Tuesday, August 9, 2016The Fraser River Panel met Tuesday, August 9 to receive an update on the migration of Fraser River sockeye and review the status of migration conditions in the Fraser River watershed.
Test fishing catches and daily escapements continue to track well below pre-season expectations. The Early Stuart run-size estimate of 18,000 sockeye remained unchanged. At the meeting today the Panel decreased the Early Summer run-size estimate of 300,000 to 250,000 sockeye with a 50% marine timing through Area 20 of July 21. At the meeting today the Panel decreased the Summer run-size estimate of 992,000 to 700,000 sockeye with a 50% marine timing through Area 20 of August 3. Marine and in-river assessment programs are ongoing and will continue to monitor the migration of Fraser River sockeye.
Fraser River conditions continue to be satisfactory for sockeye migration. On August 8 the discharge of the Fraser River at Hope was 2,881 cms, which is approximately 24% below the historical average for this date. The temperature of the Fraser River at Qualark on August 8 was 19.1 0 C, which is 1.0 0C higher than 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.
The Panel announced the following regulations for Commercial salmon fisheries in Panel Area waters:
CANADIAN FRASER RIVER PANEL AREA WATERS:Remain closed to Commercial salmon fisheries.
UNITED STATES FRASER RIVER PANEL AREA WATERS:Remain closed to Commercial salmon fisheries.
The next in-season meeting of the Panel is scheduled to occur on Friday, August 12, 2016.
http://www.psc.org/NewsRel/2016/Announcement10.pdf