ishery Notice - Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Subject: FN0569-Salmon: Fraser River Sockeye Update - July 28 - Areas 11 to 29
The Fraser River Panel met July 28 to receive an update on the migration of the
Fraser River sockeye runs and review the status of migration conditions in the
Fraser River watershed.
Test fishing catches of sockeye in Johnstone Strait and Juan de Fuca Strait as
well in the Fraser River indicate continued low migration of Fraser River
sockeye. The migration of Early Summer-run sockeye through marine assessment
areas continues to be much lower than expected to-date. The Panel adopted a run
size recommendation further down grading the Early Summer run from 264,000 fish
to 150,000. The escapement of Early Summer-run sockeye past Mission through
July 27 is approximately 45,000 fish.
Summer-run sockeye have been entering the marine assessment areas over the past
couple of weeks and have also been well below expectations. It is too early to
make an in-season run size estimate for Summers however they are tracking
consistent with Early Summer stock group. The estimated escapement of Summer-
run sockeye past Mission through July 27 is approximately 28,000 fish.
Migration conditions for sockeye entering the Fraser River are deteriorating.
On July 27 the Fraser River discharge at Hope was approximately 4,100 cms,
which is approximately 15%-20% lower than normal. Water temperatures are the
larger issue. Temperatures at Qualark Creek were 19.8 C on July 27th, which
more than 20C higher than average for this date. Fraser River water
temperatures are forecast to reach approximately 21.7 C by August 5th, which
would set all time record highs. Water temperatures exceeding 20 C may cause
high enroute mortality of Fraser River sockeye.
There are no directed recreational and commercial fisheries for Fraser River
sockeye at the present time. First Nations sockeye fisheries have been
curtailed and DFO is planning meetings with First Nations groups to review
current information.
Next Panel meeting is July 31st.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Barry Rosenberger 250-851-4892
Fisheries and Oceans Canada Operations Center - FN0569
Sent July 29, 2009 at 16:12
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