Fishery Notice

In 2015, 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 average weekly 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 2015 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 2015, the Albion chinook test fishery began operating on April 26.  The 
total catch for the period of this update (May 3 to May 29) was nine (9) 
chinook. Based on this input, the current predicted return to the mouth of the 
Fraser for the Spring 5-2 and Summer 5-2 chinook aggregate is between 25,000-
52,000 fish (median of 35,880).

The next and final in-season update is planned for June 15, at which time the 
Department will confirm management actions.  Previously announced fishery 
management actions to conserve Fraser River chinook remain in effect.  


FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Kelly Binning 604-666-3935

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0495
Sent June 2, 2015 at 1143

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Printed from the Pacific Region web site on April 19, 2024 at 0155