By Jeffery Young, David Suzuki Foundation aquatic biologist
As of August 6...
197,526 sockeye have entered the Fraser River
17,900 sockeye have been caught in fisheries
964,278 sockeye were forecast to have entered the river by now
6,247,000 sockeye were forecast to return to the Fraser River
A new weekly "Fraser sockeye report" is being published by the Pacific Marine Conservation Caucus (a coalition of marine conservation organizations, of which the David Suzuki Foundation is a member). The report includes a sockeye counter (shown above) that shows how many sockeye have entered the Fraser River, the number that were forecast to be in the river by this time, the number caught in fisheries, and the total forecasted return.
The report also provides a summary of the key information available on the status of Fraser sockeye (and other salmon in some cases), a list of the key decisions made by fisheries managers, and the perspectives of the Marine Conservation Caucus on what is going on and how effectively fisheries are being managed.
The report is available at www.salmonopolis.ca. Salmonopolis is a project co-developed and produced by the David Suzuki Foundation that provides weekly salmon news items, resources for salmon stewards, and a "Report a Violation" feature through which anyone in B.C. can let us know about salmon habitat problems.
You can also check to see the sockeye counter -- it should be updated twice a week through August.
Bali Blog
Jeffery Young
The Fraser sockeye count as of August 9th is:
308,332 sockeye have entered the Fraser River
24,600 sockeye have been caught in fisheries
1,468,984 sockeye were forecasted to have entered the river by now*
6,247,000 sockeye were forecasted to return to the Fraser River
The first and third number do not include the last of the four stock groups of Fraser sockeye (Late run) as the Pacific Salmon Commission has not yet provided this estimate with the same level of detail as the other stock groups. So far, late run sockeye appear to be doing as badly as the other timing groups - approximately 15-25% of forecast.
mariella
Hi, in the last few weeks, I have undergone my own awareness program on ways that the whole population can help protect and nourish the environment instead of damaging all its aspects. I decided to go to business establishments and sit back and observe their practices when it came to recycling. To my shock and amazement, I realized that many business (restaurants, health clubs, coffee shops, health aid stores, grocery stores, etc) do not take part in the recycling program. I watched in disbelief as I sat in my chair or stood in my corner, people disgarding plastic cups, paper cups, bags, etc) in the normal garbage can. With this, I ask the following question. There is such a push for residential areas to recycle, limit garbage, dispose of composte material in the green bin etc but what is being done to ensure that businesses everywhere are taking part in the recycling program? Is it a double edge sword when trying to protect our world by recycling? Why are businesses being exempt from this? I truly believe that if the recycling program is going to work, then we all have to be doing our part. My question, How do we begin this process where recycling is mandatory for all businesses?
Lora Bruncke
I wouldn't expect fish to thrive in our water systems anymore. They are full of filth created by mankind's progress.
Jeffery Young
The Fraser sockeye count as of August 12th:
470,200 sockeye have entered the river
35,000 sockeye have been caught in fisheries
6,247,000 sockeye were forecast to return
1,601,000 sockeye are now expected to return (worst return in more than 40 years; likely one of top 5 worst returns ever)
Jeffery Young
The Fraser sockeye count as of August 16th:
774,500 sockeye have entered the Fraser River
114,900 sockeye have been caught in fisheries
6,247,000 sockeye were forecasted to return
1,614,500 sockeye are now expected to return