Fisheries

Our fisheries resources include salmon and other finfish and shellfish including clams, oysters and prawns. We employ Stz’uminus members as a Fisheries Guardian, a Salmon Enhancement Coordinator and a Shellfish Coordinator. As well, we have a full time referrals coordinator.

Stz’uminus has a comprehensive agreement with the DFO called the Aboriginal Fishing Strategy. We develop and implement programs that meet our conservation objectives while respecting our culture and heritage. Our priorities are: management of fisheries, habitat restoration, fish enhancement, community-based research, and economic development.

The Stz’uminus people have harvested clams for generations and currently manage 30 hectares of beach tenures and other beaches in Ladysmith Harbour as well as open and experimental beaches at Kulleet Bay.

Salmon has always been more than a staple food source for the Stz’uminus people. Our village sites are located on the coast and near streams which gave us access to salmon producing areas in the Salish Sea.

Salmon has always provided for our culture, our trade and our sustenance.