Fishery Notice

Effective one hour before sunrise on Saturday, August 29, 2015 until December 
31, 2015, you may retain up to four (4) chinook salmon per day only one (1) of 
which may be greater than 62 cm on the Fraser River in Region 2.

Please note the change in the size limit to only one over 62 cm rather than one 
over 50 cm. This change normally takes place on September 1st annually however 
for simplicity in the regulations this change will take place three days 
earlier this year effective on August 29.

Region 2 waters are those waters between the downstream edge of the CPR bridge 
at Mission, BC to the downstream side of the Alexandra Bridge.

Anglers fishing for chinook are required to take every measure possible to 
ensure that their fishing activities avoid impacts on sockeye salmon.  Any 
sockeye encountered must be released with the least possible harm.  Survival 
rates of sockeye released in this fishery are expected to be high.  The 
Department is continuing to monitor the Fraser River to ensure compliance.
While fishing for chinook salmon, anglers should avoid using fishing methods 
that catch sockeye salmon and fish selectively.
The first principle of selective harvesting is to avoid catching non-targeted 
stocks.  This means that anglers should use methods that do not catch sockeye.  

Please note that bottom bouncing is NOT considered a selective fishing method 
and is strongly discouraged.  The Department requests that selective fishing 
techniques be used and will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure 
impacts on sockeye are at a minimum. 

Should DFO feel that the rate of compliance is insufficient to ensure the 
adequate passage of sockeye, spot closures or a "no fishing for salmon" 
restriction may result. 

Recreational fishing opportunities on the Fraser River for pink and chum salmon 
are anticipated later in the season subject to available abundance. 

Variation Order: 2015-406


Notes:

Single barbless hooks are required when fishing for salmon in non-tidal waters 
of British Columbia.  

Sport anglers are encouraged to participate in the Salmon Sport Head Recovery 
program by labelling and submitting heads from adipose fin-clipped chinook and 
coho salmon.  Recovery of coded-wire tags provides critical information for 
coast-wide stock assessment.  Contact the Salmon Sport Head Recovery Program 
toll free at (866) 483-9994 for further information.

If you're going fishing for salmon in non-tidal (fresh) waters, you need a Non-
Tidal Angling Licence, issued by the Province of British Columbia.  Visit the 
provincial website to buy your licence. Licences are available to B.C. 
residents and non-residents. Fees may vary and are listed online.  
(www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish/licences)

Anglers are advised to check 
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/index-eng.html for fishing closures and 
other recreational fishing information.

Did you witness suspicious fishing activity or a violation?  If so, please call 
the Fisheries and Ocean Canada 24-hour toll free Observe, Record, Report line 
at (800) 465-4336 or the British Columbia's toll-free RAPP line (Report All 
Poachers and Polluters) at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277).

For the 24 hour recorded opening and closure line, call toll free at 
1-(866)431-FISH (3474).


FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Barbara Mueller 
DFO Lower Fraser Area
Tel: (604)666-2370
Email: barbara.mueller@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0953
Sent August 28, 2015 at 1531

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