Prepared by ACTION PIAN, Fisbery Correct citation for this publication :

Department of Fisheries and Oceans. 1995. Fraser River chinook salmon. Prep. by Fraser River Action Plan , Fishery Management Group. Vancouver, B.C. 24 p. CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES ...... 2

LIST OF APPENDICES ...... 2

SUMMARy ...... 3

1.0 OVERVIEW ...... 5

2.0 LIFE HISTORY ...... 6

3.0 STOCK DESCRIPTION SUMMARY ...... 8 3. 1 SPRING RUN FRASER RIVER CHINOOK STOCKS ...... 9 3.2 SUMMER RUN FRASER RIVER CHINOOK STOCKS ...... 10 3.3 FALL RUN FRASER RIVER CHINOOK STOCKS ...... 11

4.0 HARVEST MANAGEMENT ...... 12 4.1 CURRENT MANAGEMENT STRATEGy ...... 12 4.2 ALLOCATION ...... 12 International All ocation ...... 12 Domestic All ocation ...... 13 4.3 STOCK MONITORING ...... 13 4.4 CHINOOK SALMON FISHERY MANAGEMENT AND CATCHES ...... 14 Northern and Central B.C. Fisheries ...... 15 WCVI Troll Fishery ...... 15 Troll Fishery ...... 15 Fraser River Net Fi sheries ...... 15 Marine Sport Fi shery ...... 15 In-River Sport Fishery ...... 16 Nati ve In-River Net Fishery ...... 17 U.S. Fisheri es ...... 17 Incidental Catches ...... 17

6.0 ENHANCEMENT ...... 18

7.0 ASSESSMENT OF PRODUCTION POTENTIAL FOR REBUILDING FRASER RIVER CHINOOK STOCKS ...... 19

8.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... 19

9.0 REFERENCES ...... 20

1 LIST OF FIGURES

I. Chinook salmon spawning areas in the Fraser River watershed ...... 5

2. Terminal catches of Fraser Ri ver chinook, 195 1 - 1991 ...... 5

3. Escapement trends for (a) spring run, (b) sununer ru n and (c) fa ll run Fraser River chinook, 195 1 - 1993 ...... 6

4. Return timing of Fraser Ri ver chinook stocks, based on Albion test fishery catches, 1981 - 199 1 data ...... 8

5. Percent adu lt equivalent mortality distribution by fi shery of chinook salmon from the upper Fraser River (a) and Harrison River (b), 1985 - 1992 ...... 9

6. Terminal return, terminal catch and total escapement for the Fraser River chinook stocks, 1951 - 1991 ...... 13

7. Nati ve catches of Fraser River chinook, 195 1 - 199 1 ...... 17

8. Fraser River enhanced chinook (catch and escapement) 1982 - 1990 ...... 18

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix I. Major characteristics of three life hi story patterns exhibited by Fraser Ri ve r chinook ...... 2 1

Appendix 2. Major characteristics of the spring, summer and fall run stocks of Fraser River chinook ...... 22

Appendix 3. Selected streams in the Fraser watershed associated with the spring, summer and fa ll run return timing of Fraser River chinook ...... 23

Appendix 4. Percent catch distribution for selected stocks from each of the spring, summer and fall run groups of Fraser River chinook, 1980 to 1988 data ...... 24

2 SUMMARY

1. The Fraser River is the largest chinook salmon producer in western North America. This chinook population is a major contributor to the ocean and river fisheries, and is heavi ly utilized by each of the commercial, Nati ve and sport fi shing sectors. 2. The Fraser chinook spawn throughout most of the Fraser Ri ver watershed, with the majority of stocks spawning above Hope, B.C.. Chinook adults return to the Fraser River (primaril y as 3, 4 and 5 year olds) from February to November. Two peaks of abundance are observed: mid-May to early August (mostly stocks spawning above Hope) and early September to mid-October (mostly the Harrison River stock). 3. The Fraser River chinook have three distinct life history patterns, based on the length of juvenile residency in freshwater: 1) the "Immediate" fry migrants travel directly to the estuary upon emergence; 2) the "Ocean-type" migrants rear in freshwater for 60 to 150 days before entering the ocean as smolts; and 3) the "Stream-type" mi grants rear in freshwater for approximately one year before entering the ocean as yearlings . The first migration pattern is exhibited mostly by the Harrison Ri ver chinook stock, the second pattern by many of the chinook stocks associated with the watershed, and the third pattern by many of the upper Fraser and North Thompson Ri ver chinook stocks. 4. The Fraser Ri ver chinook stocks are divided for management purposes, into three groups. Grouping is based on migration timing through the lower Fraser River: the spring or earl y run consists of stocks migrating before July 15 ; the summer run consists of stocks migrating between July 15 and August 31; and the fall ru n consists of stocks migrating during September and October. 5. The spring run stock group comprises the largest number of Fraser chinook stocks (mostly from the upper and middle Fraser River); the combined spawning escapement of the spring run stocks average approximately 12,000 adults (l95 1-1993). The summer run stock group (mostly the NOlth and South Thompson stocks) has an average spawning escapement of around 18,000 adults. The fall run stock group (mainly the Harrison stock, the largest chinook stock in Canada) has an average adult escapement of approximately 116,000 (1984-1993), with an escapement goal of 240,000 spawners. 6. In 1984, the Harrison River chinook stock was designated as a key indicator stock for evaluating the Fraser River chinook management actions. 7. Chinook fisheries in Canada and the U.S. are regulated by the Pacific Salmon Treaty through a series of catch ceilings. This complements the conservation measures previously adopted for the Fraser chinook which include time and area closures, and mesh-size restrictions. 8. The Fraser Ri ver chinook are harvested mainly in the marine fisheries from southeast Alaska to Washington; as well as in the terminal fi sheri es (commercial net, Native and sport) within the Fraser Ri ver system. 9. Due to the extensive range and number of mi xed-stock fisheries that harvest the Fraser chinook, this population cannot be managed on a stock-specific basis. 10. The marine catch estimates for Fraser River chinook are very rough due to the limited data. The marine catch distribution of Fraser chinook differs considerably among stocks. The early spring/summer run stocks are harvested mainly in Alaska and northern/central B.C.. The later fa ll run stocks are harvested mainly in southern B.C ..

3 11. The Fraser Ri ver chinook are harvested incidentall y in the commercial terminaJ fishery. The majority of the catch is taken during the sockeye fishery (July to September), with few chinook taken later during the pink and chum fi sheries (October and November). The terminal commerciaJ catches of Fraser chinook have declined from around 125,000 fish taken annuall y in the 1950s to less than 15 ,000 fi sh in recent years. This decline is attributed mainJy to th e reduction in fi shing time and the cl osure (since 1980) of the chinook-directed gill net fishery in the terminal Fraser Ri ver region. 12. Recent sport catches in the Fraser mainstem ha ve averaged about 1,900 fi sh (.I 985- 199 1). The possible decline from previous levels (about 5,000 prior to 1984) was partJ y due to conservation measures. 13. Annual catches of Fraser chinook in the Native in-ri ver fi shery have approximately doubled from an average of around 8,000 fi sh in the 1950s to an average of around 17,000 fi sh in the 1970s and 1980s. 14. The Chehalis and Chilli wack ri ver facilities are the major producers of enhanced chi nook salmon in the Fraser River watershed. The total enhanced production for the Fraser system has increased from 10,000 (.1983) to 4 1,000 ( 1990) adults. 15. The chinook production potential of the Fraser River watershed is diffic ult to assess due to the virtual absence of informati on on habitat capacity. Assuming that adequate habitat is available, rebuilding initiatives, particularly an increase in the total spawning escapement, should increase the total return of Fraser Ri ver chinook salmon.

