New Chinook salmon limits of one per day for sportfishing took effect on June 1. Prior to the regulation change, the limit was two. Powell River is one of the regions where limits have been imposed.
The action taken by Fisheries and Oceans Canada is primarily to address Chinook conservation concerns, not to preserve the primary food source of south coast resident orcas, according to Fisheries and Oceans Canada fisheries officer Ben Rahier.
“The main purpose of this regulation change in our area specifically is to protect a few unique Fraser River Chinook populations; the new limit has been implemented as a conservation measure,” said Rahier. “There's a bit of a misconception going around that the sole purpose of this lowering of the limit is to protect the food source of orcas on the south coast.”
According to a Fisheries and Oceans statement, the measures are intended to result in a 25 to 35 per cent exploitation reduction rate for Chinook stocks of concern to support conservation and promote rebuilding.
The daily limit on Chinook is now one per day, per licence and two in overall possession. After catching two salmon, the fisher must return to their primary residence to reset their limit, according to Rahier.
Reaction from the Powell River fishing community has been mixed, said Rahier.
“Most folks are understanding,” he added. “Once they're informed this is to preserve the Chinook population for now and future generations, they’re generally on board.”
Enforcement of the regulations is handled by fisheries officers. Fines and penalties vary depending on the infraction.
The regulations are in effect until October 1, when the limit will return to two.
