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 2) 
was one (1) 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 26,000 to 63,000 chinook (median value of 40,210).  

The final in-season update is planned for June 19, 2017 but may be earlier if 
there is a clear indication of higher abundance.


FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Marla Maxwell (604) 666-2417

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0515
Sent June 7, 2017 at 1410

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Printed from the Pacific Region web site on April 19, 2024 at 1008