Fishery Notice

In 2014, the Department has identified concerns associated with expected poor 
returns of Spring 5-2 and Summer 5-2 chinook to the Fraser River.  Management 
of these stocks is based on an in-season assessment of returns using the 
cumulative catch per unit effort (CPUE) of chinook caught at the Albion Test 
Fishery.  A three zone management approach is used to identify management 
actions.  
	
The Department initiated the 2014 season with management actions based on the 
lowest management zone (zone 1) given uncertainties in expected marine survival 
rate, and recent years of poor returns for this stock aggregate.
	
The model used to predict the returns of Spring 5-2 and Summer 5-2 chinook to 
the Fraser River uses data from the standard chinook net at the Albion Test 
fishery and does not incorporate catch from the multi-panel net (which is 
currently fished on alternate days). The standard chinook net is an 8 inch 
(approx. 20 cm) mesh. Catch and effort data are cumulated by week, starting the 
first full week in May, to provide the input to the model. 

In 2014, the Albion chinook test fishery began operating on April 22.  The 
total catch for the period of this update (May 5 to May 31) is five (5) 
chinook, which is slightly more than catch observed in 2012 (4 chinook) and 
2013 (2 chinook). Based on this input, the current predicted return of Spring 5-
2 and Summer 5-2 chinook to the mouth of the Fraser ranges from 31,000 to 
58,000 chinook (median of 42,250).  

The next and final in-season update is planned for June 16, at which time the 
Department will confirm management actions.  Previously announced fishery 
management actions to conserve Fraser River chinook remain in effect until that 
time.

	

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Kelly Binning 604-666-3935

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0430
Sent June 2, 2014 at 1233

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