The Department of Fisheries and Oceans called off the opening of the commercial roe herring fishery in Barkley Sound near Port Alberni late Saturday night, citing poor egg quality in the test fishery.
“I suspect they were looking for a reason to cancel it,” said Tseshaht Chief Hugh Braker, who got the message just before midnight. His First Nation and four others were prepared to block the commercial fishing vessels on Sunday in the latest attempt to prevent over-fishing of roe herring in what they say is a sensitive area.
When they got the news the fishery opening was cancelled they cancelled the protest.
“We’re taking it as a victory for us but the big winner is the herring,” he said, adding he hopes to work out a long-term sustainability plan with the government.
