Quarterly Board Meetings for IMAWG Executives

The Island Marine Aquatic Working Group (IMAWG) is a First Nations collaborative that brings together 15 member First Nations from the Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Kwakwaka’wakw language areas on and around Vancouver Island. Its role is to support Firss Nations right based fisheries by providing a forum for collaboration, technical advice, information sharing. IMAWG itself is not a rights-holding or decision-making body; instead, it helps Nations coordinate, develop informed positions, and engage more effectively in fisheries co-management discussions.

ALL NATIONS WELCOME AND ENCOURGAGED TO ATTEND

The purpose of this meeting is to:

• Share the latest fisheries science, technical information, and policy updates.
• Discuss issues, priorities, and concerns among Indigenous organizations.
• Develop advice, recommendations, and a coordinated regional perspective.
• Prepare for future discussions with DFO and other governments during Tier Two and Tier Three meetings.

IMAWG meetings are intended to create a safe space for First Nation organizations to:

• Build a unified approach to fisheries management.
• Review scientific, technical, and traditional knowledge.
• Identify priorities and develop collective recommendations.
• Strengthen participation in fisheries co-management.
• Ensure Nations are well-informed before engaging directly with DFO.

DFO has scheduled this Tier 2 meeting in one coastwidemeeting for Wednesday, October 7, 2026. The draft agenda will be providedcloser to the meeting date. 

Hong Tjhie(He/him)

Regional Herring Officer | Agent Régional du Hareng

Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches etOcéans Canada

E: Hong.Tjhie@dfo-mpo.gc.ca | C: 236-330-3240

Government of Canada | Gouvernementdu Canada

_____________________

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/241390478331160?p=WtdwStSnIDy3lV06tD

Meeting ID: 241 390 478 331 160

Passcode: P8Zs7Y7o

Ha’wiih, Nuu-chah-nulth Chiefs and Councillors, FisheriesManagers, Fisheries Guardians and Technicians, First Nations Administrators, and Partners,

Please save the date October 7-8, 2026.

This meeting will be held in person and via the Teamsplatform.  Please see the link below.

Rebecka Diana

Program Coordinator, Uu-a-thluk

________________________________________________________________________________

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/250494915502916?p=GFN6HODMwRHgI1UfeY

Meeting ID: 250 494 915 502 916

Passcode: 7KD6BR2Z

Hong Tjhie (He/him)

RegionalHerring Officer | Agent Régional du Hareng

Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada

E: Hong.Tjhie@dfo-mpo.gc.ca | C: 236-330-3240

Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada

________________________________________________________________________________

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/247429735844367?p=EhfP63OejscLF7yiLM

Meeting ID: 247 429 735 844 367

Passcode: pw9dM9iq

Good afternoon,

Please see the attached correspondence regarding Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s approach to southern British Columbia chum salmon in-season updates, including information on three upcoming virtual information sessions.

The information sessions are scheduled as follows:

Thursday October 8, 2026 (11:15am to 12:00pm) – Microsoft Teams meeting Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/266886318422390?p=5O7LxjiqUH8EejiE7h

Thursday October 15, 2026 (11:15am to 12:00pm) – Microsoft Teams meeting Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/266886318422390?p=5O7LxjiqUH8EejiE7h

Thursday October 29, 2026 (11:15am to 12:00pm) – Microsoft Teams meeting Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/266886318422390?p=5O7LxjiqUH8EejiE7h

Please add these dates and times to your calendar if you are interested in attending. Calendar invitations will not be issued separately.

The correspondence also outlines how these sessions will complement the weekly chum salmon bulletins and existing local fishery advisory committee processes.

Christine Bukta

Resource Management Coordinator                                            

Fisheries and Oceans Canada / Government of Canada   

christine.bukta@dfo-mpo.gc.ca /Tel: (250) 286-5888 /Cel:  (250) 204-0312

The First Nations Salmon Gathering, taking place on October 14, 2026, will be aspecial event for First Nations and Tribal attendees of the conference togather and discuss salmon-centred approaches to support salmon rebuilding andrecovery. The gathering is anticipated to be structured around moderatedpanels, facilitated discussions, and informal networking opportunities.  

