By Carla Wilson, Victoria Times Colonist

The decision on how to share this year's catch of B.C.'s halibut between commercial and sports fishermen is expected in a few days, says a Fisheries and Oceans Canada spokesperson.

At the same time, the Huu-ay-aht First Nation of Bamfield on the west side of Vancouver Island, is arguing against any reduction in the commercial allocation because that would cut into the amount of halibut its members could catch.

The International Pacific Halibut Commission is recommending the total coast-wide catch by the U.S. and Canada be set at 41.07 million pounds. Of that amount, B.C. would be allowed to catch 7.65 million pounds.

The bulk of the annual halibut catch in B.C. is split, with 88 per cent going to the commercial fleet and 12 per cent going to recreational fishing. But sports fishermen have long been unhappy with that division and are lobbying for a bigger stake.

Under a treaty coming into effect April 1, the 675member Huu-ay-aht First Nation is to take its share of halibut from the commercial allocation, based on the current 88-12 per cent split.

Change that formula and that would mean fewer fish for the Huu-ay-aht. "That is why we are up in arms," Chief Robert Dennis said from Port Alberni on Monday. The Huu-ay-aht Tribe fought to have halibut allocation included this way in the treaty, he said. The treaty covers the Maanulth First Nations, made up of five First Nations including the Huu-ay-aht.

Halibut is not only used by band members for food, but many band members are commercial fishermen as well, Dennis said. Any reduction in the commercial allocation would hit those members doubly hard.

"Every one of the five nations are depending on halibut in some way," Dennis said.

Dennis said they have not heard any word from the federal Fisheries Department.

"I wish they would say something so we know what the heck is going on. If they are seriously thinking about adjusting that number, they have an obligation to tell people what they are doing to do."

Michelle Imbeau, Fisheries Department spokeswoman, said in an email Monday, "Fisheries and Oceans Canada has been working with our stakeholders and we hope to issue a statement about a decision in the next few days."

The sports fishery includes individual anglers and charter businesses which can charge several hundred dollars for trips.

This year, the sports fishery is not opening until Feb. 28. Last year, it started on Feb. 1 and charter operators are losing money and goodwill because of the delay, they say.

In B.C., there are 436 commercial halibut licences. Commercial fishermen are against any change in the formula that would reduce their share.

That fishery opens March 12.