4 1.0 OVERVIEW 200 The Fraser River Terminal Catches of Fraser Chinook ..~ c '50 watershed (Fig. I) ~ 0 supports the largest "0 ~ '" group of chinook salmon ~ ~ 50 populations in western " North America. The 0 1951 55 " 63 67 71 75 79 63 Fraser River chinook Year " " stocks are major Fig. 2. Terminal catches of Fraser River chinook, 1951 - 1991. contributors to the ocean and in-ri ver fisheries, and are utilized heavily by the commercial, Native and sport fishing sectors. Milne (1964) reported that about one third of the historical commercial catches of chinook salmon in was of Fraser River origin.

FRASER RIVER WATERSHED Chinook Salrnon D is tribution

I? 2S SOrniles

o 40 80krn

CANADA

u .S.A.

Fi g.1. Chinook salmon spawning areas in the Fraser Rive r watershed. 5 The marine catch of .0 r------, chinook increased during (a) Spring Run Ch inook (selected stocks)

30 the 1970s and 1980s due 1\ (\.• / to aggressive fi shing by - . A V Canada. These high catches assisted in the " . V \;v~~.Ao~W initiation of a new

11151 55 59 "3 (17 71 75 711 63 87 91 salmon treaty with the U.S .. Since the signing in 1985 of the Pacific Salmon Treaty, of whi ch a primary objective was to rebuild the chinook stocks, the marine catches have declined. Tn ° HIS' 55 " addition, the terminal 200 " " r------~" " " " " " (c) FaU Run Chinook (Harrison Stock) catches and effort on the 1SO Fraser chinook have r been reduced through "0 If, - mesh-size restri ctions 1951-1983 visual estimates not included; 1984-1993 escapements are (since 1976) and fi shery 50 from mark recapture estimates. closures (since 1980) (Fig. 2). This has 11151 55 59 153 fj7 71 75 711 e.J 87 91 assisted in a rebuilding Year trend for the spring and Fig. 3. Escapement trends for (a) spring run, (b) summer run and summer run Fraser (c) fall run Fraser River chinook, 1951 - 1993. chinook stocks (Fig. 3). The purpose of this report is to describe the life history and the present statlls of the Fraser River chinook stocks. A summary of the trends in catches and escapements is included to assess the rebuilding potential of the stocks.

2.0 LIFE HISTORY Chinook salmon are the largest of the five Pacific salmon species, weighing an average of 7-9 kg and reaching up to 45 kg. Chinook spawn throughout most of the Fraser River watershed, with the majority of stocks spawn ing above Hope, B.c. (Fig. 1). Spawning begins in earl y August, peaks during September to mid-October, and ends by mid-November (Fraser et al. 1982). Time of spawning, and hence the time of return to the lower Fraser River, is stock-specific and is related to the ambient water temperature in the natal stream. Time of spawning is also related to the distance and time required to arrive at the spawning grounds. The travelling time for individual stocks is not well defined due to the scarcity of suitable tagging/sampling programs, so that only a general definition of spring (early), summer and fall mi grating stocks in the lower Fraser River is possible at this time (see below). Chinook fry emerge from the gravel in the spring following spawning, with the time of emergence varying sli ghtly among stocks, and probably reflecting spawning timing and water temperatures during incubation. Generall y, fry emerge from early March to late May, peaking from late April to late May.

6 Three distinct li fe hi story patterns (immediate fry migrants, ocean-type migrants and stream-type migrants) have been identified fo r the Fraser Ri ver chinook, based on th e length of fre shwater residency of juveniles (Fraser et al. 1982). The three patterns are compared in Appendix 1 and are described below. "[mmediate" fry mi grants migrate directly to the estuary upon emergence, and rear there for three to six weeks (Levy et al. [979) before moving offshore. The majority of chinook in thi s category are th ought to be the Harri son River stock in the lower Fraser River (Fraser et al. 1982). "Ocean-type" migrants rear in freshwater for 60 to 150 days before migrating to saltwater in the early fall of their first year (Fraser et al. [982). This group consists predominantly of chinook stocks associated with the Shuswap Lake watershed (M iddl e Shuswap, Lower Shuswap and Eagle River chinook). Note, however, that these stocks al so exhibit the "stream-type" behaviour which in volves overwintering in freshwater (see below). Thus, while the Lower Shuswap stock is predominantly ocean-type, the Middle Shuswap stock is both ocean-type and stream-type, and the Eagle River stock is predominantly stream-type. It is hypothesized that the early gro wth rate of juveniles dictates which strategy is empl oyed, stream- or ocean-type (Berezay and Cross, in prep.). If food sources do not limit growth , juvenile chinook salmon can begin smoltificati on earl y (late May). Such juveniles enter smoltification in their first fall (ocean-type migrants). The remaining juveniles overwi nter and mi grate out to sea as yearlings (stream-type mi grants). The Eagle River stock represents the latter scenario. This river is relatively unproductive and the majority of its chinook juveniles do not reach the threshold size sufficiently early to enter smolti fication in their first spring, and hence overwinter. "Stream-type" migrants overwinter in freshwater and generall y enter salt water in th e second spring of their li fe. Tllis is the predominant life history strategy for most of the upper Fraser and North chinook stocks, based on scale data. The first wave of migration generall y occurs in the spring in the natal stream where the emergent juveniles feed mainly on insect larvae. The second wave of nligrati on occurs in the sununer and earl y fa ll of the same year, with juveniles moving into their respective mainstems (Thompson and Fraser rivers) where they eventually overwinter (Healey 1991). The fo ll owing spring, when water temperatures and day length are increasing, the juven iles smolt (Hoar 1976), and enter the lower reaches of the Fraser in early to late May in their second year of life (Whitehouse and Levings 1989, 1990). The nligration route of juveniles out of the Strait of Georgia can differ, depending on the earl y rearing strategy. The ocean- type chinook utilize predominantly the northern route (John stone Strait), although a small portion exits via the southern route (Juan de Fuca Strait). In comparison, the stream-type chinook exit mainly via the southern route, as do the immediate-type migrants (Harrison stock). The marine distribution of Fraser chinook is primarily based on the Mark Recovery Program (MRP) - Coded-Wire Tag (CWT) data. During their marine phase, the Fraser chinook rear from the Strait of Georgia to as far north as southeast Alaska. The ocean-type chinook subsequentl y forage along the coastal waters of B.C. and Alaska, whi le the stream­ type chinook generall y rear in the offshore waters of B.c. and Alaska. The immediate-type chinook (Harrison stock) tend not to migrate as far north as the other stocks, and remain mostl y in southern B.C. waters. The return migration route of the Fraser chinook adults is believed to repeat the juven il e outnligration pattern (CWT data and Pitre, pel's. comm.). The maturing adults return to the Fraser River from Febru ary to November, primarily as 3, 4 and 5 year olds. Age at return is predominantly as 4-year olds for the immediate-type and ocean-type migrants, but primarily

7 as 5-year aIds for the stream-type migrants. Exception is the stream­ type Nicola River stock which returns primarily as 4-year aIds with a ,L..I. __ relatively strong age 3 APR 1 MAY 31 JUNEJO JULY 30 AUG 29 SEPT 28 component, based on Sample Date hatchery return data. Fig. 4. Return timing of Fraser River chinook stocks, based on Albion test fishery catches. 1981 - 1991 data. As stated earlier, the return migration t.iming in the lower Fraser River and the spawning timing vary among stocks. Two distinct peaks of abundance are observed in the lower Fraser River (Fig. 4). The timing is based on the average catch per unit effort (CPUE) in the Albion chinook test fishery which estimates the in-season fish abundance. The early run peaks from mid-May to early August, and consists of numerous stocks most of which originate from tributaries above Hope, B.C. The late run peaks from early September to mid-October, and consists almost entirely of the Harrison River chinook stock.

