West Coast of Vancouver Island Natural-Origin Chinook Salmon Stock Assessment in 2024

Posted on by Huu-ay-aht Communications

The 2026 Fisheries and Oceans Canada research report on the West Coast of Vancouver Island’s natural-origin Chinook salmon highlights a direct partnership with the Huu-ay-aht First Nation.

Through the dedicated monitoring and assessment efforts of the Huu-ay-aht team since 2017, the Sarita River Chinook has emerged as a vital ecological indicator for understanding natural-origin juvenile Chinook production and population dynamics within the Stock Management Unit.

The team has conducted comprehensive assessments of juvenile salmon out-migration and return migration in the Sarita River, employing active management and mark-selective fisheries to improve the stock’s proportional natural influence.

This collaborative research, supported by Huu-ay-aht fisheries management, provides critical insights into smolt survival rates and life-cycle bottlenecks that are essential for shaping future conservation and rebuilding strategies for the region

View full research report: Here

Attention Huu-ay-aht & Maa-nulth-aht Fishers: Winter Chinook Me Too Fishery Starts January 9, 2026.

Posted on by Huu-ay-aht Communications

Attention Huu-ay-aht & Maa-nulth-aht Fishers:
The ICEF Economic Winter Chinook Me Too Fishery starts January 9, 2026 and is open until March 15, 2026, or until the quota catch is met.

Larry Johnson with Chinook, August 2025.

Requirements:

  • Registered vessel which meets marine safety requirements.
  • Inshore or offshore fishing is allowed [The fishing area is PFMAs 123-127 and portions of PFMAs 23-27].
  • Any gear type is permitted – use of plugs is not required.
  • No gill net or seine net permitted.
  • Non-retention of Fraser Pink Salmon.
  • The fishery will close March 15, 2026 or when the allocation has been reached, whichever comes first.
  • Fishers must obtain license and documentation from HFN Natural Resources Manager before fishing commences.

For more information or to sign up and get your license please contact:
Amelia Vos – Natural Resources Manager. 250-728-3414 or amelia.v@huuayaht.org

See the attached documentation for more details.

Coho released under Rousseau bridge

Posted on by Huu-ay-aht Communications

Sugsaw hatchery update! Last week the fisheries team released the last batch of Coho. These Coho were taken as brood stock from the Pachena system and were successfully released back under the Rousseau bridge. There are healthy, wild Coho that resident in the Pachena, Rousseau and tributary systems.  

*COHO Fun Fact* – based on genetics and habitat some Coho decide to resident in river for their first 1.5 years!

Coho being transported to rivers.
(Photo by Tyra Fabrick).
Coho being offloaded to be put into river.
(Photo by Tyra Fabrick).
Cliff Nookemus Jr. releasing the Coho into the river.
(Photo by Tyra Fabrick).

A BIG thank you to Cliff Nookemus Jr. for his fisheries expertise, hard work, and dedication to this project. It was a successful release of all the Sugsaw hatchery salmon this spring.

2022 Micro-trolling contact complete

Posted on by Huu-ay-aht Communications
Photo by Tom Joe

The Huu-ay-aht fisheries team has completed their 2022 WCVI Micro-trolling contract in partnership with DFO. On the boat the team sets up two down rigger lines with multiple small (de-barbed) hooks, with a soaking time of 5 minutes. Areas of the Barclay Sound are then trolled with the hopes of catching young salmonids for sampling. Most of the sampling the team does is non-lethal! The team collects data such as species, size, DNA/RNA, and the overall health of the salmon. Samples and data have been sent off to DFO to help monitor success of our salmon! This project helps the nation learn more about the juvenile salmon life stage (1-2 years) which can help us manage our fisheries better.

Photo by Tyra Fabrick

Chum and Chinook hatch at Sugsaw Hatchery

Posted on by Huu-ay-aht Communications

Spring at the Sugsaw Hatchery is in full swing! After a long, tough winter, the 2023 Chum and Coho have hatched. They are now being held in the holding tanks and fed until their release later this spring. The fisheries team can’t wait for their departure into the nation’s rivers. Follow along for updates!