DFO's Fraser Chinook Conservation Strategy

[yammy5]

Fishery Notice - Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Subject: FN0440-Salmon: Fraser River Spring (age 5-2) and Summer (age 5-2) Fraser Chinook: In-season prediction of returns to the Fraser River.

The potential for low spawning escapements of Spring and Summer (age 5-2)
Fraser Chinook has been identified as a potential concern for 2010. To ensure
fishery management objectives are achieved, the Department bases fishery
management actions on whether in season estimated returns are less than 30,000
(zone 1), less than 60,000 (zone 2), or greater than 60,000 (zone 3).
Management actions in each zone range from closures or fishery restrictions
(zone 1), non-retention or limited directed fisheries (zone 2), or directed
fisheries (zone 3). Pre-season planning was based on a return less than 30,000
given the potential for poor marine survival rates to have affected returns.

In season estimates of the return of Spring and Summer (age 5-2) chinook to the
Fraser River are based on the relationship between historical returns and
cumulative catch per unit effort (CPUE) at the Albion chinook test fishery for
the statistical weeks beginning in May through the second week in June. The
cumulative CPUE in 2010 is slightly higher than the previous 2 years but lower
than the historical average. Weekly point estimates of Fraser Spring and
Summer (age 5-2) chinook returns during this time period have ranged from
approximately 56,000 to 67,000 chinook.

Given the uncertainty about the in season estimated return to the Fraser River,
the Department plans to implement management actions consistent with zone 2
after July 15, 2010. Specific management actions announced previously to
protect Fraser Spring 4-2 chinook (see FN0346 and FN0347) will remain in effect
until July 15, 2010 when greater than 70% of the Spring 4-2 chinook run has
entered the Fraser. Actions for Fraser Spring and Summer (age 5-2) chinook
after July 15th will be announced in a separate fishery notice.

Did you witness suspicious fishing activity or a violation? If so, please call
the Fisheries and Ocean Canada 24-hour toll free Observe, Record, Report line
at (800) 465-4336.

For the 24 hour recorded opening and closure line, call toll free at
1-(866) 431-FISH or in Vancouver area: 604-666-2828.


FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact the local DFO office in your area for further information.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada Operations Center - FN0440
Sent June 17, 2010 at 10:27
Visit us on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

 

[scott craven]

I interpret this to mean there will be further restrictions based on zone 2 regulations.
My bet is that we will see slot restrictions until the end of the 2010 season and of course, once they are in place we can likely expect to see them in seasons to come.

 

[Last Chance]

I can see them shutting it down. I belive DFO's management policy goes as follows.

Once an angler releases a larger (out of slot size) fish off of Victoria or Sooke, it doesn't quite have the energy to mortaly tangle itself into a gillnet across the Fraser or Nicolar river.

Last Chance Fishing Adventures

www.lastchancefishingadventures.com
www.swiftsurebank.com

 

[Barbender]

quote:Once an angler releases a larger (out of slot size) fish off of Victoria or Sooke, it doesn't quite have the energy to mortaly tangle itself into a gillnet across the Fraser or Nicolar river.

Both the funniest and saddest thing I have read in a long long time.

 

[Rockfish]

You can’t be right, the FN’s wrote a letter to the Minister saying that they were not going to fish to protect the Chinook stocks of concerns and demanded that sport fishermen be required to do the same. So there just can’t be any nets in the lower Fraser catching the same fish that sport fishermen let through Victoria and Sooke for spawning purposes now that they have made their way to the river. That would just destroy the entire conservation effort. [xx(]

 

[fishin_magician]

Don't know where you guys are getting your information from...there are no reported FN catches on the sources I have.

 

[wolf]

THEY are definatlly going to be fishing and they have dfo spermission.......

 

[Lipripper]

quote:Originally posted by fishin_magician

Don't know where you guys are getting your information from...there are no reported FN catches on the sources I have.

LOL yep just nets....no catches

 

[profisher]

There have been licenses asked for and issued for June openings on the Fraser. So it is a good bet that those fish released in 19/20 to spawn will end up in a reefer truck bound for Alberta.

 

[Charlie]

Well I believe they be a fishing already? FN Lower Fraser report, June 13 equals 484.

