Early marine residence timing and survival of Fraser River sockeye salmon in the Strait of Georgia

Over the past 20 years there has been high variability in the survival of Fraser River sockeye salmon both within and between run cycles with the greatest variability occurring over the past decade. It is generally accepted that there is significant mortality during the first few weeks that juvenile salmon are in the ocean. This project supports a trawl survey in early June during peak abundance of juvenile sockeye salmon in the Strait of Georgia to estimate the abundance of juveniles entering the Strait and provides information on variability in residence timing and migration patterns. DNA analysis will be used to determine CU specific abundance levels, distribution patterns and growth rates.