North Coast Salmon Update #7 – Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Please note that in-season updates always deal in preliminary numbers. Usually these change somewhat upon receipt
and analysis of all the data.
Area F Troll Update
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
25-Jul
1-Aug
8-Aug
Total
Validated Catch:
WEEK
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Effort
327
439
160
301
621
453
469
143
Chinook
Kept
Rel.
36,439
1,963
47,917
3,083
9,264
1,655
5,081
5,598
5,234
10,086
2,609
4,694
474
7,227
0
2,159
107,019
36,467
104,020
Coho
Kept
0
0
6,855
33,084
58,962
36,983
44,408
10,167
190,459
Rel.
2,836
5,158
1,207
369
99
13
9
0
9,690
Pink
Kept
Rel.
245
655
559
1,811
5,058
657
5,748
1,904
9,676
3,389
6,895
2,443
8,810
2,979
4,649
501
41,640
14,339
Sockeye
Kept
Rel.
0
29
0
41
3
10
607
31
643
81
1,061
53
513
17
161
5
2,988
266
CHINOOK
The 2015 Area F Troll Chinook TAC is 117,400 pieces, and is managed to the maximum 3.2%
exploitation objective on WCVI Chinook using an Effort / Harvest Relationship Management
Tool. The total number of Chinook validated to date is 104,020 with an estimated total catch of
107,000 pieces, which is 91% of the 2015 Area F Troll TAC. The estimated harvest rate of
WCVI Chinook is approximately 1.2% 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 10% of the
75 vessels currently fishing were retaining Chinook in the last week of July as available quota
has limited retention. The Area F Troll Chinook ITQ fishery closed on Friday July 31st
(FN0726) to protect WCVI Chinook. The fishery is expected to reopen in late August.
Chinook stock composition in the Area F Troll catch from DNA samples are as follows:
Sample #1
From 800 fish (27 vessel landings) caught between June 18th and 23rd
40.4% Upper Columbia Summer/fall, 20.8% South Thompson, 12.6% North & Central
Oregon, 9.3% Coastal Washington, 1.5% WCVI, 2.2% Skeena and 0.4% Nass.
Sample #2
From 402 fish (24 vessel landings) caught between June 24th and July 1st.
40.1% Upper Columbia Summer/fall, 20.8% South Thompson, 12.0% North & Central
Oregon, 13.0% Coastal Washington, 0.2% WCVI, 1.0% Skeena and 0.2% Nass.
Sample #3
From 189 fish (12 vessel landings) caught between June 26th and July 13th.
47.1% Upper Columbia Summer/fall, 17.6% South Thompson, 11.4% North & Central
Oregon, 11.9% Coastal Washington, 0.5% WCVI, 2.9% Skeena and 0.0% Nass.
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Sample #4
From 185 fish (9 vessel landings) caught between July 10th and July 19th.
48.3% Upper Columbia Summer/fall, 14.9% Coastal Washington, 14.6% South
Thompson, 14.6% North & Central Oregon, 1.9% Nass 1.8% Skeena and 0% WCVI.
COHO
The main targeted Coho Fishery opened July 10th (FN0592) with an allowance of sockeye bycatch (FN0593). Average daily effort over the last week was 68 vessels with a mean Coho
CPUE of 84 Coho/Vessel/Day. Total catch to date is estimated to be 190,500 Coho, 41,500
Pinks and 3,000 Sockeye. The migration timing of Nass and Skeena Sockeye through the troll
area is primarily during the month of July. Furthermore the prevalence of Fraser Sockeye within
Dixon Entrance is expected to increase during August. This was observed in 2014 when the troll
catch of Sockeye increased dramatically after the first week of August. The Area F Troll
currently does not have any allocation of Fraser River Sockeye. Therefore Area F Troll is
scheduled close to the retention of sockeye on August 7th (FN0780) to avoid interception of
Fraser Sockeye. A comparison of Coho CPUE over the past decade and fleet distribution are
depicted in the following graphs.
