Uu-a-thluk is the aquatic resource management department of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council. The word Uu-a-thluk means "taking care of" in our Nuu-chah-nulth language.

Working Together

Uu-a-thluk works closely with First Nations, governments, communities, businesses, and environmental organizations to promote and support the sustainable management of ocean and freshwater marine resources on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Benefitting Together

British Columbians have a special relationship with the natural environment.

We are proud of and enjoy the pristine beauty of our land and waters. Many of us also rely, directly and indirectly, on BC’s abundant natural resources for job and business opportunities.

Many BC First Nations depend on the health and abundance of fish, shellfish and wildlife to feed their families and communities and support their local economies.

Governments count on the taxes that these sectors bring in to provide public services and infrastructure.

For these resources to continue to support us all we must manage our land and waters responsibly, considering both current and future needs.

The work of Uu-a-thluk staff helps to ensure that the aquatic ecosystem and our coastal economy remain healthy, benefitting not only Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations but all British Columbians.

What We Do

• We support Nuu-chah-nulth participation in the harvest of fish and shellfish, in keeping with Nuu-chah-nulth traditional practices and principles.
• We work with the Nuu-chah-nulth Nations to monitor and gather scientific data about aquatic ecosystems on Vancouver Island’s west coast. Past projects have included gathering information about chinook populations, monitoring sea lice and conducting crab surveys.
• We produce newsletters, books, guides, cookbooks, storybooks and other publications about marine resources and coastal ecosystems on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
• We organize the Council of Ha’wiih Forum on Fisheries. The forum brings Nuu-chah-nulth Ha’wiih (Hereditary Chiefs) and representatives, and other governments and organizations together to work on initiatives related to ocean resource management. Uu-a-thluk also plays a lead role in Joint Technical Working Group meetings.
• We provide career-based training programs, internships and mentorships, as well as summer camps to teach kids about marine science.
• We present career workshops and events to help Nuu-chah-nulth people in remote communities find jobs and develop careers in aquatic resource management and ocean foods harvesting.

For more information on Uu-a-thluk visit our website or socialize with us on Facebook , X (Formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

Contact Us

The Nuu-chah-nulth Fisheries Department is located in Port Alberni, BC, with regional offices in Gold River and Tofino.

Southern Region Office

PO Box 1383
5001 Mission Road
Port Alberni, BC
V9Y 7M2
Phone: 250-724-5757
Fax: 250-724-2172