The Current Situation
Recreational anglers in British Columbia’s Howe Sound are facing a major setback as the harvesting of chinook salmon is currently prohibited. Since April 2019, the south coast fishery has been closed, with the exception of coho salmon and pink salmon. Jason Assonitis, a fishing guide with over 30 years of experience in local waters, and Dave Brown, chair of the Squamish-Lillooet Sport Fish Advisory Committee, are leading the charge to have regulations lifted to allow for the retention of hatchery chinook in certain areas of Howe Sound.
Background
In 2019, the Sports Fishing Advisory Board submitted a proposal to allow for the retention of hatchery chinook in portions of Howe Sound, but it was rejected. Since then, the anglers have continued to advocate for change, adjusting their proposal to better align with Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) guidelines.
Key Issues
• **Data Collection**: Assonitis and Brown believe they have data to support opening fishing in the area. They have been collecting fish DNA and sampling fish for three days a week. • **Conservation**: The anglers want to ensure that the fishing regulations are in place to protect wild chinook stocks and prevent the mortality of wild chinook and hatchery chinook below the size limit. • **First Nations**: The Squamish Nation has expressed concerns about the recreational retention of hatchery chinook, citing the need to conserve a fisheries resource and access to First Nations’ fishing rights.
| Issue | Position of Squamish Nation | Position of Anglers |
|---|---|---|
| Data and Science | No sufficient data to support change | Data collected and scientific fishing licence used to sample and collect DNA |
| Conservation | Protecting wild chinook stocks | Ensuring balance between conservation and harvest |
| First Nations | Access to FSC (food, social, and ceremonial) fishing rights | Respect for First Nations’ concerns and needs |
The Proposal
The Sports Fishing Advisory Board has submitted a proposal every year since 2020, but it has been rejected each time. The current proposal, which has been adjusted to better align with DFO’s guidelines, allows for the retention of hatchery chinook in portions of Howe Sound from April 1 to May 30, 2026.
Key Points
• **Catch Limit**: The proposal limits the catch to one hatchery marked salmon per day. • **Size Limit**: The fish must be between 62 and 80 centimetres to be harvested. • **Data Collection**: The proposal includes a requirement for data collection to ensure the sustainability of the fishery.
The Response from DFO
Fisheries and Oceans Canada has responded to the proposal by stating that it has consulted broadly on the use of Mark Selective Fisheries (MSF) as a fishery management tool.
“The department is considering advice from First Nations and stakeholders on how best to use MSF regulations in the future,” stated a DFO spokesperson.
MSF Pilots
Several MSF pilots for recreational chinook fishing have opened in April 2024, which may be seen as a positive step towards implementing the proposed fishery.
The Future
The decision around fisheries is managed federally, and the anglers are awaiting a response from the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, Joanne Thompson. “We are the last people that want to do any damage to these stocks of concern.”
The sport fishing industry in British Columbia is a significant contributor to the local economy, with many anglers relying on the sport for their livelihood. “It’s the real pinnacle of sport fishing, and what always has been the top one we want to go catch.”
The anglers are not giving up, and they continue to advocate for change, believing that the ocean conditions in Howe Sound are thriving with herring anchovies, whales, and sea lions.
Mark Selective Fisheries (MSF): A fishery management tool used to select specific species of fish for harvest, while protecting other species.
First Nations: Indigenous peoples who have traditional rights to certain lands and resources, including fishing rights.
Sport Fishing Advisory Board: A group of stakeholders who advise on recreational fishing regulations and management.
Public Fishery Alliance: A group of anglers and conservationists who advocate for sustainable fishing practices and management.
Squamish Nation: A First Nations community in British Columbia, with traditional rights to fishing and other resources in the area.
