Q and As – May

Salmon Steward, PSF: I have some copies of the Pacific Salmon Foundation’s current Salmon Steward magazine and if you would like one, send me your address, and I’ll shoot you a copy.

One of their large, interesting projects is figuring out why the ‘Salish Sea’ coho and chinook numbers nose-dived in the ‘90s and not come back. These days juvenile salmon can have implanted tags that can be read by acoustic arrays, hand held wands and even seal ‘beanies’ making it a reality that they can be found anywhere from stream to open ocean and back again – without killing the fish, and thus getting time series data for the same fish thousands of miles apart.

If you want to be part of the citizen science program conducting oceanographic sampling, get in touch with the PSF. Also see: www.marinesurvivalproject.com. 

It appears that algal blooms that cause increased levels of toxins kill juvenile salmonids. It has also been demonstrated that smolts have more microbes than in the past, the source of which is at this time unknown.

You may know that other research, by Sean Godwin from SFU has demonstrated that sea lice, even in small numbers, affect sockeye fry ability to consume food and thus survive. This year the lice load in the Broughton Archipelago from fish farms is far higher than it has been. In fact, globally, sea lice are the worst problem reported by industry. Last year, Alf Helge Aarskog, CEO of Marine Harvest, said that anyone with a solution should get in touch. They have 90 scientific studies going world wide to solve the issue of lice being resistant to all the chemicals they use.

BC Federation of Drift Fishers, Rod Clapton, President: “The proponent, Aevitis is withdrawing its proposal for a hazardous waste facility on the Fraser River in Chilliwack. Over the past 18 months the combined efforts of many is responsible for this decision & demonstrates that when a potential threat of this magnitude rears its ugly head ALL sectors can work together.”

“Galvanizing the sport fishery, First Nations and environmental sectors shows that local, province-wide and international support has ‘protected the world’s number 1 salmon river.”

Sport Fishing Institute: The CTAG challenge for experienced guides will take place on May 20, 2015. This is free and a useful certification and training credit along with other industry benefits. Guides who want to participate need to submit an application ahead of time: http://www.sportfishing.bc.ca/docs/tag_challenge_application.pdf.

If you are looking to become a member of the SFI, the following link lists the benefits to your business: http://www.sportfishing.bc.ca/resident/sportmemberbenefits.htm.

Fishers are also asked to comply with requirements for accurate catch data in creel and guide log-books. “Providing fisheries managers with quality data can provide a strong argument against detractors who may claim that our fisheries are not adequately monitored. Over a number of years, and by the review of a number of test programs, DFO has determined that guide logbooks are a valuable component of recreational fisheries data and are working to increase their use particularly in areas where creel survey data is limited.”

South Vancouver Island Anglers Coalition: Just in is an economic evaluation for the PSF, in GDP terms, of sport and other fishing on the BC economy. See: http://ethink.ca/Melissa/ECONOMIC%20DIMENSIONS%20of%20PACIFIC%20SALMON%20FINAL%20REPORT%20Counterpoint%202014%2006%2027.pdf

This is a useful document to refer to when gross domestic product economic figures are needed. Do note that the figures I put together for salmon/fishing revenue – not GDP stats – came in far in excess of the Billion dollars that we commonly refer to for sport fresh- and salt-water. Revenue is $2.72Billion, so don’t forget to use this figure. Last week’s post gave the references. See: www.onfishingdcreid.blogspot.com.

Chinook Corridors – DFO: In areas 18 and 19, (Race Rocks to Active Pass) to protect Fraser early summer chinook, DFO has introduced protection methods that will include chinook corridors.

May 4 until 23:59 June 12, the daily limit is two chinook of which only one may be greater than 67 cm. In 19-5 and Sidney waters, the minimum size is 62 cm, not the 48 that prevails in area 19.

DFO is expecting less than 45,000 chinook 5(2)s at the Fraser estuary. Further action should be expected and will be out in early June, and likely continue after June 13.

Do remember to send in those chinook heads from fin-clipped fish, as they provide critical information for coast-wide stock assessment. Contact the Salmon Sport Head Recovery Program at (866) 483-9994 for info.