North Coast Salmon Update #4 – Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Please note that in-season updates always deal in preliminary numbers. Usually these change somewhat upon receipt
and analysis of all the data.
North Coast Troll
The 2015 Area F Troll Chinook TAC is 117,400 pieces, and will be managed to the maximum
3.2% exploitation objective on WCVI Chinook using an Effort / Harvest Relationship
Management Tool. The troll fishery opened June 18th (FN0534) with approximately 105 vessels
participating in the opening. The total number of Chinook validated to date is 87,819 with an
estimated total catch of 96,500 pieces, which is 82% of the 2015 Area F Troll TAC. The
estimated harvest rate of WCVI Chinook is 0.99% as estimated by fishing effort using the Effort
Harvest Management Tool. While Chinook abundance has remained high the majority of the
fleet is targeting Coho with opening of the Targeted Coho fishery on July 10. Approximately ½
of the 105 vessels currently fishing are retaining Chinook as limited quota has limited retention.
DNA analysis of Chinook caught between June 18th and 23rd was completed late last week.
Genetic samples were collected from 800 fish captured in Areas 1 and 101, and represent 27
vessel landings. Analyses were completed for 781 fish. The main components were upper
Columbia Summer/fall at 40.4%, South Thompson at 20.8%, North & Central Oregon at 12.6%
and Coastal Washington at 9.3%. WCVI ranked 8th at 1.5%. The Skeena contributed 2.2% and
the Nass contributed 0.4%.
The main targeted Coho Fishery opened July 10th (FN0592) with an allowance of sockeye bycatch (FN0593). Average daily effort over the first few days of the opening was 106 vessels
with a mean Coho CPUE of 108 Coho/Vessel/Day. Total estimated catch to date is summarized
in the following table.
Table 1 – Summary of Area F Troll catch and releases to date by week.
End
Date
20-Jun
27-Jun
4-Jul
11-Jul
18-Jul
Total
Validated Catch:
WEEK
25
26
27
28
29
Effort
327
439
150
252
220
North Coast Salmon Update
Chinook
Kept
Rel.
36,439
1,963
47,917
3,100
8,029
1,688
2,494
4,633
1,648
3,102
96,528
14,486
87,819
Coho
Kept
0
0
6,057
27,987
21,685
55,729
Rel.
2,836
5,170
1,224
225
44
9,498
Pink
Kept
245
561
3,980
2,372
1,849
9,006
Rel.
655
1,820
672
1,304
836
5,287
Sockeye
Kept
Rel.
0
29
0
41
0
10
65
65
176
66
241
210
Page 1 of 10
Figure 1 – Distribution of fishing effort of the Area F Troll Fleet by week.
Area 1-2 Recreational
Table 2: Estimated Area 1-2 Recreational Catch to the end of June
2015
Month
May
June
May June
% of total
catch by
source
Note:
Season
Catch By Species
Area Coho Chinook Pink Sockeye
Chum
Rockfish
1
40
500
5
1
5
150
2E
0
400
0
0
0
0
2W
20
100
0
0
5
150
May Total
60
1000
5
1
10
300
1 1800
8200
50
19
80
1900
2E
0
150
0
0
0
100
2W
500
4300
45
0
10
3700
June Total 2300
12650
95
19
90
5700
1 1840
8700
55
20
85
2050
2E 2100
800
50
0
0
350
2W
520
4400
45
0
15
3850
Season
Total: 4460
13900
150
20
100
6250
Log Book 40%
67%
60%
85%
90%
59%
Creel
4%
7%
0%
0%
0%
2%
Estimate 56%
26%
40%
15%
10%
40%
Catch estimates are preliminary and subject to change.
North Coast Salmon Update
Halibut
150
200
50
400
3400
300
1700
5400
3550
1150
1750
Lingcod
75
0
100
175
1300
50
2400
3750
1375
200
2500
6450
59%
6%
34%
4075
58%
2%
40%
Page 2 of 10
Figure 2: Catch and releases of Coho and Chinook in Area 1. Figure from Haida Fisheries
Program June Creel Report.
Area 3 (Nass River)
The Nass River fishwheels have been operating since June 4th.
Nass River sockeye returns are forecasted to be average with an expected total return from
558,000 (90% probability) to 900,000 (10% probability) and a point estimate of 727,000 (50%
probability) based on a composite of 5 different forecast models. The current in-season total
return to Canada (TRTC) forecast (50% confidence interval), based on mark-recapture data and
mean run timing, is 494,000 (383,000 – 748,000). This estimate assumes that 45% of the
returning sockeye have migrated past the lower fish wheels at Gitwinksihlkw.
In addition, the point estimate for Nass chinook is 49,000 (41,000 – 93,000), based on markrecapture data and mean run timing, and assuming that 78% of the returning stock has migrated
past the Gitwinksihlkw fishwheels. It is too early to project return strength for Nass River pink,
chum and coho salmon.
