Gwaii Haanas Tour Operators Association (GHTOA) members met with Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) representative, Gary Logan, on February 8, 2006 in Richmond, BC.  During the meeting, GHTOA members were informed that the DFO was willing to consider proposals for adjusting the boundaries of Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA) #59 in order to allow sustainable food fishing activities by kayak expeditions operating in the region.  As a result, the GHTOA has prepared the following two boundary adjustment proposals.

Background information on this issue is available online at: www.placeofwonder.com/rockfish

Proposal #1

Adjust the boundaries of RCA #59 so as to allow continued sustainable food fishing activities in the waters surrounding the ancient Haida village of SGang Gwaay.  This region is in the heart of one of the most significant eco-tourism destinations in Gwaii Haanas.  Parks Canada and the Council of Haida Nation enforce strict limitations on the number of visitors permitted in Gwaii Haanas each year.  As a result, eco-tourism's impact on fish stocks in this region is negligible.  This vital tourism region is outlined by the dark green boundary in the map below.  Also indicated in red are regions containing rockfish habitat which exist outside of the vital tourism region - areas which Parks Canada and the GHTOA have suggested for additional Rockfish Conservation Areas.

GHTOA members urge the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to seriously consider the merits of Proposal #1.  This proposal would enable continued sustainable fishing by the limited number of small businesses who have a long history of providing wilderness experiences in this vital eco-tourism region.

This proposal is much less preferred by GHTOA members.  Nevertheless, we have prepared the following map which outlines seven small fishing zones designed primarily with kayak expeditions in mind.  Proposal #2 illustrates the fishing regions considered by GHTOA members to be the barest minimum required in order to sustain eco-tourism in this area.

Several tour operators have long histories of providing self-supported sea kayak expeditions throughout the region which is now completely encompassed within the recently established RCA #59.  In order for these eco-tourism businesses to continue offering sustainable food fishing activities to their clients, the following seven fishing zones are proposed.

These zones are located in areas where kayak expeditions encounter natural rest areas and sheltered gathering locations.  Also included are sites where kayak expeditions seek sheltered campsites during gales; places where it is often possible to paddle in close proximity to camp while fishing for the evening meal.

The proposed fishing zones are numbered in order of importance.  Numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 are the most essential fishing zones for kayak expeditions.  Numbers 5, 6 and 7 are important zones which would enable kayak expeditions to fish while transiting through regions where few other vessels are able to access.

View a larger, more detailed map.

Fishing Zone #1 - Gordon & Flatrock Islands

Boundary: This zone is defined as extending 100 metres off the shorelines of Gordon Islands and Flatrock Island, including the area within lines connecting the circumferences of of these islands.

Value: Fishing Zone #1 will provide kayakers with fishing opportunities while transiting the region as well as while camping on the Gordon Islands, which contains two popular campsites frequented by kayak expeditions.

Fishing Zone #2 - Cape Fanny

Boundary: This zone is defined by straight lines running 100 metres off the headlands of Moresby Island, starting 0.5 kilometre north of Skindaskun Island and ending at a point located 2.6 kilometres northeast of Cape Fanny.  This zone includes the area between the straight lines and the shoreline of Moresby Island.

Value: Fishing Zone #2 will provide kayakers with fishing opportunities while transiting the region as well as while camping at numerous location on Moresby Island.  Several of the sheltered campsites in this region are frequented by kayak expeditions during inclement weather.  During gales, it's often possible to launch kayaks and paddle in close proximity to these campsites while fishing for the evening meal.

Fishing Zone #3 - Louscoone Point

Boundary: This zone is defined by straight lines running 100 metres off the headlands of Moresby Island, starting at Tuga Point, passing around Louscoone Point and ending at a point located 2.2 kilometres southwest of Louscoone Point.  This zone includes the area between the straight lines and the shoreline of Moresby Island.

Value: Fishing Zone #3 will provide kayakers with fishing opportunities while transiting the region as well as while camping at numerous location on Moresby Island.  Several of the sheltered campsites in this region are frequented by kayak expeditions during inclement weather.  During gales, it's often possible to launch kayaks and paddle in close proximity to these campsites while fishing for the evening meal.