Fishery Notice
Category(s):
ABORIGINAL - General Information
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Gill Net
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Seine
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Troll
RECREATIONAL - Salmon
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Gill Net
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Seine
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Troll
RECREATIONAL - Salmon
Subject:
FN0717-Salmon - Fraser River Sockeye and Pink Update - Areas 11 to 29 - July 21, 2015
The Fraser River Panel met Tuesday, July 21,2015 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 continues to be very low to date with the majority being Early Stuart and Early Summer run stocks with a few Summer run stocks. Gillnet test fishing began on June 22nd in Area 29 (Fraser River at Whonnock) and on June 29th at Qualark Creek. Marine area gillnet test fisheries began on July 13th in Area 20 and Area 12. Catch to date in marine test fisheries is consistent with this cycle line. Observations at Hells Gate indicate that there has been a steady movement of low numbers of sockeye in recent days. DNA analysis of samples taken in the A12/A20 test fisheries show sockeye stock compositions with declining abundance of Early Stuart (5%), combined with increasing abundance of Early Summer (40 to 80%) and Summer run (5 to 35%) stocks. During the panel call today the run size for Early Stuart was increased from 16,000 to 30,000 (50% probability forecast) with a peak run timing of July 7th in Area 20. The estimated escapement of Early Stuart sockeye as of July 20th is 17,600 fish. In-season assessment of all run timing groups generally occurs shortly after identification of their peak migration through marine areas. Early Summer stocks have begun to appear in marine and in-river test fishery samples. Run- size estimates of Early Summer returns should be available in early to mid- August after their expected peak migration through marine areas. The estimated escapement of Early Summer-run sockeye past Mission through July 20th is 25,700 fish. On July 20, the Fraser River water discharge at Hope was 3,255 cms, which is approximately 35% below average for this date. The temperature of the Fraser River at Qualark Creek on July 20th was 20.1 °C, which is 3.2°C above average for this date. After reviewing environmental and stock assessment information, the Panel decided to increase the Early Stuart management adjustment factor from the long term median value of 0.68 to 4.18 which is the management adjustment factor that was associated with the year (1998) that had the highest recorded 19 day average temperature during the Early Stuart migration period. Temperatures this year are slightly higher than they were in 1998 and river discharge is similar for the time of year. 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. Run size and timing updates for Fraser pinks will likely begin in mid- to late August. Currently, First Nations food, social and ceremonial fisheries in marine waters are not permitted to retain sockeye in areas where Fraser sockeye are normally harvested. The Early Stuart and Early Summer Run sockeye window closure originally scheduled to be lifted July 22nd will be continued until further notice and a further assessment will be provided later in the week (VO # 2015- 284 is in effect). Within the waters of the Fraser River, First Nations food, social and ceremonial fisheries have been very limited and directed at chinook. The initiation of sockeye directed First Nations food, social and ceremonial fisheries is not anticipated before late July or early August depending upon location. 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 next in-season meeting of the Fraser River Panel is scheduled to occur on Friday, July 24, 2015. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Jennifer Nener 604-666-6478
Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0717
Sent July 21, 2015 at 1605
Visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Printed from the Pacific Region web site on October 30, 2024 at 2251
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