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 Albion test fishery catch information.  The Chum-directed test fishing gill net (6.75" mesh) is fished every other day from September 1 to October 21, then daily through November 9, 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 9 totalled 173 Chum Salmon. Combining this data with the historical information on return size and timing in a Bayesian non-linear regression model resulted in an expected terminal Fraser River Chum Salmon return of 403,000 Chum (median estimate), with a 50% migration date of October 20. The return is expected to be between 270,000 and 600,000 (80% probability), and there is a 98% chance the run size will not meet the escapement goal of 800,000.

The current run size estimate is insufficient to allow for commercial opportunities (including First Nations Economic Opportunities) in the Fraser River. There are potential concerns around low water levels in some parts of Region 2 systems that will continue to be monitored and considered as part of the ongoing in-season Chum fishery planning and assessment process. Additional information on potential fishing opportunities will be provided via separate fishery notices.

A reminder that opportunities to harvest Chum Salmon for commercial, recreational, and First Nations Food, Social, and Ceremonial purposes in the Fraser River mainstem will be constrained by management objectives for Interior Fraser Steelhead, a population 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 2023/2024 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 on the week of October 23, 2023.


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 - FN1109
Sent October 13, 2023 at 1432

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Visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Printed from the Pacific Region web site on June 30, 2024 at 1132