Tuesday, August 2, 2016The Fraser River Panel met Tuesday, August 2 to receive an update on the migration of Fraser River sockeye and review the status of migration conditions in the Fraser River watershed.
Test fishing catches and daily escapements are currently tracking below expectations based on the pre-season median forecast level of abundance and pre-season timing forecasts. The run-size estimate of 22,000 Early Stuart sockeye was unchanged at the meeting today. At the meeting today the Fraser River Panel approved a run-size estimate of 300,000 Early Summer sockeye with a 50% marine timing through Area 20 of July 22. Stock assessment programs are ongoing and estimates of Summer-run sockeye abundance should be available in later August after their peak migration through marine assessment areas.
On August 1 the discharge of the Fraser River at Hope was 3,587 cms, which is approximately 16% below the historical average for this date. The temperature of the Fraser River at Qualark on August 1 was 19.3 0 C, which is 1.3 0C higher than average for this 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.
The Panel announced the following regulations for Commercial salmon fisheries in Panel Area waters:
CANADIAN FRASER RIVER PANEL AREA WATERS:Remain closed to Commercial salmon fisheries.
UNITED STATES FRASER RIVER PANEL AREA WATERS:
TREATY INDIAN FISHERY:Areas 4B, 5 and 6C: As previously announced, extended for drift gillnets from 12:00 p.m. (noon), Saturday, July 30, 2016, to 12:00 p.m. (noon) Wednesday, August 3, 2016.
Areas 4B, 5 and 6C: Extended for drift gillnets from 12:00 p.m. (noon), Wednesday, August 3, 2016, to 12:00 p.m. (noon) Saturday, August 6, 2016.
The next in-season meeting of the Panel is tentatively scheduled to occur on Thursday, August 4, 2016 and the next regularly scheduled in-season meeting is scheduled to occur on Friday, August 5, 2016.
http://www.psc.org/NewsRel/2016/Announcement08.pdf