The forecast is around 600,000 +/- at this point. The last 2 seasons the initial forecast was around 300,000 - 400,000 and both seasons the actual number of fish returning went over 1 million. At the Harvest Round Table we appear to have reached agreement with all the sectors to leave the area from Dunsmiur Point through to the Narrows closed to commercial harvest. In effect this creates a closed section for recreational anglers to enjoy without being in conflict with commercial and FN fisheries. Working together to address the issues from last season is one way we can hopefully create a win/win situation for all users. We had very productive discussions early in the process, working closely with FN to talk about our mutual needs. Similarly, at the Table we had good focus on win/win solutions with the commercial sector. It is about give and take and looking for ways to ensure all parties get most of what they need. For example, we also agreed that if the commercial sector was having difficulty catching their TAC we would work with them to allow some limited fishing in the recreational area. In other words, be flexible. Hopefully we can make this arrangement work for the benefit of all.
As for limits DFO is looking at the possibility of 4 per day earlier and no official start date - in other words just open to sockeye retention. A lot depends on the available sport TAC and how long it would take the rec fleet to reach the cap. That is around 94,000 fish based on a very strong return of sockeye - our TAC goes up from 0 to the maximum of 94K depending on how many fish arrive. It's managed the same way the Halibut TAC is - more abundant years = more TAC; less abundant = less including closure.