Figure 1
Mean Weekly Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) in Area F Troll.
CPUE = (# Coho Caught + # Coho Released) / Vessel / Day.
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Figure 2 – Distribution of fishing effort of the Area F Troll Fleet by week.
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Area 1-2 Recreational
Recreational catch estimates for the month of July are not expected until next week.
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
250
May Total
60
1000
5
1
10
400
1 1800
8200
50
20
80
1900
2E
0
150
0
0
0
100
2W
700
3200
60
0
10
3400
June Total 2500
11550
110
20
90
5400
1 1840
8700
55
21
85
2050
2E
0
550
0
0
0
100
2W
720
3300
60
0
15
3650
Season
Total: 2560
12550
115
21
100
5800
Log Book 88%
86%
98%
86%
98%
95%
Creel
7%
8%
0%
0%
0%
2%
Estimate
4%
5%
2%
14%
2%
3%
Catch estimates are preliminary and subject to change.
Data sources include Logbook program from fishing lodges,
Haida Creel and anecdotal information
Halibut
150
200
100
450
3400
300
1500
5200
3550
500
1600
Lingcod
75
0
125
200
1300
50
1600
2950
1375
50
1725
5650
82%
7%
11%
3150
92%
3%
5%
Figure 3: Catch and releases of Coho and Chinook in Area 1. Figure from Haida Fisheries
Program June Creel Report.
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Southeast Alaska Troll
Regional coho CPUEs are above the 20-year average, though effort is below average.
Southeast Alaska Southern Inside Troll Coho Catch per Boat-Day
Tree Point Gill Net Fishery
The Tree Point gill net fishery in Alaska was opened for4 days of fishing this week, opening
Sunday, August 2nd at noon and to close at noon on Thursday, August 5th. No catch estimates
were available for this opening at the time of posting. Catch estimates for the previous week
(Week 31) for the Tree Point gill net fishery are listed below.
Week 31 gill net (July 26 – August 1) harvests for 40 vessels over 4 days fishing:
Chinook
Sockeye
Coho
Pink
Chum
40
2,000
660
25,000
70,000
Noyes Island Seine Fishery
The District 4 seine fishery opened for 39 hours this week, from 05:00 Monday, August 3rd to
20:00 on August 4th. No catch estimates for this opening were available at time of posting.
Catch estimates for the previous week (Week 31) are listed below.
Week 31 SN harvests for 53 vessels:
Chinook
Sockeye
Coho
0
75,000
13,000
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Pink
Chum
570,000
34,000
Area 3 (Nass River)
The Nass River fishwheels have been operating since June 4th. The current in-season total return
to Canada (TRTC) forecast (50% confidence interval), based on mark-recapture data and mean
run timing, increased from 559,000 last week to 567,000 (500,000 – 737,000) for data to August
2nd. This estimate assumes that 79% of the returning sockeye have migrated past the lower fish
wheels at Gitwinksihlkw. The in-season run-size estimate past the Gitwinksihlkw fishwheels
(GW), for data to August 2nd, is 293,927 sockeye, much higher than the 1994-2014 average of
211,000. The run-size target past the GW fishwheels is 250,000 sockeye.
In addition, the point estimate for Nass chinook TRTC dropped slightly from 39,000 last week to
38,000 (36,000 – 41,000), based on mark-recapture data and mean run timing, and assuming that
95% of the returning stock has migrated past the GW fishwheels. The in-season run-size
estimate past the GW fishwheels for upper Nass chinook , for data to August 2nd, is 26,355 fish,
much higher than the 1994-2014 average of 19,800. The run-size target past the GW fishwheels
is 15,000 chinook.
Early indications of return strength to the Nass River are below average for coho, pink and chum
salmon and above average for steelhead.
At 2.2 meters, the Nass River water level at the GW fishwheels is 0.2 meters higher than the
1994 – 2014 average, while water temperature at the same location is 10.0oCelsius, which is
0.1oCelsius higher than the 1994 – 2014 average.