On October 15th and 16th of 2026, 450+ salmon leaders will gather at the Vancouver Convention Centre for two days of connection and knowledge exchange to advance collaborative action. Featuring diverse keynote speakers and dynamic discussion panels, this conference will provide a platform to align priorities for salmon recovery in the era of climate change and reconciliation.

B.C. SALMON RECOVERY & RESILIENCE CONFERENCE | OCT 15–16, 2026 | Pacific Salmon Foundation

Registration link: https://bcsalmonrecoveryandresilienceconference2026.eventify.io/t2/tickets?fbclid=IwZnRzaAQYkkZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeEeR9P_IYtmE36dXhUY8rBowHqawaenYAYEUjST4P6tuBW_cRH5g3KvoYIwg_aem_sXnlKKDny7Q0oe8G99axYg

The Island Marine Aquatic Technical (IMAT) Technical Meeting is a Tier Two working group session hosted by the Island Marine Aquatic Working Group (IMAWG) that brings together Vancouver Island First Nations technical staff and biologists with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) science staff and other invited partners and guests. The meeting focuses on collaboratively reviewing the best available science and technical information to support improved fisheries conservation/management with foundation of supporting First Nations rights based fisheries.

Objectives

The meeting has two primary objectives:

• Build a collaborative technical partnership between IMAWG/IMAT, First Nations biologists and technical staff, DFO scientists and others.
• Jointly analyze technical information to develop advice and recommendations for First Nations and DFO fishery managers that improve conservation, sustainability, and First Nations access to fisheries.

Brief Description

The meeting provides a forum for technical experts to review current research, stock assessment data, and fisheries management issues, and other applicable information affecting species populations. Topics include:

• Assessing stock abundance and biomass data.
• Reviewing scientific literature.
• Discussing new information to management approaches and post-season reviews.
• Examining impacts on fisheries management effecting populations.
• Identifying opportunities for collaborative research and projects between First Nations and partners.

The overall purpose is to combine First Nations knowledge, technical expertise, and modern science to support evidence-based recommendations for sustainability and co-management of resources. 

5thNational AAROM Meeting

October 20–22, 2026 | Halifax, Nova Scotia

Hosted by the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations ChiefsSecretariat (APC)

Good afternoon,

Please see the attached correspondence regarding Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s approach to southern British Columbia chum salmon in-season updates, including information on three upcoming virtual information sessions.

The information sessions are scheduled as follows:

Thursday October 8, 2026 (11:15am to 12:00pm) – Microsoft Teams meeting Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/266886318422390?p=5O7LxjiqUH8EejiE7h

Thursday October 15, 2026 (11:15am to 12:00pm) – Microsoft Teams meeting Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/266886318422390?p=5O7LxjiqUH8EejiE7h

Thursday October 29, 2026 (11:15am to 12:00pm) – Microsoft Teams meeting Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/266886318422390?p=5O7LxjiqUH8EejiE7h

Please add these dates and times to your calendar if you are interested in attending. Calendar invitations will not be issued separately.

The correspondence also outlines how these sessions will complement the weekly chum salmon bulletins and existing local fishery advisory committee processes.

Christine Bukta

Resource Management Coordinator                                            

Fisheries and Oceans Canada / Government of Canada   

christine.bukta@dfo-mpo.gc.ca /Tel: (250) 286-5888 /Cel:  (250) 204-0312

More information to come.

This is a calendar hold for an in-person meeting of the WildSalmon Steering Committee.  This will be an all-day meeting in Victoria,with a Zoom option for those who cannot attend in-person. 

• Date: Tuesday, October 27th, 2026
• Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm (approx.)
• Location: Victoria, venue TBD

Please note that this is the day before the Tier 2 CollaborativeSalmon Table meeting. 

Crab Sectoral Advisory Meeting will be held onOctober 28, 2026. A formal invitation and meeting details will be circulated inthe coming weeks.

