Fishery Notice
Category(s):
ABORIGINAL - General Information
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Gill Net
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Seine
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Troll
RECREATIONAL - Salmon
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Gill Net
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Seine
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Troll
RECREATIONAL - Salmon
Subject:
FN0796-Salmon - Fraser River Sockeye Update - Areas 11 to 29 - August 7, 2020
The Fraser River Panel met Friday, August 7, to receive an update on the migration of the Fraser Sockeye runs to date and review the status of migration conditions in the Fraser River watershed. In November 2018 a rock landslide occurred at Big Bar in the Fraser River upstream of Lillooet. In 2019 this slide was a significant impediment to upstream migration for Sockeye, Chinook and Coho destined for spawning habitats upstream of the slide. Significant work has occurred over the past several months to improve passage for fish combined with assessment programs to evaluate passage success as well as brood stock collection for enhancement purposes. During recent days as water levels have dropped observations of natural passage have occurred. Additional information and regular updates on passage can be found at the following link. http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pacific-smon-pacifique/big-bar-landslide-eboulement/index-eng.html. Gill net test fishing Sockeye catches in the Fraser River at Whonnock continue to be low with a catch of 7 on August 6, while the Qualark test fishery continues to have higher catches with a catch of 47 on August 5. A limited number of DNA samples from the Whonnock test fishery from August 2-4 indicate that 100% are Summer run stocks. DNA samples taken from the Qualark test fishery from August 3 to 4 were comprised of 0% Early Stuart, 19% Early Summer run and 81% Summer run stocks. Purse seine test fisheries in Areas 12 and 20 were terminated on August 5 And 6, respectively. DNA samples from Area 12 taken on August 5 indicated the stock composition was 0% Early Stuart, 14% Early Summer, 77% Summer run stocks and 9% Late run stocks. In Area 20, DNA samples from August 2 to 4 indicated the stock composition was 0% Early Stuart, 10% Early Summer, 80% Summer and 10% Late run stocks. The current diversion rate through Johnstone Strait has increased to 54% and will no longer be assessed due to the completion of the marine test fisheries. The total Sockeye escapement to August 6 is estimated to be 142,900 of which 13,300 are Early Stuart Sockeye, 54,600 are Early Summer run stocks, 72,500 are Summer run stocks and 2,500 Late run stocks. Assessment information is currently indicating that the Early Summer, Summer and Late run stock groups are tracking well below the p10 run size for all run timing groups. During the Panel call today the p10 run size of 169,000 for Summer run stocks was adopted by the Panel with an Area 20 peak timing of July 27 which is 4 days earlier than the pre-season predicted timing. The Panel also adopted the p10 run size of 28,000 for Late run stocks with a peak run timing of August 15. Currently the total return of Fraser sockeye in 2020 is estimated to be approximately 275,000 fish which is a record low return. The observed water temperature at Qualark on August 6 was 18.4° Celsius which is 0.4° Celsius above average for this date. Water temperatures are forecast to decrease to 17.1° Celsius by August 12. The Fraser River discharge at Hope on August 6 was 5,439 cubic meters per second which is 38% above the average discharge for this date. Discharge levels are forecast to decrease to 4,940 cubic meters per second by August 12. Currently, all First Nations food, social and ceremonial (FSC) Sockeye fisheries are closed and will likely remain that way for the duration of the 2020 season as there is no available TAC. Very limited fishing opportunities directed at Chinook salmon continue to occur with sockeye non-retention regulations in place as well as the requirement to attend nets at all times so sockeye can be released alive and unharmed. FSC fishers in marine approach areas as well as the Fraser River are requested to check for the opening times and any restrictions in their local area. Commercial and recreational fisheries are not anticipated on Fraser River Sockeye in 2020. The second in-season update on Fraser sockeye spawning escapement was released by DFO stock assessment on August 6. No Sockeye have been observed in Early Stuart spawning tributaries to date. The hydro-acoustics program in the upper Chilliwack River estimates that 6,004 Sockeye have entered the river as of July 28. In addition the counting fence on Swelzter Creek (Cultus) was installed on July 27 and to date 1 Sockeye has been enumerated into Cultus Lake. The next in-season meeting of the Fraser River Panel is scheduled to occur on Tuesday, August 11, 2020. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Regional Salmon Team - DFO Pacific DFO.PacificSalmonRMT-EGRSaumonduPacifique.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0796
Sent August 7, 2020 at 1353
Visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Printed from the Pacific Region web site on March 29, 2024 at 0247
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