Fishery Notice

In 2017, the Department has identified concerns associated with expected poor 
returns of Fraser River Spring 5-2 and Summer 5-2 chinook.  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 2017 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 these stock aggregates.

The model used to predict the return of Fraser River Spring 5-2 and Summer 5-2 
chinook uses data from the standard chinook net fished by 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 2017, the Albion chinook test fishery began operating on April 23.  The 
total catch for the period of this update (May 7 to May 20) was one (1) 
chinook.  Based on this input, the current predicted return to the mouth of the 
Fraser for the Fraser River Spring 5-2 and Summer 5-2 chinook aggregates ranges 
from 31,000 to 61,000 chinook (median value of 43,420).  

The next scheduled update is June 5 and the final in-season update is planned 
for June 19, 2017 which may be earlier if there is a clear indication of higher 
abundance.


FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Kelly Binning (604) 666-3935

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0461
Sent May 24, 2017 at 1540

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