Category(s): ABORIGINAL - General Information
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Gill Net
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Seine
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Troll
RECREATIONAL - Salmon
Subject: FN0586-Salmon: Fraser River Sockeye Update - August 16 - Areas 11 to 29
The Fraser River Panel met today, August 16th to review assessment data on
Fraser River sockeye salmon. The abundance of returning Summer Run Fraser
sockeye continues to be substantially lower than expected for this time period.
There is great uncertainty in determining run timing of the Summer run which is
creating difficulty in determining the abundance of the Summer run strength.
Estimates of the Summer run using information presently available, indicates a
range of 2 to 4 million. Additional information is required before an improved
in-season estimate on the Summer run size can be provided. It is expected that
late this week or early next week we expect to provide an update on the Summer
run size. It is also important to note that Fraser River sockeye continue to
be encountered in Northern B.C. waters.
Migration conditions for sockeye in the Fraser River have deteriorated in
recent days. Discharge levels in the Fraser River measured at Hope today is
below 2,700 cms and is forecasted to decline to about 2,300 cms by August
25th. These levels are less than those observed for 2004 for similar date. The
water temperature at Qualark Creek is currently 19.2 degrees Celsius and is
forecasted to increase to about 20.0 degrees Celsius by August 21st. If these
temperatures materialize, they would be the warmest temperatures for the period
August 23-29 on record.
First Nations
It is expected that First Nations targeting Fraser River sockeye fisheries in
Area 29 and the Fraser River will continue this week, an update will be
provided on Friday August 19th following the next Fraser River Panel meeting.
Recreational
Sockeye retention remains closed in the Fraser River. Opportunities for the
commencement of Fraser River sockeye retention will be reviewed and an update
will be provided on Friday August 19th.
Commercial
Remains closed. Opportunities for the commencement of any assessment or
commercial fisheries will be reviewed and an update will be provided on Friday
August 19th.
The next update will be Friday PM, August 19th following the next Fraser River
Panel meeting.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Paul Ryall, (604)666-0115
Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0586
Sent August 16, 2005 at 1603