05-12-2004, 04:18 AM
SALMON SEASON - OUTLOOK FOR 2004
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has released its outlook for the 2004 salmon fishing season in British Columbia and the Yukon. Improving ocean survival conditions for salmon, and healthy stocks in many areas, are expected to provide a range of fishing opportunities for First Nations and the recreational and commercial fishing sectors in 2004.
Average returns for most salmon stocks to river systems throughout B.C. and the Yukon are expected. In the North Coast, average to strong returns are forecast for the major sockeye stocks, including the Transboundary rivers (namely Taku, Stikine and Alsek), Nass River and Skeena River. In the south, low returns of sockeye to Barkley Sound and the Fraser River are expected. Overall, returns of chinook are forecast to range between average and strong coastwide. While there has been a slight improvement in survival conditions for coho in the Strait of Georgia, the populations around the Strait, as well as in the Fraser River (including Thompson River), all of these stocks are expected to remain at low levels in 2004. As a result, continued conservation measures will be required. For chum, average to above average returns are expected in the Central Coast and southern B.C. However, in northern B.C. (Queen Charlotte Islands and Skeena and Nass rivers) and in the Yukon (especially Porcupine River), there are areas of concern for some chum stocks. In the South Coast, 2004 will be an off-cycle year for Fraser River pink, and as is normally the case, no or very modest levels of returns are expected. In the North Coast, average to strong returns of pinks are forecast.
Measures to protect a number of salmon stocks of concern will again be incorporated into this year¹s fishing plans. Fishing opportunities on co-migrating stocks will be restricted to protect the stocks of concern. As in previous years, there continue to be conservation issues for Rivers and Smith inlets sockeye. Other stocks of concern include Cultus Lake and Sakinaw Lake sockeye and Interior Fraser River (Thompson) coho, which were all identified as "endangered" by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) in 2003. More recently, some concern has been expressed for a number of Strait of Georgia and Johnstone Strait sockeye stocks. DFO will be monitoring the health of these stocks and working with stakeholders to ensure a sustainable fishery.
The salmon management plans for 2004 are currently at the preliminary stage of development. In the coming months, DFO will complete the analysis of information obtained in 2003 and will develop draft salmon Integrated Fishery Management Plans (IFMPs) based on these analyses, conservation requirements and approaches set out in policy. Finalized IFMPs for the 2004 fishing season will reflect input received from consultations with First Nations and other stakeholders, including recreational and commercial harvesters and environmental organizations.
DFO is committed to working with First Nations, the fishing sectors and other interested parties to adopt innovative and flexible means to conduct sustainable fisheries that are consistent with conservation objectives.
2004 DETAILED SALMON SEASON OVERVIEW
Yukon and Transboundary Rivers
In general, sockeye returns to the Yukon and Transboundary rivers are anticipated to be average. However, returns to the mainstem Stikine River and the Tatsamenie River, a major tributary of the Taku River, are expected to be below average.
Above average coho returns are expected, which should support normal fishing opportunities for First Nations and recreational harvesters in the Alsek, Stikine and Taku rivers.
Low chum returns are expected for both the Yukon and Taku river systems, which will require continued restrictions on fisheries targeting those stocks.
Below average returns of Yukon River chinook are forecast. However, returns could be higher than forecast if improving ocean survival conditions similar to 2003 are sustained. Other chinook returns to the Transboundary rivers are expected to be average, except those to the Alsek River, which are forecast to be strong. For most stocks, abundance should be sufficient to allow for normal fishing opportunities for First Nations and recreational anglers.
North Coast
Nass River and enhanced Skeena River sockeye are anticipated to be abundant, providing opportunities for all harvest sectors. Many of the wild Skeena River sockeye stocks, however, are expected to return at low levels and measures to protect them will constrain harvest opportunities for enhanced Skeena River sockeye. Fishing opportunities for sockeye in the Skeena system will be provided to First Nations under the Excess Salmon to Spawning Requirement (ESSR) policy if surpluses are identified and harvest agreements are reached. Nisga¹a treaty fisheries on the Nass River are expected. Commercial net fisheries in the north will be directed towards sockeye from the Nass and Skeena rivers.
Coho returns are expected to be above recent levels. Consistent with 2003, good fisheries for First Nations and the recreational sector and modest troll fisheries are anticipated.
As 2004 will be a non-cycle year for Queen Charlotte Islands (QCIs) pink, returns there are expected to be low. Pink returns are expected to be good throughout the rest of the north and there are likely to be commercial net fisheries for these stocks.
Chum returns to the QCIs are expected to be mixed (some will be average or above average and others will be below average) and low returns are expected elsewhere throughout the north. Similar conservation requirements to those implemented in 2003 will be required in 2004.
