Salmon Returns 2010

[chris73]

What is the Chum number in Goldstream so far? Way below normal too?

 

[Silver Streak]

Looks like about 4500 chum last I heard compared to around 20,000 in
normal year. Some years in the past they have had over 50,000. The
Goldstream hatchery has taken some chum eggs and should end up with
enough for their needs - ie. school programs and transplants to several
small creeks on the south Island. It is a poor year almost everywhere
this year for chums. They may have stayed out in the ocean another
year if their body mass was not sufficient because of shortage of food.
Next year could see a good return if they did.

 

[chris73]

I have heard someone blaming severe flooding in 2006 - especially in the lower reaches of coastal rivers. Can't remember what the fall floods were like in 2006 but it could be a factor.

 

[profisher]

There was a once in 50 year storm event about 3 to 4 years ago on the south coast. That summer we had just rebuilt the pools and riffles on Charters Creek only to have some of the work blown out by the heavy flows. I remember fishing shortly after the storm and there were plastic lawn chairs, garbage cans etc floating around in the harbour and outside. It could have be a major contributor if it was 4 years ago.