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. To date, there have been 11 Nisga’a
marine Individual Sales fisheries and 7 in-river Individual Sales fishery. Nisga’a Fisheries has
announced that the next in-river IS opportunity will be August 5th.
*From Nisga’a Fisheries
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Commercial Net Fisheries:
Twenty-one gillnet openings have occurred in Area 3. Further opportunities for later this week
will be based on stock assessment information and will again be restricted in area to minimize
interception of Skeena sockeye and Area 3 chum encounters, and operated under a nonpossession / non-retention regulation for chum and steelhead.
Area 3 Gillnet Catch Estimates
There have also been 13 seine opening to date, the last opportunities being Thursday July 30th
and Friday’ July 31st to target Area 3 pinks and with retention of sockeye and coho. The fishery
has been closed since due to poor pink abundance. Further opportunities will be based on pink
abundance and will again be restricted in area to minimize interception of Skeena sockeye and
Area 3 chum encounters, and operated under a non-possession / non-retention regulation for
chum, chinook and steelhead.
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Area 3 Seine Catch Estimates to July 31st:
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 are now being deployed to the fleet to gather
non-target species release information.
Gillnet species composition from gill net validated landings
Date Fished
09-Jun
June 15/16
June 22/23
June 25/26
June 29/30
July 9/10
July 14/15
July 17/18
July 26/27
July 31/August 1
Sockeye Sockeye
pieces
%
459
2317
1702
2217
4209
8179
6806
7016
8,356
7,081
100
98.8
78.8
89.7
86.9
44
39.8
27.1
27.9%
37.2%
Pink
pieces
Pink %
0
0
0
0
68
3.2
91
3.7
507 10.5
7953 42.8
8013 46.9
12618 48.7
20,745 69.4%
11,262 59.1%
Chum
pieces
0
0
0
0
0
2206
2041
5863
2
0
Chum
%
0
0
0
0
0
11.9
11.9
22.6
0.0%
0.0%
Coho
pieces
0
4
292
114
24
220
203
403
770
690
Coho Chinook Chinook Steelhead
%
pieces
%
pieces
0
1.2
13.5
4.6
0.5
1.2
1.2
1.6
2.6%
3.6%
0
0
97
49
106
21
27
22
39
27
0
0
4.5
2
2.2
0.1
0.16
0.09
0.1%
0.1%
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 paused their harvesting
from July 29-August 4 reduce impacts to Kwinageese sockeye. The Gitanyow began their
harvest at the Meziadin site last week and are back fishing this week. Further sockeye
allocations will be issued to both groups early next week, based on Area 3 marine commercial
gillnet fishery catches.
Sockeye allocations and Catches to date:
First Nation
# GN Licences Allocation
Catch
Nisga’a
45
3,690
3,081
Gitanyow
55
6,479
1,275
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0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Meziadin Fishway
The Meziadin Fishway has been operational since July 1st. Current environmental conditions
include water temperature of 15oCelsius, which is 1oCelcius below the mean, and water levels
which are near normal at 1.24 meters. As of August 3rd, 58,784 adult sockeye (1994 – 2014
average to date is 72,400), 459 jack sockeye and 26 adult chinook have passed through the
fishway. All of these counts are below the 1994 – 2014 average, to date. Historic and 2015
counts are available here:
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 August 1st, a total of 265chinook and 11 sockeye had
passed through the weir. Though sockeye counts are below the 1994 – 2014 average to date,
chinook numbers are above average. No coho have been observed this year. Water levels and
temperature are higher than normal for this time of year.
According to the Nisga’a Fish and Wildlife Department, “The lower Kwinageese River barrier
site was visited on March 3, 2015. Water levels were higher than normal due to early snow melt.
The crew observed that several of the concrete blocks that were previously placed in the thalwag
of the channel have since washed out. The concrete weir was still functioning by pooling water
at the base of the bedrock barrier. Crew visited the barrier site on July 23 under normal water
level and observed that the concrete weir structure was in the same condition as when visited in
2014. Numerous chinook were observed holding in the pool below barrier and a few were
observed jumping the barrier.”
