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New salmon regs announced for area fishers

Only springs and chinook with the adipose fin removed (hatchery) may be kept over 85 centimetres.

Department of Fisheries and Oceans have released new salmon fishing regulations for southern Vancouver Island, alleviating concerns of a complete ban to recreational and commercial anglers.

Effective June 18 to July 15, fishers will be allowed two chinook salmon (wild or hatchery) per person, per day, with a size between 45 and 85 centimetres.

Only springs and chinook with the adipose fin removed (hatchery) may be kept over 85 centimetres. The restriction remains in place up to Sombrio Point.

DFO’s unveiled restrictions still comes as a relief for recreational and commercial fishermen, who just one month ago faced a complete salmon fishing ban by DFO due to low salmon stocks.

“It could have been worse,” said Juan de Fuca Electoral Area director Mike Hicks.

Other things remain unchanged, however.

Barbless hooks are still required when fishing for salmon in tidal and non-tidal waters of B.C., and the minimum size limit for chinook salmon in these waters is 45 centimetres.

Sport anglers are also encouraged to participate in the voluntary Salmon Sport Head Recovery program by labeling and submitting heads from adipose fin-clipped chinook and coho salmon.

For more information, please go online to pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca.