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[CohoJake]

most of this winter's snow pack is long gone after the early & hot start to summer. We did have some floods in the Province this year withing a month or so after the date of your link. Levels at the mouth are hardly relative to discharge rates at Hope. Much of the river below Chilliwack is influenced by tides and the level you will observe depends on the tide levels at the time.

I also get the impression that the interior snowpack dissipated much quicker than the coastal mountains.  I'm not worried about the water level so much as the water temperature, which will probably be in the danger zone by the end of this week.

[wildmanyeah]

I also get the impression that the interior snowpack dissipated much quicker than the coastal mountains.  I'm not worried about the water level so much as the water temperature, which will probably be in the danger zone by the end of this week.

There is some other factors as well, Like the farmers in the interior have been instructed to run their irrigation for their fields 24/7 it a lot of areas as well to prevent grass fires. 

[Rodney]

Friday, August 4th, 2017

The Fraser River Panel met Friday, August 4th to receive an update on the migration of Fraser River sockeye and review the status of migration conditions in the Fraser River watershed.

Daily test fishing catches and escapements continue to track below the pre-season median forecast level of abundance. At the meeting today, the run size estimate of 166,000 for the Early Summer run with a marine timing through Area 20 of July 20 was unchanged. Consequently, no sockeye directed fisheries are being planned by either country. Summer-run stocks currently comprise most of the sockeye migrating through the Juan de Fuca Strait and Johnstone Strait. Assessments of Summer-run sockeye abundance should be available in August after their peak migration through marine assessment areas.

On August 3rd the discharge of the Fraser River at Hope was 2,870 m3/s, which is approximately 31% below average for this date. The temperature of the Fraser River at Qualark Creek on August 3rd was 18.60C, which is 0.60C 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.

All Panel Area waters remain closed to commercial salmon fishing.

The next in-season meeting of the Panel is scheduled to occur on Tuesday, August 8th, 2017.

http://www.psc.org/download/468/2017/9276/aug-4-2017.pdf

[wildmanyeah]

Subject: FN0784-Salmon - Fraser River Sockeye and Pink Update - Areas 11 to 29 - August 4, 2017

The Fraser River Panel met on Friday, August 4 to receive an update on the
migration of the Fraser sockeye and pink runs to date and review the status of
migration conditions in the Fraser River watershed.   

Gill net test fishing catches remain low but have improved slightly Area 12 and
have continued to fluctuate at low levels in Area 20. Purse seine test catches
have shown the same pattern with increases in Area 12 and 13, while Area 20 has
been on a declining trend. The combination of the gill net and purse seine test
catches in the two approach areas has resulted in an increase in the projected
diversion rate through Johnstone Strait to 58% compared to the pre-season
forecast of 51%.

In-river gill net test fishery catches have remained low, with the exception of
a large increase observed at Whonnock yesterday. Cottonwood catches have been
very low for the past several days.

The most recent DNA samples taken in the marine purse seine test fisheries show
sockeye stock compositions in Area 20 of approximately 14% Early Summer, 77%
Summer and 8% Late run stocks. In Area 12, the purse seine stock composition
was 10% Early Summer, 83% Summer and 7% Late run stocks. In-river stock
identification information remains highly uncertain as sample sizes continue to
be extremely low.

Daily Mission hydroacoustics escapement estimates have increased in recent days
with the largest daily escapement estimate to date being 16,100 on August 3. 
The total estimated sockeye escapement as of August 3 is 167,700. Hell's Gate
observations continue to be extremely low in recent days however there is no
evidence of passage issues at Hell's Gate.

During the call today, the Fraser Panel made no changes to the Early Stuart or
Early Summer run sizes of 50,000 and 166,000 respectively. The estimated
escapement past Mission of Early Stuart, Early Summer and Summer run sockeye as
of August 3 is 45,300, 52,900 and 69,100 fish, respectively.

At the current run size for Early Summer run sockeye, there is no TAC available
and as such no sockeye directed fisheries are being considered at this time. In
addition, Summer run stocks are tracking near the p10 forecast level of
1,065,000, however, it is too early to make any run size modifications at this
time.

