aYup. With a staggering 243 springs through the counters, water extremely low and warm, management has decided to upgrade the run
just enough to allow FN "Economic Activity" Gillnets and Area D Commercial Gillnets into the water...
SOMASS CHINOOK BULLETIN # 3 – 2014 Date: September 5, 2014
Somass Chinook Stock Assessment Update
Pre-season forecast:
30,000 Chinook
Re-forecast Sept 4: runsize upgraded to 40,000, with this forecast there will be limited TAC for commercial fisheries.
The forecast terminal return of adult Somass chinook to Barkley Sound and Alberni Inlet for 2014 was approximately 30,000, similar to the level observed in 2013. This forecast is a low return of Somass chinook given the 25 year average of approximately 100,000 (90,000 adults) fish returning to the terminal area.
Escapement – to August 31
Stamp Falls - 241 Chinook and 625 coho
Sproat - 2 Chinook and 1035 Coho
Biological information:
Biological samples will be collected from the fish ladders and hatchery racks. The predicted adult age composition is 8%, 85% and 7% of 3, 4 and 5-year old fish, respectively.
NEXT WEEK'S FISHING PLANS:
First Nations
Tsu-ma-uss (Hupacasath, Tseshaht) - Food social and ceremonial fishing and economic opportunity.
• Hook and Line open 7 days a week from the green flashing light at the mouth of the Somass River to Hocking Point. (FSC)
• Gillnets open Tuesday Sept 9th from 4 pm to 6pm in the following area from Hohm Island to Polly’s Point. Target Catch 1900 pcs of chinook (Economic Opportunity)
Commercial
Area D gillnets open Monday September 8th from 9 pm to 10 pm in the following area from Polly Point to Stamp Narrows (possible boundary and timing changes depending on fleet size and catch). Target catch - 1900 pcs of chinook.
Recreational
No changes to recreational fishery
For more information please contact the DFO office in Port Alberni at 250 720-4440