The Fraser Panel met on August 24, 2005 to receive an update on the progress of
the return of Fraser sockeye and pink salmon. As indicated in FN0613 issued
August 24, 2005, the Fraser Panel adopted an Early Summer run size of 400,000
and a Summer Run size of 5.0M. The Department has completed an assessment of
the impact of fisheries on Late run Fraser sockeye. In planning for Fraser
salmon fisheries, the Department established a 15 percent harvest rate ceiling
on Late run Fraser sockeye. Based on the status of Late run expressed by the
Pacific Salmon Commission, it is the view of the Department that the return of
Late run Fraser sockeye (excluding Birkenhead) is unlikely to exceed 241,000.
It is also anticipated that the Late run objective has been accounted for in
Late run sockeye already harvested in test and First Nation fisheries and in
fisheries to address outstanding requirements. Accordingly there is no
remaining available harvest of Late run sockeye to support recreational and
commercial fisheries.
The Panel will meet at 11:00 Friday August 26, 2005 to update the status.
Arrangements to conclude First Nation and recreational fisheries that are
currently ongoing will be announced following that meeting. Next announcement
will be afternoon, Friday August 26, 2005.