stones93
Well-Known Member
Fishery Notice
Category(s): ABORIGINAL - General Information
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Gill Net
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Seine
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Troll
RECREATIONAL - Salmon
Subject: FN0605-Salmon: Fraser River Sockeye - Areas 11-29- July 17, 2012 - Update
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fraser River Panel met Tuesday July 17, to receive an update on the
migration of the Fraser sockeye runs and review the status of migration
conditions in the Fraser River watershed. The test fish catches of Fraser
sockeye through Juan de Fuca Strait have increased slightly in recent days.
The Area 12 gill net test fishery began on July 9 and sockeye catches have been
low to date with a significant portion of non-Fraser sockeye in the catches.
Sockeye catches in the lower Fraser River gill net test fishery at Whonnock
have been variable over the past few days. With the recent drop in flows there
are good counts of sockeye migrating through Hells Gate.
Stock identification of sockeye samples recently collected from the Area 20
gill net test fishery indicate the following composition: approximately 8
percent of Early Stuart sockeye, 67 percent Early Summer-run sockeye and 26%
Summer stocks. At the meeting on Tuesday July 17, the run size estimate of
Early Stuart sockeye was increased to 140,000. The 50% marine migration timing
of Early Stuart sockeye through Area 20 is estimated to be July 2, which is
three days later than the pre-season forecast of June 29. The estimated
escapement of Early Stuart sockeye past Mission through July 16 is 124,600
fish.
Chilliwack sockeye presently comprise most of the Early Summer-run sockeye
migrating through the marine and in-river assessment areas. Early Summer-run
sockeye run size assessments should be available later in July after their peak
migration through marine areas has occurred. The estimated escapement of Early
Summer-run sockeye past Mission through July 16 is 127,000 fish.
Fraser River discharge levels have continued to decrease over the past several
days; however, they are still at levels that will have a negative effect on the
upstream migration of sockeye. On July 16 the discharge of the Fraser River at
Hope was 8,282 cms, which is approximately 46% higher than average for this
date. Current Fraser river temperatures from checks at Qualark Creek indicate
water temperatures are 15.9 degrees C, which is near average. At the meeting on
July 17, the Panel approved an increase in the management adjustment factor for
Early Stuart sockeye from 3.38 to 4.55. Management adjustments are additional
fish that are allowed to escape upstream to help achieve spawning escapement
targets for Fraser River sockeye.
The 3 week window closure to protect Early Stuart sockeye is coming off in some
areas over the next few days while it continues in the upper watershed. First
Nations food, social and ceremonial fisheries for sockeye will be starting this
coming weekend. Fishers are requested to check for opening times and any
restrictions in their local areas. There are no planned commercial or
recreational sockeye fisheries at this time.
The next in-season meeting of the Fraser Panel is scheduled for Friday July 20,
2012.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Barry Rosenberger 250-851-4892
Category(s): ABORIGINAL - General Information
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Gill Net
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Seine
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Troll
RECREATIONAL - Salmon
Subject: FN0605-Salmon: Fraser River Sockeye - Areas 11-29- July 17, 2012 - Update
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fraser River Panel met Tuesday July 17, to receive an update on the
migration of the Fraser sockeye runs and review the status of migration
conditions in the Fraser River watershed. The test fish catches of Fraser
sockeye through Juan de Fuca Strait have increased slightly in recent days.
The Area 12 gill net test fishery began on July 9 and sockeye catches have been
low to date with a significant portion of non-Fraser sockeye in the catches.
Sockeye catches in the lower Fraser River gill net test fishery at Whonnock
have been variable over the past few days. With the recent drop in flows there
are good counts of sockeye migrating through Hells Gate.
Stock identification of sockeye samples recently collected from the Area 20
gill net test fishery indicate the following composition: approximately 8
percent of Early Stuart sockeye, 67 percent Early Summer-run sockeye and 26%
Summer stocks. At the meeting on Tuesday July 17, the run size estimate of
Early Stuart sockeye was increased to 140,000. The 50% marine migration timing
of Early Stuart sockeye through Area 20 is estimated to be July 2, which is
three days later than the pre-season forecast of June 29. The estimated
escapement of Early Stuart sockeye past Mission through July 16 is 124,600
fish.
Chilliwack sockeye presently comprise most of the Early Summer-run sockeye
migrating through the marine and in-river assessment areas. Early Summer-run
sockeye run size assessments should be available later in July after their peak
migration through marine areas has occurred. The estimated escapement of Early
Summer-run sockeye past Mission through July 16 is 127,000 fish.
Fraser River discharge levels have continued to decrease over the past several
days; however, they are still at levels that will have a negative effect on the
upstream migration of sockeye. On July 16 the discharge of the Fraser River at
Hope was 8,282 cms, which is approximately 46% higher than average for this
date. Current Fraser river temperatures from checks at Qualark Creek indicate
water temperatures are 15.9 degrees C, which is near average. At the meeting on
July 17, the Panel approved an increase in the management adjustment factor for
Early Stuart sockeye from 3.38 to 4.55. Management adjustments are additional
fish that are allowed to escape upstream to help achieve spawning escapement
targets for Fraser River sockeye.
The 3 week window closure to protect Early Stuart sockeye is coming off in some
areas over the next few days while it continues in the upper watershed. First
Nations food, social and ceremonial fisheries for sockeye will be starting this
coming weekend. Fishers are requested to check for opening times and any
restrictions in their local areas. There are no planned commercial or
recreational sockeye fisheries at this time.
The next in-season meeting of the Fraser Panel is scheduled for Friday July 20,
2012.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Barry Rosenberger 250-851-4892