3.0 STOCK DESCRIPTION SUMMARY The Fraser River chinook stocks are divided, for management purposes, into three groups based on their migration timing into the lower Fraser: the spring or early run, the summer run and the fall run (Appendix 2). The spring run chinook are arbitrarily defined as those stocks which migrate through the lower Fraser before July 15. When this convention was adopted, no bi-modal distribution was observed in the adult llligration tiluing of the spd ng and summer run stocks (based on the CPUE at the Albion test fishery). However, the CWT recoveries since the early 1980s indicate that many of the arbitrarily defined spring stocks do return to the lower Fraser before July 15 and to some extent after that date (Schubert, pers. comm.) . The spring run stock group includes chinook which spawn in the upper Fraser above Prince George, as well as stocks from the middle Fraser, North/South Thompson, and (lower Fraser) Birkenhead rivers (Schubert, pers. cOlnm.; summarized in Berezay and Cross, in prep). The summer run chinook migrate through the lower Fraser after July 15 , and originate primarily from the North and South Thompson watersheds, with a few major stocks from the middle Fraser River. The fall run chinook migrate through the lower Fraser after August and consist almost entirely of the Harrison River stock. The majority of information available today on the Fraser River chinook stocks is derived from recoveries of tagged, enhanced chinook and from a few wild stocks. Because most wild stocks have not been tagged, the CWT data for the enhanced stocks are used to represent similar nearby wild stocks. The reliability of this assumption, however, has not been tested. Presently, the spawning population estimates for most Fraser River chinook stocks are obtained on an annual basis. The majority of the stocks are enumerated visuall y during helicopter over-flights, and in some cases, by walking along the streams. Unfortunately, many current estimates are based on single overflights, and any variability in adult return timing would result in gross errors in estimates. Consequently, current estimates by these methods are highly questionable. Also, while additional streams have been surveyed since the 1980s, the amount of effort (i.e. multiple estimates, tag studies, fence counts, etc.) has increased only for a few streams, and this increased effort has not always been consistent

8 during that period. (a.) UPPER FRASER (SPRING/S UMMER) CHIN OOK STOCKS Concern also exists that Indicator Siocks: Upper Fraser, Middle Fraser, Thompson River. the earlier escapement

S.E. Alaska estimates are inaccurate 33.7% 28.3% due to poor sampling methods and low u.s. 11 .5% sampling frequency. Therefore many results w. Coast Van. ts . between the hi storic and 7.9% Stra it of present escapement levels are not directly comparable. (b.) LOWER FRASER (FALL) CHINOOK STOCKS Given the incomplete Indicator Stock: Harrison River overall escapement data, w. Coast Van Is. the escapement trends

Strait of Georgia NlCentrat B.C. gi ven below for each of 39.7% 3.1% the spring, summer and =-"""\' SE. Alaska 1.4% fall run stocks were

u .S. based on selected stocks 21.4% from each group. These stocks (listed in Appendix 3) were

Fig. 5. Percent adult equivalent mortality distribution by fishery 01 chinook salmon selected mainly for their from the upper Fraser River (a.) and Harrison River (b.), 1985·1992. long-term escapement records. The marine (catch) distribution for each of the spring, summer and fall run groups (see below) was based on the preliminary MRP-CWT recovery data for selected enhanced stocks (listed in Appendix 4) from each group. Appendix 4 does not include data on Washington/Oregon catches as the data are not accessible at this time. Information on Washington/Oregon catch/mortality distribution is available from the Pacific Salmon Commission - Joint Chinook Technical Reports, however, thi s information does not separate Fraser spring and summer stocks (Fig. 5). Mortality distribution may be further differentiated using life hi story patterns (stream and ocean types) with return timing (spring and summer) (Berezay, pel's comm.). It should be noted that Appendix 4 and Figure 5 will have slight differences. The reasons for the differences are that Appendix 4 does not include Washington/Oregon and represents catch, while Figure 5 includes Washington/Oregon and represents adult equivalent mortality. This mortality includes not only catch, but mortality from other sources such as catch and release and net drop-out.

3.1 SPRING RUN FRASER RIVER CHINOOK STOCKS The spring run chinook stock group comprises the largest number of stocks, all of which utilize the stream-type (i.e. overwintering) life history strategy. These stocks have a protracted return timing to the lower Fraser, peaking during May and early June (Schubert, pel's. comm., Berezay and Cross, in prep.), with a considerable overlap among individual stocks. As mentioned earlier, the early migration timing of spring run adults is possibly related to th e lengthy distance to the spawning grounds, as well as an earlier spawning timing in those cases where the incubation period is extended due to cold water temperatures. The Westroad and Bowron River stocks provide an example of the spring run chinook in the upper Fraser. The Westroad River adults enter the lower Fraser around mid-June, and the 9 Bowron River adults around mid-July. Because of thi s early timing, the majority of the retuming chinook will have passed through the marine waters before the opening of most of the fisheries. (Note, however, that these fi sh would be vulnerable to fisheries as maturing adults in previous years prior to spawning.) The marine di stribution of the spring run Fraser chinook stocks extends into Alaska and n0l1hem B.C. waters, based on the catch distribution for selected enhanced stocks (Fig. 5, Appendix 4). The retum migration route for these chinook (all of which are stream-type) is predominantly via the southern route (i.e. Juan de Fuca Strait). The exploitation rate of the spring run chinook stocks is considered to be underestimated because the Native in-river net fi shery has not been well monitored, and the accuracy of the available catch estimates is unknown. The Native fi shery targets the Fraser River chinook until late June, or until sockeye become the target species. Figure 3a shows the u'ends in escapement estimates for the spring run chinook, based on the available data for selected stocks (Appendix 3). The low escapements in the I 960s and 1970s, combined with the decline in the return to the total Fraser system (especially the collapse between 1977 and 1980) ha ve led the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to implement conservation measures. These culminated in 1980 with the closure of chinook­ directed terminal commercial gillnet fishery, as well as the closure of all in-river chinook sport fi sheries. After these measures, the escapements increased in the early 1980s, from less than 10,000 to over 20,000, with a peak of 34,000 spawners in 1986.

