Fishery Notice

The Fraser River Panel met Tuesday, August 4th, to receive an update on the 
migration of the Fraser sockeye and pink runs to date and review the status of 
migration conditions within the Fraser River watershed.	

The migration of sockeye into the Fraser River has continued to increase in 
recent days with the majority being Early Summer and Summer run stocks. 
Migration of Early Stuart sockeye through marine and the lower Fraser is 
completed. Test fishery catches of sockeye in both marine assessment areas has 
fluctuated in recent days. Within the Fraser River the test catches have been 
trending upward in the last several days. Observations at Hells Gate indicate 
that there continues to be a steady movement of sockeye at this time. 

DNA samples taken in the marine seine test fisheries show sockeye stock 
compositions with an abundance of Early Summers of 7 to 27%, combined with a 
Summer run composition of 69 to 88% with approximately less than 5% being Late 
run stocks. During the Panel call today, the run size for Early Stuart was 
increased to 32,000 with a peak run timing of July 6th in Area 20. The number 
of Early Stuart sockeye estimated to have passed Mission as of August 3rd is 
31,700 fish.

In-season assessment of all run timing groups generally occurs shortly after 
identification of their peak migration through marine areas. The declining 
proportion of Early Summer stocks in marine and in-river test fishery samples 
and in particular the low level of Early South Thompson stocks suggests either 
a later run timing scenario, a return that is lower than forecast, or both. At 
this time it is not possible to distinguish between later timing or lower 
returns. Run-size estimates of the different components of the Early Summer 
returns should be available in early to mid-August after their expected peak 
migration through marine areas. The number of Early Summer-run sockeye 
estimated to have passed Mission through August 3rd is 156,200 fish of which 
less than 14,000 are estimated to be Early Thompson populations.

On August 3rd, the Fraser River water discharge at Hope was 2,669 cms, which is 
approximately 36% below average for this date. The temperature of the Fraser 
River at Qualark Creek on August 3rd was 19.8°C, which is 1.8°C above average 
for this date. The river discharge level is forecast to drop to 2,391 cms by 
August 9th while water temperatures are forecast to decrease to 18.9°C for the 
same date. It should be noted that there is considerable uncertainty in the 
temperature forecasts as weather predictions are highly uncertain. After 
reviewing environmental and stock assessment information, there were no further 
changes to the management adjustment factors for any of the run timing groups 
today. Management adjustments are additional fish that are removed from 
identified harvest levels and allowed to escape upstream in an attempt to 
assist in achievement of identified escapement objectives for the different run 
timing groups.

At this time it is too early to assess the return of Fraser pink salmon. Recent 
test fishery catches in the marine approach areas have shown large abundances 
of pink salmon. The first stock ID samples from the Area 20 test fisheries 
indicate a Fraser composition of 23 percent. Run size and timing updates for 
Fraser pinks will likely begin in mid to late August.

The extended Early Stuart and Early Summer Run sockeye window closure has ended 
in marine areas and portions of the Fraser River.  This closure continues in 
the upper portions of the Fraser River with dates for sockeye directed 
fisheries being announced in future fishery notices.

First Nations food, social and ceremonial sockeye fisheries that are currently 
being planned will be monitored closely to ensure that impacts on Early Summer 
sockeye are kept at a minimum as available total allowable catch is limited. 

Fishers are requested to check for the opening times and any restrictions in 
their local area. There are no planned commercial or recreational fisheries on 
sockeye at this time.

The first upstream escapement report was released by DFO last week. 
Observations of Early Stuart sockeye in the spawning areas indicate that 
sockeye are present in a number of spawning areas and in good condition. Water 
levels and temperatures are normal for this time of year. In addition, the 
counting fence at Sweltzer Creek (Cultus) has been in place since July 20th 
with no fish observed to date.

The next in-season meeting of the Fraser River Panel is scheduled to occur on 
Friday, August 7th, 2015.


FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Jennifer Nener 604-666-6478

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0800
Sent August 4, 2015 at 1511

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