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/northcoast-cotenord/nass-eng.htm
Nisga’a Fisheries
Below is the estimated catch by Nisga’a harvest fisheries. Nisga’a marine Individual Sales
fisheries have been announced for July 15 th and 16th, along with an in-river Individual Sales
fishery on July 15th.
North Coast Salmon Update
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*From Nisga’a Fisheries
Commercial Net Fisheries:
Fifteen gillnet openings have occurred in Area 3 to date with two more openings announced for
later this week (July 17/18). Catch estimates for the July 13/14 openings were not available in
time to include in this update. Area 3 will be closed to gill nets from July 19- 25 to protect
Kwinageese sockeye migrating through the fishing area at that time.
Area 3 Gillnet Catch Estimates
There have also been 6 seine opening to date, with 2 additional openings having been announced
for later this week (July 16/17). Catch estimates for the July 13/14 seine openings were not
available in time for posting in this update. For the following week Area 3 seine openings will
be operated under a non-possession / non-retention regulation for sockeye, chum, chinook and
steelhead.
North Coast Salmon Update
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Area 3 Seine Catch Estimates
A catch monitoring program is in place for Area 3 net fisheries. Packer vessels and gillnet
vessels landing to shore-based sites each have a 20% chance of being validated by an
independent service provider. At-sea observers will be deployed after the Kwinageese closure
which is from July 19th to 25th.
Gillnet species composition from gill net validated landings
Date Fished Sockeye Sockeye
pieces
%
June 9th
459 100.0%
June 15/16
2137
98.8%
June 22/23
1702
78.8%
June 25/26
2,217
89.7%
June 29/30
4,209
86.9%
July 9/10
8,179
44.0%
Pink
pieces
Pink %
0
0
68
91
507
7,953
0.0%
0.0%
3.1%
3.7%
10.5%
42.8%
Chum
pieces
0
0
0
0
0
2,206
Chum %
Coho
pieces
0.0
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
11.9%
0
4
292
114
24
220
Coho %
0.0
1.2%
13.5%
4.6%
0.5%
1.2%
Chinook Chinook Steelhead Steelhead
pieces
%
pieces
%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
97
4.5%
0
0.0%
49
2.0%
0
0.0%
106
2.2%
0
0.0%
21
0.1%
0
0.0%
Data provided by Ecotrust Canada
Nass Inland Demonstration Fishery
Both the Nisga’a and the Gitanyow are participating in inland demonstration fisheries to fish
selectively for sockeye in the Nass watershed this year. The Nisga’a continue to harvest their
allocation at the Grease Harbour fishwheels. It is anticipated that the Gitanyow fishing plan will
be finalized and that they will receive their first allocation later this week. Weekly allocations
will be issued based on the number of commercial salmon licences each First Nation has
obtained for the 2015 season and the catch in the Area 3 marine commercial fishery.
Sockeye allocations:
First Nation
# GN Licences
Nisga’a
20
Gitanyow
55
Allocation
1,460
Catch
1,380
Meziadin Fishway
The Meziadin Fishway was operational on July 1st. Current environmental conditions include
water temperature of 15oC, which is 1oC warmer than the historic mean, and water levels which
are near normal. To date, 11,305 adult sockeye, 17 jack sockeye and 2 adult chinook have
passed through the fishway. Historic and 2015 counts are available here:
North Coast Salmon Update
Page 5 of 10
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/northcoast-cotenord/meziadin-eng.htm
Kwinageese Weir
The Kwinageese weir is being managed by the Nisga’a Fish and Wildlife department, and has
been operational since July 3rd. As of July 12th, a total of 18 chinook had passed through the
weir and some have moved above the barrier. No sockeye have been observed. Water levels are
lower than normal for this time of year. Water temperature was 16 Celsius, down from 18
Celsius the previous day.
Tree Point Gill Net Fishery
The Tree Point gillnet fishery in Alaska opened for 4 days of fishing this week, opening Sunday,
July 12th at noon and closing at noon on Thursday, June 16th. No catch estimates were available
at the time of posting. Catch estimates for the previous week (Week 28) for the Tree Point
gillnet fishery are listed below. Effort for the week was 38 vessels, compared to a 10 year
average of 47 vessels.
Week 28 GN harvests and (10-year average)/CPUE
Sockeye
Coho
Pink
Chum
2,500 (17)
250
12,000
38,000 (250)
(7,300) (40)
(1,600)
(38,000)
(50,000) (260)
Noyes Island Seine Fishery
The District 4 (Noyes Island) seine fishery had its’ second opening this week, on July 12th.
Preliminary catch estimates for the fleet of 15 seines include 1,800 sockeye, 2,200 coho, 7,800
pink and 6,000 chum salmon.
