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 19 totalled 545 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 470,000 Chum (median estimate), with a 50% migration date of October 23. The return is expected to be between 326,000 and 677,000 (80% probability), and there is a 97% chance the run size will not meet the escapement goal of 800,000. Note that this does not take into consideration the potential for en-route mortality between the test fishery and spawning grounds.

The current run size estimate is insufficient to allow for commercial opportunities (including First Nations Economic Opportunities) in the Fraser River. 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. 

While no additional in-season updates are planned at this time, we will continue to closely monitor Chum Salmon catch at the Albion test fishery over the coming days. Should new information indicate the need to update the current run size and timing estimate, additional updates will be provided.


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 - FN1150
Sent October 24, 2023 at 1406

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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