Further to FN0369, the potential for low spawning escapements of spring and
summer Fraser Chinook has been identified as a concern for 2009. To ensure
fishery management objectives are achieved, the Department will be using the
test fishery catches from the Albion test fishery to determine the predicted
return to the Fraser River. The best estimate of the Chinook return to the
Fraser River based on the Albion test fishery is 66,000 spring and summer
Fraser Chinook through May 31, 2009. At this return, no additional
recreational fishery measures to reduce harvest impacts on these stocks are
planned.
The additional management measures to reduce harvest impacts on Early Timed
Fraser River Chinook stocks currently in effect in Area 29 (Subareas 29-6, 29-
7, 29-9 and 29-10) off the mouth of the Fraser River have been removed as
planned.
Effective immediately and until 23:59 hrs Thursday December 31, the daily limit
is two (2) Chinook salmon per day, hatchery or wild, both which must be greater
than 62 cm.
The next in-season prediction of the return to the Fraser will be provided on
June 8th. A notice will be released at that time outlining management measures
that will be in place for the Fraser River (see FN0370 for Subareas 29-11 to 29-
17 Tidal waters of the Fraser River and Region 2 Non-tidal waters of the Fraser
River).
Notes:
Barbless hooks are required when fishing for salmon in tidal and non-tidal
waters of British Columbia. This includes all species of fish in the Fraser
River.
Anglers are requested to release any hatchery marked sockeye. These fish are
hatchery raised sockeye and part of a recovery program designed to increase the
numbers of Cultus Lake sockeye.
The term "hatchery marked" means a fish that has a healed scar in place of the
adipose fin.
Sport anglers are encouraged to participate in the voluntary Salmon Sport Head
Recovery program by labelling and submitting heads from adipose fin-clipped
chinook and coho salmon. Recovery of coded-wire tags provides critical
information for coast-wide stock assessment. Contact the Salmon Sport Head
Recovery Program at (866) 483-9994 for further information.
Rockfish Conservation Areas that are currently in effect are closed to all fin
fishing. Descriptions of these closures, and other recreational fishing
information, can be found on the internet at:
www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish
Did you witness suspicious fishing activity or a violation? If so, please call
the Fisheries and Oceans Canada 24-hour toll free Observe, Record, Report line
at (800) 465-4336.
For the 24 hour recorded opening and closure line, call toll free at (866) 431-
FISH.
Variation Order No. 2009-208 dated June 1, 2009.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact the local DFO office in your area for further information.
Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0386
Sent June 2, 2009 at 0951
