Fisheries and Oceans Canada
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Archived – Herring Spawn on Kelp
Archived Content
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Area
- Prince Rupert (Areas 3, 4 and 5)
- Queen Charlotte Islands Area 2W (minor area)
- Area 12 (minor area)
- Area 27 (minor area)
*Note: In 2010, Commercial herring fisheries remain closed in the West Coast of Vancouver Island, Central Coast and the Queen Charlotte Islands Stock Assessment Areas
Date of season (subject to change)
February 10, 2010 until June 30, 2010.
Total Allowable Catches and Sharing Arrangements (if applicable)
In the herring spawn on kelp fishery, herring are ponded or allowed to spawn on kelp species and then the kelp is harvested and processed. The objective is not to harvest the herring but rather the eggs adhered to the kelp after spawning has occurred. Licence holders are restricted to specific geographical areas and are provided an Individual Quota of approximately 16,000 lbs. each year. There are 46 licence eligibilities in the Spawn on Kelp fishery. The fishery traditionally takes place in 4 of the 5 major stock assessment areas and in 3 minor stock assessment areas. Annual scientific assessment determines whether each of these areas can support a commercial fishery.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) will consult with First Nations in order to determine their Food, Social and Ceremonial (FSC) requirements. First Nations will be authorized to fish for FSC purposes on a priority basis through the use of a communal licence.
There currently is no recreational fishery for spawn on kelp.
Management Measures
The Integrated Herring Harvest Planning Committee (IHHPC) was established by the Department to promote a more representative advisory process related to herring harvest planning, management, and postseason review. The goal of the IHHPC is to support the development of fishing plans that are coordinated and integrated, to identify potential conflicts, and to make recommendations for resolving disputes.
To ensure conservation and protection of the Pacific herring stocks, precautionary limits are established to ensure that harvest proceeds in a sustainable manner and that sufficient biomass is available to replenish the stocks on an ongoing basis.
To ensure full accounting of catch, a dockside monitoring program validates all catches from the fishery by recording all landings and providing a final report documenting all catch by date, gear type and geographic location.