If you haven’t read this yet, you might find it interesting? 2009-2010 Salmon Management Plans?
http://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/xnet/content/MPLANS/plans09/salmon/09-10SCSalmonIFMP.pdf

quote: 6.1.2. Improving Coded Wire Tag (CWT) sampling of FSC fisheries
Many First Nations FSC fisheries have not been sampled for CWTs, and most of those that were have been inconsistently or inadequately sampled for CWTs. Since many of these fisheries are terminal and intercept chinook and/or coho indicator stocks, this is a serious concern because it generates unknown bias for cohort analyses and implementation of PST management regimes for chinook and coho salmon. In 2006, the Department began addressing this concern in the lower Fraser River FSC fisheries that retain chinook or coho salmon. Fishery monitors, who were already in place for catch data collection, were instructed to obtain heads from adipose finclipped chinook and coho if the fisher did not object. This project was successful, and will expand in 2009 to improve coverage of lower Fraser River FSC fisheries, as well as to include other FSC fisheries in the Pacific Region. Because the complexity of FSC fisheries varies greatly in the Region, other approaches to CWT sampling these fisheries will also be explored.

7.1.1. Increasing Coded Wire Tag (CWT) submission rates
The CWT program relies on voluntary submissions of heads from adipose fin clipped Chinook and coho salmon to estimate the quantity and stock composition of salmon in various fisheries. Over the past several years, submission rates have decreased. Returns of heads from adipose clipped coho salmon have become so low that they no longer provide sufficiently precise CWT catch estimates for stock assessment purposes. In certain fisheries, recovery rates of heads from adipose clipped chinook salmon are also low.

Sport catch taken on guided trips, both lodge-based and non-lodge based, is one sector of the sport fishery that has seen increased head submission rates in recent years, due to cooperation of the guides in collecting and in some cases delivering heads. In 2008, the Department will strive to increase the proportion of guiding companies collecting heads to better represent their fishing activity. Where possible, head collections and logbook data will be combined to realize the full benefits of these programs

To increase awareness of the CWT program and to increase the rate of salmon head submissions, the Department is increasing promotion of the CWT program through communications with the SFAB and Sport Fishing Institute. For further information on the CWT program, please see:

7.1.2. Recreational E-logs
The development of an improved catch monitoring regime will continue to be a priority in the management of recreational fisheries. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is working with the Sport Fishing Institute and Sport Fishing Advisory Boards to develop catch monitoring standards and logbook systems for the recreational fishery.

In 2009 the Department will be continuing with a co-management project with the Sport Fishing Institute, Sport Fishing Advisory Boards and members from the Provincial Government by piloting an electronic logbook system for the third consecutive year. The software application consists of three components; a PC based component, a Dockside handheld component and an On Water handheld component. The design of the handheld components is based on the content of current paper logbooks and advice from the recreational sector. The ultimate goal of this new initiative is to improve the efficiency and compliance of reporting catch and other recreational
fishing information to the Department.

In 2008 there were 55 handheld held units operating in 12 Lodges along the Pacific Coast. For 2009 the Department is intending to expand on last year’s pilot.

For more information please contact Ron Goruk at 250-756-7392, Carmen McConnell at 250-756-7272.

7.2. Chinook
Conservation concerns persist for wild chinook originating from WCVI systems, Lower Strait of Georgia (in particular the Cowichan River chinook) stocks and the Early-Timed Fraser River chinook stocks.

7.2.1. Lower Strait of Georgia
Conservation concerns for Lower Strait of Georgia (LGS) chinook stocks will guide fisheries planning in 2009. The Cowichan River chinook stock is an indicator stock of the LGS chinook aggregate. Escapement trends have been declining in recent years. In 2008 escapement did increase but still remained well below the escapement target. Management actions instituted in 2008 will again be implemented in 2009 and will include a number of chinook non-retention areas as well as a recreational closed area near Cape Mudge.

7.2.2. West Coast Vancouver Island
In 2008, the management actions in the chinook conservation corridor included a daily limit of two chinook with a maximum size limit of 77 cm. (excluding that portion of the corridor south of 48º 55.872’N, 125° 33.028’W). The daily limited of 2 per day with a maximum size of 77 cm in the conservation corridor will be maintained in 2009.