Area 4 (Skeena River)
The pre-season Skeena sockeye run size 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 to August 3rd,
and assuming average run timing, the current in-season point estimate (50% probability) for
Total Return to Canada increased to 905,710, with a 90% probability of at least 661,559 and a
10% probability of 1.18 million. As a result, no Area 4 sockeye fisheries are anticipated at this
time.
The estimated Skeena sockeye escapement past the Tyee Test fishery, to August 3rd, is 710,926
fish. Assuming average run timing, approximately 79% of the sockeye return should have
passed the Tyee Test Fishery by August 3rd. All species except sockeye and chinook are
returning at, or above, 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
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Tyee test fishery cumulative index to August 3rd:
2015
2000's Avg.
1990's Avg.
1980’s Avg.
Sockeye
794.40
1470.88
917.77
1261.44
Coho
17.52
11.96
9.07
16.40
Pink
379.59
374.72
188.89
325.99
Chum
9.40
6.13
9.64
9.84
Lg Chinook
126.86
264.50
201.02
167.01
Steelhead
55.32
50.52
42.80
51.62
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. Given the poor escapement of Skeena sockeye, to date, no commercial net
opportunities on Skeena sockeye are anticipated in Area 4 at this time.
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. Given the poor
escapement of Skeena sockeye to date, no inland demonstration fisheries on Skeena sockeye are
anticipated at this time.
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Recreational Fisheries:
The Area 3 and 4 marine creel survey began on June 1st. The preliminary data for estimated kept
catch in June is listed below, along with historic June catch data (2009 – 2014) for comparison.
Estimated Kept Catch by Year
Species
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
Chinook
7,262
6,142
5,241
2,504
7,076
Coho
4,902
2,126
5,883
427
922
Chum
8
Pink
16
Sockeye
6
Halibut
3,823
3,346
3,781
2,363
5,105
* Note that 2015 data is still preliminary
2010
3,903
4,486
2009
4,840
3,813
3,494
3,083
The lower Skeena River creel survey began on June 1st. July results should be available soon.
Regular daily retention limits apply for salmon in the Skeena watershed, except for sockeye
salmon, which has been varied to 1/day.
Kitwanga Fence
Preliminary update from the Gitanyow Fisheries Authority:
The fence has been operational since July 10, which is the normal start date. The first chinook
was counted on July 10th, with the total count of 160 as of the evening of July 29th. Assuming
average run timing, ~14.7% of run has passed the fence by July 29th.
The first sockeye was counted on July 14th, with a total count of 26 to the evening of July 29th.
Assuming average run timing, ~2.8% of run should have passed through the fence by July 29th.
A single pink salmon and no chum or coho have migrated have passed through the weir, to date.
Typically, the first pink and chum salmon arrive during the first week of August and the first
coho arrive around the middle of August.
Water levels are currently ~0.87m, slightly higher than normal. Since the last update daily water
temperatures have been fluctuating between 12-15°C.
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/northcoast-cotenord/index-eng.html
Babine River Counting Facility
The first fish was counted through the Babine River fence on July 14th. Current daily water
temperature at the facility ranges from 14.0 – 14.2 Celsius, with water level increasing slightly to
80 cm on August 3rd. Total counts to date include 142,808 large sockeye, 2,941 jack sockeye, 15
chinook, 19 jack chinook and 197 pinks. On average, 19% of large sockeye should have passed
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through the weir by August 3rd. In addition, to date, 7% of the jack sockeye return should have
migrated past the fence.
Water temperature at Fulton on August 2nd decreased to a range of 16.6 – 18.3oCelsius, and from
15.5 – 16.0oCelsius at Pinkut Creek.
Historical and 2015 counts are available here (updated today or tomorrow):
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:
Area 6 seine openings have been poorly attended due to poor pink abundance and there is no
catch to report. Patrolman surveys indicate pink abundance is well below the brood year
abundance, to date.
