Note that the bolded paragraph is for openings in tidal waters. Opening in the Non-tidal portion of Fraser River will take place a day or two later.
http://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/xnet/content/fns/index.cfm?pg=view_notice&lang=en&DOC_ID=126386&ID=recreationalThe Fraser River Panel met today to review stock assessment data on the Fraser River sockeye runs, discuss fishery planning, and receive an update regarding migration conditions in the Fraser River watershed. Test fishing catches in the marine assessment areas have been fluctuating recently but have generally been good for this time of year. The diversion rate of Fraser sockeye through Johnstone Strait is currently estimated to be approximately 50%. There has been a strong migration of sockeye observed at Hells Gate and the fish have been reported to be in good condition over the past week.
The abundance of Early Summer-run sockeye currently migrating through the marine approach areas is tracking above expectations and later than expected. For management purposes, the Panel has adopted a provisional run size estimate of 950,000 Early Summer-run sockeye. The estimated escapement of Early Summer-run sockeye past Mission through August 2 is 423,000 fish.
Based on the observed migration of Summer-run sockeye through the marine approach routes to-date, assessments of abundance are less than expected if their arrival timing is similar to pre-season expectations. Based on later run timing for Early Stuart and Early Summer runs, Summer-run stocks may be migrating later than expected but it is too early to confirm run size. Proportions of Summer run stocks are approximately 30-40% of marine test fisheries catches. The estimated escapement of Summer-run sockeye past Mission through August 2 is 218,000 fish.
The Late-run sockeye forecast range is 5 million to 12 million with a mid-point estimate of 8 million fish (Late Shuswap, Cultus, Portage, Harrison, Weaver, and Birkenhead stocks). Late-run sockeye returns are forecast to originate primarily from the Late Shuswap stock group. The expected 50% migration timing of Late-run sockeye through Area 20 is approximately mid August. For management purposes, the Panel adopted a provisional run size estimate of 400,000 Harrison sockeye at the meeting today. In recent years, Harrison sockeye have exhibited earlier marine timing than other Late-run sockeye stocks. Assessments of Late-run sockeye timing, abundance, delay in the lower Strait of Georgia and in-river entry behaviour will be conducted over the next several weeks. The estimated escapement of Late-run sockeye past Mission through August 2 is 247,000 fish, most of which are Harrison.
On August 2 the discharge of the Fraser River at Hope was about 3,280 cms, which is 23% below average for this date. The temperature of the Fraser River at Qualark Creek on August 2 was 18.8 0C, which is 1.2 0C above average for this date. The temperatures are much less than had been forecast on Friday. Temperatures are forecast to rise to 20C then drop back to 18.6C by August 11th. Sustained water temperatures in this range can cause severe stress to migrating sockeye and may lead to substantial en route mortality. Migration conditions for Fraser sockeye will be monitored closely over the next several weeks and appropriate management actions will be taken. Management adjustments are employed to help achieve spawning escapement targets for Fraser River sockeye.
The following fisheries are planned:
Licence Area B seine will open daily from 6 AM to 9PM on Thursday, August 5, and Friday, August 6, in portions of Management Area 12 and 13. Check separate Fishery Notice for further details.
Licence Area D gill net will open 6 AM to 3PM in portions of Management Areas 11, 12 and 13. Check separate fishery notice for further details.
Area E gill net remains closed at this time, next update regarding potential opportunities will be Friday, August 6.
Area H troll remains closed at this time at the recommendation of the Area H Harvest Committee, next update regarding potential opportunities will be Friday, August 6.
South Coast marine areas, including the tidal portion of the Fraser River, recreational fisheries will open beginning Thursday, August 5. Check separate fishery notices for further details. First Nation food, social and ceremonial fisheries vary by areas with opportunities in marine areas, lower Fraser and portions of the BC interior area, consult with local DFO offices for openings. Window closure restrictions are still in effect in portions of the BC Interior area at this time. Refer to the 2010 Southern B.C. Salmon IFMP for details on the timing dates for these closures.
The next Fraser River Panel meeting is scheduled for Friday, August 6th. A further update will be provided on this date.
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Topic: Sockeye Opening Tuesday? (Read 31186 times)