In previousyears, there has been interest from participants in learning more about thework, initiatives, and fisheries taking place within First Nations communitiesrelated to crab. If your Nation or community would be interested in providing apresentation or update at the meeting, please let DFO know. They will provide appropriate time on the agenda.

Coral Cargill

Resource Manager, North Coast, Fisheries ResourcesManagement, Pacific Region

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Government of Canada

coral.cargill@dfo-mpo.gc.ca / Tel.: 250-627-3021/ Cel.: 778-361-0394

This is a calendar hold for the next in-person meeting of theCollaborative Salmon Table. This will be an all-day meeting in Victoria, with aZoom option for those who cannot attend in-person.

• Date: Wednesday, October 28th, 2026
• Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm (approx.)
• Location: Victoria, venue TBD

Good afternoon,

Please see the attached correspondence regarding Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s approach to southern British Columbia chum salmon in-season updates, including information on three upcoming virtual information sessions.

The information sessions are scheduled as follows:

Thursday October 8, 2026 (11:15am to 12:00pm) – Microsoft Teams meeting Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/266886318422390?p=5O7LxjiqUH8EejiE7h

Thursday October 15, 2026 (11:15am to 12:00pm) – Microsoft Teams meeting Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/266886318422390?p=5O7LxjiqUH8EejiE7h

Thursday October 29, 2026 (11:15am to 12:00pm) – Microsoft Teams meeting Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/266886318422390?p=5O7LxjiqUH8EejiE7h

Please add these dates and times to your calendar if you are interested in attending. Calendar invitations will not be issued separately.

The correspondence also outlines how these sessions will complement the weekly chum salmon bulletins and existing local fishery advisory committee processes.

Christine Bukta

Resource Management Coordinator                                            

Fisheries and Oceans Canada / Government of Canada   

christine.bukta@dfo-mpo.gc.ca /Tel: (250) 286-5888 /Cel:  (250) 204-0312

Earths' changing climate and environmental stressors presentglobal problems for the sustainability of marine ecosystems and management ofmarine resources. Scientists, policy makers, Indigenous peoples, andcommunities, at regional, national and international scales, must work togetherto identify the best pathway to take care of the ocean. This includesdeveloping actionable science through interdisciplinary and transboundaryresearch, the inclusion of human dimensions in research and management, and theinclusion of policy and regulatory decision makers in science processes tobridge the science/policy interface. Interdisciplinary science collaboration isneeded to understand complex issues, such as the impacts of climate extremes onmarine resources and coastal communities, cumulative impacts of multiplestressors, changes in biodiversity, and the effectiveness of marine protectedareas. Recent advancements in research and monitoring tools, artificialintelligence, as well as social and economic -oriented investigations showpromise in improving our understanding of marine ecosystems and our ability toresolve socioeconomic and environmental conflicts. Key is the communication ofscience, along with uncertainty and risk, to policy and decision makers. Researchby PICES expert groups can feed into actionable science, such as projections,status assessments, and solution-based science. The PICES 2026 annual sciencemeeting will bring together early, mid, and late- career ocean professionals todiscuss, develop, and advance science that is actionable for a rapidly changing

https://meetings.pices.int/about  general info

Science program

https://meetings.pices.int/meetings/annual/2026/PICES/Program 

Early bird registration by June 30^th 250cad, after300

https://meetings.pices.int/meetings/annual/2026/PICES/registration

The annual Intertidal Clam Sectoral Meeting is scheduled for November 3, 2026. 

The sectoral committee meeting provides a forum for the exchange of information; advice on the
development of the next version of the Intertidal Clam Integrated Fisheries Management Plan
(IFMP); and exchange of views on issues important to the management of the fishery. The
sectoral committee is intended to allow DFO to receive a broad range of advice from First
Nations and stakeholders interested in the fishery. This year we will have a presentation from
Fish Safe BC regarding safe vessel practices in the clam fishery.

The sectoral committee meeting will be a hybrid meeting held in person at the Beban Park
Complex in Lounge C in Nanaimo, and virtually on MS Teams. You are welcome to participate
in the meeting and provide comments to the Department on the fishery season.
 
