Submitted by Uu-a-thluk Outreach, Kelly Poirier
Jan. 12, 2006
At the Uu-a-thluk Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG) meeting that took
place in November, an on-going issue between the Ucluelet First Nation
and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) was raised. Ucluelet
First Nation members were concerned about their food and ceremonial access
to Dungeness Crabs within Ucluelet Harbour. With increasing sanitary closures
for other kinds of shellfish the First Nation does not have very many
options for food and ceremonial harvesting.
This past spring Chief Councilor Chuck McCarthy, assisted Uu-a-thluk Regional Biologist Mike Jacobs, discussed Ucluelet concerns with DFO. Ucluelet suggested different closure options. Specifically they were seeking at minimum to have a commercial closure for winter of the upcoming season. Following this meeting Department of Fisheries and Oceans opted for a temporary closure to commercial crab fishing for 6 months during summer for the entire harbour. This closure did not meet Ucluelet's request, as their primary access concern is for the winter time. The issue was brought back to the Joint Technical Working Group for discussion, as the dates for a winter closure were upcoming.
The JTWG meeting allowed continued dialogue and discussion about Ucluelet's concerns and ultimate desire for a full year-round closure to commercial crab fishing in Ucluelet Harbour. During the JTWG discussion, Uu-a-thluk Fisheries Staff and Jim Morrison of DFO reconsidered a commercial closure for Ucluelet Harbour Dungeness crab for the winter months. It was agreed to, for the purpose of the Integrated Fishing Management Plan, that the closure would be established from October 1st to March 31st.
This closure will
remain in place until Ucluelet First Nation provides catch and effort
data for their food and ceremonial fishery. This closure does not entirely
address Ucluelet First Nation's concerns for access to food and ceremonial
crab, but will help greatly to increase the harvest oppportunities during
the winter months when weather and closures within Ucluelet Harbour prohibit
access to other kinds of shellfish.
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Submitted by Uu-a-thluk Outreach, Kelly Poirier
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