as predicted they refused to change the runsize,
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
The Fraser River Panel met Tuesday, September 10 to receive an update on the migration
of Fraser River sockeye and pink salmon and review the status of migration conditions in the Fraser
River watershed, including an update of the rock slide at Big Bar. The rock slide at Big Bar
continues to be a major source of concern for the Panel as migrating sockeye salmon will need to
pass this area to reach their spawning grounds. There is now evidence of natural passage of sockeye
and pink salmon through the slide area, and as a result helicopter transport of fish above the slide
has halted for the time being.
It is currently estimated that approximately 455,100 sockeye and 4,631,500 pink salmon
have passed the Mission hydroacoustic site. Test fishing catches and daily escapements of sockeye
salmon continue to track well below pre-season forecast expectations. No changes were made to
the sockeye or pink salmon run size or timing.
On September 9 discharge of the Fraser River at Hope was 2,165 cms, which is
approximately 7% below average for this date. The temperature of the Fraser River at Qualark
Creek on September 9 was 18.1
0C, which is 2.50C above 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, September 13, 2019.