Under agreement with the Metlakatla Band Council, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is opening portions of Area 4 for food, social and ceremonial harvesting of cockles (Clinocardium nuttallii) and Butter Clams (Saxidomus igantea) for the Metlakatla First Nation only. Recent acceptable biotoxin monitoring results permit this opening.
A description of the open areas will be posted at the Metlakatla Band Office, can be obtained from the Metlakatla Fisheries Program, and is detailed in the 2015-16 Metlakatla Intertidal Bivalve Community Harvest Plan. The harvest area boundaries are very specific and all harvesters must consult with Metlakatla Fisheries Program staff before harvesting. In keeping with the traditional methods of food preparation of the Metlakatla First Nation, harvesters are reminded that the black-tipped siphon must be removed from all Butter Clams prior to consumption.
Harvesters must be in possession of a valid food harvesting permit from the Metlakatla Band Office and are requested to report their harvest quantities to the Metlakatla Fisheries Program. This opening is effective immediately and will continue pending on-going acceptable biotoxin monitoring results.
Fishers are advised there is a contaminated closure adjacent to this opening.
Information on the specific closure boundaries and any other closure information, including marine biotoxin closures, are available on the Internet at:
www.pac.dfo-mpo.ca/fm-gp/contamination/index-eng.htm