Salmon: Sockeye – Area 23 – Preseason Forecast Information April 11, 2017
Category(s):
COMMERCIAL – Salmon: Gill Net,
COMMERCIAL – Salmon: Seine
Fishery Notice – Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Subject: FN0358-COMMERCIAL – Salmon: Sockeye – Area 23 – Preseason Forecast Information April 11, 2017
The pre-season forecast for Somass Sockeye is 172,000. At this run size, there
is no available commercial allocation and therefore there are no planned Area D
gill nets or Area B seine openings in June. At a meeting on April 6, 2017,
the Area 23 Harvest Committee recommended a closure to sockeye fishing for all
sectors consistent with the Area 23 fishery plan. While commercial sockeye
opportunities in Area 23 are unlikely through the end of June, potential
opportunities may be possible if the run size is upgraded.
The Somass sockeye in-season stock assessment program will be in place in 2017.
This program collects escapement, test fishing, catch and environmental
information on a weekly basis. This information is collected and the first in-
season reforecast will be made June 29. This process will continue weekly
through the sockeye season and, may lead to commercial sockeye opportunities if
conditions warrant.