Subject: FN0790-Salmon - Fraser River Sockeye and Pink Update - Areas 11 to 29 - July 31, 2015
The Fraser River Panel met Friday, July 31st, to receive an update on the
migration of the Fraser sockeye and pink runs to date and review the status of
migration conditions within the Fraser River watershed.
The migration of sockeye into the Fraser River has continued to increase in
recent days with the majority being Early Summer and Summer run stocks.
Migration of Early Stuart sockeye through marine and the lower Fraser is
nearing completion. Test fishery catches of sockeye in both marine assessment
areas as well as the lower Fraser River has increased in recent days.
Observations at Hells Gate indicate that there continues to be a steady
movement of sockeye at this time.
Recent DNA samples taken in the marine seine test fisheries show sockeye stock
compositions with an abundance of Early Summers of 20%, combined with a Summer
run composition of 80%. During the Panel call today, the run size for Early
Stuart remained at 30,000 (50% probability forecast) with a peak run timing of
July 7th in Area 20. It is anticipated that the run size and timing for Early
Stuarts will be adjusted upward in the near future to account for the tail end
of the migration. The number of Early Stuart sockeye estimated to have passed
Mission as of July 30th is 31,700 fish.
In-season assessment of all run timing groups generally occurs shortly after
identification of their peak migration through marine areas. The declining
proportion of Early Summer stocks in marine and in-river test fishery samples
and in particular the low level of Early South Thompson stocks suggests either
a later run timing scenario, a return that is lower than forecast, or both. At
this time it is not possible to distinguish between later timing or lower
returns. Run-size estimates of the different components of the Early Summer
returns should be available in early to mid-August after their expected peak
migration through marine areas. The number of Early Summer-run sockeye
estimated to have passed Mission through July 30th is 118,800 fish of which
less than 10,000 are estimated to be Early Thompson populations.
On July 30th, the Fraser River water discharge at Hope was 2,922 cms, which is
approximately 34% below average for this date. The temperature of the Fraser
River at Qualark Creek on July 30th was 19°C, which is 1.0°C above average for
this date. The river discharge level is forecast to drop to 2,582 cms by August
5th while water temperatures are forecast to increase to 21.5°C for the same
date. It should be noted that there is considerable uncertainty in the
temperature forecasts as weather predictions are highly uncertain. After
reviewing environmental and stock assessment information, there were no further
changes to the management adjustment factors for any of the run timing groups
today. Management adjustments are additional fish that are removed from
identified harvest levels and allowed to escape upstream in an attempt to
assist in achievement of identified escapement objectives for the different run
timing groups.
At this time it is too early to assess the return of Fraser pink salmon. Recent
test fishery catches in the marine approach areas have shown large abundances
of pink salmon. The first stock ID samples from the Area 20 test fisheries
indicate a Fraser composition of 23 percent. Run size and timing updates for
Fraser pinks will likely begin in mid to late August.
The extended Early Stuart and Early Summer Run sockeye window closure has ended
in marine areas and portions of the lower Fraser River below the Port Mann
Bridge. This closure continues in the remainder of the Fraser River with dates
for sockeye directed fisheries in areas above the Port Mann Bridge being
announced in future fishery notices.
First Nations food, social and ceremonial sockeye fisheries that are currently
being planned will be monitored closely to ensure that impacts on Early Summer
sockeye are kept at a minimum as available total allowable catch is limited.
Fishers are requested to check for the opening times and any restrictions in
their local area. There are no planned commercial or recreational fisheries on
sockeye at this time.
The first upstream escapement report was released by DFO earlier this week.
Observations of Early Stuart sockeye in the spawning areas indicate that
sockeye are present in a number of spawning areas and in good condition. Water
levels and temperatures are normal for this time of year. In addition, the
counting fence at Sweltzer Creek (Cultus) has been in place since July 20th
with no fish observed to date.
The next in-season meeting of the Fraser River Panel is scheduled to occur on
Tuesday, August 4th, 2015.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Jennifer Nener 604-666-6478
Fisheries and Oceans Canada Operations Center - FN0790
Sent July 31, 2015 at 16:01
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Topic: 2015 Fraser River Chinook and Sockeye Salmon Updates (Read 63066 times)