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Sockeye Update

July 27, 2018

Mike Staley is now holding sockeye season weekly in-season updates for First Nations every Thursday at 4 p.m.  First Nations are encouraged to phone in to these updates (next call Thursday August 2nd at 4 p.m.) in order to get the latest information on the status of the runs.  The conference call numbers are:

1-866-512-0904 // Password: 4954972#

Following is the most current information regarding the sockeye return.

1.Early Stuart

The pre-season forecast was for a return of 84,000 this year.

Returns to date122,500 fish. An in-season run size of 120,000 was adopted earlier in the week.

Outlook: Even though the run size is larger than the forecast, there will be no direct harvest opportunities on Early Stuart sockeye.

2.Early Summer Run stocks

The pre-season forecast was for a total return of 2,155,000 this year (all stocks combined in this management group).

Returns to date: 186,900 fish.

Outlook: The run size appears to be tracking a little better than the pre-season forecasted median run size with expected timing. Sockeye fisheries from Sawmill Creek to Texas Creek on the Fraser River will open at 1800hrs this eve (July 27th). The current end date for this fishery is August 1st but it will be extended if next week’s in-season information supports continued harvesting.

3.Summer Run stocks

The pre-season forecast was for a total return of 4,344,000 this year (all stocks combined in this management group). Summer run sockeye stocks are now the main stocks being encountered in the marine test fisheries.

Returns to date: 89,800 fish.

Outlook: too soon in the season to comment, however harvest opportunities are anticipated at all forecast levels. 

4.Late Run stocks

The pre-season forecast was for a total return of 7,398,000 this year (all stocks combined in this management group).

Returns to date: 9,800 fish.

Outlook: too soon in the season to comment, however harvest opportunities are anticipated at all forecast levels. The Late run sockeye group is the dominant group in the sockeye return this year and the greatest harvesting opportunities are expected for this timing group.

5.Environmental Conditions

Migration conditions are now being watched closely as they are becoming less favourbale for sockeye migration. Unfavourable river conditions could result in more enroute mortality which may impact harvesting opportunities. In-season data will continue to inform fisheries decisions.

  • Flow (discharge): 3998 cms (cubic metres per second).
  • Temperature: 18 C. The forecasted temperature for July 31st is 20.5C. This is cause for concern as that temperature is above the known temperature to negatively impact sockeye. If this temperature holds, there may be an increase in enroute mortality.

Comments

The in-season data flow and discussions are very important as they ensure appropriate sockeye management based on what is actually happening in the marine environment and in the river. River conditions, enroute mortality and the presence of other weak salmon species/stocks are a few considerations that play into the management of sockeye fisheries. Despite a stronger sockeye return this year, harvesting opportunities will remain uncertain throughout the season and will depend on the in-season information. This ‘sockeye update’ will therefore continue throughout the sockeye season relaying the most current information and fisheries management decisions.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Nicola Watershed Stewardship and Fisheries Authority (NWSFA).

Tracy Wimbush – Program Manager

Sara Martin – Biologist

250-378-4235

Fishing

WST July 21 2017 PDF  Watershed Talk Newsletter

Fishing Protocols issued by the chiefs of the NTA – August 25, 1999:

  1. Keep fishing area clean of all garbage
  2. No cleaning of fish on grounds, please take your fish home and clean them there
  3. Respect our monitors on site
  4. Report your total catch to on site monitors.  We need this information so we can manage our fisheries responsibly
  5. Please respect the needs of others, and take what you need
  6. Please share the sites with people waiting to fish.  If there are people waiting to use the site, please allow other people to fish
  7. No alcohol or drugs on fishing grounds.