Chinook returns throughout the North Coast are anticipated to be good, as in the last two years. This will provide for First Nations fishing opportunities and the maintenance of good opportunities for both recreational anglers and the commercial troll fleet.
Central Coast
Due to the poor return in the brood year, returns of sockeye to Rivers and Smith inlets will likely be below long-term averages and continued closures are expected. As well, sockeye returns to Johnstone Straits systems (Nimpkish, Phillips, Hayden) are expected to be low and fishing plans will be developed to provide protection for these stocks.
For the northern parts of the Central Coast (Areas 7 to 10), coho returns have been steadily increasing. Excellent fishing opportunities for First Nations and anglers will continue in 2004, and some directed commercial troll and net fisheries may also be considered. Troll fisheries will likely be focused north and west of QCI for coho. Where possible, troll fishing opportunities will be shaped to take advantage of abundant stocks.
2004 will be a low cycle year for pinks in the northern part of the Central Coast. For the southern areas of the Central Coast, research efforts are underway to determine possible causes of the poor return in the brood year (2002). Returns of pinks to this area are highly variable and caution will be taken in the planning of fisheries that are consistent with conservation values. Commercial net fisheries targeting pinks are being considered in some portions of the Central Coast.
Chum returns throughout the area are expected to be at average to above average levels. Fishing opportunities for chum for First Nations, recreational and commercial (seine and gillnet) harvesters are anticipated.
Returns of chinook will likely be average to above average, with good fishing opportunities similar to 2003 expected for both First Nations and recreational anglers. Chinook returns to the Johnstone Strait area are forecast to be average in most systems, with the exception of the Nimpkish River, where low returns relative to historic levels are anticipated.
South Coast
In general, sockeye returns in 2004 are anticipated to be similar to those experienced last year. It is a low cycle year for Fraser River sockeye, therefore returns will be low, but somewhat better than historical levels. In Barkley Sound, low returns are expected due to poor abundance in the parent year (2000). Accordingly, it is expected that commercial fishing opportunities for Barkley Sound sockeye will be reduced from 2003 levels. With the COSEWIC designation of Sakinaw Lake and Cultus Lake sockeye as endangered, these two stocks will be considered for listing under the Species at Risk Act. Recovery planning is underway to address the various threats to these stocks and to direct their rebuilding. (Details on the recovery planning were released on January 7, 2004.) Measures to address concerns for Cultus Lake and Sakinaw Lake sockeye are expected to constrain fisheries for some other Fraser River sockeye stocks.
There is an ongoing need to protect wild coho throughout most of the South Coast. Interior Fraser River coho is a particular conservation concern, as is continuing poor survival of coho in the Strait of Georgia. However, good coho returns are expected to many WCVI streams as well as other systems that have been enhanced. Accordingly, there will be selective hatchery marked fisheries again in 2004, with the potential for a directed harvest of wild stocks in some terminal areas once escapement objectives are met. Recreational coho fishing opportunities will be similar to 2003 in other areas of the South Coast, with a daily limit of two hatchery marked fish starting July 1.
Pink returns to the South Coast are highly cyclical and unpredictable. As this is a non-cycle year for pinks, directed pink salmon fisheries for the commercial sector are unlikely. Catches by First Nations and recreational fishers are anticipated to be low.
Chum returns throughout southern B.C., including West Coast Vancouver Island (WCVI), are expected to be average, with modest First Nations and commercial fisheries likely to occur. Recreational fishing opportunities will be available in terminal areas where there are available surpluses.
There has been a trend of increasing returns of chinook to WCVI streams, which is an indication that the conservation measures, coupled with positive ocean survival conditions, of the past six years are having the desired effect. Modest conservation measures will be required in some areas to ensure rebuilding objectives are met, although the measures required will be less stringent compared to previous years. In 2004, enhanced systems are expected to have strong returns, resulting in a full range of fisheries for First Nations and recreational anglers. There will also be some directed commercial fisheries in Barkley Sound and other terminal areas with available surpluses. There has been declining abundance of some wild chinook stocks returning to the east coast of Vancouver Island in recent years. Although the cause is uncertain, precautionary measures may be required in 2004 to protect these specific stocks.
Fraser River
Relatively modest returns of Fraser River sockeye are anticipated for this year¹s salmon fishing season because the 2004 cycle year is one of two ³off-cycle² (low cycle) return years. While early river entry of the Late run sockeye timing group is a continuing phenomenon, the very high mortality rates observed in the late 1990s appears to have moderated somewhat in the past two years. However, elevated mortality rates on the Fraser River remain a concern in 2004, and therefore a precautionary approach will still be necessary in the conduct of fisheries.
