Project Highlights
Considering the late start and the challenges presented by Mother Nature, the
research project proved to be a success. With only a limited test period of a
few weeks at the end of the Sockeye salmon migration, the fishwheels met several
of the original objectives.
1. The fishwheel and fishtrap were designed, modified and constructed for use
during the course of this project - safety concerns were also addressed during
the construction of the selective gear. The gear did prove to be successful despite
the short testing and experimental period.
2. The monitors of the project informed the band members about the project
and the selective fishing gear with the offer of fish for fishing days lost because
of closures and concerns for migrating coho. The number of net days were again
reduced this season through our education process.
3. Fish from the selective fishing devices (fishwheel and fishtrap) were supplied
to the elderly of the Kitselas Band. The members welcomed this offer and were
pleased with the quality of fish from the selective fishery. Again this forms
part of the education process.
The design developed under this program withstood the strong forces of the
Skeena River and did succeed at live capturing numerous migrating salmon. The
Food, Social and Ceremonial requirements of the Kitselas First Nation were met
this year. Without the extra net fishing at the beginning of the sockeye migration
and the distribution of fish from the fishwheels, the membership of Kitselas would
have only realized approximately 50% of their food fish requirements for this
year.