The forecasted return to the Stamp River (Robertson Creek Hatchery) has declined from 2008 levels. The chinook escapement target is based on an egg target of 57.5 million (50M river, 7.5M Hatchery). With the 2009 return dominated by 4 year old fish 34,000 chinook are required to meet the egg target. The total allowable harvest is 13,000. New management actions will be implemented to reduce catch in Area 23. Similarly the return to the Conuma River (Conuma River Hatchery) has also declined with a return to the terminal area of 9,000 chinook. Management actions may also be implemented in portions of Area 25.

 

[Rockfish]

The very same fish that DFO has mandated be returned to the water for conservation and spawning over the last few weeks have just made the river where they will likely be slaughtered before ever getting to a spawning bed. Nor does it surprise me that DFO has approved this, they have no choice since they just get their butts kicked in court and they would rather look like poor decision makers than simply impotent. They know the problem is the huge indiscriminate lower Fraser River net fishery, and habitat issues in the Nicola, they also know they can’t or won’t do much about them, which leaves us. So even though our impact is minimal and it makes little difference from a conservation perspective, we are the ones getting hammered. If the Chinook do not recover it won’t be because of sport fishing in area 19 and 20.

 

[spring time]

this is what I found out and id you think they are not fishing get your head out of the sand
First Nation Chinook kept catches (including ceremonial) in the Lower Fraser River, 2010 17 Jun 2010 17:10
AREA Below Port Mann Bridge
Port Mann to
Mission
Mission
to
Harrison Harrison to Hope Hope to Sawmill Cr.
Subtotal -
Pt. Mann
to
Sawmill
BAND Musq. Tsa. Other (a) Sto:lo Other (a) Any Sto:lo Yale Sto:lo Yale All Bands
GEAR All All All All All All All All All All All
Week
Ending Total
Cumulati
ve
Jan-03 0 0
Jan-10 0 0
Jan-17 0 0
Jan-24 0 0
Jan-31 0 0 0 0
Feb-07 0 0 0 0
Feb-14 0 0
Feb-21 0 0
Feb-28 0 0 0 0
Mar-07 0 0
Mar-14 0 0
Mar-21 0 0
Mar-28 0 0
Apr-04 2 2 2 2
Apr-11 0 2
Apr-18 0 2
Apr-25 0 2
May-02 0 2
May-09 4 0 0 3 7 7 9
May-16 0 9
May-23 1 1 1 10
May-30 0 10
Jun-06 0 10
Jun-13 96 81 120 187 484 484 494
Jun-20 0 494
Jun-27 0 0 0 494
Jul-04 0 494
Jul-11 0 494
Jul-18 0 494
Jul-25 0 494
Aug-01 0 494
Aug-08 0 494
Aug-15 0 494
Aug-22 0 494
Aug-29 0 494
Sep-05 0 494
Sep-12 0 494
Sep-19 0 494
Sep-26 0 494
Oct-03 0 494
Oct-10 0 494
Page 1 of 2
AREA Below Port Mann Bridge
Port Mann to
Mission
Mission
to
Harrison Harrison to Hope Hope to Sawmill Cr.
Subtotal -
Pt. Mann
to
Sawmill
BAND Musq. Tsa. Other (a) Sto:lo Other (a) Any Sto:lo Yale Sto:lo Yale All Bands
GEAR All All All All All All All All All All All
Week
Ending Total
Cumulati
ve
Oct-17 0 494
Oct-24 0 494
Oct-31 0 494
Nov-07 0 494
Nov-14 0 494
Nov-21 0 494
Nov-28 0 494
Dec-05 0 494
Dec-12 0 494
Dec-19 0 494
Dec-26 0 494
Jan-02 0 494
TOTAL 0 0 0 100 0 81 126 0 187 0 494 494
and the openings
Communal Opening Times - for Week Ending 27-06-2010
Wk Ending First Nations
Groups
Area Length Open
Time/Date
Closed
Time/Date
Target Species Gear
Jun 27 Yale First
Nation
Hope to
Sawmill Creek,
Agassiz to
Hope
8 hrs 07:00 Saturday
Jun 26
15:00 Saturday
Jun 26
Chinook drift net
Jun 27 Lower Fraser
First Nations
Mission to
Sawmill Creek,
Port Mann to
Kanaka
Cr/Derby R,
Kanaka
Cr/Derby Rch
to Mission
8 hrs 07:00 Saturday
Jun 26
15:00 Saturday
Jun 26
Chinook drift net
Jun 27 Yale First
Nation
Hope to
Sawmill Creek,
Agassiz to
Hope
24 hrs 19:00 Friday
Jun 25
19:00 Saturday
Jun 26
Chinook set net
Jun 27 Lower Fraser
First Nations
Mission to
Sawmill Creek,
Port Mann to
Kanaka
Cr/Derby R,
Kanaka
Cr/Derby Rch
to Mission
24 hrs 19:00 Friday
Jun 25
19:00 Saturday
Jun 26
Chinook set net
Notes:
* Drift net fisheries occurring between June 26, 2007 and July 26, 2007 are restricted to the use of 8" mesh nets with a 3:1 hang ratio.
Printed from the Fishery Operations System on Jun 17 2010 at 17:00