All timing groups of Fraser River sockeye salmon, with the exception of the Late Summer group, are expected to return at levels above average for this cycle. The current forecast anticipates directed fisheries by First Nations, although closures may be required in the lower Fraser River after mid-August to protect returning Cultus Lake sockeye. Similarly, in-river recreational fisheries are anticipated for August and may include some localized closures to protect returning Cultus Lake stocks. Commercial fisheries will be modest to protect lower than average returns of Late run sockeye. As well, harvest rates will be kept at low levels to address the continuing concern of en-route and pre-spawn mortality associated with early entry of Late run sockeye into the Fraser River. Some limited opportunity will be available for the commercial fleet to harvest Fraser River sockeye in terminal areas where abundances permit. In the lower Fraser River, sockeye fisheries are anticipated to start in late July or early August.
Actions to protect Interior Fraser River coho will continue to be a feature of fishing plans for 2004. While brood year returns were very good, returns in 2003 were lower than expected. Continued caution for 2004 will be required as the poorer than expected returns in 2003 may be linked to causes that could persist in 2004. Coho returns to the lower Fraser River are anticipated to be below average. Accordingly, in the lower Fraser River, directed recreational fisheries for hatchery marked coho will be permitted in most areas. Retention of unmarked coho will be limited to terminal areas where returns exceed spawning requirements.
This is an off-year for Fraser River pink salmon and no directed fisheries for are planned.
Chum returns are expected to be average to above average and fishing opportunities for First Nations and the other fishing sectors are expected. Some limited opportunity will be available for the commercial fleet to harvest Fraser River chum if abundances permit.
Most returns of Fraser River chinook salmon have experienced significant increases in stock strength. Exceptions to this include the early-timed stocks returning to the lower Fraser River (Birkenhead) and to the middle and upper Fraser River (Upper Chilcotin). Other chinook stocks are increasing in varying levels.
Accordingly, conservation measures will be in place to protect stocks of concern; First Nations fisheries and recreational fisheries will be directed toward more abundant stocks. As well, small commercial fisheries may be considered on a limited, experimental basis if in-season abundance estimates are consistent with recent years. In the lower Fraser River, chinook fisheries are anticipated to start May 1.
-30-
Contact:
Michelle Imbeau
Communications Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
(604) 666-2872
[signature]
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has released its outlook for the 2004 salmon fishing season in British Columbia and the Yukon. Improving ocean survival conditions for salmon, and healthy stocks in many areas, are expected to provide a range of fishing opportunities for First Nations and the recreational and commercial fishing sectors in 2004.
Average returns for most salmon stocks to river systems throughout B.C. and the Yukon are expected. In the North Coast, average to strong returns are forecast for the major sockeye stocks, including the Transboundary rivers (namely Taku, Stikine and Alsek), Nass River and Skeena River. In the south, low returns of sockeye to Barkley Sound and the Fraser River are expected. Overall, returns of chinook are forecast to range between average and strong coastwide. While there has been a slight improvement in survival conditions for coho in the Strait of Georgia, the populations around the Strait, as well as in the Fraser River (including Thompson River), all of these stocks are expected to remain at low levels in 2004. As a result, continued conservation measures will be required. For chum, average to above average returns are expected in the Central Coast and southern B.C. However, in northern B.C. (Queen Charlotte Islands and Skeena and Nass rivers) and in the Yukon (especially Porcupine River), there are areas of concern for some chum stocks. In the South Coast, 2004 will be an off-cycle year for Fraser River pink, and as is normally the case, no or very modest levels of returns are expected. In the North Coast, average to strong returns of pinks are forecast.
Measures to protect a number of salmon stocks of concern will again be incorporated into this year¹s fishing plans. Fishing opportunities on co-migrating stocks will be restricted to protect the stocks of concern. As in previous years, there continue to be conservation issues for Rivers and Smith inlets sockeye. Other stocks of concern include Cultus Lake and Sakinaw Lake sockeye and Interior Fraser River (Thompson) coho, which were all identified as "endangered" by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) in 2003. More recently, some concern has been expressed for a number of Strait of Georgia and Johnstone Strait sockeye stocks. DFO will be monitoring the health of these stocks and working with stakeholders to ensure a sustainable fishery.
The salmon management plans for 2004 are currently at the preliminary stage of development. In the coming months, DFO will complete the analysis of information obtained in 2003 and will develop draft salmon Integrated Fishery Management Plans (IFMPs) based on these analyses, conservation requirements and approaches set out in policy. Finalized IFMPs for the 2004 fishing season will reflect input received from consultations with First Nations and other stakeholders, including recreational and commercial harvesters and environmental organizations.
