December 20, 2004 VANCOUVER -- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced today that salmon fisheries in the Pacific Region have drawn to a close, ending a season of generally good fishing opportunities for all sectors (see backgrounder for details). Returns for some major runs exceeded pre-season expectations, while high water temperatures and other factors appear to have negatively affected in-river migrating stocks. In Barkley Sound and the Fraser River, migrating sockeye stocks were impacted by high water temperature and low water flows through July and August when record high water temperatures occurred in some areas. In the Fraser River, for example, fisheries were adjusted in-season in response to adverse environmental conditions. Despite these actions, escapement goals for many stocks were not realized. A large number of migrating sockeye perished en-route. In addition to the concerns regarding water temperature, there are allegations of illegal fishing for Fraser River sockeye and there are some concerns regarding in-season estimates of abundance. To address concerns that have been raised, the Department announced it will conduct a post-season review lead by Bryan Williams, a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of BC. The review will assess the management of southern B.C. salmon stocks this past summer using the members of the new Integrated salmon Harvest Planning Committee (IHPC). The review is intended to address factors that led to poor spawning returns on the Fraser River, consider the management of other salmon stocks and will inform the development of fishing plans in 2005 and beyond. DFO has a responsibility to manage the salmon resource to rigorous conservation standards. Because of the variable, and sometimes unpredictable, nature of the resource, management decisions seek to assure conservation and protection of all fish stocks and their habitat. The stocks of greatest concern include Rivers and Smith inlets sockeye, Late run Fraser River sockeye (including Cultus Lake sockeye), Sakinaw Lake sockeye and Interior Fraser River (Thompson) coho. Management measures were developed to protect these stocks of concern and fishing opportunities were curtailed when these stocks were present. This fall, a number of initiatives are underway that involve consultations with salmon fishing stakeholders. In addition to formulating post-season reviews and reviewing forecasts of future returns in preparation for the 2005 fishing season, DFO will be seeking feedback on two significant reports that were received earlier this year. The Joint Task Group report by Donald M. McRae and Peter H. Pearse and the First Nations Panel report both provided recommendations to restructure the B.C. salmon fishery. A policy for the management of wild salmon is also being finalized for consultation, and implementation (Wild Salmon Policy). This policy will provide clear direction on conservation objectives for salmon. For a complete list of consultations that the Department will be conducting in Pacific Region, please visit: www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca and click on Consultations. - 30 - Additional information: See backgrounder for details of fishing opportunities and preliminary escapement information. - 30 - For further information: Michelle Imbeau Communications Officer Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region 604-666-2872