3.2 SUMMER RUN FRASER RIVER CHINOOK STOCKS The return migration timing of the majority of the summer run chinook stocks (e.g. Chilko, Eagle, Shuswap, Quesnel) peaks in the lower Fraser River between July 15 and late August (Fig. 4). Spawning occurs from early September to early October, and usually proceeds below a lake system. The lakes tend to maintain a higher water temperature in the fall and early winter thus shortening the incubation period (Berezay and Cross, in prep.). The Quesnel and the lower Shuswap River chinook represent two different types of the Fraser summer run chinook stocks. The more northerly stock has a stream­ type life history (i.e. juveniles overwinter in freshwater), and exhibits a more offshore (rather than coastal) marine distribution (MRP-CWT data, DFO, unpubJ.). By comparison, the more southerl y lower Shuswap stock has largely an ocean-type life history (i.e. juveniles reside in freshwater for only a few months), and exhibits a more coastal marine distribution. The return mi gration route also differs among the sum mer run stocks, with the ocean-type stocks generally using the northern route () and the stream-type stocks the southern route (Juan de Fuca Strait). Overall, the summer run stocks are believed to utilize extensively the Alaska and northern B.C. waters, wi th a large portion of the total catch taken in these regions (Fig. 5, Appendix 4). Also, the earlier return tinting of the summer run chinook (compared to the fall run chinook) may be subjecting these stocks to a greater fishing pressure in the offshore marine fisheries in Alaska and northern B.C .. During the chinook summer run, the Native fishery targets sockeye salmon. The interception of chinook is reduced at this time due to selection of areas with hi gh sockeye concenU'ations, net saturation, and a mesh size restricti on from July to mid-September (Macdonald 1987). The Native net catch of summer run chinook (like the spring run chinook) is poorly documented. This likely contributes to the underestimation of the Native catch, and hence of the total exploitation of the summer run chinook. Overall, the spawner abundance of the summer run stocks has shown a steady increase si nce the 1960s, from less than 15,000 spawners in the 1950s to approximately 25,000- 35,000 in recent years ( Fig. 3b, based on data for selected stocks, Appendix 3). Thi s 10 increase is generall y attributed to management ac tions (see below) and to some extent the enhancement efforts directed at the Fraser River chinook.

3.3 FALL RUN FRASER RIVER CHINOOK STOCKS The fall run Fraser chinook consist almost entirely of the Harrison River stock, the largest chinook stock in B.C.. This stock migrates through the lower Fraser in September and October (Fig. 4) and spawns until mid-Nove mber. The Harrison Ri ver stock is unique among the Fraser chinook stocks in that the fry mi grate directl y to the estuary upon emergence (i.e. immediate fry migrant strategy). Figure 5 and Appendix 4 show that the Harrison chinook are harvested almost entirely in southern B.C. and Washington waters, with the majority of catch taken in the combined WCYI troll and the Strait of Georgia sport and troll fisheries (Starr and Schubert 1990). The Harrison chinook are vulnerable to the B.C. troll fi sheries during their final rearing and return migration. Unlike the summer run chinook, the fa ll run (Harrison) chinook are believed to enter the Alaska waters only on the fringe of their marine distribution range. Escapement trends for the Harrison chinook stock are shown in Figure 3c. Between 198 1 and 1988, this population suffered serious coll apses. The indicators of Fraser chinook terminal abundance is measured by the CPUE estimates in the test fi shery, Native and commercial net catch estimates, mark-recapture escapement estimates, and the emergent fry index at Mission. This information suggests a decreased average of 16% per year since 198 1 and a total coll apse in 1986. The collapse continued into 1987 and 1988 but these years were not in cluded in the analysis due to incomplete CWT returns. [n addition, the Harrison River chinook stock was experiencing an average of 33% mortality loss due to an undetected mortality agent. This mortality rate was much hi gher than the more typical 10% loss reported for other chinook stocks at the Chehalis allll uther Fraser River hatcheries. The above findings prompted a stock assessment (S tarr and Schubert 1990) to determine the cause of the mortality and provide information regarding the collapse of the stock. The study results indicated that the mortality agent was restricted to the enhanced portion of the Harri son stock (Starr and Schubert 1990). Those authors also concluded that the decline in Harrison stock abundance has resulted from a combination of overfishing and a temporary reduction in marine survival. A target escapement of 240,000 spawners was set for the Harrison chinook stock. This was a policy decision based on doubling of the 1984 escapement. Stock assessment data from Starr and Schubert ( 1990) indicated that this target was consistent with their analysis. However, this target escapement should be verified as the "optimal" level (when density­ dependent levels of escapement are reached). In 1984, a mark-recapture program was initiated on thi s system due to the need for a greater count accuracy and the limitations of previous visual estimates for this stock. The results for the 1984-1989 period showed much hi gher (an average of 5.2 times) escapement estimates using the mark-recapture method compared to the visual estimates. Based on these findings, Schu bert and StruT (1990) have recommended the deletion of all visual estimates from the Harrison ch in ook escapement records and the use of onl y the mark-recapture escapement estimates available since 1984. Currently the Harrison River is designated as a key stream for use in evaluating stock responses to coastwide management actions taken under the PSC agreement.

11 4.0 HARVEST MANAGEMENT 4.1 CURRENT MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Under the 1985 Pacific Salmon Treaty, Canada and the United States were committed to halt the decline of chinook spawning escapements and attain, by 1998, the escapement goals established by each nati on. Stock rebuilding was to be achi eved by reducing exploitation rates by 15% through management actions in the ocean fisheri es (troll , net and sport). For th e Fraser Ri ver chinook, these management ac tions have complemented the prev iously implemented conserva tion measures. Ajoint Chinook Technical Committee was establi shed in 1985 to evaluate the management actions taken, assess the stock status on an annual basis, and recommend research and effective utili zation strategies within the rebuilding program. The Treaty establi shed all-gear catch base cei lings, as well as broad management restricti ons fo r the major chinook catch regions. The goal was to provide each of Canada and the U.S . benefi ts equivalent to the producti on of salmon ori ginating in their respecti ve waters. To reduce the marine harvest of chinook, catch ceilings were set fo r maj or chinook fi sheri es from Alaska to British Columbia (see In ternati onal All ocation below). Time and area closures were im plemented peri odi call y to address specific annual requirements. The probl em of severely decli ni ng chinook escapements in the Stra it of Georgia area was addressed in 1988. The pl an required a 20% reducti on in the chinook harvest rate by all fi sheries in the Strait of Georgia and those leading up to it. All fis heri es whi ch harvest chinook were required to reduce harvest rates to insure the benefits would pass through each fi shery, ulti mately to the spawning ground. In addition to reduction from intern ational obligations, vari ous restricti ons were applied to Canadian fisheries because of declining chinook stocks in the Lower Strait of Georgia. The analysis of the Lower Strait of Georgia (LGS) stocks by tbe Pacific Stock Assessment Review Committee (PSARC) indicated a severe decl ine in escapements and a decline in catch in the LGS targeted fisheri es (Riddell and Starr 1988). The analysis eventuall y resulted in management actions to reduce the harvest rates of the LGS stocks.

4.2 ALLOCATION International Allocation The Pacific Salmon Treaty has sti pul ated many of the recent catch ceilings used to regul ate the chinook fis heries in Canada and the U.S. (see below).

