Chinook Salmon DNA sampling with Pacific Angler

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We went out with Jason Tonelli from Pacific Angler and participated in DNA sampling of Chinook salmon outside of Nanaimo.
Canada only clips about 10% of it’s hatchery produced chinook. This particular fishery (Gulf Islands early summer) sees a fair number of adipose clipped chinook, many from the USA. At the time of this episode, chinook retention was closed, even for a hatchery fish, but non-retention angling for chinook was permitted. The regulations were in place to protect chinook stocks of concern that actually are only present in the area we were fishing at extremely low numbers to not at all in some areas. DNA data suggests that if Canada clipped all its hatchery fish we could have a Marked Selective Fishery for hatchery chinook in this area as the mark rate would be substantial, likely over 50%. Such a fishery would be far superior compared to a full closure. An MSF would allow social and economic benefits while protecting the few stocks of concern which may or may not be in the area at that time.

[@PacificAnglerTV]

Awesome Brendan - Thankyou !

[@SledorFish]

Exactly! We need more mark selective fisheries!

[@andanliss2464]

Nice vid Mo!!

[@ReelWestCoast]

Thanks for watching!

[@mikecarroll8316]

Great job Guys! Education is key!

[@ReelWestCoast]

Thanks Mike!

[@mmooney6860]

yes thank you

[@jevonsieben8374]

Right on , I agree completely.

[@ReelWestCoast]

Thanks for watching Jevon!

[@ScreamingReelsTV]

A hatchery Chinook off of Nanaimo? Dollar says it was a Pugot Sound fish.

[@ReelWestCoast]

Yes, highly likely it was a US hatchery fish

[@avidsledder]

Agreed closure are NOT the answer but it is an easy STUPID answer for those in “power”

[@mmooney6860]

i sampling dna for the last 3 years in bamfield