Lowest sockeye run on record prompts fishery closures, outcry
VANCOUVER — Predictions of an abysmal sockeye return has forced the closure of all salmon fishing on the Lower Fraser River, prompting an outcry from recreational users who say they are leading the way to preserve that fishery.
But Jennifer Nener, the Department of Fisheries and Ocean’s director of salmon for the Pacific region, says circumstances on the Lower Fraser are too severe to allow sport fishing, no matter what kind of salmon they are targeting.
“This is the lowest return we have on record, and so for that reason we really feel a need to be very precautionary,” she said in an interview Friday.
The department issued notice on Thursday that one hour after sunset the fishery would close until further notice.