The current outlook for sockeye salmon returns on the Nass River is not good.
The Nisga’a Lisims Government says the most recent in-season estimate projects a total return of between 180,000 and 320,000, much less than the pre-season forecast of 377,000 and well below the long-term average of 570,000.
As a result, the NLG says it is postponing any Nass River sale fisheries until further notice.
The Nisga’a Lisims Government had predicted a poor return because of difficult ocean survival conditions, but officials say current trends predict an even worse survival rate than predicted.
Chinook return rates have been poor as well, but it is too early to estimate run sizes for Pink, Chum, and Coho.
