Fraser First Nations FSC Fisheries Database | |
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Year
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2010 |
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Proponent
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A'Tlegay Fisheries Society |
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Project type
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Fisheries |
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FSWP funding source
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DFO Fraser Basin Initiative |
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Grant amount
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$24,500.00 |
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Total project value
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$26,000.00 |
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ID number
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FSWP10-D52-F |
Location: Fraser River Basin,
Basin Wide
Project Summary
SUMMARY
The purpose of the project is to expand the capacity of First Nations fisheries organizations to manage Food, Societal, and Ceremonial (FSC) fisheries through training in the use of database software that facilitates assembly, reporting and data exchange of catch monitoring data in a standardized format with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).
OVERVIEW
Information gaps regarding returning salmon abundance and condition in First Nation fisheries in terminal areas may result in poor estimates of spawner abundance and a reduced ability to forecast brood cycle returns, which may in turn lead to fishery management errors that are often most detrimental to the terminal FN fisheries themselves. FN catch monitoring and reporting is therefore a vital component in ensuring accurate fish stock assessments and sustainable FSC fisheries.
The FSC Catch Database provides First Nations with a simple software tool for managing FSC fisheries data associated with communal fisheries licences. The database provides the FN with fisheries management functions including catch reporting, staff and fisher data management, photo ID, permit generation, communal fish distribution tracking. Fisheries data collected by monitors, or submitted by fishers, are entered into the database according to licence. Catch and effort data are summarized using built-in reports for internal use, and exported on a routine basis to DFO in a standardized digital format compatible with regional catch databases.
Candidate First Nations are selected for database installation, training and technical support. The selection process is coordinated with DFO to optimize the allocation of resources in conjunction with DFO/PICFI programs in the area.
This is the third contract year involving FSWP and the A’Tlegay Fisheries FSC Catch Database project.
In 2008/9, the A’Tlegay Fisheries team participated in several DFO FSC strategy meetings , , the results of which indicated that the FSC Database should be piloted at one of the tribal council fisheries offices in BCI, and prepared for deployment at other locations after an evaluation and test period. In consultation with Gord Sterritt (Northern Shuswap Tribal Council Fisheries Manager), arrangements were made to install the program on NSTC computers and provide training in August, 2008. Steve Ratko of DFO (Williams Lake) was also trained in the use of the program to provide local technical support to the NSTC catch monitoring team. Program demos were made at UFFCA meetings and specifically to Carrier-Sekani (CSTC), Tsihlqot’in (TNG) tribal councils, as well as Lheidli T’enneh (LT) First Nation. Customizations and installations were developed for these groups for the following fishing season, though, due to capacity problems and other challenges within the various offices.
In 2009/2010, the TNG were fully operational for the fishing season. CSTC became operational in Sep/Oct 2009 when CSTC fisheries staff became available. Efforts continue to get LT operational. Demos have been made to Shuswap Fisheries Society, and Nazko, Esketemc, and Tl’azten First Nations, all of which have shown interest in acquiring the software. When these groups are operational, 95% of Upper Fraser census-based FN fisheries will be working with the FSC Catch Database program, according to DFO personnel.
Outreach to Lower Fraser groups (Chehalis, Yale, Musqueam, Stó:l_) was also initiated in 2009/2010, and further efforts to implement the program in this sub-region would occur depending on budget and in consultation with DFO. The Chehalis fisheries office will serve as a proto-type for implementing to other Lower Fraser groups.
For 2010/2011, FSWP-A’Tlegay program efforts will focus on solidifying the use of the FSC program in the remaining Upper Fraser FN offices, establishing the program in key Lower Fraser FN offices, and providing on-going training until a basic level of proficiency is attained. Experience has shown that technical support for existing base installations is key to continued use of the program.
OBJECTIVES
Objective #1 FSC Catch Database operational on 3-5 new FN fisheries offices in upper- or lower sub-regions of the Fraser watershed for 2010 fishing season.
Objective #2 Provide on-going support for currently operational installations at Upper Fraser FN fisheries offices, including NSTC, CSTC, TNG, SFC, Tl’azten, and Lheidl T’enneh.
METHODS
1. Initial Survey: An initial demonstration/survey is required to identify FN organizations in the Lower Fraser watershed suitable for database implementation (completed for the Upper Fraser in 2008). This survey would be based on telephone interviews or meetings with FN fisheries organizations, tribal councils, and DFO Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy (AFS) managers knowledgeable with DFO data requirements, as well as FN data needs and existing technical and personnel capacity.
2. Selection Process: After suitable FN fisheries organizations have been identified, prioritization may be required to match installation efforts with budgetary allowances. To be eligible, FN fisheries organizations must have a catch monitoring field program either in place or in development, and its fisheries office must have PC-compatible computer hardware and MS-Access software, as well as a designated data administrator to manage the data. Selected FN fisheries organizations will share a commitment to cooperate with DFO regarding data exchange.
3. User Requirements: A survey of system requirements for selected FN organizations is then necessary to tailor the existing FSC Catch Database to the particular needs of each organization. Data standards, format, and frequency of transmission to local DFO authorities may also vary regionally, and need to be identified. The User Requirements are incorporated into FN-specific versions of the database.
4. Database Installations. Program installation at participating FN fisheries offices includes on-site training and technical support for FN fishery managers/staff to be self-reliant with program. Assistance would be provided for initial data loading (e.g., FN membership).
5. Database Training and Support. Ongoing training and technical support would be provided by A’Tlegay via online meetings (using GoToMeeting software) and/or remote access software, until FN fisheries crew are self-reliant, or until PICFI DMA can assume support role.
BENEFITS
Catch monitoring in FN fisheries:
* improves estimates of spawner abundance and subsequent returns forecasts;
* provides information about the abundance and health of target species over time; and
* contributes to reduced errors in fisheries management.
Improved catch monitoring data management through the use of the FSC Catch Database supports these sustainability-oriented benefits, by facilitating robust storage, reporting and exchange of key data.
Engage First Nations, government agencies and community groups/NGOs
* Project provides direct support to FN fisheries personnel to facilitate the task of information management and reporting.
* Project provides indirect support to regional DFO offices for coordination of incoming data.
Complement or implement local and / or regional plans (e.g., recovery plans, watershed plans)
* Project coincides with and will be coordinated with DFO/PICFI in-river component of enhanced accountability measures to strengthen fisheries monitoring, catch reporting and enforcement (Colin Masson, Dec. 2008. B-HQ-07-38E(a)).
Value-added aspects
* Use of database enhances internal FN fisheries management and enables technical computer-based skill development and capacity-building.
* Use of database facilitates data exchange between fisheries organizations, including other First Nations, strengthening institutional relationships, and encouraging FN involvement in natural resource management decisions.
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Flag as inappropriate?Experience has shown that technical support for existing base installations is key to continued use of the program.
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