DFO is committed to working with First Nations, the fishing sectors and other interested parties to adopt innovative and flexible means to conduct sustainable fisheries that are consistent with conservation objectives.
2004 DETAILED SALMON SEASON OVERVIEW
Yukon and Transboundary Rivers
In general, sockeye returns to the Yukon and Transboundary rivers are anticipated to be average. However, returns to the mainstem Stikine River and the Tatsamenie River, a major tributary of the Taku River, are expected to be below average.
Above average coho returns are expected, which should support normal fishing opportunities for First Nations and recreational harvesters in the Alsek, Stikine and Taku rivers.
Low chum returns are expected for both the Yukon and Taku river systems, which will require continued restrictions on fisheries targeting those stocks.
Below average returns of Yukon River chinook are forecast. However, returns could be higher than forecast if improving ocean survival conditions similar to 2003 are sustained. Other chinook returns to the Transboundary rivers are expected to be average, except those to the Alsek River, which are forecast to be strong. For most stocks, abundance should be sufficient to allow for normal fishing opportunities for First Nations and recreational anglers.
North Coast
Nass River and enhanced Skeena River sockeye are anticipated to be abundant, providing opportunities for all harvest sectors. Many of the wild Skeena River sockeye stocks, however, are expected to return at low levels and measures to protect them will constrain harvest opportunities for enhanced Skeena River sockeye. Fishing opportunities for sockeye in the Skeena system will be provided to First Nations under the Excess Salmon to Spawning Requirement (ESSR) policy if surpluses are identified and harvest agreements are reached. Nisga¹a treaty fisheries on the Nass River are expected. Commercial net fisheries in the north will be directed towards sockeye from the Nass and Skeena rivers.
Coho returns are expected to be above recent levels. Consistent with 2003, good fisheries for First Nations and the recreational sector and modest troll fisheries are anticipated.
As 2004 will be a non-cycle year for Queen Charlotte Islands (QCIs) pink, returns there are expected to be low. Pink returns are expected to be good throughout the rest of the north and there are likely to be commercial net fisheries for these stocks.
Chum returns to the QCIs are expected to be mixed (some will be average or above average and others will be below average) and low returns are expected elsewhere throughout the north. Similar conservation requirements to those implemented in 2003 will be required in 2004.
Chinook returns throughout the North Coast are anticipated to be good, as in the last two years. This will provide for First Nations fishing opportunities and the maintenance of good opportunities for both recreational anglers and the commercial troll fleet.
Central Coast
Due to the poor return in the brood year, returns of sockeye to Rivers and Smith inlets will likely be below long-term averages and continued closures are expected. As well, sockeye returns to Johnstone Straits systems (Nimpkish, Phillips, Hayden) are expected to be low and fishing plans will be developed to provide protection for these stocks.
For the northern parts of the Central Coast (Areas 7 to 10), coho returns have been steadily increasing. Excellent fishing opportunities for First Nations and anglers will continue in 2004, and some directed commercial troll and net fisheries may also be considered. Troll fisheries will likely be focused north and west of QCI for coho. Where possible, troll fishing opportunities will be shaped to take advantage of abundant stocks.
2004 will be a low cycle year for pinks in the northern part of the Central Coast. For the southern areas of the Central Coast, research efforts are underway to determine possible causes of the poor return in the brood year (2002). Returns of pinks to this area are highly variable and caution will be taken in the planning of fisheries that are consistent with conservation values. Commercial net fisheries targeting pinks are being considered in some portions of the Central Coast.
Chum returns throughout the area are expected to be at average to above average levels. Fishing opportunities for chum for First Nations, recreational and commercial (seine and gillnet) harvesters are anticipated.
Returns of chinook will likely be average to above average, with good fishing opportunities similar to 2003 expected for both First Nations and recreational anglers. Chinook returns to the Johnstone Strait area are forecast to be average in most systems, with the exception of the Nimpkish River, where low returns relative to historic levels are anticipated.
South Coast
In general, sockeye returns in 2004 are anticipated to be similar to those experienced last year. It is a low cycle year for Fraser River sockeye, therefore returns will be low, but somewhat better than historical levels. In Barkley Sound, low returns are expected due to poor abundance in the parent year (2000). Accordingly, it is expected that commercial fishing opportunities for Barkley Sound sockeye will be reduced from 2003 levels. With the COSEWIC designation of Sakinaw Lake and Cultus Lake sockeye as endangered, these two stocks will be considered for listing under the Species at Risk Act. Recovery planning is underway to address the various threats to these stocks and to direct their rebuilding. (Details on the recovery planning were released on January 7, 2004.) Measures to address concerns for Cultus Lake and Sakinaw Lake sockeye are expected to constrain fisheries for some other Fraser River sockeye stocks.
