Pinks were not showing up that well in the test fisheries and below what they anticipated past Mission. Of course there would be more pinks in the Fraser this year compared to last year because Fraser Pinks are almost nonexistent on even years. It's the odd years where you get the numbers. The reality is that there's no money to do an assessment of pinks on an extensive nature. Department use to do more stock assessment on Pinks in the Fraser up until the late 90s but unless we are willing to take from Peter to give to Paul it's not going to change much. However, this may change in the coming years if First Nations become more involved after reconciliation agreements and applicable funding.
We are taking about pinks returns from 2 years ago as we are well aware they return in odd numbered years on the Fraser watershed not like Island streams. As well it was the return of the fish in the Nicola from Spences Bridge to Merritt we were commenting on. Sorry state of affairs when FOC can not do proper science that includes walking our streams and doing dead pitching like Dave and Ken used to do when they worked for DFO as it was called then. This of course gives you better idea how many fish are actually returning to their natal streams.
Habitat destruction has lead to many problems. We have been trying to get a meeting for months to discuss gravel extraction on the Vedder River but we continue to get the run around with planned meetings with the City of Chilliwack, FOC and the Province. They keep giving excuses leading to the cancellations of numerous meetings that were scheduled.
Of course they hope we go away and they know what went on last year was poorly done in our mind. We all know gravel extraction is bad for any river system. We are getting frustrated that they donot want to hear the evidence we have. As much as one does not like to go political they may leave us no choice to do so.
Of course the closure of the Thompson for jacks second year in a row was disturbing to the sports angler as so many were in the system. No creel survey was done to see sockeye capture just does not happen.
As you know it was scheduled to open August 22 but was closed only 14 hours before it was set to open, this makes one looe faith in FOC. We wrote several letters to Dale last year and were not very pleased with the responses which he is aware of hearing from Nick, Fraser Valley Salmon Society, myself and others.
He should be willing to met with us to discuss this traditional fishery for many of us.
End of rant as I leave early tomorrow for Vancouver for the start of the Wild Salmon Caravan, hope to see you in Kamloops on Wednesday.
Author
Topic: Let's Build Some More Pipelines! (Read 7286 times)