Friday, August 22, 2014
The Fraser River Panel met Friday, August 22 to receive an update on the migration of Fraser sockeye and review the status of migration conditions in the Fraser River watershed.
At the meeting today, the run-size estimate of 2,200,000 Early Summer-run sockeye with a 50% marine migration timing through Area 20 of August 10 was unchanged. At the meeting today, the run-size estimate of 6,300,000 Summer-run sockeye was increased to 7,000,000 fish with a 50% marine migration timing through Area 20 of August 16. Assessments of Late-run sockeye abundance are ongoing. Recent test fishing catches indicate 97% of the Fraser sockeye are currently passing through Johnstone Strait.
On August 21, the Fraser River water discharge at Hope was approximately 2,934 cms, which is approximately 10% lower than average for this date. The temperature of the Fraser River at Qualark Creek on August 21 was 20.1C, which is 2.8C higher than average for this date. Fraser River water temperatures at Qualark Creek are forecast to decrease to approximately 18.5C by August 27. Sustained high water temperatures can cause severe stress to migrating sockeye and may lead to significant en route mortality. Migration conditions for Fraser sockeye will be monitored closely and appropriate management actions will be taken.
The Panel announced the following regulations for Panel Area waters:
CANADIAN FRASER RIVER PANEL AREA WATERS:Area 18-1, 18-4, and 18-11 and Area 29-1 to 6: As previously announced, open to Area H troll ITQ fishery from 12:01 a.m. Wednesday August 6, 2014 until further notice. (Please refer to DFO Fishery Notices for further details).
Area 29: Portions of 29- 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11 to 17: Open to Area E gillnets from 8:00 a.m. Monday, August 25, 2014, to 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 26, 2014. (Please refer to DFO Fishery Notices for further details).
UNITED STATES FRASER RIVER PANEL AREA WATERS:TREATY INDIAN FISHERY:Areas 4B, 5 and 6C: As previously announced, open for drift gillnets 12:00 p.m. (noon), Wednesday, August 20, 2014, to 12:00 p.m. (noon) Saturday, August 23, 2014.
Areas 4B, 5 and 6C: Extended for drift gillnets 12:00 p.m. (noon), Saturday, August 23, 2014, to 12:00 p.m. (noon) Wednesday, August 27, 2014.
Areas 6, 7 and 7A: Open net fishing from 5:00 a.m. Saturday, August 23, 2014 through 9:00 a.m. Monday, August 25, 2014.
ALL CITIZEN FISHERY:Area 7 and 7A: As previously announced, open to purse seines from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday, August 22, 2014.
Area 7 and 7A: Open to purse seines from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday August 25, 2014 and Tuesday August 26, 2014.
Area 7 and 7A: As previously announced, open to gillnets from 8:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. (midnight) Friday, August 22, 2014.
Area 7 and 7A: Open to gillnets from 8:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. (midnight) Monday, August 25, 2014 and Tuesday, August 26, 2014.
Area 7 and 7A: As previously announced, open to reefnets from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday, August 22, 2014.
Area 7 and 7A: Open to reefnets from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday, August 23, 2014 through Tuesday, August 26, 2014.
(Note: U. S. Non-Treaty fishers should check the U.S. hotline and WDFW regulations before fishing as there are additional State of Washington regulations, including time restrictions that may be in effect).
The next in-season meeting of the Panel is scheduled to occur on Tuesday, August 26, 2014.
http://www.psc.org/NewsRel/2014/Announcement15.pdf