Fishery Notice

In 2015, the Department has identified concerns associated with expected poor 
returns of Spring 5-2 and Summer 5-2 chinook to the Fraser River.  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 2015 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 this stock aggregate.  

The model used to predict the returns of Spring 5-2 and Summer 5-2 chinook to 
the Fraser River uses data from the standard chinook net at 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 2015, the Albion chinook test fishery began operating on April 26.  The 
total catch for the period of this update (May 3 to May 16) was six (6) 
chinook, which is more than catch observed in 2012 and 2013. Based on this 
input, the current predicted return to the mouth of the Fraser for the Spring 5-
2 and Summer 5-2 chinook aggregate is between 26,000-54,000 fish (median of 
37,230).

The next scheduled update is on June 1 and the final in-season update is 
planned for June 15, 2015.

Management actions will be confirmed pending the final in-season update planned 
for June 15, 2015. Previously announced fishery management actions to conserve 
Fraser River chinook remain in effect.  


FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Kelly Binning 604-666-3935

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0439
Sent May 20, 2015 at 1047

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