Fraser River Sockeye Update - Areas 11 to 29 - July 11, 2014
The Fraser River Panel met Friday, July 11, 2014 to receive an update on the migration of the Fraser sockeye runs and review the status of migration conditions in the Fraser River watershed.
Gill net test fishing began on June 21st, 2014 in Area 20 (Juan de Fuca Strait) July 23rd, 2014 in Area 29 (Fraser River at Whonnock) and July 10th in Area 12 (Round Island). Recent stock identification data indicate that Early Stuart sockeye are the predominant Fraser stock in samples collected from both marine and lower Fraser River test fisheries. The estimated upriver migration of sockeye past Mission through July 10th, 2014 is approximately 55,500 fish of which 49,400 are estimated to be Early Stuart sockeye with the remainder Early Summer and Summer stocks.
Forecasts of marine timing and diversion rates have been updated and presented at today’s meeting. The updated diversion rate forecast is for 50% though Johnstone Strait based on the average sea surface temperatures at Kains Island for the months of May and June. This is lower than the previous forecast of 66% diversion through Johnstone Strait. The updated forecast of the 50% marine timing of Early Stuart sockeye through Area 20 is July 7, 2014, which is 3 days later than average. The updated forecast marine timing for Chilko sockeye is August 15, 2014, which is about 4 days later than average.
At today’s meeting the Fraser River Panel adopted an updated run size estimate for Early Stuart sockeye of 189,000 and a 50% marine migration timing through Area 20 of July 7th, 2014. This run size is the 25% probability level of the pre-season forecast and the marine timing is 3 days later than the pre-season estimate.
River discharge levels have declined slightly to 5,502 cm for July 10, 2014, slightly lower than the historical average discharge on this day (5,957 cm). The water temperature at Qualark is 17.0 degrees Celsius, 1.7 degrees above average for this date. River water temperatures are forecast to reach near record temperatures for the time of year by early next week. If the forecast temperatures are realized, it can be expected that the management adjustment factor for Early Stuart sockeye will increase from the pre-season estimate of 0.86. The Early Stuart management adjustment will be reviewed at the next Fraser Panel meeting. Management adjustments are additional fish that are allowed to migrate into the Fraser system to help achieve spawning escapement targets.
Currently, First Nations food, social and ceremonial fisheries have been limited and directed at chinook salmon. A three week window closure to protect Early Stuart sockeye remains in place for marine and in-river FSC fisheries. Limited in-river FSC fisheries targeting chinook are being conducted at this time.
Based on current assessments, there is no Total Allowable Catch of Early Stuart sockeye available for directed harvest except for the terminal area where a modest directed fishery is permitted. Fishers are requested to check updated times and restrictions for their local area. There are no planned commercial or recreational fisheries at this time.
The next in-season meeting of the Panel is scheduled to occur on Tuesday, July 15, 2014.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Jennifer Nener 604-666-6478
Fisheries and Oceans Canada Operations Center - FN0616
Sent July 11, 2014 at 14:52
Visit us on the Web at
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
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Topic: 2014 Fraser River Sockeye Salmon Updates (Read 129068 times)