FISHERIES

About Us 

The Haida Fisheries program is dedicated to upholding the Council of the Haida Nation’s responsibility to steward and protect the marine and freshwater ecosystems of Haida Gwaii. Through science based monitoring and Haida values, the Fisheries Program ensures the long-term health of fisheries stocks for future generations. Our team includes Guardians, Watchmen, biologists, and divers who work across the islands accessing and collecting data for local fisheries. Haida Fisheries is on the front lines of conservation and fisheries management. We work with local advisory committees, and government partners to protect resources that Haida have sustainably managed for over 14,000 years. 

Projects & Duties 

Haida Fisheries leads a wide array of monitoring, assessment, and conservation activities across Haida Gwaii’s marine and freshwater systems. Our core work includes: 

Salmon Monitoring 

• Monitor K’aasda GawGa Copper Bay, Yaagun Yakoun, Aawaan Awun, and Aayan Ian Rivers during openings. 

• Operate a counting fence on K’aasda Gandlaay Copper River and conduct creek walks in tributaries to estimate sockeye escapement. 

• Track sockeye spawning in the fall via tributary inspections in Yaagun, K’aasda, Aawaan, Aayan, Needan Naden, Mercer, and Mathers rivers. 

Watchmen

CHN Watchmen conduct creel surveys and collect data on recreational fishing activities. Interviews are carried out at the docks of major lodges, at the floats in Masset, Daajing Giids and Chaahluu Kaahli Rennell Sound. This data provides monthly estimates of recreational catch and release rates. 

Guardians

Haida Fisheries Guardians uphold the Haida Nation’s commitment to healthy marine ecosystems by gathering information about fishing. Data gathered by Guardians protects Haida Gwaii’s inhabitants from overfishing and informs future generations about current marine conditions. Guardians protect ecosystem health by monitoring diseases, populations, overfishing, and poaching.

• Guardians are trained in conservation to the same levels as DFO Officers.

• Guardians are highly experienced Pacific Coast fishers with deep knowledge of Haida Gwaii’s fisheries.

• Guardians must all clear background and security checks.

Dive Team Operations 

• Survey and monitor k’aaw herring roe on kelp, abalone, geoducks, and sea urchins to inform fishery decisions about quotas and protection. 

• Divers monitor environments to ensure long-term health and report the violations of polluters. 

• Perform underwater ecosystem assessments around floating lodges and sensitive areas. 

Duties

• Guardians patrol with DFO to watch fisheries through in-person interviews, counting stocks, and watching environments. Guardians give CHN and DFO collected information.

• CHN uses information to report on recreational harvesting, commercial salmon, commercial invertebrates, razor clams, commercial herring, Haida river and ocean netting, trawling, and fisheries habitat.

• Guardians enforce laws through DFO. Guardians cannot use physical contact to detain anyone, use force, search, arrest, or seize vehicles or vessels outside of manually written agreement between DFO and CHN.

• Guardians respond to emergency situations when necessary and make Haida Gwaii’s roads and waterways safer

Contact Us!