Fishery Notice

In 2017, the Department has identified concerns associated with expected poor 
returns of Fraser River Spring 5-2 and Summer 5-2 chinook.  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 2017 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 these stock aggregates.

The model used to predict the return of Fraser River Spring 5-2 and Summer 5-2 
chinook uses data from the standard chinook net fished by 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 2017, the Albion chinook test fishery began operating on April 23.  The 
total catch in the standard net for the period of this update (May 7 to June 
16) was three (3) chinook.  Based on this input, the current predicted return 
to the mouth of the Fraser for the Fraser River Spring 5-2 and Summer 5-2 
chinook aggregates ranges from 27,000 to 68,000 chinook (median value of 
42,530).  This predicted return is consistent with management zone 1 where 
returns to the Fraser River are below 45 thousand chinook and conservation 
concerns for Fraser chinook are the primary management consideration.

This is the final in-season update for 2017.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  
Raquel Roizman (604) 666-3935

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0549
Sent June 16, 2017 at 1531

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