On August 3, the Fraser River water discharge at Hope was 2,870 cubic metres
per second, which is approximately 31% lower than average for this date. The
water temperature of the Fraser River at Qualark Creek on August 3 decreased to
18.6° celcius which is 0.6° celcius higher than average for this date. The
forecast is for water temperatures to increase to 20° celcius by August 9. Due
to the very low discharge levels, water temperatures are highly influenced by
air temperatures.

For pre-season planning purposes the Fraser Panel had adopted management
adjustments for Early Summer, Summer and Late run sockeye that reflect the
forecast water temperature and discharge conditions based on the May and June
information for Early Summer and Summer run sockeye, and anticipated river
entry dates for Late run fish. Due to the very poor return of Early Summer run
stocks they are now being managed based on a Low Abundance Exploitation Rate
(LAER) limit and as such there will be no modifications to the in-season
management adjustments for this group. Management adjustments are additional
fish that are set aside from identified harvest levels and allowed to migrate
upstream in an attempt to assist in achievement of identified spawner
objectives for the different run timing groups. In-season information in the
coming weeks will help to inform future decisions on management adjustments for
the Summer management group while the Early Stuart, Early Summer and Late run
management groups will be managed based on the respective LAER for each group
(10% for Early Stuart and Early Summers and 20% for Lates). There will be no in-
season estimates of management adjustment for Early Stuart, Early Summer and
Late run groups in 2017.

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 increasing
abundances of pink salmon. The first stock identification samples analyzed for
Areas 12 and 20 purse seine test fisheries indicate Fraser origin pink salmon
comprise 24 and 16 percent respectively. Run size and timing updates for Fraser
pinks will likely begin in mid to late August.

First Nations food, social and ceremonial sockeye fisheries have been
restricted by a 4 week window closure protecting Early Stuart and the earliest
timed Early Summer run stocks with limited fishing opportunities to date
directed at chinook salmon. Due to the apparent later than average run timing
and/or weakness in the returns of Early Summer and Summer run stocks, the start-
up of sockeye directed FSC fisheries will continue to be delayed until there is
an identification of TAC for Early Summer and/or Summer run sockeye.

Food, social and ceremonial fishers in marine approach areas as well as the
Fraser River are requested to check for the opening times and any restrictions
in their local area.

Given the low returns to date there are no fisheries directed upon Fraser River
sockeye scheduled at this time, and updates will continue to be provided
following meetings of the Fraser River Panel on Tuesdays and Fridays of each
week.

The next in-season meeting of the Fraser River Panel is scheduled to occur on
Tuesday, August 8, 2017.


FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Jennifer Nener 604-666-0789
Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0784
Sent August 4, 2017 at 1550

Return to Main

[wildmanyeah]

Subject: FN0792-Salmon - Fraser River Sockeye and Pink Update - Areas 11 to 29 - August 8, 2017

The Fraser River Panel met on Tuesday, August 8 to receive an update on the
migration of the Fraser sockeye and pink runs to date and review the status of
migration conditions in the Fraser River watershed.   

Gill net test fishing catches of sockeye improved in both marine and in-river
test areas in recent days. Purse seine test catches in Areas 12 and 13
increased substantially in the most recent days, while Area 20 catches remained
very low. The combination of the gill net and purse seine test catches in the
two approach areas has resulted in a slight increase in the projected diversion
rate through Johnstone Strait to 60% compared to the pre-season forecast of
51%.

The most recent DNA samples taken in the marine purse seine test fisheries show
sockeye stock compositions in Area 20 of approximately 9% Early Summer, 89%
Summer and 2% Late run stocks. In Area 12, the purse seine stock composition
was 12% Early Summer, 80% Summer and 9% Late run stocks. In-river stock
identification information remains highly uncertain ranging between 3% and 30%
for Early Summers and 97% and 70% Summers for Whonnock and Cottonwood test
fisheries respectively.

Daily Mission hydroacoustics escapement estimates have increased in recent days
with the largest daily escapement estimate to date being 19,300 on August 4. 
The total estimated sockeye escapement as of August 7 is 252,000. Hell's Gate
observations have increased in recent days.

