This just came in from fisheries-
Fishery Notice - Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Subject: FN0786-RECREATIONAL - Salmon: All Salmon Species - South Coast - Areas 17 to 19 - No Salmon Retention
In 2014/2015 Vancouver Island experienced extremely low snowpack with
exceptionally low precipitation during the spring 2015 period. Water levels in
many systems on Vancouver Island are now extremely low and river temperatures
in many cases are reaching lethal limits for salmon migrating through these
systems. Predictions are that above average summer air temperatures and reduced
precipitation will continue, and likely will further contribute to elevated
stream temperatures throughout Vancouver Island.
The Cowichan River is experiencing particularly warm water and low flows at the
present time. It is anticipated that these severe river conditions will cause
Cowichan chinook to stage in the marine area, and likely delay entry into the
river until flows improve. This will likely result in Cowichan chinook being
more vulnerable to fishing in the marine approach areas to the Cowichan River,
due to these river conditions.
A closure was implemented on all southern island freshwater systems, including
the Cowichan River, in early July prohibiting all fishing, including First
Nations FSC fishing. Management measures are now being expanded to the
adjacent terminal marine areas, elevating the key chinook non-retention areas
to salmon non-retention areas. DFO analysis has shown that the implementation
of this management measure will reduce the exploitation rate on Cowichan
chinook.
The following subareas will close to salmon retention effective 00:01h August
4, 2015 until further notice:
Subareas 17-5 to 17-7, 17-9
Subareas 18-6 to 18-8
Subareas 19-7 to 19-12
These areas may re-open to salmon retention, with the non-retention of chinook,
if environmental conditions improve.