Fraser Sockeye Hook and Release Mortality Study


Year 2008
Proponent Fraser Salmon and Watersheds Program
Project type Fisheries
FSWP funding source Living Rivers
Grant amount $75,870.00
Total project value $116,845
ID number 08 SIFM LR 175

Location: Fraser Valley, Fraser River Basin

Project Summary

The Fraser Salmon and Watersheds Program (FSWP), co-managed by the Pacific Salmon Foundation and Fraser Basin Council, is working in conjunction with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, First Nations and sport anglers to conduct a sockeye hook and release pilot study in the Fraser River. The objective is to determine the short term (24 hour) mortality of sockeye caught and released in recreational fisheries. The study is designed to duplicate recreational sockeye angling techniques observed on the Fraser. The main technique being duplicated has anglers using long leaders (greater than three metres) and bare, barbless J-shaped hooks, with a weight system to bottom bounce the river. The study design recommends that due to an average sockeye cycle of four years, and to account for variability in migration conditions, fish conditions, fish abundance and stock composition, the study be conducted over a four year period. Funding for this project through the FSWP has been approved for this year and we look forward to working with DFO, sport anglers and First Nations to begin the initial data collection of this much needed information.

A contract biologist, Jim Thomas of J.O. Thomas & Associates Ltd., will be responsible for the operational aspects of the study.

Any interested volunteers are welcome assist in the study. Approximately 35 anglers each day of the study are needed. If you are interested please join us at the location and time noted below.

Meeting Location and Time: Island 22 boat launch each day of the study at 8:00 AM. Transportation will be available for those without boats.

Location of Study: Grassy Bar - a portion of the bar will be marked off and used solely for the purpose of the study

Timing of Study: three 5 day time periods starting August 5th, August 19th and August 29th, 2008


Project Summaries:

  • Week 2 Summary
  • Week 3 Summary


    • Final Results

    The final report for the study is posted in the orange resource box to the right..


    Name:

    Email:

    Location:

    URL:

    Comment:

    Remember my personal information

    Notify me of follow-up comments?

    Comments

    At 8:56 am on 3/19/09, tony malloway said:

    Very interesting information.I just skimmed through but will look at it closer when I have more time.Good Job to all who took time to do this important study.

    Tony Malloway
    General Manager
    FraserValley Aboriginal Fisheries Society
    Cultus Lake

    Flag as inappropriate?
    At 3:35 pm on 4/21/09, Brent Kinnaman said:

    I am interested in the final report on this.  The website indicates it was going to come out in mid February.  Is it close to being published?  Thanks Brent

    Flag as inappropriate?