There is an ongoing need to protect wild coho throughout most of the South Coast. Interior Fraser River coho is a particular conservation concern, as is continuing poor survival of coho in the Strait of Georgia. However, good coho returns are expected to many WCVI streams as well as other systems that have been enhanced. Accordingly, there will be selective hatchery marked fisheries again in 2004, with the potential for a directed harvest of wild stocks in some terminal areas once escapement objectives are met. Recreational coho fishing opportunities will be similar to 2003 in other areas of the South Coast, with a daily limit of two hatchery marked fish starting July 1.
Pink returns to the South Coast are highly cyclical and unpredictable. As this is a non-cycle year for pinks, directed pink salmon fisheries for the commercial sector are unlikely. Catches by First Nations and recreational fishers are anticipated to be low.
Chum returns throughout southern B.C., including West Coast Vancouver Island (WCVI), are expected to be average, with modest First Nations and commercial fisheries likely to occur. Recreational fishing opportunities will be available in terminal areas where there are available surpluses.
There has been a trend of increasing returns of chinook to WCVI streams, which is an indication that the conservation measures, coupled with positive ocean survival conditions, of the past six years are having the desired effect. Modest conservation measures will be required in some areas to ensure rebuilding objectives are met, although the measures required will be less stringent compared to previous years. In 2004, enhanced systems are expected to have strong returns, resulting in a full range of fisheries for First Nations and recreational anglers. There will also be some directed commercial fisheries in Barkley Sound and other terminal areas with available surpluses. There has been declining abundance of some wild chinook stocks returning to the east coast of Vancouver Island in recent years. Although the cause is uncertain, precautionary measures may be required in 2004 to protect these specific stocks.
Fraser River
Relatively modest returns of Fraser River sockeye are anticipated for this year¹s salmon fishing season because the 2004 cycle year is one of two ³off-cycle² (low cycle) return years. While early river entry of the Late run sockeye timing group is a continuing phenomenon, the very high mortality rates observed in the late 1990s appears to have moderated somewhat in the past two years. However, elevated mortality rates on the Fraser River remain a concern in 2004, and therefore a precautionary approach will still be necessary in the conduct of fisheries.
All timing groups of Fraser River sockeye salmon, with the exception of the Late Summer group, are expected to return at levels above average for this cycle. The current forecast anticipates directed fisheries by First Nations, although closures may be required in the lower Fraser River after mid-August to protect returning Cultus Lake sockeye. Similarly, in-river recreational fisheries are anticipated for August and may include some localized closures to protect returning Cultus Lake stocks. Commercial fisheries will be modest to protect lower than average returns of Late run sockeye. As well, harvest rates will be kept at low levels to address the continuing concern of en-route and pre-spawn mortality associated with early entry of Late run sockeye into the Fraser River. Some limited opportunity will be available for the commercial fleet to harvest Fraser River sockeye in terminal areas where abundances permit. In the lower Fraser River, sockeye fisheries are anticipated to start in late July or early August.
Actions to protect Interior Fraser River coho will continue to be a feature of fishing plans for 2004. While brood year returns were very good, returns in 2003 were lower than expected. Continued caution for 2004 will be required as the poorer than expected returns in 2003 may be linked to causes that could persist in 2004. Coho returns to the lower Fraser River are anticipated to be below average. Accordingly, in the lower Fraser River, directed recreational fisheries for hatchery marked coho will be permitted in most areas. Retention of unmarked coho will be limited to terminal areas where returns exceed spawning requirements.
This is an off-year for Fraser River pink salmon and no directed fisheries for are planned.
Chum returns are expected to be average to above average and fishing opportunities for First Nations and the other fishing sectors are expected. Some limited opportunity will be available for the commercial fleet to harvest Fraser River chum if abundances permit.
Most returns of Fraser River chinook salmon have experienced significant increases in stock strength. Exceptions to this include the early-timed stocks returning to the lower Fraser River (Birkenhead) and to the middle and upper Fraser River (Upper Chilcotin). Other chinook stocks are increasing in varying levels.
Accordingly, conservation measures will be in place to protect stocks of concern; First Nations fisheries and recreational fisheries will be directed toward more abundant stocks. As well, small commercial fisheries may be considered on a limited, experimental basis if in-season abundance estimates are consistent with recent years. In the lower Fraser River, chinook fisheries are anticipated to start May 1.
-30-
Contact:
Michelle Imbeau
Communications Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
(604) 666-2872
[signature]