The Fraser River Panel met Tuesday, July 29, 2014 to receive an update on the
migration of the Fraser sockeye runs and review the status of migration
conditions in the Fraser River watershed.
The migration of sockeye past the Mission hydroacoustic site continues to be
modest to date. Test fishing catches in the Area 12 and 13 seine fisheries
have increased in recent days, while Area 20 and gillnet fisheries in marine
areas and in river continue at modest levels.
Recent stock identification analyses indicate a low proportion of Early Stuart
sockeye remaining in the samples from some marine test fisheries. In the
Fraser River, the proportions of each stock in the most recent samples are 5%
Early Stuart, 45% Early Summers and 50% Summers (mostly Harrison River).
The estimated upriver migration of sockeye past Mission through July 28th is
482,200 fish in total of which 211,400 are estimated to be Early Stuart
sockeye, 131,600 Early Summer run, 134,200 Summer run and 5,000 Late Run.
River discharge levels have decreased slightly over the past week to a level of
4,765 cms for July 28, which is very near the historical average discharge for
this date (4,755 cms). Water temperature at Qualark is 17.8 degrees Celsius,
which is 0.3 degrees Celsius above the average temperature for this date.
Water temperatures are forecast to increase over the coming days and discharge
levels are expected to remain slightly below average for this period.
At today's meeting, the Fraser River Panel made no changes to the adopted run
size or management adjustments for Early Stuart sockeye. Management
adjustments are additional fish that are allowed to escape upstream to help
achieve spawning escapement targets for Fraser River sockeye.
Based on current assessments, the migration of Early Stuart sockeye is nearly
completed through the marine areas and the lower river and FSC fisheries
targeting Early Summer and Summer run sockeye are being planned. Fishers are
requested to check updated times and restrictions for their local area.
Commercial fishery planning is ongoing for Area B, D and H to begin fisheries
targeting Early Summer and Summer run sockeye. The earliest possible fishery
for Area D gillnet would be Saturday, August 2 and the earliest possible
fisheries for Areas B and H would be Monday August 4. Decisions on fishing
plans will be confirmed following the next Fraser Panel meeting on Friday,
August 1.
Retention of sockeye in Marine recreational fisheries is expected to begin as
early as Friday, August 1. A separate fishery notice will be issued to confirm
details.
The next in-season meeting of the Panel is scheduled to occur on Friday, August
1, 2014.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Jennifer Nener 604-666-6478
Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0711
Sent July 29, 2014 at 1613