Fishery Notice

In-season estimates of return-to-the-mouth ("terminal") abundance for Fraser River Chum Salmon are based on current year's catch information provided by the Albion test fishery, combined with historical information on the probable range of run size, timing, expansion line, and duration of the run. The Chum-directed test fishing gill net (6.75" mesh) is fished every other day from September 1 to October 20, then daily through November 10, then every other day until November 23. More details of the Albion test fishery can be found on the DFO website: 
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/fraser/index-eng.html 

Catch in the Chum net through October 19 totals 2,649 Chum Salmon. Combining this data with the historical information in a Bayesian non-linear regression model results in an estimated terminal Fraser River Chum Salmon return of 1,084,000 Chum (median estimate), with a 50% migration date of October 20. The return is expected to be between 702,000 and 1,697,000 (80% probability), and it is very likely that the return will meet the escapement goal of 800,000.

The current run size estimate is sufficient to allow for recreational, commercial and  First Nations Economic Opportunities in the Fraser River. Additional information on available Commercial TAC and commercial fisheries planning details will be provided via separate fishery notices.

A reminder that opportunities to harvest Chum Salmon for First Nations Food, Social, and Ceremonial purposes will be constrained by management objectives for Interior Fraser Steelhead, a stock of concern presently co-migrating in the Fraser River. Moving window closures are in place for all salmon fisheries located along the migratory route of Thompson and Chilcotin River Steelhead, including Southern BC marine waters and the Fraser River and tributaries downstream of Thompson and Chilcotin River Steelhead spawning areas, as outlined in the 2020/2021 South Coast Salmon Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP). Harvest opportunities in all fisheries will be planned in line with these management measures. 

While no additional in-season updates are planned at this time, we will continue to closely monitor Chum Salmon catch at the Albion test fishery over the coming days. Should new information indicate the need to update the current run size and timing estimate, additional updates will be provided.


FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact the nearest Fisheries and Oceans Canada office or visit our website at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN1146
Sent October 22, 2020 at 0843

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Visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Printed from the Pacific Region web site on April 10, 2026 at 0500