During the call today, the Fraser Panel reduced the run size for Early Stuart
sockeye to 46,000 with a 50% peak date in Area 20 of July 4 as the run is now
considered to be complete. The Panel also reduced the run size for Early
Summers to 125,000 with an Area 20 peak date of July 31 as abundances continue
to be much lower than expected. No changes were made to the Summer run size at
this time although it is tracking at or below the p10 forecast level of
1,065,000 fish. At the current run size for Early Summer and Summer run
sockeye, there is no TAC available and as such no sockeye directed fisheries
are being considered at this time. The estimated escapement past Mission of
Early Stuart, Early Summer and Summer run sockeye as of August 7 is 46,000,
67,600 and 137,200 fish, respectively.

On August 7, the Fraser River water discharge at Hope was 2,811 cubic metres
per second, which is approximately 27% lower than average for this date. The
water temperature of the Fraser River at Qualark Creek on August 7 increased to
19.2° Celsius which is 1.1° Celsius higher than average for this date. The
forecast is for water temperatures to increase to 20.5° Celsius by August 13.
Due to the very low discharge levels, water temperatures are highly influenced
by air temperatures.

For pre-season planning purposes the Fraser Panel had adopted management
adjustments for Early Summer, Summer and Late run sockeye that reflect the
forecast water temperature and discharge conditions based on the May and June
information for Early Summer and Summer run sockeye, and anticipated river
entry dates for Late run fish. Due to the very poor return of Early Summer run
stocks they are now being managed based on a Low Abundance Exploitation Rate
(LAER) limit and as such there will be no modifications to the in-season
management adjustments for this group. If the Summer run continues to track
current levels it will also be in a LAER management approach which would result
in no changes to the management adjustment for this group as well. Management
adjustments are additional fish that are set aside from identified harvest
levels and allowed to migrate upstream in an attempt to assist in achievement
of identified spawner objectives for the different run timing groups. In-season
information in the coming weeks will help to inform future decisions on
management adjustments for the Summer management group while the Early Stuart,
Early Summer and Late run management groups will be managed based on the
respective LAER for each group (10% for Early Stuart and Early Summers and 20%
for Lates). There will be no in-season estimates of management adjustment for
Early Stuart, Early Summer and Late run groups and possibly Summer run fish as
well in 2017.

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 increasing
abundances of pink salmon. The first stock identification samples analyzed for
Areas 12 and 20 purse seine test fisheries indicate Fraser origin pink salmon
comprise 35% and 32%, respectively. Run size and timing updates for Fraser
pinks will likely begin in mid to late August.

First Nations food, social and ceremonial sockeye fisheries have been
restricted by a 4 week window closure protecting Early Stuart and the earliest
timed Early Summer run stocks with limited fishing opportunities to date
directed at chinook salmon. Due to the apparent later than average run timing
and/or weakness in the returns of Early Summer and Summer run stocks, the start-
up of sockeye directed FSC fisheries will continue to be delayed until there is
an identification of TAC for Early Summer and/or Summer run sockeye.

Food, social and ceremonial fishers in marine approach areas as well as the
Fraser River are requested to check for the opening times and any restrictions
in their local area.

Given the low returns to date there are no fisheries directed upon Fraser River
sockeye scheduled at this time, and updates will continue to be provided
following meetings of the Fraser River Panel on Tuesdays and Fridays of each
week.

The next in-season meeting of the Fraser River Panel is scheduled to occur on
Friday, August 11, 2017.

[wildmanyeah]

Subject: FN0806-Salmon - Fraser River Sockeye and Pink Update - Areas 11 to 29 - August 11, 2017

The Fraser River Panel met on Friday, August 11 to receive an update on the
migration of the Fraser sockeye and pink runs to date and review the status of
migration conditions in the Fraser River watershed.   

Gill net test fishing catches of sockeye declined for the past several days in
Area 20 with August 10 being the last day of operation for this test fishery in
2017. The Area 12 gill net test fishery was also having lower catches for a
number of days with a slight improvement yesterday. During the panel call today
the decision was made to end this test fishery on Sunday, August 13 and the
Area 13 purse seine test fishery on Monday, August 14 as scheduled. In-river
gill net test catches have been improving in both testing areas but are still
much lower than expected.

