Fraser River spring & summer Chinook
Fisheries & Oceans Canada
In 2016, the Department has identified concerns associated with expected poor returns of Fraser River Spring 5(2) and Summer 5(2) chinook. Management of these stocks is based on an in-season assessment of returns using the cumulative catch per unit effort (CPUE) of chinook caught at the Albion Test Fishery. A three zone management approach is used to identify management actions.
The Department initiated the 2016 season with management actions based on the lowest management zone (zone 1) given uncertainties in expected marine survival rate, and recent years of poor returns for these stock aggregates.
The model developed to predict the return of Fraser River Spring 5(2) and Summer 5(2) chinook uses data from the standard chinook net fished by the Albion Test fishery and does not incorporate catch from the multi-panel net (which is currently fished on alternate days). The standard chinook net is an 8 inch (approx. 20 cm) mesh. Catch and effort data are cumulated by week, starting the first full week in May, to provide the input to the model.
In 2016, the Albion chinook test fishery began operating on April 24. The total catch for the period of this update (May 1 to May 28) was five (5) chinook, one (1) of which was caught in the standard (8 inch) net. Based on this input to the model, the current predicted return to the mouth of the Fraser for the Spring and Summer 5(2) chinook aggregates is approximately 34,000 fish. There is an 87% probability that the actual post-season abundance of these aggregates will be less than 45,000.
The final in-season update is planned for June 14.
The Department is currently reviewing management actions for Fraser River Spring 5(2) and Summer 5(2) chinook for 2016 fisheries. In the interim, the Department is proceeding with pre-season plans to implement Zone 1 management actions, and previously announced fishery management actions to conserve Fraser River chinook remain in effect.
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