25 Million Sockeye Return To Fraser River

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Largest Sockeye Run Since 1913

No one seems to really know why an overwhelming number of sockeye have returned to the Fraser River this year, but it is a bumper season for commercial fishermen.

This year's run is the complete opposite of last year's return of only 1.7 million fish which was a 50 year low. The last commercial opening for this run was in 2006 when a total of 3.7 million fish were taken.

The unexpected return has caused some problems for supplier and retailer 7 Seas who have had to turn some fishermen away resulting in some of the catch simply rotting in boats. There is a serious shortage of ice and freezer space for storage, as well as a shortage of totes and processing space because many people have abandoned the business because of so many bad years.

The Federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Gail Shea said she has no idea why the return in so high.

Comment: It makes you wonder if anyone in DOF has any real ideas about salmon runs and the like. One theory I heard offered by fishermen is that a large portion of last year's run simply stayed at sea for an extra year, and this year you are seeing a combined return of two years.