Purse seine test catches of sockeye in Areas 12 and 13 have fluctuated
considerably in the recent days, while Area 20 catches continue to decline. The
combination of the gill net and purse seine test catches in the two approach
areas has resulted in an increase in the projected sockeye diversion rate
through Johnstone Strait to 75% compared to the pre-season forecast of 51%. The.

The most recent DNA samples taken in the marine purse seine test fisheries show
sockeye stock compositions in Area 20 of approximately 6% Early Summer, 78%
Summer and 16% Late run stocks. In Area 12, the purse seine stock composition
was 9% Early Summer, 77% Summer and 14% Late run stocks. The decrease in
proportion of Early Summer run stocks combined with the increase in the
proportion of Late run stocks is suggesting that the total return of Fraser
sockeye may be similar to normal run timing for this cycle. In-river stock
identification samples have been increasing recently with the most current
sample suggesting stock proportions of 6% Early Summer, 94% Summer and 0% Late
run stocks.

Daily Mission hydroacoustics escapement estimates have continued to increase in
recent days with the largest daily escapement estimate to date being 47,100 on
August 9.  The total estimated sockeye escapement as of August 10 is 386,500.
Hell's Gate observations have also increased considerably in recent days.

During the call today, the Fraser Panel made no additional changes to the run
size for Early Stuart and Early Summer run sockeye. Due to the continued poor
showing of Summer run stocks the Fraser Panel adopted a provisional run size of
1,250,000 with a median timing of August 14 in Area 20. At the current run size
for Early Summer and Summer run sockeye, there is no TAC available and as such
only fisheries with minimal impact on sockeye are being considered at this
time. The estimated escapement past Mission of Early Stuart, Early Summer,
Summer and Late run sockeye as of August 10 is 46,800, 88,200 and 245,400 and
6,100 fish, respectively.

On August 10, the Fraser River water discharge at Hope was 2,740 cubic metres
per second, which is approximately 26% lower than average for this date. The
water temperature of the Fraser River at Qualark Creek on August 10 increased
to 19.5° Celsius which is 1.3° Celsius higher than average for this date. The
forecast is for water temperatures to decrease to 19.3° Celsius by August 16 as
cooler air temperatures combined with precipitation is forecast in the coming
days. Due to the very low discharge levels, water temperatures are highly
influenced by air temperatures.

For pre-season planning purposes the Fraser Panel had adopted management
adjustments for Early Summer, Summer and Late run sockeye that reflect the
forecast water temperature and discharge conditions based on the May and June
information for Early Summer and Summer run sockeye, and anticipated river
entry dates for Late run fish. Due to the very poor return of Early Summer and
Summer run stocks they are now being managed based on a Low Abundance
Exploitation Rate (LAER) limit and as such there will be no modifications to
the in-season management adjustments for this group. Management adjustments are
additional fish that are set aside from identified harvest levels and allowed
to migrate upstream in an attempt to assist in achievement of identified
spawner objectives for the different run timing groups.  No in-season changes
to the management adjustment are expected for Early Stuart, Early Summer,
Summer and Late run groups in 2017.

At this time, it continues to be too early to assess the return of Fraser pink
salmon. Recent test fishery catches in the marine approach areas have shown
increasing abundances of pink salmon primarily in the Johnstone Strait area.
The most recent stock identification samples analyzed for Areas 12 and 20 purse
seine test fisheries indicate Fraser origin pink salmon comprise 35% and 32%,
respectively. Based on the most recent purse seine test catches the estimated
diversion rate through Johnstone Strait for Fraser pink salmon is estimated to
be 86% compared to the historical median of 50%. Run size and timing updates
for Fraser pinks will likely begin in mid to late August.

First Nations food, social and ceremonial sockeye fisheries have been
restricted by a 4 week window closure protecting Early Stuart and the earliest
timed Early Summer run stocks with limited fishing opportunities in-river to
date directed at Chinook salmon. Sockeye encountered in these fisheries are
accounted for as part of the Low Abundance Exploitation Rate.
Food, social and ceremonial fishers in marine approach areas as well as the
Fraser River are requested to check for the opening times and any restrictions
in their local area.

