Northern BC Salmon

ChinookExerciser

Active Member
After experiencing near-record low returns of Coho on the North Coast in 2018, the Department implemented additional measures to reduce the overall exploitation rate of commercial fisheries in 2019. Furthermore, low catch rates in Alaskan Troll fisheries in certain Treaty defined areas triggered a 10 day closure in Northern Coho fisheries. Preliminary escapement data suggest that Northern Coho populations improved in 2019; however, ocean survival continues to be a concern for Coho returning in 2020. While it is likely the improving trends observed in 2019 were in part due to reduction in Coho exploitation rates in North Coast fisheries, additional management measures may be considered for 2020. The Department plans to consult with First Nations and stakeholders through the IFMP development process to discuss Northern Coho management actions.

The 2019 Nass and Skeena Sockeye escapements fell short of expectations, continuing a trend of increased uncertainty in both systems. This trend makes fishery planning more complex, and will require a continued precautionary approach to the management of Nass and Skeena Sockeye fisheries, particularly early in the season when in-season information is limited. The Department plans to consult with First Nations and stakeholders through the IFMP development process to discuss management of Nass and Skeena Sockeye fisheries for the 2020 season. Additional work to develop management measures for First Nations, recreational, and commercial fisheries at a range of run sizes will be discussed.

In 2018, in response to a declining trend in escapements of Northern Chinook, the Department implemented a suite of management measures to reduce the overall exploitation rates on these stocks. Additionally in both 2018 and 2019, measures were taken to provide priority access for First Nations Chinook harvests in light of uncertain returns of Skeena River Sockeye, including temporal and spatial closures. For 2019, restrictions also included an extended closure of the commercial troll fishery in Northern BC until August 20th to pass through Fraser Summer 41 Chinook to support Fraser First Nations FSC harvests. For 2020, preliminary Chinook data suggests that similar management measures are likely

required to address both uncertain Chinook stocks and uncertainty of Sockeye escapements. The department intends to engage First Nations and stakeholders both bilaterally and as part of the 2020 IFMP planning process to develop fishing plans that are expected to be informed by the management actions implemented in recent seasons.
 
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