Fraser 5-2s lowest since albions been in effect

[fish stalker]

ABORIGINAL - General Information
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Troll
RECREATIONAL - Salmon
Subject: FN0485-Salmon - Fraser River Spring 5-2 and Summer 5-2 Chinook - June 14th Abundance Update

In 2013, the Department has identified concerns associated with expected poor
returns of Spring 5-2 and Summer 5-2 chinook to the Fraser River. Management
of these stocks is based on an in-season assessment of returns using the
cumulative catch per unit effort (CPUE) of chinook caught at the Albion Test
Fishery. A three zone management approach is used to identify management
actions.

For 2013, the management zone breakpoints have been set at 45 thousand (between
zone 1 and zone 2) and 85 thousand (between zone 2 and zone 3) chinook
returning to the Fraser River. Management actions for the lowest management
zone (zone 1) were planned pre-season based on the number of spawners in the
2008 parental generation (32 thousand chinook) and the recent lower than
average survival rates.

The model used to predict the returns of Spring 5-2 and Summer 5-2 chinook to
the Fraser River uses data from the standard chinook net at the Albion Test
fishery and does not use catch from the multi-panel net (which is currently
fished on alternating days). The standard chinook net is an 8 inch (approx.
20 cm) mesh.

The 2013 Albion chinook test fishery began operating on April 21st. A
cumulative total of five (5) chinook have been caught in the standard chinook
net; five additional chinook have been caught in the multi-panel net. This is
the lowest catch observed for this time period since the inception of the
Albion chinook test fishery in 1981. The CPUE input into the model falls below
the range of historical observations of CPUE (1995 to 2012, excluding 2007)
used to develop the Albion prediction model. Based on this CPUE, the current
predicted return of Spring 5-2 and Summer 5-2 chinook to the mouth of the
Fraser ranges from 26 thousand to 57 thousand chinook with a mid-point of 38.6
thousand.

As a result, the Department will manage fisheries based on management zone 1
(i.e. returns to the Fraser less than 45 thousand chinook) for Fraser
Spring 5-2 and Summer 5-2 chinook. Management actions for specific areas and
fisheries will be confirmed by separate fishery notices.

This is the final in-season update.


FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Kelly Binning 604-666-3935



Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0485
Sent June 14, 2013 at 1457

 

[scott craven]

Don't be surprised to see more restrictions to follow

 

[fshnfnatic]

You can bet on that R.S.C.!! Dollars to donuts the slot stays in effect after July 19 for area 19-20.Meanwhile it's a free
for all above Sheringham and on the inside,where 5-2 springs are gettin' caught every day by the dozons. Makes no
sense to me whatsoever,but when does DFO make any sense? What a bunch of frickin' clowns!!

 

[Rockfish]

You can bet on that R.S.C.!! Dollars to donuts the slot stays in effect after July 19 for area 19-20.Meanwhile it's a free
for all above Sheringham and on the inside,where 5-2 springs are gettin' caught every day by the dozons. Makes no
sense to me whatsoever,but when does DFO make any sense? What a bunch of frickin' clowns!!

Don't think so as I understand those later summer Chinook are different and stronger runs. I could be incorrect but I would think most of the 5-2's are already past us given that they have already done the test fishery and we are still slot restricted for more than another month yet, unless they decide to open it. I would think there are those on this forum who would know with greater certainty.