 

[scott craven]

A drift net fishery in the Fraser after all this B.S about conservation...[xx(]
whats the point of shutting us down when FN fish them in the river ??
we are getting screwed, it's time for sporties to break the rules in protest.

 

[profisher]

NO, not a protest fishery, that will only play into their game. We would look like a bunch of sour grapes only wanting to be the ones catching the few fish left. We must think first!!!! Take the high ground and make them look bad for their lack of judgment. I say we call for a complete shutdown on upper Fraser stocks, no fishing period!!! Nobody fishes until DFO says all those fish are in the spawning grounds. No commercial, no sport, no food or ceremonial fishing. We should argue that the stocks are so depressed that this must be done to save the few remaining until a recovery plan can be implemented. Demand that as a part of this plan; agree that all infractions in all sectors be dealt with to the full extent of the law with no interference. Now as a group we have truly put the interest of the fish first.
This demand would be presented through the SFAB and not made public right away. Allowing the FN groups to weigh their options. 1. Agree and not fish. 2. Ignore it and know it will be made public and they would look bad and not be able to criticize others ever again and be taken seriously. 3. Or what I think would happen, they would back off and leave us alone and start looking at habitat and water as the way to restore runs and get more fish.

 

[scott craven]

Sorry, but if you think a total closure would stop FN from fishing
i disagree, they know that it would go all the way to Supreme court
and be held up for years.
The Canadian justice system will not prosecute FN for obtaining
food fish , legally or illegally.

 

[Barbender]

Correct and no CO or DFO personel will ever confront the Cheam band regarging this issue. A few years back guns were pulled on the officers when they had nets across the river and nothing was done about it. They were basically told tough luck from our justice department. Unfortunately this is a lost cause.

 

[Aces]

Don't forget...... this is the same organization that managed the Atlantic Cod Fishery into extinction [xx(]

 

[Rum Buddies]

very smart idea Profisher - Of course we all know the FN will fish, but they will look very bad and hopefully get some press.





http://www.fishingvancouverisland.org

 

[scott craven]

Problem is we have different laws for different ethnic backgrounds.
One group is expected to obey rules and regs and can be prosecuted if
they are violated.
The other group is more or less protected by treaty's that are upheld by
the Supreme court.
Until our fisheries are governed by one law applicable to all user groups, nothing much will change.
By the way, i have no problem with FN using the resource but i do question drift nets in a river whose stocks are in peril of decimation.

 

[Charlie]

I think this might give some insight about the Sto: lo and Cheam band - they just might NOT have any treaty?

"We were never conquered and we have never surrendered the right to govern or be stewards of our traditional territories"
http://www.firstnations.de/index.html

"Eight of these First Nations – Chawathil, Cheam, Kwantlen, Kwaw-kwaw-Apilt, Scowlitz, Seabird Island, Shxw'ow'hamel and Soowahlie – formed the Sto:lo Tribal Council. They have chosen not to participate in the BCTC process at this time."
http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/firstnation/stolo_tribal/default.html