CHINOOK CATCH CEILINGS (1992 Pacific Salmon Treaty)

CATCH REGION GEAR CATCH CEILING COMMENTS

Southeast Alaska All gear 263,000 Excl udes hatchery add-ons. North and Central B.C. All gear 263,000 Excludes terminal catches. WCVI Troll 360,000 Strait of Georgia Sport & Troll 275,000

For example for 199 1 and 1992, the Southeast Alaska fishery had an all-gear catch base cei ling of 263,000 chinook (plus 10,000 in 1991); the June fis hery was li mi ted to 40,000 chinook (exclud ing hatchery add-ons); the troll fishery opened on July I ; and areas of hi gh chinook abundance were closed duri ng chinook non- retention peri ods to redu ce in cidental mortaliti es. For the 199 1 and 1992 Northern and Central B.C. fi sheries, the all -gear catch

12 ceiling was set at 263,000 chinook (plus 10,000 in 1991). The catch ceiling for the west coast of was set at 360,000 chinook, and fo r the Strait of Georgia at 275,000, with the provision that Canada would develop management actions to rebuild the (LGS) chinook stocks.

Domestic Allocation Domestic allocation subdivides the Canadian share of the chi nook catch (of all origins), according to the commercial allocation plans. In Northern and Central B.C., the chinook catch cei ling is divided between the net (15.7%) and troll (84.3%) gear types. The WCVI troll fishery chinook all ocation remains the same as outlined in the Pacific Salmon Treaty. The Strait of Georgia chinook catch is allocated between the conunercial troll (3 1,000) and the SpOlt sectors (244,000). The Native catch component is becoming increasingly important in the domestic catch all ocation of Fraser chinook. In 1990, the Sparrow Case explicitly recognized Aboriginal rights, and stated that the Aboriginal right to fish for food, social and ceremonial purposes was a constitutional right. This gave the First Nations priority over all other users, after conservation requirements had been met. The Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy was implemented in 1992 and was aimed at increasing economic opportunities for the First Nations through annual negotiated agreements. These included fixed numerical harvest levels, enhanced self-management, habitat improvement projects, and fi sheries related economic developments.

4.3 STOCK MONITORING Fry enumeration has been conducted on the Fraser River near Mission, B.C. since 1962. This program was designed to enumerate pink and chum fry, but chinook fry are also captured. However, due to behaviour differences between chinook and chum fry, the chinook data may be mi sleading In 1980, the chinook test fishing program was initiated in the lower Fraser to assess the abu ndance and run timing of the returning adults (Schubert et al. 1988). The test fi shing index is related to the total estimated escapement of chinook, and is used to assist management of the terminal fisheries. Test fi shing is conducted from April to October on a daily basis (except during commercial fi shery openings). In 1984, the Harrison chinook stock was designated as an escapement indicator stock for evaluating coast-wide chinook management actions. Chinook tag-recapture studies are conducted routinely on thi s stock in order to assess the spawning population. In general, the monitoring of spawning populations of Fraser River chinook has improved since the 1970s due to better enumeration techniques, such as the use of fences, greatly improved estimates for the Harrison stock, and ... better access to remote .- "c 300 spawning areas. These ,• 0 improvements may be 2- 200 ~ 0 partly responsible for the 0 c i' ' 00 apparent increase in the U overall escapements 1951 55 59 63 57 11 75 79 83 87 01 reported for the Fraser Year chinook in recent years (Fig. 6). Fig . 6. Terminal return, terminal catch, and total escapement for the Fraser River chinook stocks, 1951 · 1991.

13 Commercial catch estimates of chinook salmon are made during the fi shing season in order to allow for timely implementation of regulatory actions. Overall catch estimates are derived from OFO sales slips and from the "In-season Catch Monitoring Program". This program monitors chinook harvest to insure catch ceilings are not exceeded. The present marine catch estimates of the Fraser chinook are considered debatable due to limited data. This is because I) the estimates of catch distribution and harvest rates depend on significant numbers of CWTs in a given strata, and 2) the validity of these estimates regarding wild stocks, requires verifying the assumption that hatchery production represents wi ld production. To-date, neither requirement has been fully met. In addition to the above problems, the intermixing of many stocks (Fraser and non-Fraser) in the various fisheries greatl y compli cates the analysis of catch by stock group. Marine sport catches of chinook in the Strait of Georgia have been estimated since 1981 using creel surveys that consist of angler interviews and aerial overfli ghts. The in-river sport fishery on Fraser chinook has been monitored extensively via on-site surveys since 1984- 1988 (Schubert 1988, 1989, 1992). Stock monitoring of the Native fisheries is being addressed through co-operative arrangements between the OFO and the Native communities under the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy.

4.4 CHINOOK SALMON FISHERY MANACEMENT AND CATCHES The Fraser River chinook are caught in marine fisheries from southeast Alaska to Washington. (This is based on an assumption that the hatchery-origin chinook represent the wild distribution.) Chinook are also harvested in the Fraser River terminal fisheries (commercial net, sport and Native) from February to November. All marine fis heri es on chinook salmon are mixed-stock fisheries, with only the in-river fisheries (Native and sport) targeting Fraser River chinook. Catch di stribution, based on CWT data, was obtained for several Fraser River chinook stocks (hatchery and wi ld). These data showed that the marine catch distribution differed considerably among stocks for both the wi Id chinook (tagged between 1976 and 198 1, Schubert and Milko, unpubl. data), and the hatchery chinook ( 1981-1993 data, Berezay and Cross, in prep.). The different Fraser chinook stock groups (i.e. spring, summer and fall) can be characterized to some extent by CWT recoveries. For example, the fall run stocks tend to contribute to the southern catch regions (especially the WCYI) more than the spring or summer stock groups. However, the general pattern may vary within a stock group. For the summer run stocks, sli ght differences are observed in the catch distribution of the ocean­ type and stream-type stocks. The above differences in catch di stribution among stocks may be due to differences in rearing strategies, Inigralion routes and tinling, as well as differences in age at interception. The coast-wide OFO Mark Recovery Program provides harvest rates by fishery for the major chinook stocks. The present CWT data are incomplete and hence do not provide accurate exploitation rates; the Native net catches of Fraser River chinook have not been sampled for CWTs, and the escapement estimates for many Fraser chinook stocks are not considered sufficiently accurate. Ho wever, the catch distribution based on MRP data for selected stocks for periods ranging from 1980 to 1988 brood years shows the catch distribution for each spring, summer and fa ll chinook stock (Appendix 4). For the spring run chinook, the majority of the catch was taken in both Inside fi sheries (especiall y the terminal Fraser gi llnet) and in the Outside fisheries. By comparison, nearly half of the summer run chinook catch was taken in the 14 Alaska and North-Central fisheries. The fall run lower Fraser stocks (primari ly HalTison Ri ver) were harvested almost entirely in the southern B.C. waters (Inside and Outside), with negligible catches repOlted in the Al aska and North-Central regions. (Note that the above catch distribution does not include the Was hington data as these are not yet available in the MRP database). Additional information shows the Washington/Oregon mortality distribution favours fa ll stock rather than spring and summer stocks. The indi vidual fi sheri es harvesting the Fraser River chinook are discussed below.

Northern and Central B.C. Fisheries The Northern and Central B.C. chinook fi sheri es (troll , net and sport) are managed under a single (a ll-gear) catch ceiling of 263,000 chinook. These fisheri es account for approximately 40% of the total catch/mortality for th e sununer run chinook, but have a minimal impact on the fa ll run (lower Fraser) chinook (Fig. 5, Appendi x 4).

