be made available in advance. Speakers will be presenting on a variety of subjects and will provide remarks around this year's theme: Selective Fishing: Achieving a Balance. Come to the day conference and stay on for the evening event! Join us for a great opportunity to connect with friends and colleagues. And, check out an excellent assortment of items including a loaded boat, motor and trailer package donated by Bridgeview Marine, Mercury Marine, Scotty and Gibbs Delta Tackle. Early bird tickets available until October 27th! Make your plans and get tickets before November 8th. POLICY CONFERENCE time and tickets: 11:30am to 4:30pm | Tickets: $50.00 | School of 6:$280.00 BIG SPLASH FUNDRAISER time and tickets: 5:30pm to 10:00pm Early Bird Tickets: $150.00 (until Oct 27) | Early Bird Table of 10: $1350.00 Tickets: $175.00 (after Oct 27 until Nov 8 only) | Table of 10: $1600.00 |
Is the venue missing from the ad on purpose
We are excited to announce a return to an in person SFI Big Splash Annual Social and Fundraiser evening on Friday, November 18th!
And our 2022 Conference is also taking shape. The agenda and a full speakers list will be made available in advance. Speakers will be presenting on a variety of subjects and will provide remarks around this year's theme: Selective Fishing: Achieving a Balance.
Come to the day conference and stay on for the evening event! Join us for a great opportunity to connect with friends and colleagues. And, check out an excellent assortment of items including a loaded boat, motor and trailer package donated by Bridgeview Marine, Mercury Marine, Scotty and Gibbs Delta Tackle.
Early bird tickets available until October 27th! Make your plans and get tickets before November 8th.
POLICY CONFERENCE time and tickets:
11:30am to 4:30pm | Tickets: $50.00 | School of 6:$280.00
BIG SPLASH FUNDRAISER time and tickets:
5:30pm to 10:00pm
Early Bird Tickets: $150.00 (until Oct 27) | Early Bird Table of 10: $1350.00
Tickets: $175.00 (after Oct 27 until Nov 8 only) | Table of 10: $1600.00
It's at the Vancouver convention centerIs the venue missing from the ad on purpose
correctIt's at the Vancouver convention center