The Fraser River Panel met by conference call today, Tuesday, July 20 to
receive an update from PSC staff regarding the progress of the Fraser River
sockeye returns.

Current environmental conditions in the Fraser River continue to be
satisfactory, but bordering on unfavorable for sockeye migration.  The
discharge at Hope was 3,500 cubic meters per second (cms) which is 35% below
the historical average for this date.  The temperature at Qualark Creek on July
19 was 19.4°C or 3°C above the long-term average.  In the Nechako River, water
temperatures have declined slightly to 18.5°C as a result of a cold water
release from Cheslatta.  The above average water temperatures suggest that some
en route losses could be expected.  

Early Stuart:

Continuing strength in arriving abundance into the Fraser River has permitted
the Fraser River Panel to accept the PSC staff recommendation for a further
upward adjustment to the run size estimate for the Early Stuart run to 200,000
from the previously adopted estimate of 190,000 sockeye.  As the remaining
Early Stuart sockeye enter the Fraser River, this estimate could rise slightly.
To date, the estimated migration of Early Stuarts past Mission is 186,000
sockeye.  Based on current information, the Early Stuart migration is expected
to have completed their entry into the lower Fraser River by July 23.

Early Summer:

The 50% probability pre-season forecast return for the Early Summer run group
is 885,000 sockeye.  Early Summer sockeye are increasing in abundance in both
marine approaches and within the Fraser River.  The earlier components of the
stock group appear to be stronger than forecast or much earlier than average.  
While the current indications are quite positive, PSC staff advises that it is
still early in the migration to determine an in-season run size projection.

To date, 205,000 Early Summer run sockeye have been estimated to have entered
the Fraser River. This is ahead of the pre-season expected schedule of entry of
Early Summer run stocks into the Fraser River.

Summer:

The 50% probability level pre-season forecast for the Summer run stock group is
3,500,000.  Summer run sockeye have been identified in the approach areas as
well as within the Fraser River.  These stocks are present in low, but expected
proportions suggesting the return timing for this stock group could be normal.  
To date, 24,000 Summer run sockeye have entered the Fraser River.


Based upon the encouraging early indications of abundance of Early Summer run
sockeye, First Nations food, social and ceremonial fisheries in the approach
areas can be expected to commence.  Considerations are also being given to
small-scale assessment and experimental fisheries are being made for the latter
part of this week.  Retention of Fraser River sockeye by the recreational
fishery is also being considered.

The Fraser River Panel will meet again Friday, July 23.  An update should be
available in the afternoon.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Wayne Saito - 604-666-3271.