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Author Topic: Mid Island and Mainland Chum returns poor in many rivers:  (Read 4817 times)

RalphH

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Mid Island and Mainland Chum returns poor in many rivers:
« on: November 12, 2018, 08:17:45 AM »
This year's poor return is widespread and not restricted to one watershed:

FN1242-COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Areas 14 to 19 - Mid Vancouver Island Chum Update - November 8, 2018

Mid Vancouver Island Chum Update (Areas 14 to 19)

Area 14

Escapement estimates to date are as follows: 

Puntledge River, November 7 - 33,000 Chum - Target Escapement 60,000 
Big Qualicum River, November 7 - 10,000 Chum - Target Escapement 85,000
Little Qualicum River, October 31 - 5,200 Chum - Target Escapement 85,000

Based on returns to date, it is unlikely that commercial fishing opportunities
will occur in 2018.  Based on current escapement and run timing, total returns
are expected to be below escapement targets in Area 14.

Areas 15 and 16

An overflight of Jervis Inlet systems was conducted October 31 and another
flight is being conducted today, November 7.  Observations to date are of
generally low returns to Areas 15 and 16.
 
Commercial fishing opportunities are not expected in 2018 due to low pre-season
forecast levels of abundance.

Areas 17, 18, and 19

Escapement estimates to date are as follows:

Nanaimo River, November 6 - 76,000 - Target Escapement 40,000.
Cowichan River, November 7 - 155,000 - Target Escapement 160,000.
Goldstream River, November 7 - 21,000 - Target Escapement 15,000.

The next Mid Vancouver Island Chum Update will be Thursday, November 15.

https://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fns-sap/index-eng.cfm?pg=view_notice&DOC_ID=216152&ID=all
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firstlight

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Re: Mid Island and Mainland Chum returns poor in many rivers:
« Reply #1 on: November 12, 2018, 10:26:05 AM »
This isnt the first year with poor returns.
This started approx 6 or so years ago.
No scientific explanation for me just my own observations.
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RalphH

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Re: Mid Island and Mainland Chum returns poor in many rivers:
« Reply #2 on: November 12, 2018, 01:02:27 PM »
Yes the returns in the past several years have been lower than they previously were with the odd exception. What's unique about this year returns is they don't support a commercial fishery in most watersheds.
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Dave

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Re: Mid Island and Mainland Chum returns poor in many rivers:
« Reply #3 on: November 12, 2018, 01:19:19 PM »
Quote from: RalphH on November 12, 2018, 01:02:27 PM
Yes the returns in the past several years have been lower than they previously were with the odd exception. What's unique about this year returns is they don't support a commercial fishery in most watersheds.
Some would say they don't support any fishery.
« Last Edit: November 12, 2018, 03:20:04 PM by Dave »
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RalphH

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Re: Mid Island and Mainland Chum returns poor in many rivers:
« Reply #4 on: November 12, 2018, 02:50:37 PM »
Quote from: Dave on November 12, 2018, 01:19:19 PM
Some would say they support any fishery.

are you advocating a widespread commercial fishery at current stock returns? Your comment is confusing. ::)
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Dave

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Re: Mid Island and Mainland Chum returns poor in many rivers:
« Reply #5 on: November 12, 2018, 03:20:32 PM »
Quote from: RalphH on November 12, 2018, 02:50:37 PM
are you advocating a widespread commercial fishery at current stock returns? Your comment is confusing. ::)
sorry, fixed it ::)
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Fatso

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Re: Mid Island and Mainland Chum returns poor in many rivers:
« Reply #6 on: November 12, 2018, 06:20:24 PM »
I was wondering what the heck was going on.  I have been to the east coast of Vancouver Island several times this fall including just a few days ago.  We only found one chum carcass on the beach when there are usually hundreds at this time of year.  We saw very few sealions and seals, and noticeably fewer gulls and sea birds.

Theres nothing there. Also we found the bottom fishing for rock cod and flounder really poor this year.

Pathetic actually.....  :'(
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Shinny

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Re: Mid Island and Mainland Chum returns poor in many rivers:
« Reply #7 on: November 12, 2018, 09:26:23 PM »
The Chinese fishing boat with 80 tons of chum onboard with a 5 mile long drift net might have made an impact on some streams. Who knows how many other boats are out there doing the same undetected.
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Hike_and_fish

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Re: Mid Island and Mainland Chum returns poor in many rivers:
« Reply #8 on: November 12, 2018, 10:04:19 PM »
Quote from: Shinny on November 12, 2018, 09:26:23 PM
The Chinese fishing boat with 80 tons of chum onboard with a 5 mile long drift net might have made an impact on some streams. Who knows how many other boats are out there doing the same undetected.

Didnt the powers that be say that the boat in question intercepted Chum salmon destined for Japan and Russia?
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RalphH

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Re: Mid Island and Mainland Chum returns poor in many rivers:
« Reply #9 on: November 13, 2018, 07:55:27 AM »
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YESFISH

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Re: Mid Island and Mainland Chum returns poor in many rivers:
« Reply #10 on: November 13, 2018, 11:22:53 PM »
Overnetting before Escapement numbers are obtained  they let commercials get sockeye and even all types in barkley sound. It ruins peoples vacatikns B.C. should run their own saltwater fisheries, Ottawa diesnt care   
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