DFO bans catch-and-release
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Updated: August 19, 2009 5:26 PM
Sports anglers have been ordered to stop catch-and-release fishing for sockeye on the Fraser River after dismal returns that could be the lowest in recorded history.
Department of Fisheries and Oceans area director Barry Rosenberger said anglers can still fish for chinook salmon or other species, but added there were concerns that even catch-and-release fishing could weaken incoming sockeye and reduce their survival rates.
“They’re not allowed to fish sockeye and they should be changing their methods so they don’t encounter sockeye,” he said.
He did not rule out a complete angling ban on the river, which aboriginal leaders had urged to prevent accidental or deliberate catching of sockeye.
“If we still have problems we’re going to have to make further changes,” Rosenberger said.
The move came Wednesday after new estimates showing 9.5 million sockeye – 90 per cent of the expected run – has failed to materialize.
The current run size estimate of 985,000 doesn’t include some of the late-timed runs, so the number could climb somewhat.
But it’s far short of the 10.5 million pre-season forecast.
This summer’s Fraser sockeye run appears certain to go down as a new record low, worse than the 1.5 million low mark recorded in 2007.
“Everybody is disappointed in the returns coming in,” Rosenberger said. “We don’t have a specific reason for it.”
Detailed study will be required to try to find answers, he added.
No commercial fishing has been authorized this year and none is expected.
About 20,000 sockeye have been caught so far by First Nations for food, social or ceremonial purposes. Another 10,000 have been caught so far in test fisheries that are required to gauge the run size.
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