DFO F1089 Announcement – Chum Salmon Johnstone Straight

If you are planning on attending the annual Charity Chum Derby, October 12-14th, you are in luck, at least for now. The DFO just announced that recreational fishing stays open, and commercial is being suspended.

The Chum Derby is an island tradition, and 2018 marks the 17th annual. There’s a full-heated entertainment tent and let’s not forget the services that Brown’s Bay offers. However, if you haven’t booked moorage or accommodation, you are likely out of luck; I know I am personally.

If you decide to go, we’d love to get your pictures and stories from the event, so don’t hesitate to send them, or any other news to us here: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Here’s the notice as of September 28, 2018.

Be sure to watch for further notices (i.e. October 1st, 2018) and always check your regs.

Subject: FN1089-COMMERCIAL - Salmon - Chum - Area 12 and 13 - Johnstone Strait - Mixed Stock Fisheries - Update

Johnstone Strait Chum test-fishing catches to date have been poor and are 
tracking below 2010 levels for the similar time period. In 2010 fisheries were 
suspended based on the high likelihood that abundance was below the 1.0 million 
chum critical threshold identified in the IFMP and Chapter 6 of the Pacific 
Salmon Treaty. While abundance is uncertain, indications are that abundance is 
tracking below the 1.0 million threshold and at this time commercial fisheries 
will be suspended.  

Area H troll will remain open until 23:59 hours September 30, 2018 in those 
areas announced in FN1061 and will not reopen as scheduled on October 2, 2018. 
Subarea 13-3 will close at 23:59 hours September 30, 2018.  

The Area B seine opening scheduled for October 1, 2018, will be suspended.

The Area D gill net opening, scheduled from October 9 to 11, 2018 will be 
suspended.

Area B seine, Area D gill net, and Area H troll fishers are advised that the 
test-fishing catches and abundance estimates will continue to be monitored and 
if required a revised fishing plan, based on updated in-season information, 
will inform any future fishing opportunities. 

The next scheduled update is Monday, October 1, 2018.