Fishery Notice

The Fraser River Panel met Friday, July 17, to receive an update on the 
migration of the Fraser sockeye and pink runs to date and review the status of 
migration conditions within the Fraser River watershed.	

The migration of sockeye into the Fraser River has been very low to date with 
the majority being either Early Stuart or Early Summer run stocks. Gillnet test 
fishing began on June 22nd in Area 29 (Fraser River at Whonnock) and on June 
29th at Qualark Creek. Marine area gillnet test fisheries began on July 13th in 
Area 20 and Area 12. Catch to date in marine test fisheries is consistent with 
this cycle line. Observations at Hells Gate indicate that there has been a 
steady movement of low numbers of sockeye in recent days. 

DNA analysis of samples taken in the A12/A20 test fisheries show sockeye stock 
compositions of approximately 36/40% Early Stuart, 40/54% Early Summers and 
24/5% Summer run stocks respectively. The delayed start-up of the marine test 
fisheries and the Mission hydro-acoustics program has resulted in very limited 
data being available to date to assess the run timing and abundance of Early 
Stuart sockeye. At this time, the available data suggests that Early Stuart 
sockeye are returning within the mid-range of the pre-season forecast, 16,000 
(25% probability forecast) to 58,000 (75% probability forecast). It is expected 
that a more precise estimate of Early Stuart run size and timing will be 
available next week. The estimated escapement of Early Stuart sockeye as of 
July 16th is 8,100 fish.

In-season assessment of all run timing groups generally occurs shortly after 
identification of their peak migration through marine areas. Early Summer 
stocks have begun to appear in marine and in-river test fishery samples. Run-
size estimates of Early Summer returns should be available in early to mid-
August after their expected peak migration through marine areas. The estimated 
escapement of Early Summer-run sockeye past Mission through July 16 is 4,600 
fish. 

On July 16, the Fraser River water discharge at Hope was 3,532 cms, which is 
approximately 34% below average for this date. The temperature of the Fraser 
River at Qualark Creek on July 16 was 20.0 °C, which is 3.5°C above average for 
this date. After reviewing environmental and stock assessment information, the 
Panel decided to leave the Early Stuart management adjustment factor at the 
long term median value of 0.68 at this time. It is anticipated that the 
management adjustment will likely be increased in the coming weeks once more 
information on run timing and river water conditions are available. 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.

At this time it is too early to assess the return of Fraser pink salmon. Run 
size and timing updates for Fraser pinks will likely begin in mid- to late 
August.

Currently, First Nations food, social and ceremonial fisheries in marine waters 
are not permitted to retain sockeye in areas where Fraser sockeye are normally 
harvested. Within the waters of the Fraser River, First Nations food, social 
and ceremonial fisheries have been very limited and directed at chinook. The 
initiation of sockeye directed First Nations food, social and ceremonial 
fisheries is not anticipated before late July or early August depending upon 
location.

Fishers are requested to check for the opening times and any restrictions in 
their local area. There are no planned commercial or recreational fisheries on 
sockeye at this time.

The next in-season meeting of the Fraser River Panel is scheduled to occur on 
Tuesday, July 21, 2015.


FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Jennifer Nener 604-666-6478

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0699
Sent July 17, 2015 at 1631

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