The next in-season meeting of the Fraser River Panel is scheduled to occur on
Tuesday, August 15, 2017.

[juno]

is pink salmon fishing open? or will they close it to protect sockeye again? What sockeye goes after  spoons  anyway?

[DanL]

is pink salmon fishing open? or will they close it to protect sockeye again? What sockeye goes after  spoons  anyway?

For Pinks in the Fraser? No opening yet. In fact there is no salmon fishing permitted in the Fraser at this time.

Past years that had good Pink returns, I think they were open sometime late August. If the numbers support an opening this year expect sometime around Labour day or a bit after but it is still too early to tell. Bulk of the Fraser pink run isn't until early-mid Sept anyways.

[fic]

"Based on the most recent purse seine test catches the estimated
diversion rate through Johnstone Strait for Fraser pink salmon is estimated to
be 86% compared to the historical median of 50%. Run size and timing updates
for Fraser pinks will likely begin in mid to late August."

Does this mean the North Arm of the Fraser will get more pinks this year than the south arm?

[fullahead]

There’s gillnet fishing going on now in the lower Fraser River. 

[Easywater]

"Based on the most recent purse seine test catches the estimated
diversion rate through Johnstone Strait for Fraser pink salmon is estimated to
be 86% compared to the historical median of 50%. Run size and timing updates
for Fraser pinks will likely begin in mid to late August."

Does this mean the North Arm of the Fraser will get more pinks this year than the south arm?

Unlikely, the fish divert through the inside because of more favourable water temperature.
Most still go to the South Arm based on scent or whatever else they are using to navigate.

Tried to find some info on diversion rates - highly varied throughout the decades.
As low as 20% diversion rate (most go outside) in some years.

1986 report: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Library/119046.pdf
1996 report: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/library/254654.pdf

Note that these were "off" years for Fraser pinks - most fish are going to the Island or further south.

[RalphH]

There’s gillnet fishing going on now in the lower Fraser River.

some of the 1st Nations groups have openings to take springs for Food and Ceremonial use. They are supposed to use large mesh to avoid other species.

[wildmanyeah]

Subject: FN0817-Salmon - Fraser River Sockeye and Pink Update - Areas 11 to 29 - August 15, 2017

The Fraser River Panel met on Tuesday, August 15 to receive an update on the
migration of the Fraser sockeye and pink runs to date and review the status of
migration conditions in the Fraser River watershed.   

In-river gill net test catches have fluctuated in recent days but are still
much lower than expected.

Purse seine test catches of sockeye in Areas 12 continue to fluctuate at
moderate levels with the largest catch of the year occurring yesterday, August
14. In Area 20 catches continue to fluctuate at low levels. The purse seine
test catches in the two approach areas has resulted in a slight decrease in the
projected sockeye diversion rate through Johnstone Strait to 74% compared to
the pre-season forecast of 51%.

The most recent DNA samples taken in the marine purse seine test fisheries show
sockeye stock compositions in Area 20 of approximately 3% Early Summer, 85%
Summer and 12% Late run stocks. In Area 12, the purse seine stock composition
was 5% Early Summer, 87% Summer and 8% Late run stocks. The decrease in
proportion of Early Summer run stocks combined with the increase in the
proportion of Late run stocks is suggesting that the total return of Fraser
sockeye may have normal run timing for this cycle. The most recent in-river
stock identification samples from the Whonnock test fishery are showing stock
proportions of 6% Early Summer, 83% Summer and 11% Late run stocks.

Daily Mission hydroacoustics escapement estimates have decreased in recent days
ranging between 30,700 and 48,700. The total estimated sockeye escapement as of
August 14 is 549,100. Hell's Gate observations have continued to increase in
recent days.

During the call today, the Fraser Panel made no additional changes to the run
size for Early Stuart, Early Summer or Summer run sockeye. At the current run
size for Early Summer and Summer run sockeye, there is no TAC available and as
such only fisheries with minimal impact on sockeye are being considered at this
time. The estimated escapement past Mission of Early Stuart, Early Summer,
Summer and Late run sockeye as of August 14 is 46,400, 100,000 and 382,600 and
20,100 fish, respectively.

