Commercial fishermen in British Columbia held an illegal protest fishery Wednesday on the Fraser River. They're upset with a native-only fishery.

An estimated 75 boats carried supporters of the B.C. Fisheries Survival Coalition. The protest comes after the federal Department of Fisheries approved the opening of a commercial sockeye fishery for the Musqueam, Burrard and Tsawwassen bands.

The coalition argues the department's policy of allowing native-only commercial fisheries is illegal. Supporters say there should be only one commercial fishery for all Canadians.

Fisheries spokesman Robert Martinolich said it's possible that the protestors would be charged. He said fisheries officers are on the water identifying fishermen and putting files forward for possible prosecution.

The protest comes despite a commercial sockeye opening announced for Thursday on the Fraser. There is also a fishery for recreational fishermen.