The situation for sockeye salmon returns in the Skeena and Nass Rivers aren’t as dire as the Fraser right now.
Northwest Area Director of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Colin Masson says the anticipated escapement is around 1.2 million sockeye.
“But that estimate still floats up and down as our numbers come in every week,” says Masson, who points to the current in season estimate sitting at 1.48 million sockeye tested at the mouth of the Skeena. “Generally speaking, that level provides a limited commercial access.”
Masson says we’re doing slightly better than the preseason estimate of 1.28 million.
The Nass River has seen less escapement than anticipated – Masson expects the numbers to reach targets soon.