The Somass Sockeye run is expected to be strong again this year.
Initial forecasts predicted more than 700,000 fish but Les Sam, the Tseshaht representative at the salmon harvest committee roundtable, said they adopted a more precautionary approach.
“It started at 725,000 initially but we settled in on a moderate run size of 500-700,000. That means a full on fishery for the start of the season,” he said. “It’s shaping up to be a very good year for fishing and I think the town will prosper from it.”
Sam said sockeye are already starting to pass through the counters, and they’re anticipating an increased number of larger 5-year old fish this year.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada released their sockeye forecast last week, and said Sproat Lake stocks will comprise the majority of this years run since escapements from Great Central Lake four years ago were low compared to historic levels.
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