A catch monitoring program will be in place for the Area 6 seine fishery, should pink abundance
increase enough to provide fishing opportunities.
Due to adequate chum abundance in the Kitimat River area, a directed chum gillnet opportunity
was provided on August 3rd, with a subsequent extension to August 4th based on catch
information. Hail information from the initial opening indicated an estimated catch of 9,332
chum, 189 pinks and 7 chinook for 30 vessels. Releases included 51 sockeye and 50 coho.
Area 7
Net Fisheries:
The first net fishery was held on July 27th to assess abundance. The opening was not well
attended (1 seine and 2 gill nets) and subsequently closed until further notice. Further openings
for both gill nets and seines have since been announced for August 4th to assess abundance of
local chums.
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Area 7 Seine Catch Estimates to July 27th
Recreational Fisheries:
The data is currently incomplete for July, and it is hoped by next week all the July data from the
lodges and charter operators will be received.
Early indications from the data received for the weekly Chinook CPUE (catch per angler/angler
day) continues to indicate it is similar to the past few years at 0.7 and slightly above the 10 year
average of 0.6. Total known Chinook catch reported to-date is 2,085 for 3,242 angler days.
Early indications from the data received for the weekly Coho CPUE is that it is down from the
past few years and is down from the 10 year average. Total known Coho catch reported to-date is
1,309 for 3,242 angler days.
Area 8
Net Fisheries:
Area 8 opened to gill nets and seines on August 4th to target local chums. Preliminary hailed
catches were not available at time of posting. To date, gillnets have harvested 1,205 sockeye,
7,075 pinks, 143,189 chums and 4,735 chinook. In addition, seines have harvested 300,490
pinks and 48,780 chum. Listed below are gill net and seine catch estimates, by opening, to July
28th.
Area 8 Gillnet Catch Estimates to July 28th
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Area 8 Seine Catch Estimates to July 28th
Recreational Fisheries (Hakai Pass):
There are 4 lodges operating in the Hakai Pass area this season. The opening dates are as
follows: Joe’s Salmon Lodge - July 7th; Ole’s - July 14th; Hakai Lodge - July 15th and Hakai
Land & Sea - July 20th.
Indications from the data received for the weekly Chinook CPUE from July 5th to July 18th (Stat
Weeks 28 & 29) is that it is above the past few years of 0.2 at currently sits at 0.4. Total
Chinook catch reported to-date is 230 for 606 angler days.
The weekly Coho CPUE is up from the past few years and significantly up from the 10 year
average. Total Coho catch reported to-date is 695 for 606 angler days.
Area 9
Recreational Fisheries:
There may be up to 6 lodges operating in Rivers Inlet this season. The known opening dates are
as follows: Duncanby - June 13th; Legacy - July 16th Sportsman’s Club - July 16th; Black Gold July 17th and Good Hope Cannery (private lodge) - July 22nd. At this time, it is unknown if
Rivers Lodge will be operating this season. Thanks to the Wuikinuxv Guardian Watchmen
(Brian Johnson, Patrick Johnson and Alex Chartrand Jr.) that participated in the Area 9 lodge site
visits with DFO Central Coast staff on July 14th & 15th.
For Stat Week 20 (July 12 to 18) the Chinook CPUE information indicates it is up from the past
few years (2014-0.26 & 2013-0.15) at 0.53 and significantly up from the 10 year average of 0.19.
Total Chinook catch reported to-date is 1,473 for 2,132 angler days.
For Stat Week 20 (July 12 to 18) the Coho CPUE information indicates it is up from last year
(0.31) at 1.20, down from 2013 (1.42) & 2012 (1.43), and well above the 10 year average of
0.52. Total Coho catch reported to-date is 1,699 for 2,132 angler days.
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Area 10
The Docee weir became operational on July 1st. By July 30th, a total of 95,101 sockeye and 545
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
For more information please visit the North Coast website here:
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/northcoast-cotenord/index-eng.htm
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