Fishery Notice

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

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