Sockeye Hook & Release Pilot Mortality Study updatehttp://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/xnet/content/fns/index.cfm?pg=view_notice&lang=en&DOC_ID=126233&ID=recreationalThe Fraser Salmon & Watershed Program (FSWP) in conjunction with the Department of Fisheries & Oceans (DFO) is conducting the third year of a sockeye hook and release study in the Fraser River to determine the short term (24 hour) mortality of sockeye caught and released in recreational fisheries.
A contract biologist, Jim Thomas of JO Thomas & Associates (JOT), will be responsible for the operational aspects of the study.
We are seeking interested volunteers to assist us in the study. We need approximately 35 anglers each day of the study. If you are interested please join us at the location and time noted below. There is no need to sign up, just come on down.
Study Design: fish will be caught by the usual recreational fishing methods and also by beach seine. Sockeye health will be assessed and the fish will be tagged and placed into a net pen and held for 24 hours. After the 24 hour period the fish health will be assessed again and they will be released. In addition, up to 200 radio tags will be applied to the sockeye and immediately released.
Species and Amounts: the goal is to catch up to 800 sockeye by angling and beach seine methods. All live sockeye will be released after the 24 hour period.
Meeting Location and Time: Island 22 boat launch each day of the study at 7:30 AM. Please make sure you park in the appropriate parking area for your vehicle type. Limited transportation to the study area will be available for those without boats.
Location of Study: Grassy Bar - a portion of the bar will be marked off and used solely for the purpose of the study.
Timing of Study: three 5 day time periods August 9-13, August 16-20 and August 23-27. Note: This schedule may be changed if a recreational sockeye retention fishery is announced and a further fishery notice will be released.
Given the varying weather conditions we've experienced please make sure you are prepared and bring enough liquids to keep yourself hydrated. You may also need rain jackets, sunscreen, bug repellant and a hat.
Similar to previous years you need to provide your rod, reel and line and if you want your terminal tackle. If you prefer we will have a selection of hooks, corkies, weights, leader and wool available.
We're looking for volunteer anglers of all experience levels so come on out and join us.
For information on year one results please visit:
http://www.thinksalmon.com/fswp_project/item/fraser_sockeye_hook_and_release_mortality_study/Notes:
Did you witness suspicious fishing activity or a violation? If so, please call the Fisheries and Ocean Canada 24-hour toll free Observe, Record, Report line at (800) 465-4336.
For the 24 hour recorded opening and closure line, call toll free at (866) 431-FISH.
To prevent this thread being derailed, discussion of this study can be done at:
http://www.fishingwithrod.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=18301.0