Tofino / Ucluelet Fishing Report:
B.C. Halibut Fishing on the Hotplate
January 31st, 2008
Recreational Halibut Fishing on the B.C. Coast is facing potential changes to reduce catch to stay within 12% of the Total Allowable Catch
for the B.C. coast. There has been talk of closures within various chat circles, which is extremely unlikely.
This potential adaption to our normal regulations is not based on Conservation measures, as the overall biomass of Halibut in the North
Pacific is very stable.
Members of local Sports Fishing Advisory committees were asked to respond to a list of outlined options presented by DFO, in their efforts
to approach a reduction of the recreational catch in poundage, for the 2008 season.
For many who are unaware of the situation that has brought this scenario about for these interm recreational cutbacks, you might consider
reading this document.
http://www.gulftrollers.com/Misc/Commercial_vs_Recreational_Allocation.pdf
My personal response to the outlined options, and expanded reasoning is as follows. We will keep you posted as to how the 2008 Halibut
fishing opportunities unfold for recreational fishing in British Columbia.
Good Evening Devona and Chuck,
Please consider my personal response and comments regarding the Halibut options provided, as well as approx. 10 separate responses from
members of our local Tofino-Ucluelet SFAC committee. These will be forwarded to you separately following this e-mail.
First and foremost, I have deliberated in length to which proposed scenario would best serve the broad interests of the recreational fishing
community, as well as citizens of Canada.
I consider the fact that the conundrum we face is not based on conservation concerns, but is due to a sectoral allocation which we have
adamantly disputed as a Canadian common property resource, turned beneficial commodity. I don't need to remind you that the benefits are
currently not pointing to the Recreational Sector in this allocation based mechanism.
I can not find a suitable solution to the issues at hand, based on the provided options alone. My recommended approach to DFO for Short
and Long term solutions are;
Neah Bay Fishery;
To be forced into the allocation process and growth cap to our popular and economically beneficial Canadian Halibut fishery is one step
that our sector has had to adapt. To witness an illegal, non-resident fishery extract a percentage of our allocation, it seems logical
that this issue should receive priority focus by DFO. I try to understand the political challenges, but the fact is we are witnessing Canadian
Halibut being "stolen" while we watch.
Consider if you were a Car Dealership, and your neighbouring Car Dealership came over and took about 20% of your vehicles to sell on their
own lot, while you watched-with no compensation. Unfortunately those were the only cars made for that year, and the local law enforcement
were already too busy with people stealing hubcaps...........I'm sure you understand.
On-Line License sales are a start, and potentially a way to decrease a fair portion. Adding area 1-23 to the existing area 1-21 exclusion
is important.
Area 1-21 closure outside 12nm may be necessary as a pilot to assess the decrease of Neah Bay Fleet. Understanding that this fleet also
fishes 1-23, temporary closure of the main accessible area of 1-21 should provide a message to this fleet, along with changes to the on-line
licenses, that Canada is not welcoming this illegal activity. To date, it has been far too easy for them, but this will not work alone.
Increased enforcement will have to be juxtaposed with these new measures to get the message across.
I am not an advocate for requesting decreased access for Canadians that fish area 1-21, but this is not unlike what we have lived with
in Clayoquot for some time. We have had to face measures in a terminal area that are unlike other areas. Ideally this would not be a long
term closure if DFO/IHPC/WSFG deal with this accordingly.
Transfer Mechanism
Aside from focus on stopping the Neah Bay fishery, the potential transfer of allocation should be exercised if at all possible, and that
DFO should utilize existing funds held in trust by the PHMA to acquire quota for the recreational sector in 2008.
Size Limits
I do not agree or support any of the options regarding the listed maximum size limits, as I question the legitimacy of these size limits
being beneficial to the health of the overall biomass. Understandable that these were factored in the absence of quota transfer and unknowns
of decrease in the Neah Bay fleet, but a maximum size limit of such small proportion is not the answer. Numerous scenarios, that include
increased release mortality, and degradation in the global sportfishing market are probable.
Consider that you are planning a fishing trip somewhere in North America prior to attending the 2010 Olympics. You peruse the Web, and
collect copies of various Sport Fishing magazines like "B.C. Outdoors", "Island Fisherman" and "Fishing Alaska" It
doesn't take long to consider which destination might fulfill the fish of your dreams.....The British Columbia angler is proudly displaying
his maximum size Chicken Halibut of a whopping 18lbs. The front cover of "Fishing Alaska" shows Halibut in the 70 lb. range.
Though this is not an outrageously large Halibut, it easily helps the travelling angler with his choice.............
Possession/Daily Limits
I am adamant that the only option to consider at this time, is the temporary reduction in possession from 3 to 2 Halibut, with a daily
limit remaining at 2 per day. Keeping the size limit the same will still achieve the desired temporary decrease in catch, combined with
decrease of Neah Bay fishery and/or Transfer of Quota.
We have been told that a change in the possession limit would require 2-3 years. I have confidence that there is a way to make it happen
if there is a will within the department and Ottawa to facilitate the change.
The Tofino area is an example of challenges to the Size limit and daily limit combined. We are currently fortunate to have a consistent
mixed size Halibut fishery, within a very safe and fuel efficient distance of our coastline. Often this happens within 1-3 miles of Lennard
Island Lighthouse, with very few Halibut in the proposed max size of 85-90cm. If anglers are not fortunate to find a legal Halibut in this
area, they can then choose to travel approx. 12-16 miles further offshore to known Chicken Halibut areas to fish for their 1 (18-20 lb)
Halibut per person. The Juice isn't worth the squeeze!!!
In Conclusion; Facilitate Allocation Transfer, Neah Bay Decrease, Change on-line Lic. sales, No Max. Size Limit, Temporary 2 possession
Limit
Thank You for your time and efforts in helping with this process, and the favourable outcome.
Jason Mohl
Chairman Tofino-Ucluelet SFAC
Chairman Tofino Harbour Authority
Director SFI of B.C.
Clayoquot Ventures Guide Service ltd.
Clayoquot Vista Guesthouse
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Clayoquot Ventures