Friday, July 17, 2015The Fraser River Panel met Friday, July 17 to receive an update on the migration of Fraser sockeye and review the status of migration conditions in the Fraser River watershed.
With limited assessment capabilities at this time the Early Stuart run-size appears to be within the p25 to p75 pre-season forecast range of 16,000 to 58,000 sockeye. Assessments will continue next week as the marine purse seine test fisheries are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, July 21. Assessments of Early Summer-run sockeye abundance should be available early in August after their peak migration through marine areas has occurred.
On July 16, the Fraser River water discharge at Hope was approximately 3,532 cms, which is approximately 34 % lower than average for this date. The temperature of the Fraser River at Qualark Creek on July 16 was 20.0C, which is 3.5C higher than average for this date. Given these river conditions it is anticipated that the Early Stuart management adjustment will increase at a future date. Fraser River discharge levels and water temperatures will be monitored closely to determine if specific management actions are required during the in-river migratory period to help achieve sockeye escapement goals.
All Panel Area waters remain closed to commercial salmon fishing.
The next in-season meeting of the Panel is scheduled to occur on Tuesday, July 21, 2015.
http://www.psc.org/NewsRel/2015/Announcement02.pdf