Fisheries and Oceans Canada has closed salmon fishing on the Fraser River throughout the Lower Mainland amid concerns over dwindling numbers of sockeye.
Low run size estimates and “record water temperatures” are behind the shutdown, according to a government notice posted Friday (August 14).
The closures run from the mouth of the Fraser to a Canadian Pacific Railway bridge in Mission, B.C.
“The department's priorities are to ensure that there is sufficient sockeye returning to the spawning grounds,” the Fisheries and Oceans Canada notice said.
“The department will manage all fisheries to minimize sockeye impacts and provide priority access to First Nations' fishing for food, social and ceremonial purposes.”
Fisheries and Oceans Canada said it expects fishing opportunities for pink and chum salmon to resume later in the season depending on abundance.
