Nass sockeye and steelhead are just two of the species that fishermen taking part in a First Nations demonstration fishery on the Nass River will be keen on catching.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) opened the demonstration fishery to the Gitanyow Fisheries Authority (GFA), who will also be targeting non-retention coho, chinook and chum.
According to a DFO document titled Demonstration fisheries at a glance, a demonstration fishery tests new fishing methods, such as fishing in new areas or in new ways.
“This could involve using a new type of gear like fish wheels, or fishing in new locations using more traditional methods such as weirs, seining or gillnetting,” reads the document.
“A key objective is to determine if these fisheries are commercially viable in terms of meeting local market demands and managing smaller catches across a broad geographic area.”
Currently, the GFA conducts salmonid stock assessment, fish and wildlife habitat assessment and environmental impact assessment, as well as performing other research within the Gitanyow Territory.
The demonstration fishery will be open from the start of Sunday, July 28, closing on Saturday, August 3, at midnight, at sites along the main stem of the Nass River.
READ MORE: Skeena First Nations call on DFO to close recreational fishing for chinook salmon
This demonstration fishery was proposed and reviewed as part of the work to implement updates to the Commercial Salmon Allocation Framework (CSAF) and was included in the draft 2019/20 Integrated Fisheries Management Plans for public review and feedback prior to approval.
Jenna Cocullo | Journalist
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