Public Notice Revised, July 02, 2026 | Chinook Conservation Measures

To: Citizens of the NISGA’A NATION
From: Nisga’a Fisheries and Wildlife Department (NFWD)
Date: July 2, 2026
Chinook Conservation Closure Measures: 2 July 2026 Revised
The NFWD program carefully tracks salmon, runs each year to ensure adequate numbers reach their
spawning grounds (escapement). As of July 2, an estimated 5,250 Chinook have passed
Gitwinksihlkw fishwheels (-2,100 less than average at this time of year).
Assessment notes:

• Water levels continue to drop on Nass River nearing average levels. Levels continue to be a bit
  Above average sockeye (95,000) and increasing chinook (5,250) run passing to end of yesterday
  (see run size numbers below).
• Regression analyses are showing we are projecting above run size target for sockeye (356,000
  vs. 250,000) and near target for chinook (14,800 vs 15,000).
• We could be very close to projecting reaching chinook target by Saturday (see Table 1)
• The sockeye MR estimate will be able to generate run size estimates tomorrow with GH
  fishwheels now reaching over 15 recaps. Thus, there will be an independent estimate of
  catchability % and another check on run size estimates.
  
  Nisga’a Fish and Wildlife Department is pleased to announce that FSC Harvesting is fully open
  as of Friday July 3, 2026, from 6 am to 9 pm (Monday to Sunday Weekly) in the marine and in
  river areas.
  
  Reminder: Harvesting Measures:
  a) FSC harvest plan: Monday to Sunday Weekly – from 6 am to 9 pm, Marine and In-River.
  b) no overnight set nets, effectively immediately to support the declining Chinook stocks within the Nass River (In River).
  c) 1 net per fisher (nets will be no longer than 40 corks or equivalent of 35 FM (210 Ft) in max length, nets will also be up to 60 mesh in depth and up to 5 ¼ mesh size, within the Nass River (in-River)

The Department will continue to closely track all Nass River salmon returns to inform future
management decisions.
We thank the Nisga’a Nation fishers for your cooperation in the conservation of Nass Chinook.

Harry Nyce Sr.
Director of Fisheries and Wildlife