The industry is advised before two days before fishing led to hooked nets: manager

VICTORIA – Fisheries and Oceans Canada has notified Fisheries and Oceans Canada of a busy fishery off Nanaimo, British Columbia, about the setting up of nets that have resulted in the blockage of two ferries.

Andrew Thomson, Regional Director of Fisheries Management, reacted Thursday after BC Ferries stated that two vessels had been caught by their nets and that a vessel had also been forced to stop when it was not clear. he had almost touched a third net.

Thomson said Thursday that the opening of the season, which began Wednesday at 7 am, had attracted about 130 gillnet vessels, against 30 or 40 ships that would normally show up.

He added that any additional problem could lead to an early closure of the fishery at a rate of 13 hours per day.

This opening is one of the few opportunities to fish chum in the Strait of Georgia, said Thomson, adding that the department advised the industry to stay clear of ferry lanes.

"I would say that compliance, if I understood correctly, is quite high, but there are a lot of ships and, unfortunately, some of them get in the way (ferries) ", did he declare.

"If we can not maintain a safe and orderly fishery, we will take action to close the fishery."

BC Ferries spokeswoman Deborah Marshall said the Queen of Oak Bay had come into contact with a net near Nanaimo on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Queen Alberni was traveling between the mainland and Duke Point, south of Nanaimo, when she caught a net near Entrance Island, she said.

Mr. Marshall stated that about 75 boats were participating in a fishing trip in the area and that although the captain slowed the ferry to ensure the safety of the crossing, a net was misidentified and fouled. in the propeller of the ship.

No one was injured and the propeller was not damaged, but Mr. Marshall said that the small boat that placed the net was towed back by the ferry until it stopped. the line between the boat and the net breaks.

The captain released the remnants of the net by overturning the ferry and the ship continued with about 20 minutes behind schedule, said Marshall, adding that the gateways of the island entrance are clearly indicated.

"We are aware that fishing teams have a job to do. They are trying to make a living, but stay away from the ferry, "she said.

Marshall said the Queen of Alberni had also had a close phone conversation with another net and that the ship needed to be stopped.