The spokesperson of Fisheries and Oceans Canada said that while the halibut sharing is on the edge the Huu-ay-aht First Nation of Bamfield on the west side of Vancouver Island, is arguing against any reduction in the commercial allocation because that would cut into the amount of halibut its members could catch.
The International Pacific Halibut Commission is recommending the total coast-wide catch by the U.S. and Canada be set at 41.07 million pounds. Of that amount, B.C. would be allowed to catch 7.65 million pounds. The bulk of the annual halibut catch in B.C. is split, with 88 percent going to the commercial fleet and 12 percent going to recreational fishing.
As per the treaty the 675member Huu-ay-aht First Nation is to take its share of halibut from the commercial allocation, based on the current 88-12 percent split. Every one of the five nations are depending on halibut in some way. Michelle Imbeau, Fisheries Department spokeswoman, said that Fisheries and Oceans Canada has been working with our stakeholders and we hope to issue a statement about a decision in the next few days.