WCVI Troll Fisherv The West Coast of Vancouver Island commercial troll fishery generall y begins in earl y Jul y. Hi stori call y, this fi shery continued un til the chinook abundance declined and the catch effort was transferred to other species (sockeye). Recentl y, the WCYI troll fi shery has been managed under a catch ceiling (360,000 chinook), with a warning system to limit the rate of chinook catch. Thi s fi shery impacts especially the fall and spring ru n Fraser Ri ve r chinook stocks (Fig. 5. , Appendix 4).

Strait of Georgia Troll Fishery

The current ~at~ h ceiling fo r the Strait of Georgia commercial troll fishery is 31,000 chi nook. This fishery is minor compared to the chinook sport fishery in thi s region (see below). Management of the Strait of Georgia troll fi shery includes area and ti me closures, non- retention, and in recent years, the use of barbless hooks. This fi shery impacts the fall chinook stock (Appendi x 4).

Fraser River Net Fisheries The Fraser chinook are harvested incidentall y in the net fi sheri es conducted in the Fraser River and in marine waters immediately off the river mouth . The majori ty of Fraser chi nook are taken during the sockeye fishery (July to September), with fewer chinook taken later (October and November) du ring the pin k and chum salmon fisheri es. The annual terminal commercial catches of Fraser chinook have declined steadily since the earl y 195 0s (Fig. 6). This decline is attributed mai nly to the reducti on in fi shing time of the chinook-directed gill net fis hery in the terminal area since the 1980s. Also, net restri ctions have been imposed, with large-mesh gillnets (greater than 216 mm) prohibited after September 1 (s ince 1976), and a restricted net mesh to net length hang rati o imposed to restrict chinook interceptions.

Marine Sport Fishery The marine sport fishery in the Strait of Georgia is a major harvester of chinook salmon. The current sport catch all ocation fo r this area is 180,000 chinook. This fi shery, when combined with the much smaller commercial tro ll fi shery in the Strait of Georgia (3 1,000 chinook allocati on), harvests a significant portion of the lower Fraser fa ll chinook but on ly a minor portion of the Fraser spri ng/summer chinook. Hi storically, th e marine sport fi shery on chinook has been restricted by non-retention 15 areas, daily bag limits and size limits. Further restrictions were added in 1985, when some 42 additional specific closures were implemented to reduce the sport catch of chinook in the Strait of Georgia. The an nual bag limit was reduced from 30 to 20 chinook, and the dail y bag limit from 4 to 2. [n 1989, the annual bag limi t was further reduced from 20 to 15 , and th e size limit was increased from 46 cm to 62 cm (Otway, pers. comm. ).

In-River Sport Fishery The Fraser Ri ve r sport fishery is the largest in B.C.. The chinook sport fi shery is conducted along the Fraser mainstem and in some tributari es, with most of the catch taken below Hope. Area openings are governed by several criteria, including escapement goals, enhancement activities and impact to the rebuilding program. Prior to 1980, the in-ri ver sport fishery was open throughout the year, in all sections of the river, and in all tributaries. The only restri ction was a minimum size limit of 50 cm nose­ fo rk length and a daily bag limit of 4 chinook. Tn 1980, the entire in-ri ver sport fi shery was closed to the retention of chinook. Thi s was one of the conservation measures taken in response to low escapements to the ri ver. The retenti on of small-sized or jack chinook was all owed in some selected areas (1980-1984). [n 1985, the in-river sport fi sheri es on chinook were partially reopened in response to the lobbying of the sport fi shing sector and the enhanced returns from the Fraser Ri ver hatchery program. On ly selected fisheries targeting on successfully enhanced chinook stocks (s uch as the lower mainstem fi shery targeting on the Harrison stock) were initiated at this time (Schubert, pel's. comm.). In 1986, due to significant increases in chinook escapements, four fisheries were opened on the upper Fraser (Bowron, Clearwater, Quesnel and Shuswap). These fisheries were opened two weekdays per week, with individual daily and annual catch quotas of one and ten chinook, respectively, and wi th a ri shery catch ceiling based on the stock "health". Each of these in-ri ver fisheries was monitored extensively via an on-site survey (Schubert 1988, 1989). The Bridge River sport fishery was opened in 1987, and vari ous other openings were added each year as the in-river sp0l1 fisheries developed. With the reopening of the sport fi shery in 1985, a restricted fishing time was initiated (July to October (or 122 days), expandi ng to June to December (or 2 14 days) in 1988. In addition, dai ly and annu al bag limits of I and 10 chinook, respecti vely, were set in 1985. During the 1985- 1988 period, a minimum size restriction of 30 cm nose-fork length was imposed on all salmon and trout. The above conservation measures have probably limited considerably the total in-ri ver sport catch. However, the actual current sp0l1 catches may be similar to the previous levels or even hi gher, given the greater fi shing effort in the Fraser system (Otway, pers. comm.). This is because the more recent sport catch data are underestimated since not all of the in­ river sport fisheries are being assessed due to DFO funding restraints; in particular, the larger of the sport fisheries (lower Fraser and Vedder/Chilli wack rivers) have not been assessed since 1991. Also, several small up-river fisheries have been initiated since 1988 (Clearwater, Middle Shuswap, Bowron, etc.). The annual in-river spol1 catches appear to have declined from about 5,000 chinook in the 1970s ( 1969- 1979 data), to only about 1,900 chinook in more recent years (1985- 199 1 data). The annual sport catches in the indi vidual upper Fraser u'ibutaries have ranged from less than 100 to over 1,000 chin ook. The most active sport fisheries in the upper Fraser are conducted in the Shuswap, Clearwater, Bowron and lo wer Thompson ri vers (Schubert, pers. comm.). Note that the earli er (J 969-1980) estimates of in-river sport catches have been based on subjective estimates by Fishery Officers, and hence are of unknown accuracy and probably low (Fraser et al. 1982). Since 1984- 1988, intensive sport fis hery surveys have

16 been conducted in the lower Fraser mainstem " r------~ (Schubert 1992). Native Chinook Catch

Native In-River Net jj Fishery u• " Chinook salmon are o harvested in the Native 1951 55 511 03 67 71 75 711 83 87 111 Year fi sheri es throughout the Fraser Ri ver watershed. Fig. 7. Native catches of Fraser River chinook, 1951 -1991. Over 90% of the catch is taken between Boston Bar and the Fraser Ri ve r mouth, primarily in the mainstem and a few tributaries. This catch di stribution reflects the difficulty of fishing in many upri ver areas during high water conditions when the majority of the upper Fraser chinook mi grate to their spawning grounds. In addition, the Native fi sheries in the upper Fraser tend to have no monitoring until the arri val of sockeye salmon (Schubert, pers. comm.). The Native fi shery is managed by area, gear and time restricti ons. Prior to 1977, thi s fishery was generally open 3-4 days per week. Since then, fishing has been generally reduced to one day per week during the earl y chinook return. In 1989, a process was established to identify and harvest surplus chinook. The catch monitoring of these fisheries has been inconsistent and the available catch estimates are considered low. The Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy initiati ve is introducing new catch monitoring programs to address this problem but as yet, no data are available. The available data indicate that the annual catch has increased slowl y from abollt 8,500 in the 1950s to around 17,000 chinook in the 1970s and 1980s (Fig. 7).

