Tuesday, August 19, 2014
The Fraser River Panel met Tuesday, August 19 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 Fraser River Panel adopted a run-size of 2,200,000 Early Summer-run sockeye with a 50% marine migration timing through Area 20 of August 10. At the meeting today, the Fraser River Panel adopted a run-size of 6,300,000 Summer-run sockeye with a 50% marine migration timing through Area 20 of August 15. Assessments of Late-run sockeye abundance are ongoing. Recent test fishing catches indicate 99% of the Fraser sockeye are currently passing through Johnstone Strait.
On August 18, the Fraser River water discharge at Hope was approximately 2,842 cms, which is approximately 17% lower than average for this date. The temperature of the Fraser River at Qualark Creek on August 18 was 20.7C, which is 3.1C higher than average for this date. Fraser River water temperatures at Qualark Creek are forecast to decrease to approximately 18.9C by August 20. 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: As previously announced, open to Area E gillnets from 11:00 p.m. (noon) to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 19, 2014. (Please refer to DFO Fishery Notices for further details).
Area 29: Portions of 29- 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11 to 17: Extended to Area E gillnets from 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 19, 2014 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 19, 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), Saturday, August 16, 2014, to 12:00 p.m. (noon) Wednesday, August 20, 2014.
Areas 4B, 5 and 6C: Extended for drift gillnets 12:00 p.m. (noon), Wednesday, August 20, 2014, to 12:00 p.m. (noon) Saturday, August 23, 2014.
Areas 6, 7 and 7A: As previously announced, open net fishing from 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 19, 2014 through 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 20, 2014.
Areas 6, 7 and 7A: Extended for net fishing from 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 20, 2014 through 9:00 a.m. Thursday, August 21, 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. Monday, August 18, 2014.
Area 7 and 7A: Open to purse seines from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday, August 21, 2014 and Friday, August 22, 2014.
Area 7 and 7A: As previously announced, open to gillnets from 8:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. (midnight) Monday, August 18, 2014.
Area 7 and 7A: Open to gillnets from 8:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. (midnight) Thursday, August 21, 2014 and Friday, August 22, 2014.
Area 7 and 7A: As previously announced, open to reefnets from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday, August 18, 2014.
Area 7 and 7A: Open to reefnets from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 20, 2014, Thursday, August 21, 2014 and Friday, August 22, 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 Friday, August 22, 2014.
http://www.psc.org/NewsRel/2014/Announcement14.pdf