Fishery Notice

In-season estimates of return-to-the-mouth ("terminal") abundance for Fraser River Chum Salmon are based on historical information on the probable range of run size, timing, expansion line, and duration, combined with the current year's catch information provided by the Albion test fishery. 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 13 totals 985 Chum Salmon. Combining this data with the historical information on return size and timing in a Bayesian non-linear regression model results in an expected terminal Fraser River Chum Salmon return of 519,000 Chum (median estimate), with a 50% migration date of October 20. The return is expected to be between 422,000 and 652,000 (80% probability), and it is almost certain that the return will not meet the escapement goal of 800,000.

The current run size estimate is insufficient to allow for recreational and commercial opportunities (including First Nations Economic Opportunities) in the Fraser River. 

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 with Chum Salmon 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 2021/2022 South Coast Salmon Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP). Harvest opportunities in all fisheries will be planned in line with these management measures. 

The final planned in-season Fraser River Chum update will be provided by October 22, 2021.


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 - FN1097
Sent October 15, 2021 at 0915

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Printed from the Pacific Region web site on May 2, 2024 at 1702