Currently Ocean Amber Rockfish is harvested by mid-water trawl. This means the net does not come in contact with the ocean floor.
Here are some facts that you may not have known about BC's trawl industry.
INSHORE ROCKFISH vs SHELF & SLOPE ROCKFISH
Rockfish are typically grouped into three depth zones: inshore (0-182 m), shelf (91-182 m) and slope (>182 m)
- Inshore rockfish are slow growing, late maturing, and long-lived. Adults are sedentary and are associated with specific rocky reef habitats. Combined, these factors make inshore rockfish population more vulnerable . Ocean Amber does not target inshore rockfish.
- Shelf and Slope Rockfish generally reach sexual maturity sooner. Adults are migratory and leave the bottom to feed. Ocean Amber targets these species.
QUOTAS
- The BC Fishery was among the first to design and implement an individual vessel quota system. Each year vessels are allocated quota, which are discreet quantities of each species to be harvested.
- The Department of Fisheries and Oceans establishes quotas by consulting with independent scientists, industry, coastal communities and union
- Quotas are set at precautionary levels to ensure sustainability
OBSERVERS
- The BC trawl fishery was one of the first fishing fleets in the world with 100% observer coverage.
- Observers ensure quotas are being adhered to and aid in important data collection
- Independent observers on trawl vessels record and account for all fish caught at sea
- Independent observers on shore observe and validate the catch as it's unloaded
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
- Vessels fish on less than 6% of the ocean floor off the coast of BC
- Groundfish trawlers voluntarily ceased fishing over sponge reefs in 2000, 2 years before these closures were declared mandatory by DFO.
- There are 164 rockfish conservation areas, covering 3020 square kilometres
HELPFUL WEBSITES
http://www.livingoceans.org/files/Maps_PDF/mpa_rca_bc_2008.pdf map of rockfish conservation areas
http://www.groundfishsociety.com/home.html
http://www.groundfishsociety.com/fishinfo.html
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/sustainable-durable/overview-apercu-eng.htm
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/sustainable-durable/environnement-eng.htm
