The Nisga’a Coast Watch program has been on my radar for over a year now, and appears to be heading in the right direction.  This program is one of several community initiatives that are happening up and down the coast, not only in BC but as far away as California.  This is not a DFO program, but is intended to be ‘owned’ and developed by the local community—by you.  In order for the Nisga’a Nation to move in the right direction, Nisga’a citizens must receive accurate information—and so, my input on DFO enforcement activities in 2008 were, as follows:

• Patrols: DFO conducted four 9-d patrols from Hartley Bay to Gingol‚Äôx between January and March, visited schools, and provided field visits for youth aboard the coast guard vessel, ‚ÄúArrow Post‚Äù;
• Outreach:¬† Presenting enforcement information at Crab Fest (Gingol‚Äôx), and sharing a booth with Nisga‚Äôa Fisheries to exchange information for the Nisga‚Äôa Coast Watch Program; and
• Communication: Wrote two letters¬† to the Gingol‚Äôx Village Government to schedule community consultation with local community members; however, no reply has yet been received.

DFO has been made aware that there may be some issues in Area 4 and 5, with regards to Abalone in 2008, and we hope to continue a similar program in 2009.  I welcome feedback and the opportunity to share information, and look forward to the successes of Nisga’a Coast Watch—especially the youth initiative in 2009.  For more information and your input, Nisga’a citizens can contact Clarence Nelson (DFO Enforcement, Prince Rupert) at Tel:  250-627-3419.