If you would like to attend the meeting, please contact Jenny Smith for the MS Teams link, a copy of the draft agenda, or to acquire any additional details. 

DFO contact: Jenny Smith

Resource Management Biologist | Biologiste en gestion des pêches

Department of Fisheries and Oceans | Ministère des Pêches et des Océans

Nanaimo, BC, V9R 5H9

jenny.smith@dfo-mpo.gc.ca / Tel | Tél: (236) 330-2963

The Island Marine Aquatic Working Group (IMAWG) is a First Nations collaborative that brings together 15 member First Nations from the Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Kwakwaka’wakw language areas on and around Vancouver Island. Its role is to support Firss Nations right based fisheries by providing a forum for collaboration, technical advice, information sharing. IMAWG itself is not a rights-holding or decision-making body; instead, it helps Nations coordinate, develop informed positions, and engage more effectively in fisheries co-management discussions.

ALL NATIONS WELCOME AND ENCOURGAGED TO ATTEND

The purpose of this meeting is to:

• Share the latest fisheries science, technical information, and policy updates.
• Discuss issues, priorities, and concerns among Indigenous organizations.
• Develop advice, recommendations, and a coordinated regional perspective.
• Prepare for future discussions with DFO and other governments during Tier Two and Tier Three meetings.

IMAWG meetings are intended to create a safe space for First Nation organizations to:

• Build a unified approach to fisheries management.
• Review scientific, technical, and traditional knowledge.
• Identify priorities and develop collective recommendations.
• Strengthen participation in fisheries co-management.
• Ensure Nations are well-informed before engaging directly with DFO.

Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at the Beban Park Social Center, 2300 Bowen Road in Nanaimo; 9am-4pm.
https://mcusercontent.com/e32e60eda3dcf4000bd02de94/files/257fa36e-763e-8a21-e691-b5920e7ed6d0/Draft_PAB_Agenda_2026_Nov_4.pdf

The IMAWG Mid-Year Governance Meeting provides members with an opportunity to review progress made during the first half of the year, assess current priorities, and confirm the group's strategic direction for the remainder of the year.

The meeting will include updates on key initiatives, review progress against the annual work plan, discuss emerging issues and risks, and consider any governance matters requiring member input or decision. Members will also review organizational performance, resource considerations, and opportunities to strengthen collaboration and achieve shared objectives.

The meeting is intended to ensure accountability, support informed decision-making, and maintain alignment with IMAWG's strategic priorities. It also provides a forum for members to share updates, identify challenges, and agree on actions and priorities for the second half of the year.

By the conclusion of the meeting, members will have a clear understanding of progress to date, agreed-upon decisions, updated priorities, and next steps to support the successful delivery of IMAWG's objectives.

See FNFC website for details.

Title: Pacific Salmon Treaty RegionalWorkshop – Duncan, BC

Date:November 16, 2026

Time:9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Weinvite you to attend the upcoming Pacific Salmon Treaty (PST) Workshop,taking place at the Khowutzun Heritage Centre in Duncan on Monday,November 16^th, 2026. This invitation is for BC First Nations inthe region, and individuals working for First Nations/First Nationsorganizations.

Withthe PST set for renewal in 2028, the First Nations Fisheries Council (FNFC) isworking with the Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC) First Nations Caucus to engagewith First Nations broadly in preparation for re-negotiations. Part of theseengagements includes hosting a series of regional workshops with First Nationsover the next few years, aimed to explore the Pacific Salmon Treaty’s purpose,scope, and how the Treaty impacts fisheries management for First Nations in BC.Through these workshops, we hope to solicit feedback and input on key issuesfrom First Nations in BC that will inform First Nations Caucus participation atthe PSC and during the re-negotiations.

Aspart of this series, Island Marine Aquatic Working Group willco-host this session with the PSC First Nations Caucus, which will focus oninforming South Vancouver Island First Nations about the PSTnegotiation process and discussing regional priorities.