On August 14, the Fraser River water discharge at Hope was 2,571 cubic metres
per second, which is approximately 26% lower than average for this date. The
water temperature of the Fraser River at Qualark Creek on August 14 increased
to 19.7° Celsius which is 1.6° Celsius higher than average for this date. The
forecast is for water temperatures to decrease to 18.9° Celsius by August 20 as
cooler air temperatures combined with precipitation is forecast in the coming
days. Due to the very low discharge levels, water temperatures are highly
influenced by air temperatures.

For pre-season planning purposes the Fraser Panel had adopted management
adjustments for Early Summer, Summer and Late run sockeye that reflect the
forecast water temperature and discharge conditions based on the May and June
information for Early Summer and Summer run sockeye, and anticipated river
entry dates for Late run fish. Due to the very poor return of Early Summer and
Summer run stocks they are now being managed based on a Low Abundance
Exploitation Rate (LAER) limit and as such there will be no modifications to
the in-season management adjustments for this group. Management adjustments are
additional fish that are set aside from identified harvest levels and allowed
to migrate upstream in an attempt to assist in achievement of identified
spawner objectives for the different run timing groups. No in-season changes to
the management adjustment are expected for Early Stuart, Early Summer, Summer
and Late run groups in 2017.

At this time, it continues to be too early to assess the return of Fraser pink
salmon. Recent test fishery catches in the marine approach areas have shown
increasing abundances of pink salmon primarily in the Johnstone Strait area.
The most recent stock identification samples analyzed for Areas 12 and 20 purse
seine test fisheries indicate Fraser origin pink salmon comprise 30% and 44%,
respectively. Based on the most recent purse seine test catches the estimated
diversion rate through Johnstone Strait for Fraser pink salmon is estimated to
be 80% compared to the historical median of 50%. Run size and timing updates
for Fraser pinks will likely begin in mid to late August.

First Nations food, social and ceremonial sockeye fisheries were restricted by
a 4 week window closure protecting Early Stuart and the earliest timed Early
Summer run stocks with limited fishing opportunities in-river to date directed
at Chinook salmon. Sockeye encountered in these fisheries are accounted for as
part of the Low Abundance Exploitation Rate.

Food, social and ceremonial fishers in marine approach areas as well as the
Fraser River are requested to check for the opening times and any restrictions
in their local area.

The next in-season meeting of the Fraser River Panel is scheduled to occur on
Friday, August 18, 2017.

[Rodney]

Tuesday, August 15th, 2017

The Fraser River Panel met Tuesday, August 15th 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 continue to track below the pre-season expectations. Summer-run stocks currently comprise most of the sockeye migrating through the Juan de Fuca Strait and Johnstone Strait, but the daily abundance of the summer run is tracking below the median forecast. At the meeting today, the currently adopted Summer-run run size of 1,250,000, with marine timing through Area 20 of August 14th, was left unchanged. The Late run is also tracking below the p25, but it is still early to estimate the Late-run run size. Consequently, no sockeye directed fisheries are being planned by either country.

On August 14th the discharge of the Fraser River at Hope was 2,571 m3/s, which is approximately 26% below average for this date. The temperature of the Fraser River at Qualark Creek on August 14th was 19.70C, which is 1.60C 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.

All Panel Area waters remain closed to commercial salmon fishing.

The next in-season meeting of the Panel is scheduled to occur on Friday, August 18th, 2017.

http://www.psc.org/download/468/2017/9284/aug-15-2017.pdf

[armytruck]

"All Panel Area waters remain closed to commercial salmon fishing."


I'm assuming it is the majority of area 29 that is closed and not the rest of the inside and outside areas of the BC coast is closed for commercial ?. Yes I understand there are open and closed areas on our coast . Can we be more specific or is DFO trying to make it confusing to read into   . What is the "Panel Area "
Who are these "Panel People "


http://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Fos2_Internet/commercialSM/salmonCatchStats.cfm?year=2017