U.S. Fisheries Significant mortalities associated with harvesting of Fraser chinook occur in the southeast Alaska waters for the summer run group, but are minor for the spring and fall groups (Fig. 5, Appendix 4). Fraser chinook (primarily fall stocks) are also harvested in the southern U.S. waters as incidental catches to other targeted species (sockeye, pink, chum). Total chinook catches (of all origin) in the U.S. Areas 6, 6A, 7 and 7A have averaged 43,000 (1980- 1984) and more recently, 27,000 (1985- 1989). Commercial fi sheri es in these areas are restricted by minimum chinook size li mi ts and by mesh-size regulations.

Incidental Catches Incidental catches of Fraser River chinook are taken mainly in the net fisheries targeting on sockeye, pink or chum salmon. Major net fi sheries which impact the Fraser chinook stocks are the Johnstone Strait, Juan de Fuca Strait, Puget Sound (U.S.) and Fraser River gillnet.

17 6.0 ENHANCEMENT Prior to 1980, chinook enhancement in the Fraser Ri ver was limited to one minor facility on the Birkenhead River. Major chinook enhancement initiatives in the upper and lower sections of the Fraser system were undertaken in the earl y 1980s. The five hatcheries in the upper Fraser (Eagle, Shuswap, Clearwater, Spius and Quesnel) were built as pilot facilities to help develop effecti ve techniques for enhancing the interior chinook stocks in the upper Fraser River area. Recent rearing and release strategies have been evaluated and analyzed by Berezay and Cross (in prep.). The results show that, in general, stocks with a stream-type life hi story (i.e. juveniles overwinter in freshwater) can be enhanced most successfully, using the yearling release strategy (rather than the spring sub-yearling release strategy). The yearling release strategy has shown success at the Spius Creek and the Quesnel Ri ver hatcheries. Tn comparison, the Shuswap River chinook which are ocean-type (i.e. several months of freshwater rearing) are being enhanced successfully using the spring sub-yearling release strategy. The latter strategy is successful probably because it leads to reduced freshwater predation and over­ wintering mortality, and allows the juveniles to ex press their natural ocean-type life strategy. Currently, the Spius Creek and Shuswap Ri ver hatcheries are the most productive facilities in the upper Fraser Ri ver, with a combined annual production of approximately 13 ,000 chinook adults. (Note that the Clearwater, Eagle and Quesnel faci lities have been closed in recent years due to financial constrai nts and low survival rates). The Spius Creek Hatchery operat ion is aimed at rebuilding the Nicola River chinook. Currentl y, thi s production contri butes to the Spences Bridge sport fi shery (located at the mouth of Nicola Ri ver) which has averaged 130 chinook annu all y during 1986-1993. The Shuswap facility has made only a minor contribution to the overall Shuswap escapement, and most of the stock-rebuiJtJing success in the area is attributed to the in-ri ver management actions. The Shuswap hatchery production contributes to th e Shuswap sport fishery whi ch has averaged 460 chinook annuall y during 1986- 1993. Major chinook producers in the lower Fraser are the Chehalis and Chilliwack River hatcheries. These fac ili ties (Chehalis and Chilliwack) enhance pri marily the Harrison River chinook. Harrison chin ook eggs have been transplanted to the Chilli wack Hatchery since 198 1, and the resulting fry released into the Chilli wack River. This strategy has been very successful in producing adult return s that contribute to the ocean fisheries in southern B.C. and Washi ngton, as well as to the in-river sport and Native net fi sheries. As an experimental approach, fertilized eggs from several upper Fraser River chinook stocks have been also transplanted to the Chilli wack hatchery to produce a summer run capable of supporting a local sport fishery. 50,-______-, Recently, the returning ad ults have supported a successful sport fi shery -;; u on th e Vedder-Chilliwack ~ 30 Ri ver. I In addition to the major 20 ~ hatcheries, chinook are ~ produced in small er ~ 10 facilities scattered

o~~~~----~~--~~~ throughout the Fraser 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 River watershed. These Return Year fac ilities are generall y Fig . 8. Fraser River enhanced chinook (catch and escapement), 1982 - 1990. operated by vo lunteers,

18 with technical guidance provided by the DFO staff. Production is low (typicall y several hundred adult chinook per facility), since the main goal is to educate the public about the salmon and their habitat. The total enhanced returns of chinook salmon from all the Fraser River facilities continue to increase, from 10,000 (1983) to approximately 41,000 (1990) adults (Fig. 8).

7.0 ASSESSMENT OF PRODUCTION POTENTIAL FOR REBUILDING FRASER RIVER CHINOOK STOCKS At present, the assessment data required to determine the Fraser River production capacity for chinook salmon are inadequate. Information on the habitat capacity is virtuall y absent, and the data for a stock recruit analysis are not available. Habitat loss and degradation have undoubtedly reduced the historical capacity of the Fraser River watershed to produce chinook salmon. However, despite the unquantified loss of habitat, there is no evidence that the habitat is limiting at the present levels of escapement. CUITently, the information and methods used to estimate the production capacity of the Fraser watershed, based on habitat analysis, are being examined by DFO. The total Fraser chinook catches in the marine fisheries cannot be estimated due to low numbers of CWT recoveries. Currently, increased CWT data are available for estimating the total catches of selected enhanced stocks. If these data are found adequate and suitable in terms of representing the associated Fraser chinook stocks, then the previous management actions can be assessed in order to provide a basis for future rebuilding efforts. It is cautioned that the management of the spring/summer run Fraser chinook stocks is unlikely on a stock-specific basis due to the extensive range and gauntlet of fi sheries that impact these runs. Consequently, chinook rebuilding initiatives will depend on strategies that can be integrated into the existing management plans. In addition, alternative methods whi ch harvest Fraser chinook should be explored (i.e. fish wheels). Overall, the greatest challenge in rebuilding the weak Fraser River chinook stocks lies in successfull y integrating harvest control, especially into the terminal sockeye fi sheries, as well as into the pink salmon fi sheries.

8.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Fraser River Action Plan - Fishery Management Group would like to thank the following reviewers for their valuable contributions to this report: Mr. B. Guerin, Mr. J. Hill, Ms. R. Kendall, Mr. J. Nichol - Fishing Industry Advisors. Appreciation is extended to contract services: G. Berezay, A. Fedorenko, G. Hudson and Neo Graphics for editing and publishing.

19 9.0 REFERENCES

Berezay , G. and e. Cross. 1995. An assessment of chinook enhancement activities for several Fraser Ri ver chinook hatcheries above Hope, B.C. In prep.

Fraser, F.J., P.J. Starr and A. Y. Fedorenko. 1982. A review of the chinook and coho salmon of the Fraser River. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 1126: 130 p.

Healey, M.e. 199 1. Life History of Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytschal. In: Pacific Salmon Life Hi stories [Eds.] C. Groot and L. Margolis. UBC Press Vancouver. pp 3 11 ·393.

Hoar, W.S. 1976. Smolt transformation: evolu tion, behaviour and physiology. J. Fish. Res. Bd. Can. 33: 1234-1252.

Levy, D.A., T.G. Northcote and G.J. Birch. 1979. Juvenile salmon utilization of tidal channels in the Fraser River estuary, British Columbia. University of British Columbia, Westwater Res. Centre. Tech. Rep. 23: 70 p.

