Fraser River commercial sockeye fishery 'better than expected'
By EVAN DUGGAN, VANCOUVER SUN, August 24, 2011
METRO VANCOUVER - Commercial sockeye harvesters on the Fraser River are enjoying a decent fishery so far this season, after dramatic fluctuations in returns in recent years.
"We're doing a bit better than expected," said Christina Burridge, the executive director of the BC Seafood Alliance, which represents the interests of commercial fisheries.
In 2009, the sockeye return on the Fraser "was the worst in a hundred years," Burridge said,
Last year, it was surprisingly good, she added.
The Fraser River sockeye fishery opened on August 11 and has been open intermittently since, Burridge said, explaining that Fisheries and Oceans Canada monitor the fishery on a day-to-day basis, setting acceptable fishing times and days.
Forecasters expected around 3.1 million sockeye would return this season to the Fraser, she said. Most recent estimates show that number could rise to more than 4 million — well below the approximate 30 million that returned last year, but much better than the dismal 1.5 million which returned in 2009.
This is the second opening of the commercial sockeye fishery on the Fraser in five years, she added, noting that the river fishery hosts gillnetters, seiners, and trollers.
"There have been modest opportunities for all three gear types so far this year and there is a good chance of another gillnet fishery in the river," Burridge said.
Burridge said the sockeye run is late this year, but "the quality of the fish has been very good."
Major buyers on the water were paying between $1.75 and $2 per pound off the boats yesterday, she said.
For retailers "this year has not been bad," said seafood seller, Brian Hamatake.
Those looking to pick up fresh sockeye in the Granville Island market can expect to pay about $7 per pound, said Hamatake, who owns Seafood City, in the market.
Last year was "incredible," he said.
So far in 2011, the sockeye supply has been constant and high quality, he added.
Burridge said the commercial fishery supports the "cautious" approach taken by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. "It's sensible," she said.
