the current Chinook-directed opening in the Nlaka’pamux area will be extended for an additional week, starting from today Aug 25th @1801hrs (6.01 pm) to Sep 1 @ 1800hrs (6:00 pm) with no sockeye retention. This opening will permit the use of 8” inch mesh gill net, rod & reel and dipnet that is currently in place. Kindly find attached your issued FSC Licence for the above opening period.
Instructing fishers to attend and hot-pick their 8 inch gill nets may be an effective way to reduce sockeye mortality.
Catch monitoring information will continue to be collected to determine any impacts to sockeye and at risk chinook stocks (Spring 5-2 and Summer 5-2 chinook). If sockeye impacts are high, DFO will be engaging with communities regarding future openings and gear types to ensure sockeye conservation goals are met.
Note: From the Aug 25 Fraser River Panel, accounted total sockeye run to date is 1, 204, 600 of which 41, 100 is Early Stuart, 323, 100 is Early Summer, 718,700 is Summer and 121,700 is Late. All current in-season fishery information from the Fraser River Panel weekly meetings will continue to be shared with communities through the DFO and First Nations’ BCI weekly calls and email distributions.