Macdonald, A.L. 1992. The Indian food fishery of the Fraser Ri ver: 1991 summary. Can. Data Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 876: 86 p.

Milne, D.J. 1964. The chinook and coho fisheries of Briti sh Co lu mbia. Fish. Res. Board Can. Bull. 142: 46 p.

Pacific Salmon Commission· Joint Chinook Technical Committee 1993 Annual Report. Report TCCHINOOK (94)-1

Schuhert, N.D. 1988. An assessment of four upper Fraser River chinook salmon sport fi sheri es, 1986, Can. Man. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 1980: 53 p.

Schubert, N.D. 1989. An assessment of five upper Fraser River chinook salmon sport fisheries, 1987. Can. Man. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 1983: 57 p.

Schubert, N.D. 1992. Angler effort and catch in the 1985- 1988 lower Fraser River sport fishery. Can. MS. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2170: 140 p.

Schubert, N.D. and I.W. Whyte. 1992. Angler effort and catch in five Fraser River chinook salmon sport fisheries., 1990. Can. MS. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2 142: 58 p.

Schubert, N.D., M.K. Farwell and L.W. Kalnin. 1993. Enumeration of the 1992 Harrison River chinook salmon escapement. Can. MS. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2200: 33 p.

Schubert, N.D. and M. Milko. 1990. An evaluati on of the harvest distribution, survival and exploitation rate of selected wild chinook salmon stocks of the Fraser River system. Dept. Fisheries and Oceans, unpubJ. MS.

Starr, P.J. and N.D. Schubert. 1990. Assessment of Harrison River chinook salmon. Can. MS. Rep. Fi sh. Aq uat. Sci. 2085: 47 p.

Whitehouse, T. R. and e. D. Levings. 1989. Surface trawl catch data from the lower Fraser River at Queens Reach during 1987 and 1988. Can. Data Rpt. Fish. and Aquat. Sci. 768: 53 p.

Whitehouse, T.R. and e. D. Levings. 1990. Beach seine data form the Fraser River downstream from Port Mann during 1988. Can. Data Rpt. Fish. Aq uat. Sci. 780: 63 p.

20 Appendix 1. Major characteri stics of three life history patterns exhibited by Fraser Ri ver chinook.

Total Fraser chinook population: Return timing in lower Fraser May to October Spawning peliod early August to mid-November Fry emergence early March to earl y May.

THREE LIFE HISTORY PATTERNS

IMMEDIATE FRY OCEAN-TYPE STREAM-TYPE MIGRANTS MIGRANTS MIGRANTS Freshwater Rearing Migrate directl y to Rear in freshwater Overwinter in Period estuary upon for 60- 150 days, freshwater, then emergence. then enter ocean in enter ocean in their thei r first fall as second spring as underyearlings. yearli ngs.

Major Stocks Mainly Harrison Mainly stocks Mainly stocks from Ri ver stock (lower associated with upper Fraser and Fraser). Shuswap Lake North Thompson watershed (but these rivers. also show stream- type behaviour). Juvenile Migration Mainly via southern Mainly via northern Mainly via southern Route out of Strait roule (Juan de Fuca ro ute (Johnstone route (Juan de Fuca of Georgia Strait). Strait). Strait). Marine Catch Mainly southern Mainly coastal Mainly offshore Distribution B.C. & Washington waters of B.C. and waters of B.C. and waters. Alaska. Alaska. Return Migration Mainly southern Mainly northern Mainly southern Route route as for route as fo r route as for juven iles. juveniles. juveniles. Dominant Age at Age 4. Age 5 Age 4. Maturity (but Age 4 for Nicola R.).

Return Timing in Early September to July IS to early Late April to mid- Lower Fraser mid-October. August. July.

21 Appendix 2. Major characteristics of the spring, sununer and fall run stocks of Fraser Ri ver chinook. (arbitrary definitions used for fi shery management purposes)

SPRING RUN SUMMER RUN FALL RUN Return Timing in Before July 15. July 15 - August 31. September and Lower Fraser October.

Spawning Tinting Earl y August Early September to October to mid- onward early October. November. Major Stocks Upper Fraser above Middle Fraser Ri ver Almost entirely (i.e. spawn ing areas) Prince George, and North/South HalTison Ri ver middle Fraser, Thompson (i.e. lower Fraser). North/South watersheds. Thompson and B irkenhead ri vers (thi s group includes the largest number of Fraser Ri ver stocks).

Life Hi story * Stream-type Mix of stream-type Immediate-type migrants. and ocean-type mi grants. nligrants (even within same stock).

Marine Catch Mostl y southern Largest catch Almost entirely in Distribution *. B.C (i nside/outside); component in Alaska southern S.C and some in north/central and north/central Washington State. S.C and Alaska. B.C

Return Migration Mainly southern Mainly southern Mainly southern Timing route for these route for ch inook route for these stream-type with stream-type life immediate-type nligrants. hi story; mainly mi grants. northern route for chinook with ocean- ty pe life hi story.

Escapement Trends Low in 1960s and Increased steadily Harrison stock *** 1970s.; increased since I 960s. co ll apsed between sharply in 1980s. 198 1 and 1988.

*See Appendix I for definition of different life hi story pattern s. ** Marine catch distribution based on selected stocks li sted in Appendix 4. *** Escapement trends based on selected streams listed in Appendix 3.

22 Appendix 3. Selected streams in the Fraser watershed associated with the spring, summer and fall run return timing of Fraser Ri ver chinook. *

SPRING (Early Run) SUMMER (Mid Run) FALL (Late Run)

Chilcotin R. Clearwater R. Harrison R. Cottonwood R. Adams R. Bowron R. Eagle R. Fraser mainstem Shuswap R. Birkenhead R. Chilko R. Bonaparte R. Upper Pitt R. Deadman R. Nechako R. Coldwater R. Little R. Nicola R. Taseko R. Spi us Cr. N ahatlach R. Finn Cr. Portage Cr. Louis Cr. Seton R. Salmon R. Barriere R.

* These streams (see Fig. I for locati on) were selected for their long-term escapement data records (1951 - 1993) and were used to provide escapement trends for the spring, summer and rail run Fraser chinook slOcks (Fig. 3).

23 Appendix 4. Percent catch distribution for selected stocks from each of the spring. summer and fall run groups of Fraser River chinook, 1980 to 1988 data.

CATCH AREA+ SPRING RUN * SUMMER RUN ** FALL RUN *** % OF TOTAL CATCH ALASKA 4% 10% 0% NORTH· CENTRAL NTR 8 32 2 NN 0 0 NS PT I 0 CTR 0 0 0 CN 0 0 I CSPT 0 I 0 NCTR 0 I 0 SCTR 3 2 2 Sub-Total 12% 38% 5% INSIDE JSN 3 4 3 GSTR 2 18 GSPTN 9 9 29 GSPTS 3 2 8 FGN 24 8 5 Sub-Total 40% 25 % 63% OUTSIDE NWTR II 9 7 SWTR 23 14 21 JFN 3 4 4 JFSPT 5 Sub-Total 42% 28% 33%

+ Excludes Was hington/Oregon catches at this time. * Spring run stocks: Birkenhead, Deadman, Bowron, Slim, Nicola. ** Summer run stocks: Quesnel, Shuswap, Eagle, Chilko. *** Fall run stocks: Chill iwack, Harrison.

24 I

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