Fishery Notice
Category(s): ABORIGINAL - Salmon: Economic Opportunities
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Gill Net
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Seine
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Troll
Subject: FN1119-Salmon - Fraser River Chum Update - October 23, 2017
In-season estimates of abundance for Fraser River chum are based on catch
information provided by the Albion test fishery. Using Albion test fishery data
through October 22, 2017 the current median estimate for the terminal Fraser
River chum return is 1.32 million chum, with a 50% migration date of October
17, 2017. There is an 80% probability that the run is between 596,000 and
2.851 million, and a 79% probability that the run will exceed the escapement
goal of 800,000.
The current run size is sufficient to allow for commercial opportunities in the
Fraser River. Additional information on available Commercial TAC and
commercial fisheries planning details will be provided via separate fishery
notices.
Opportunities to harvest chum salmon will be constrained by management
objectives for Interior Fraser steelhead which is a stock of concern presently
co-migrating in the Fraser River. Harvest opportunities in commercial
fisheries, including First Nation economic opportunity fisheries, will be
planned to minimize impacts on these stocks, as outlined in the 2017 South
Coast Salmon Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP). Fishers are required
to take every measure possible to ensure that their fishing activities avoid
impacts on steelhead. Any steelhead encountered must be released with the
least possible harm.
While no additional in-season updates are planned at this time, we will
continue to closely monitor chum catch at the Albion test fishery over the
coming days. Should new data indicate the need to update the current run size
and timing estimate, additional updates will be provided.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Barbara Mueller, (604) 666-2370 or your local DFO Resource Manager
Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN1119
Sent October 23, 2017 at 1302