Clam Surveys

In July, A-Tlegay offers week long summer camp where youth can learn about the modern science our technicians employ as well as traditional knowledge about our territories.  The camp will give youth an experience with crab surveys, clam surveys, salmon species identification, river safety and traditional salmon smoking and preservation techniques.

WE WAI KAI, WEI WAI KUM, K'ÓMOKS, TLOWITSIS AND KWIAKAH NATIONS 

These studies are conducted to monitor and quantify important clam beaches within member nations’ territories.  Surveys provide estimates of density and biomass of intertidal clam populations at each site.  Ongoing studies are important to inform management of this important traditional resource. 

Stream Surveys and Stock Assessment

Summer Camp

A-Tlegay Fisheries Society

Our technicians provide catch monitoring of our Food, Social and Ceremonial (FSC) and Commercial Fisheries.  

As part of our AFS Agreement, our technicians conduct surveys on a number of streams and rivers within the territories in addition to operations of the fish counting fence and Black Creek.

ESSR

Fisheries Monitoring

Salmon fisheries are managed with the objective of reaching escapement targets or harvesting a certain proportion of the run. Uncertain forecasts, inaccurate in-season run size estimates and mixed-stock concerns can result in escapement to terminal areas that are in excess of their required habitat or hatchery spawning capacity. In these cases, Excess Salmon to Spawning Requirements (ESSR) fisheries may occur.  A-Tlegay provides staff to conduct the ESSR fishery.

Crab Surveys

Since 2012, A-Tlegay Fisheries Society has conducted Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) trap surveys within the traditional territories of the Member Nations.  These surveys focus on two previously identified sites; Topaze Harbour and Phillips Arm. Sites were selected based on the interests of member nations, accessibility, traditional and commercial usage.  The objective of the surveys is to provide an index of relative abundance of sex and size, information about moulting patterns, injury rates, upcoming recruitment, long-term population trends and fishing effort. This information will be used to inform the Nations on management of FSC, commercial and recreational fisheries for this important species within the territories.