Goals

Ha’oom Fisheries Society will use Nuu-chah-nulth Knowledge and the best available science to:

• Rebuild and sustain healthy fish populations within the ha-ha-huułi of the five Nations

• Guide Ha’oom and the five Nations in developing responsible fisheries management plans and sustainable harvest plans for the diversity of fisheries available in their ha-ha-huułi

• Set research priorities, design research protocols and methods, and lead, participate and author research

• Build capacity of Nuu-chah-nulth members to participate in fisheries, marine and freshwater science research and assessments

Science Priorities

1. Stock Assessment

   • Use Nuu-chah-nulth knowledge to establish stock assessment and research priorities for culturally and economically important species.

   • Build technical and science capacity to meaningfully participate in research and stock assessment activities, including data analysis and publishing research.

   • Assess current stock status of priority fisheries to inform development of fisheries management, harvest, rebuilding, and habitat restoration plans.

   • Contribute to and lead projects to monitor and mitigate threats or risks to WCVI salmon populations from environmental conditions or industrial activities (e.g. climate change, finfish aquaculture facilities).

2. Rebuilding Salmon Populations

   • Develop regional rebuilding strategies for WCVI salmon populations in priority areas that are grounded by Nuu-chah-nulth Knowledge.

   • Assess rebuilding approaches and strategies relating to wild and enhanced stocks, habitat assessment approaches, and harvest strategies for WCVI salmon populations.

3. Data Collection and Management

   • Collaborate with the five Nations on developing standard methods for data collection.

   • Develop a system for data storage and management, including collaboration with the five Nations on data sharing protocols and arrangements.

   • Communicate analysis and results of research and assessment to the five Nations to guide development of responsible fisheries management plans and sustainable harvest plans.

Desired Outcomes

• Nuu-chah-nulth Knowledge is respected and integrated in science processes and fisheries management planning.

• The five Nations have opportunities to share their knowledge, language, and practices relating to marine and freshwater species and spaces with one another.

• Ha’oom and the five Nations use Nuu-chah-nulth Knowledge and western science to develop management plans, harvest plans, and restoration & rebuilding plans.

• Progress, results, and outcomes of research and assessments are regularly communicated to the five Nations.

Ha’oom has established partnerships with academic institutions and researchers that build meaningful relationships, science capacity, and support the priorities of Ha’oom and the five Nations.