Vancouver Island First Nations criticize DFO for lack of consultation on krill fishery opening

First Nations on northern Vancouver Island say they were not adequately consulted after the Department of Fisheries and Oceans opened a commercial krill fishery on Jan. 5; DFO says the fishery is managed under a multi-year plan with precautionary catch limits and a 500-tonne total allowable catch.

First Nations leaders on northern Vancouver Island have raised concerns after the Department of Fisheries and Oceans opened a commercial krill fishery on Jan. 5 in several coastal inlets. They say consultation with coastal First Nations did not occur before the opening and worry about effects on local food species and stewardship responsibilities. DFO has said the krill fishery is managed under a 2023–2027 multi-year plan and that management measures are precautionary. The fishery is open until March 31 or until quotas are reached. Current facts: - The commercial krill fishery opened on Jan. 5 and is reported to be open in Knight Inlet, Bute Inlet and Jervis Inlet until March 31 or until quotas are reached. - Hereditary Chief T̕łaḵwagila David Mungo Knox and Nanwakolas Council president Dallas Smith say coastal First Nations were not adequately consulted and express concerns about bycatch and impacts on species such as ooligan (eulachon) and herring. - DFO says it manages krill under a 2023–2027 multi-year plan, describes its approach as precautionary, and notes catch limits set at less than one per cent of biomass and a 500-tonne total allowable catch. - DFO also reported that it consults with First Nations, industry and other stakeholders as part of its management process. Summary: First Nations leaders report a lack of nation-to-nation consultation around the krill fishery opening and express concern about potential effects on locally important species. DFO states the fishery is managed under an established multi-year plan with precautionary limits. The fishery remains open until March 31 or until quotas are reached. Undetermined at this time.