This is infact the first year in about five that ling cod retention has been allowed in area 17. Bob Meyer a local giude and many of the local fishers have been trying to get a opening for ling cod in that area for the last five years as it has be literally infested with little ling. That may sound like a good thing but little ling are less likely to breed as effectively and compete directely with rock fish for habitat. Little lings will take a swipe at anything use the same 20' to 40' young rock fish use. I would like to see a fishery where there is an upper and lower limit... say 45 cm to 70 cm so the biggens are left and the one that compete with rock fish are take. And the ten or less a year. Who's at DFO do I talk with?
RC, I would like to know how they come up with the 5000 # caught, as I have never had them call or look at my catch total in years. From the few times I have been out around Silva bay I am sure it is over the quota... not because of the # of ling I have caught, that has stayed about the same rather I see alot of boat specificly going for ling.
Have fun, Jason