Tuesday, September 2, 2014The Fraser River Panel met Tuesday, September 2 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 1,900,000 Early Summer-run sockeye was unchanged. At the meeting today, the run-size estimate of 7,000,000 Summer-run sockeye was increased to 8,200,000 fish with a 50% marine migration timing through Area 20 of August 18. There is still uncertainty in Late-run sockeye run size assessments. At the meeting today, the Panel agreed to continue using the Late-run sockeye pre-season median forecast abundance level (p50 forecast of 12,730,000 fish) for planning purposes. Recent test fishing catches indicate 99% of the Fraser sockeye are currently passing through Johnstone Strait.
On September 1, the Fraser River water discharge at Hope was approximately 2,141 cms, which is approximately 21% lower than average for this date. The temperature of the Fraser River at Qualark Creek on September 1 was 18.0C, which is 1.6C higher than average for this date. 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 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 2, 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 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 2, 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: Open to Area E gillnets from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, September 4, 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 30, 2014, to 12:00 p.m. (noon) Wednesday, September 3, 2014.
Areas 4B, 5 and 6C: Extended for drift gillnets 12:00 p.m. (noon), Wednesday, September 3, 2014, to 12:00 p.m. (noon) Saturday, September 6, 2014.
Areas 6, 7 and 7A: As previously announced, open for net fishing from 12:01 a.m. (midnight) Tuesday, September 2, 2014 through 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 3, 2014.
Areas 6, 7 and 7A: Extended for net fishing from 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 3, 2014 through 9:00 a.m. Friday, September 5, 2014.
ALL CITIZEN FISHERY:Area 7 and 7A:Open to purse seines from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday September 5, 2014.
Area 7 and 7A: Open to gillnets from 8:05 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. (midnight) Friday, September 5, 2014.
Area 7 and 7A: As previously announced, open to reefnets from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily from Saturday, August 30, 2014 through Tuesday, September2, 2014.
Area 7 and 7A: Open to reefnets from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily from Wednesday, September 3, 2014 through Friday, September 5, 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, September 5, 2014.
http://www.psc.org/NewsRel/2014/Announcement18.pdf