Nass FSC Catch Update #7 2023
The Gitanyow Fisheries Authority (GFA) is an arm of the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs office and is mandated to help effectively manage the fisheries values in the Gitanyow Lax Yip (Traditional Territory). Since 1994 the Gitanyow have been signatories to DFO Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy whereby annually the Gitanyow Nation is issued DFO Communal fishing licenses on the Nass to harvest salmon. The fishery is conducted on the Nass River mainstem and in several tributaries at traditional fishing sites within the Gitanyow Lax Yip. Fishing is only allowed if authorized by the Gitanyow Chiefs and fishing permits are provided by GFA. GFA Catch Monitors collect catch numbers from fishers through direct interviews on a weekly basis and catch numbers are shared with DFO in-season for salmon management purposes. The Gitanyow have been sharing their catch numbers publically online, and they will do so again this year.
GFA will be monitoring the Nass salmon returns in 2023 and advise the Gitanyow Chiefs of any conservation concerns requiring internal Gitanyow Fisheries management actions. Any management actions required in 2023 will be discussed and considered in partnership with DFO.
2023 Gitanyow Nass Salmon Harvest Numbers to date (updated to end of day September 23):
Sockeye = 7,678
Chinook = 66
Jack Chinook = 4
Coho = 67
Pink = 15
Chum = 0
Steelhead = 1
Note: All numbers reported in this update should be considered preliminary until the complete accounting is finalized in the post-season.