Large processors like Ocean’s Fisheries have created extra shifts and hired more workers to deal with the unexpected influx of sockeye slamon. Some fishermen and industry insiders are critical of how the Fraser sockeye fishery has been managed. The Richmond Review reports, “Some say that a longer, less consolidated opening—such as 12 hours on, 12 hours off—would have been better for both fishermen and processors.”

The massive sockeye run on the Fraser left fishermen scrambling for ice last week.

Fishermen could’ve been better prepared had Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) known of the large numbers sooner and given better advanced warning about when and for how long the sockeye opening on the Fraser River would be.

“If fishermen knew, they could’ve stockpiled ice and made arrangements,” said Cummins. “But the DFO just kind of threw it on them without any expectation.” … [read full article]

Update: Mixed Emotions About Sockeye Run

Many people are excited about the bustling 25-million-fish sockey run this year, but they are still unhappy with how the Department of Fisheries and Oceans has managed it. The Tyee reflects on a few bloggers’ polar comments, including biologist Alexandra Morton‘s praise of the run as “legendary,” then her criticism saying “the agency we pay to manage our fish, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, is running blind.”  SalmonGuy posts:

Good news is . . . great to see so many fish predicted to return as a total run size, but not what will hit the spawning grounds.

Bad news is . . . last year pre-season forecast blown about 9 million on the high side; this year blown about 14 million on the low side …

Whoooopseees. Is it science? or is it guess-timate? … [read full article] 

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