FISHERIES NOTICE – GITANYOW FSC NASS CHINOOK CLOSURE, 2017
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY - The Gitanyow Fisheries Authority (GFA) is requesting that all Gitanyow fishers no longer target or retain chinook (Spring) salmon in the Nass Watershed (river and all tributaries) for the remainder of 2017. These steps are being taken because Nass chinook returns have been extremely poor this year and we want to ensure that enough fish make it back to spawn. Designated Gitanyow fishers can still fish for other Nass salmon species, but if you catch a chinook salmon please release it immediately back into the water with the least possible harm. If you catch a chinook salmon and it is dead you may keep it, but we would encourage fishers to do short sets if using a gillnet, which will help keep chinook caught in nets alive until they can be released.
GFA would like fishers to know that we do not take this closure lightly and realize it may cause hardship for Gitanyow people who rely on salmon annually. We would also like people to know that all other fishing sectors are also closed to Nass chinook retention for the remainder of this year. if you see any fishers targeting Nass chinook or committing any other fisheries offense please call DFO's reporting line at 1-877-952-7277.
GFA will continue to monitor the situation to ensure all necessary steps are being taken to get as many Nass chinook salmon back this year for conservation reasons. If you have any questions regarding this issue or any other fishing related topic please call our office at (250) 849-5373.
Thank you