WorkshopHighlights:

• Presentations from DFO staff and First Nations Caucus members on the Pacific Salmon Treaty, roles in the Treaty process, and details of relevant chapters.
• Discussions with PSC First Nations Caucus Commissioners, Panel, and Technical Committee members to identify priorities and interests, and solicit feedback to inform PSC FN Caucus participation at the PSC.
• Format: Hybrid (In-person and virtual)

Agenda, meeting materials, and zoom link will be addedcloser to the workshop date.

Tosupport in-person participation, there is a set amount of funding available forhonoraria and travel costs. Our goal is to support as many participants aspossible, and requests will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.If you would like to request travel support, please contact FNFC (drew@fnfisheriescouncil.ca) with your travel plan and estimated budget by November 2^nd,and we will confirm what assistance may be available.

Welook forward to your participation in this important conversation. If you haveany questions about the workshop, please contact drew@fnfisheriescouncil.ca 

The Island Marine Aquatic Technical (IMAT) Technical Meeting is a Tier Two working group session hosted by the Island Marine Aquatic Working Group (IMAWG) that brings together Vancouver Island First Nations technical staff and biologists with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) science staff and other invited partners and guests. The meeting focuses on collaboratively reviewing the best available science and technical information to support improved fisheries conservation/management with foundation of supporting First Nations rights based fisheries.

Objectives

The meeting has two primary objectives:

• Build a collaborative technical partnership between IMAWG/IMAT, First Nations biologists and technical staff, DFO scientists and others.
• Jointly analyze technical information to develop advice and recommendations for First Nations and DFO fishery managers that improve conservation, sustainability, and First Nations access to fisheries.

Brief Description

The meeting provides a forum for technical experts to review current research, stock assessment data, and fisheries management issues, and other applicable information affecting species populations. Topics include:

• Assessing stock abundance and biomass data.
• Reviewing scientific literature.
• Discussing new information to management approaches and post-season reviews.
• Examining impacts on fisheries management effecting populations.
• Identifying opportunities for collaborative research and projects between First Nations and partners.

The overall purpose is to combine First Nations knowledge, technical expertise, and modern science to support evidence-based recommendations for sustainability and co-management of resources. 

The Island Marine Aquatic Technical (IMAT) Technical Meeting is a Tier Two working group session hosted by the Island Marine Aquatic Working Group (IMAWG) that brings together Vancouver Island First Nations technical staff and biologists with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) science staff and other invited partners and guests. The meeting focuses on collaboratively reviewing the best available science and technical information to support improved fisheries conservation/management with foundation of supporting First Nations rights based fisheries.

Objectives

The meeting has two primary objectives:

• Build a collaborative technical partnership between IMAWG/IMAT, First Nations biologists and technical staff, DFO scientists and others.
• Jointly analyze technical information to develop advice and recommendations for First Nations and DFO fishery managers that improve conservation, sustainability, and First Nations access to fisheries.

Brief Description

The meeting provides a forum for technical experts to review current research, stock assessment data, and fisheries management issues, and other applicable information affecting species populations. Topics include:

• Assessing stock abundance and biomass data.
• Reviewing scientific literature.
• Discussing new information to management approaches and post-season reviews.
• Examining impacts on fisheries management effecting populations.
• Identifying opportunities for collaborative research and projects between First Nations and partners.

The overall purpose is to combine First Nations knowledge, technical expertise, and modern science to support evidence-based recommendations for sustainability and co-management of resources. 

The Island Marine Aquatic Working Group (IMAWG) is a First Nations collaborative that brings together 15 member First Nations from the Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Kwakwaka’wakw language areas on and around Vancouver Island. Its role is to support Firss Nations right based fisheries by providing a forum for collaboration, technical advice, information sharing. IMAWG itself is not a rights-holding or decision-making body; instead, it helps Nations coordinate, develop informed positions, and engage more effectively in fisheries co-management discussions.

ALL NATIONS WELCOME AND ENCOURGAGED TO ATTEND

The purpose of this meeting is to:

• Share the latest fisheries science, technical information, and policy updates.
• Discuss issues, priorities, and concerns among Indigenous organizations.
• Develop advice, recommendations, and a coordinated regional perspective.
• Prepare for future discussions with DFO and other governments during Tier Two and Tier Three meetings.