Area 4 (Skeena River)
The pre-season Skeena sockeye escapement expectation was for an above average return of 3.5
million (50% probability) with a 90% probability of 1.7 million and a 10% probability of 7.3
million, based on the sibling model. Based on the estimated escapement past the Tyee Test
Fishery, and assuming average run timing, the current in-season point estimate (50% probability)
for total return to the Skeena is 815,000, with a 90% probability of 541,000 and a 10%
probability of 1.30 million. As a result, no Area 4 sockeye fisheries are anticipated at this time.
On average, to July 13, approximately 22% of the sockeye return should have passed the Tyee
Test Fishery.
The estimated Skeena sockeye escapement past the Tyee Test fishery, to July 13, is 178,680 fish.
All species other than coho and pink salmon are returning at less than historic decadal averages.
Tyee test fishery data are available here:
http://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/xnet/content/salmon/testfish/sockeye/tyee_gillnet.htm
North Coast Salmon Update
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Tyee test fishery cumulative index to July 12:
2015
2000's Avg.
1990's Avg.
1980’s Avg.
Sockeye
172.31
449.43
299.26
380.45
Coho
0.62
0.20
0.21
0.19
Pink
8.40
0.79
1.63
1.45
Chum
0.15
0.11
0.38
0.20
Lg Chinook
69.33
203.18
159.29
128.97
Steelhead
4.07
9.58
9.06
9.68
Historical and 2015 counts are available here:
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/northcoast-cotenord/index-eng.html
Net Fisheries:
One 18 hour gillnet opening occurred on June 12 and a second opening of 30 hours on June
27/28. Both openings were directed on Skeena chinooks and catches were below average for
both openings.
Area 4 Gillnet Catch Estimates
Skeena Inland Demonstration Fishery
The Lake Babine Nation and Gitxsan Watershed Authority have both expressed interest in
participating in an inland demonstration fishery in the Skeena River watershed. Further details
will be provided in future updates as they become available.
Recreational Fisheries:
The Area 3 and 4 marine creel survey began on June 1st. For Areas 3 and 4, during the month of
June, an estimated 3,382 (SE 523) vessel trips resulted in a harvest of 7,262 (SE 768) Chinook
salmon, 4,902 Coho salmon (SE 662) and 3,823 Pacific Halibut (SE 407). A total of 482
Chinook salmon were sampled for lengths and scales. Estimates are preliminary and expected to
change slightly. Estimates are based on data collected through 730 angler interviews and 8 aerial
effort count surveys.
The lower Skeena River creel survey began on June 1st. June results will be available in July.
Regular daily retention limits apply for salmon in the Skeena watershed.
North Coast Salmon Update
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Kitwanga Weir
The Gitanyow Fisheries Authority will be operating the Kitwanga River weir again this year. It
was operational by July 10th, but no fish have been observed migrating past the weir. Updates
provided by the Gitanyow Fisheries Authority will be available here:
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/northcoast-cotenord/index-eng.html
Babine River Counting Facility
The Babine River fence panels were installed on July 13, with the counting chutes being installed
on the 14th. The site should be fully operational by the end of the week. Current water
temperature at the facility is 14.5 Celsius. Requests for temperature information from Fulton and
Pinkut were not responded to
Historical and 2015 counts will be available here:
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/northcoast-cotenord/index-eng.html
Slamgeesh Weir
The Gitksan Watershed Authorities will be operating the Slamgeesh weir again this year. It is
typically operational in late July.
Sustut Weir
The Province of BC will be operating the Sustut weir again this year. It is typically operational in
early August.
Area 6
Net Fisheries:
The first Area 6 seine opening was July 13th and 14th. No vessels participated in the July 13th
opening. A catch monitoring program will be in place for this fishery.
Area 7
Net Fisheries:
The first net fisheries are not anticipated until July 27 depending on in-season assessments of
abundance.
North Coast Salmon Update
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Recreational Fisheries:
Recreational fishery information will be provided in the next update.
Area 8
Chinook returns to the Atnarko River are the 2nd highest since the 2010 flood, based on first
Nations chinook FSC catches (approximately 530 pieces as of last week).
Net Fisheries:
Today in the Area 8 fishery, 26 gill net and 6 seine vessels operating in the Fisher/Fitz Hugh
area. The average catch for gill nets is 3 sockeye, 7 pink, 70 chum and 1 chinook salmon, while
the average catch for seines is 1,000 chum and 115 pinks. In the BCGNA there are 30 gill net
vessels operating and an average catch of 5 chinook and 30 chum.
Area 8 Gillnet Catch Estimates
Recreational Fisheries (Hakai Pass):
Recreational fishery information will be provided in the next update.
Area 9
Recreational Fisheries:
Recreational fishery information will be provided in the next update.
Area 10
North Coast Salmon Update
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The Docee weir became operational on July 1st. By July 9th, 1,792 sockeye and 9 coho had
migrated past the fence. This year’s Docee weir count can be found here:
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/northcoast-cotenord/index-eng.html
North Coast
For more information please visit the North Coast website here:
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/northcoast-cotenord/index-eng.htm
North Coast Salmon Update
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