wolf
Well-Known Member
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In 2012, the Department has identified concerns associated with expected poor returns of Spring 5-2 and Summer 5-2 chinook to the Fraser River. Management of these stocks is based on an in-season assessment of returns using the cumulative catch per unit effort (CPUE) of chinook at the Albion Test Fishery. A three-zone management approach is used to identify management actions. Management actions for a return of less than 30,000 chinook to the Fraser River (management zone 1) were planned pre-season based on the number of spawners in the 2007 parental generation (22,000 chinook) and the recent lower than average return rates. The model used to predict the returns of Spring 5-2 and Summer 5-2 chinook to the Fraser River uses data from the standard chinook net at the Albion Test fishery and does not use catch from the multi-panel net (which is currently fished on alternating days). The standard chinook net is an 8 inch (approx. 20 cm) mesh. The 2012 Albion chinook test fishery began operating on April 25th. A total of four (4) chinook have been caught in the standard chinook net; an additional seven (7) chinook have been caught in the multi-panel net. The CPUE input into the model falls below the lower range of historical CPUE's used to parameterize the model (1995 to 2010, excluding 2007). Based on this CPUE, for the period May 6 to June 2, the current predicted return to the mouth of the Fraser of Spring 5-2 and Summer 5-2 chinook in the aggregate ranges from 30,000 to 65,000 chinook (median of 43,930). At this time, there continues to be considerable uncertainty about the estimated return to the Fraser. A need for a cautious approach to management of Fraser chinook continues to apply.The next update has been scheduled for June 11th. Appropriate management actions will be confirmed pending the next update if possible. The final in-season update is scheduled for June 18th. Previously announced fishery management actions to conserve Fraser River chinook remain in effect until further notice. FOR MORE INFORMATION:Jeff Grout 604-666-0497 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 604-666-0497 end_of_the_skype_highlighting [/TD]
[TD="colspan: 2"]Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0467
Sent June 4, 2012 at 1610
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