IMAWG meetings are intended to create a safe space for First Nation organizations to:

• Build a unified approach to fisheries management.
• Review scientific, technical, and traditional knowledge.
• Identify priorities and develop collective recommendations.
• Strengthen participation in fisheries co-management.
• Ensure Nations are well-informed before engaging directly with DFO.

The Island Marine Aquatic Working Group (IMAWG) is a First Nations collaborative that brings together 15 member First Nations from the Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Kwakwaka’wakw language areas on and around Vancouver Island. Its role is to support Firss Nations right based fisheries by providing a forum for collaboration, technical advice, information sharing. IMAWG itself is not a rights-holding or decision-making body; instead, it helps Nations coordinate, develop informed positions, and engage more effectively in fisheries co-management discussions.

ALL NATIONS WELCOME AND ENCOURGAGED TO ATTEND

The purpose of this meeting is to:

• Share the latest fisheries science, technical information, and policy updates.
• Discuss issues, priorities, and concerns among Indigenous organizations.
• Develop advice, recommendations, and a coordinated regional perspective.
• Prepare for future discussions with DFO and other governments during Tier Two and Tier Three meetings.

IMAWG meetings are intended to create a safe space for First Nation organizations to:

• Build a unified approach to fisheries management.
• Review scientific, technical, and traditional knowledge.
• Identify priorities and develop collective recommendations.
• Strengthen participation in fisheries co-management.
• Ensure Nations are well-informed before engaging directly with DFO.

3rd Quarterly Meeting for the Executives of IMAWG.

Contact:

Dave Feil

Communications Engagement Coordinator

Fraser Salmon Management Council 

membership@frasersalmon.ca 

www.frasersalmon.ca 

(778)-961-0225

The Island Marine Aquatic Technical (IMAT) Technical Meeting is a Tier Two working group session hosted by the Island Marine Aquatic Working Group (IMAWG) that brings together Vancouver Island First Nations technical staff and biologists with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) science staff and other invited partners and guests. The meeting focuses on collaboratively reviewing the best available science and technical information to support improved fisheries conservation/management with foundation of supporting First Nations rights based fisheries.

Objectives

The meeting has two primary objectives:

• Build a collaborative technical partnership between IMAWG/IMAT, First Nations biologists and technical staff, DFO scientists and others.
• Jointly analyze technical information to develop advice and recommendations for First Nations and DFO fishery managers that improve conservation, sustainability, and First Nations access to fisheries.

Brief Description

The meeting provides a forum for technical experts to review current research, stock assessment data, and fisheries management issues, and other applicable information affecting species populations. Topics include:

• Assessing stock abundance and biomass data.
• Reviewing scientific literature.
• Discussing new information to management approaches and post-season reviews.
• Examining impacts on fisheries management effecting populations.
• Identifying opportunities for collaborative research and projects between First Nations and partners.

The overall purpose is to combine First Nations knowledge, technical expertise, and modern science to support evidence-based recommendations for sustainability and co-management of resources. 

The Island Marine Aquatic Working Group (IMAWG) is a First Nations collaborative that brings together 15 member First Nations from the Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Kwakwaka’wakw language areas on and around Vancouver Island. Its role is to support Firss Nations right based fisheries by providing a forum for collaboration, technical advice, information sharing. IMAWG itself is not a rights-holding or decision-making body; instead, it helps Nations coordinate, develop informed positions, and engage more effectively in fisheries co-management discussions.

ALL NATIONS WELCOME AND ENCOURGAGED TO ATTEND

The purpose of this meeting is to:

• Share the latest fisheries science, technical information, and policy updates.
• Discuss issues, priorities, and concerns among Indigenous organizations.
• Develop advice, recommendations, and a coordinated regional perspective.
• Prepare for future discussions with DFO and other governments during Tier Two and Tier Three meetings.

