"If DFO feels the flossers are harming the rescource they will close it. "

The problem with flossing when sockeye is closed for retention is that the DFO conciders it a non-selective method. They will close the fishing and that means closed for more selective methods such as bar fishing. Also the concern for catching and releasing sockeye is not the hook damage, it is the stress of playing them out in high river temps when they have many more miles to go before they reach the spawning grounds.

This notice was out before the sockeye season opened. I would guess something similar would happen now if DFO feels the flossing of sockeye is getting out of hand.


Fishery Notice

Category(s): RECREATIONAL - Salmon

Subject: FN0420-Salmon: Non-tidal Waters of Fraser River - Region 2 - Salmon Fishing Methods

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Monitoring information collected by Fisheries and Oceans indicates
that numerous anglers are continuing to use fishing techniques which
are known to intercept sockeye salmon. Fishing for Sockeye salmon is
closed (including catch & release) to sport fishing due to extremely
low returns of Early Stuart sockeye.

Effective immediately, anglers using the bottom bouncing (flossing)
method are requested to stop using leader lengths greater than one
metre (3 ft).

Fisheries and Oceans will be monitoring the fishery for compliance
over the next 48 hours. If compliance is not forthcoming
immediately, then further measures will be taken. These measures
could include salmon closures or a complete salmon closure until a
sockeye salmon surplus is identified.

The objective of this action is to focus fishing effort on abundant
chinook stocks and minimize impacts on co-migrating sockeye.

This reflects a change to the BC Freshwater Salmon Supplement. The
online version of this guide will be updated within 24 hours of this
notice, please browse:

http://www-comm.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/english/recreation/

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact the nearest DFO Office or consult the DFO website at:

http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca



Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0420
Sent July 14, 2003 at 16:12:43