Here's the little write-up from the department:
Fraser River Chum Update
In-season estimates of abundance for Fraser River chum are based on catch information provided by the Albion test fishery. Using Albion test fishery data through October 17th, the current median estimate for the terminal Fraser River chum return is 1.55 million chum, with a 50% migration date of October 17th. There is an 80% probability that the run is between 1.036 and 2.362 million, and a 98% probability that the run will exceed the escapement goal of 800,000.
The current run size is sufficient to allow for commercial opportunities in the Fraser River. Additional information on available Commercial TAC and commercial fisheries planning details will be provided via separate fishery notices.
Opportunities to harvest chum salmon will be constrained by management objectives for Interior Fraser steelhead which is a stock of concern presently co-migrating in the Fraser River. Harvest opportunities in commercial fisheries, including First Nation economic opportunity fisheries, will be planned to minimize impacts on these stocks, as outlined in the 2016 South Coast Salmon Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP). Fishers are required to take every measure possible to ensure that their fishing activities avoid impacts on steelhead. Any steelhead encountered must be released with the least possible harm.
While no additional in-season updates are planned at this time, we will continue to closely monitor chum catch at the Albion test fishery over the coming days. Should new data indicate the need to update the current run size and timing estimate, additional updates will be provided.
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Topic: Latest Albion numbers??? (Read 4379 times)