The questions being asked and the perceptions of why DFO are managing these stocks in the manner they do, show that there is so little knowledge of what is actually going on with Fraser stream-type Chinook management. Derby is correct, individuals interested to know the fine details should visit an SFAB meeting and meet people who know the facts. It's complex and not easy to write in a few sentences.
Is this a conservation issue? Yes, but ... don't forget FN from the lower Fraser have by far the largest impact on these Fraser stream-type Chinook stocks when they are migrating and confined in the river. The mixed stock fisheries in the open ocean and approach waters have minimal impact. Back in 2007 the RDG, at the time, put a bullseye on back of Juan de Fuca because of some historic coated wire tag data showing Fraser Chinook catch from that area. As a result, Juan de Fuca was one of several areas chosen as the fatted calf for slaughter on the DFO altar. Area G and Area F troll plus the lower river sport fishery too. Now Juan de Fuca has a 67 cm Chinook slot from March to mid-June and if the Fraser Spring and Summer 5-2 Chinook are estimated to be in low abundance then from mid-June to mid-July the hated 85 cm slot as well. We're all trying to save Nicola 4-2 and Fraser Spring and Summer 5-2. Note that the great DFO hasn't done a jot to improve or restore the habitat of these fish. Also of interest, the fisheries management measures put in play in Area 19 and 20 have resulted in a 65 - 85% drop in impact already, so JdF anglers are clearly doing their part.
The implication by some on the forum is: if there is a conservation concern then we should all do our part. Noble under normal circumstances, but ridiculous if the fishery is managed on politics. Here's an example ... if Juan de Fuca fished in Zone 1 (the dreaded 85 cm slot) this year as opposed to the current Zone 2 (2 Chinook per day of which only one may be greater than 67 cm) the difference in impact on the returning adult Chinook is 120 fish. That is just 120 Chinook on an anticipated total return of 42,250 Fraser stream-type Chinook. So we would get a crappy 85 cm slot when 42,250 Chinook are migrating through. All for 120 fish. Hardly a massive impact there, right? Let's not guilt trip ourselves into thinking our fishery is killing the last surviving Fraser Chinook. It is not! And this is certainly not a conservation requirement to curtail the JdF fishery even more.
The real irony that always makes me chuckle is that our Juan de Fuca Chinook fishery wouldn't exist if it wasn't for Chinook from Washington State hatcheries. We manage Canadian salmon fisheries by cutting back harvest, where as US produces fish to protect the important fisheries.
