Commercial fisheries will once again be able to harvest Pacific herring on the North and Central coasts this year, though in a limited capacity.
Low populations and conservation concerns had forced the DFO to cancel all commercial herring fisheries north of Vancouver Island last year.
This year’s Integrated Fisheries Management Plan, released today, continues their precautionary approach, while allowing for limited opportunities.
Under the plan, First Nations fisheries for food, social, and ceremonial purposes are planned to open in all areas.
Commercial herring fisheries, however, will be restricted to the Prince Rupert, Central Coast, and Straight of Georgia stock areas.
Maximum harvest levels in the Prince Rupert District are set at 1,620 metric tonnes, representing a 5 percent harvest rate.
On the Central Coast, levels are capped at 1,306 metric tonnes, for a harvest rate of 7 percent.
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