About A-Tlegay Fisheries Society

Working Together to Protect Our Marine Resources

Founded in 1999, A-Tlegay Fisheries Society was created through the collective vision of the We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum, K’ómoks, Tlowitsis, and Kwiakah Nations. For more than two decades, our member Nations have worked together to safeguard fisheries resources, strengthen technical capacity, and support the sustainable management of our shared territories.

Grounded in the teachings of our ancestors and guided by both cultural knowledge and modern science, our work supports the long-term health of marine ecosystems for current and future generations.

Our Purpose

A-Tlegay was formed to ensure the rights, resources, and responsibilities of our member Nations are upheld throughout their territories. Our role extends beyond fisheries management—we support sustainable harvesting practices, protect culturally important species, monitor environmental health, and strengthen each Nation’s capacity to steward their waters. Through collaboration, science, and traditional knowledge, we work to safeguard these resources for current and future generations.

A person wearing outdoor gear walks through tall green grass beside a calm river, surrounded by dense evergreen forest, with a mountain visible in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

Support and Uphold Aboriginal Fishing Rights

We assist our member Nations in the preservation and exercise of their inherent fishing rights, helping ensure that harvesting practices remain protected and respected across their territories.

A man sits at an outdoor table on a rocky beach, holding up a tool and smiling. The table has papers, a scale, containers, a yellow case, and shell photos, suggesting scientific fieldwork.

Manage and Protect Marine Resources

A-Tlegay administers responsibilities related to marine resource management, including monitoring, habitat stewardship, and environmental protection.

A person wearing waders and a cap stands by a river, holding a net with debris. Trees and greenery are in the background, and a metal structure is partially visible in the water.

Enhance and Restore Fisheries for Future Generations

We work alongside our Nations to protect, restore, and enhance key species and habitats, ensuring that marine life remains abundant and healthy for the long term.

A fishing boat named "Western Lady" is on a calm, blue body of water near a forested coastline. Several people are on board, and fishing nets are being deployed or retrieved from the back of the boat.

Represent Our Nations in Collaborative Decision-Making

Under the direction of our member Nations, A-Tlegay engages with governments, agencies, and external partners on all fisheries-related matters.

What We Do

Our team of biologists, fisheries technicians, and field staff lead a wide range of programs, including:

FSC and commercial catch monitoring

We conduct detailed FSC and commercial catch monitoring to safeguard fish stocks and support responsible, community-driven fisheries practices.

Stream, River & Salmon Enumeration

Our team conducts stream, river, and salmon enumeration to provide accurate population data that supports conservation planning and sustainable fisheries management.

Dungeness Crab & Shellfish Surveys

We perform Dungeness crab and shellfish surveys to monitor population trends, assess habitat conditions, and support sustainable harvest practices.

Environmental Monitoring

Our environmental monitoring programs provide accurate, science-based data to protect habitats, guide restoration, and uphold member Nations’ environmental responsibilities.

Habitat Assessment & Restoration

Our team conducts detailed habitat assessments and leads restoration efforts that rebuild natural systems and sustain culturally important resources.

ESSR Fisheries (Excess Salmon to Spawning Requirements)

We manage ESSR (Excess Salmon to Spawning Requirements) fisheries to responsibly harvest surplus salmon while supporting food security, community benefit, and sustainable stock management.

We also provide fisheries-related training programs—such as SVOP, swift-water rescue, first aid, boat operations, and SCUBA—to build capacity within our member Nations.

Youth, Learning & Community

A-Tlegay is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of stewards. Each summer, our technicians and biologists host a hands-on youth camp that blends science with traditional teachings—introducing young people to crab and clam surveys, salmon identification, and cultural harvesting practices.

A circular design of multicolored feathers surrounds the text "National Indigenous Peoples Day" in bold yellow, brown, and orange letters on a white background.

We also participate in National Indigenous Peoples Day with interactive educational booths and activities for families and youth.

Our Team

A-Tlegay’s strength comes from our skilled and experienced staff. Our team includes:

  • Fisheries biologists
  • Field technicians
  • Environmental and habitat monitors
  • Hatchery and fish fence operators
  • Administrative and policy staff

Together, they bring deep knowledge of the territories, strong technical expertise, and a shared commitment to stewardship.

Our Board of Directors

A-Tlegay is governed by representatives from each member Nation:

  • Brian Assu – We Wai Kai First Nation (Chairperson)
  • Nicole Rempel – K’ómoks First Nation
  • Ronnie Chickite – We Wai Kai First Nation
  • Steven Dick – Kwiakah First Nation
  • Danial Smith – Tlowitsis First Nation
  • Bob Pollard – Wei Wai Kum First Nation

Their leadership guides the Society’s priorities and ensures our work reflects the needs and values of the Nations we serve.

Our Vision Moving Forward

A-Tlegay continues to expand its technical capacity, deepen inter-Nation collaboration, and strengthen the protection of land and sea within the territories. By combining community knowledge, scientific expertise, and long-term stewardship, we work to ensure the wellbeing of our people, our fisheries, and our marine environment.