Review of the 2006 Fraser River Sockeye Fishery

Resource: Review of the 2006 Fraser River Sockeye Fishery

Authors / Publisher: Mike Staley for the Fraser River Aboriginal Fisheries Secretariat and Watershed Watch Salmon Society

Date: June 2007

PDF: Review of the 2006 Fraser River Sockeye Fishery

Summary:

This report, prepared by Mike Staley for the Fraser River Aboriginal Fisheries Secretariat and Watershed Watch Salmon Society, provides an overview of the 2006 Fraser sockeye fishery. Highlights of the 2006 season include:

  • First application of the new Fraser River Sockeye Spawning Initiative goals;
  • Significant increase in exploitation rate on Cultus Lake sockeye through an historic agreement between the Commercial Salmon Advisory Board and First Nations in the lower Fraser River;
  • Significant decline in Quesnel Lake sockeye from the pre-season forecast based on recent returns on this cycle;
  • Two-day test fishing results in Johnstone Strait largest on record;
  • Significantly more fish on the spawning grounds past Mission than estimated, primarily Late runs, but Summer runs as well;
  • Significantly fewer Summer runs returning to the mid and upper watershed than forecasted;
  • Many First Nations in the mid and upper Fraser River failed to achieve food fish catch targets;
  • Significant over-harvest of Summer and Late run fish, based on in-season run size estimates;
  • Significant over-harvest of Summer runs, based on preliminary postseason data.

 

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