IMAWG meetings are intended to create a safe space for First Nation organizations to:

• Build a unified approach to fisheries management.
• Review scientific, technical, and traditional knowledge.
• Identify priorities and develop collective recommendations.
• Strengthen participation in fisheries co-management.
• Ensure Nations are well-informed before engaging directly with DFO.

The annual Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) State of the Pacific Ocean (SOPO) meeting will be convened at Sidney’s Mary Winspear Centre, March 2-3, 2027. The meeting will be a hybrid event such that online attendance and participation is possible. More info to follow.

Contact:

Dave Feil

Communications Engagement Coordinator

Fraser Salmon Management Council 

membership@frasersalmon.ca 

www.frasersalmon.ca 

(778)-961-0225

The Island Marine Aquatic Technical (IMAT) Technical Meeting is a Tier Two working group session hosted by the Island Marine Aquatic Working Group (IMAWG) that brings together Vancouver Island First Nations technical staff and biologists with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) science staff and other invited partners and guests. The meeting focuses on collaboratively reviewing the best available science and technical information to support improved fisheries conservation/management with foundation of supporting First Nations rights based fisheries.

Objectives

The meeting has two primary objectives:

• Build a collaborative technical partnership between IMAWG/IMAT, First Nations biologists and technical staff, DFO scientists and others.
• Jointly analyze technical information to develop advice and recommendations for First Nations and DFO fishery managers that improve conservation, sustainability, and First Nations access to fisheries.

Brief Description

The meeting provides a forum for technical experts to review current research, stock assessment data, and fisheries management issues, and other applicable information affecting species populations. Topics include:

• Assessing stock abundance and biomass data.
• Reviewing scientific literature.
• Discussing new information to management approaches and post-season reviews.
• Examining impacts on fisheries management effecting populations.
• Identifying opportunities for collaborative research and projects between First Nations and partners.

The overall purpose is to combine First Nations knowledge, technical expertise, and modern science to support evidence-based recommendations for sustainability and co-management of resources. 

Salmon Tier Two Pre-IFMP Forum (IMAWG–DFO)

The Salmon Tier Two Pre-IFMP Forum brings together Vancouver Island Nations and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), facilitateed by IMAWG, to discuss key considerations in advance of the annual Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP) development process.

The forum provides an opportunity to exchange information, review emerging issues, and identify priorities related to salmon management before formal IFMP consultations begin. Discussions may include updates on salmon stock status, conservation objectives, fisheries planning, First Nation and stakeholder perspectives, anticipated management challenges, and opportunities for collaboration.

The forum is intended to support early engagement, improve mutual understanding of management priorities, and inform the development of the upcoming IFMP. While the meeting provides a venue for discussion and information sharing, it does not replace the formal consultation and decision-making processes associated with the IFMP.

The Island Marine Aquatic Working Group (IMAWG) is a First Nations collaborative that brings together 15 member First Nations from the Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Kwakwaka’wakw language areas on and around Vancouver Island. Its role is to support Firss Nations right based fisheries by providing a forum for collaboration, technical advice, information sharing. IMAWG itself is not a rights-holding or decision-making body; instead, it helps Nations coordinate, develop informed positions, and engage more effectively in fisheries co-management discussions.

ALL NATIONS WELCOME AND ENCOURGAGED TO ATTEND

The purpose of this meeting is to:

• Share the latest fisheries science, technical information, and policy updates.
• Discuss issues, priorities, and concerns among Indigenous organizations.
• Develop advice, recommendations, and a coordinated regional perspective.
• Prepare for future discussions with DFO and other governments during Tier Two and Tier Three meetings.

IMAWG meetings are intended to create a safe space for First Nation organizations to:

• Build a unified approach to fisheries management.
• Review scientific, technical, and traditional knowledge.
• Identify priorities and develop collective recommendations.
• Strengthen participation in fisheries co-management.
• Ensure Nations are well-informed before engaging directly with DFO.

4th Quarterly Board meeting for the IMAWG Executives.

Contact:

Dave Feil

Communications Engagement Coordinator

Fraser Salmon Management Council 

membership@frasersalmon.ca 

www.frasersalmon.ca 

(778)-961-0225