Fishery Notice
Category(s):
ABORIGINAL - General Information
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Gill Net
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Seine
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Troll
RECREATIONAL - Salmon
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Gill Net
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Seine
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Troll
RECREATIONAL - Salmon
Subject:
FN0691-Salmon - Fraser River Sockeye Update - Areas 11 to 29 - July 19, 2016
The Fraser River Panel met Tuesday, July 19, 2016 to receive an update on the migration of the Fraser sockeye runs to date and review the status of migration conditions in the Fraser River watershed. Gillnet test fishing in both the marine areas and the Fraser River are tracking at levels well below expected compared to the pre-season forecast and timing of the various components of the run timing groups. Hells Gate observations have fluctuated in recent days remaining at low levels. The Area 12 and 20 purse seine test fisheries are scheduled to start on July 21st and 22nd respectively. DNA analysis of samples taken in the marine test fisheries show sockeye stock compositions in Area 20 of 0% Early Stuart, 46% Early Summers and 54% Summer run stocks. In Johnston Straits the DNA samples indicate a stock composition of 10% Early Stuart, 79% Early Summers and 10% Summers. During the Panel call today the run size for Early Stuart sockeye was decreased from 36,000 (50% probability forecast) to 22,000 (25% probability forecast) with a peak run timing of July 3rd in Area 20. The estimated escapement past Mission of Early Stuart sockeye as of July 18th is 11,100 fish. In-season assessment of all run timing groups generally occurs shortly after identification of their peak migration through marine areas. Early Summer and Summer run stocks are starting to build in marine and in-river test fishery samples however the overall abundance of both run timing groups is lower than expected at this time. Run-size estimates of Early Summer returns should be available within the next two weeks after their expected peak migration through marine areas. The estimated escapement of Early Summer and Summer run sockeye past Mission through July 18th is 53,200 and 2,200 fish respectively. On July 18th, the Fraser River water discharge at Hope was 4,514 cms, which is approximately 13% lower than average for this date. The temperature of the Fraser River at Qualark Creek on July 18th was 17.8°C, which is 1.2°C higher than average for this date. The water temperature is forecast to increase to 18.4°C by July 24th. For pre-season planning purposes the Fraser Panel has adopted management adjustments for Early Summer and Summer sockeye that reflect the forecast conditions based on the May to June information. 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. In-season information over the coming weeks will help to inform future decisions on management adjustments for the Early Summer and Summer management groups while the Early Stuart and Late run management groups will be managed based on the respective Low Abundance Exploitation Rate (LAER) for each group (10% for Early Stuart and 20% for Lates). There will be no in-season estimates of management adjustment for Early Stuart and Late run sockeye in 2016 as the forecast returns are very low across the entire forecast range and it is anticipated they will be managed to the LAER, with the expected outcome of a spawning escapement well below goal. First Nations food, social and ceremonial (FSC) sockeye fisheries have been restricted by the 3 week Early Stuart window closure with limited fishing opportunities directed at Chinook salmon. As a result of the low sockeye abundance observed to date the start-up of sockeye directed FSC fisheries is not anticipated before late July or early August depending upon location and will be based on the identification of sockeye TAC for Early Summers or Summers. Fishers in marine approach areas as well as the Fraser River are requested to check for the opening times and any restrictions in their local area. There are no planned commercial or recreational fisheries in 2016 at this time. The next in-season meeting of the Fraser River Panel is scheduled to occur on Friday, July 22, 2016. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Jennifer Nener, 604-666-0789
Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0691
Sent July 19, 2016 at 1549
Visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Printed from the Pacific Region web site on March 28, 2024 at 1408
- Date modified: