Pacific Region Commercial Salmon Catch Estimates from Mandatory Logbooks

Pacific Region commercial salmon fishery data from Canada's mandatory logbook program, initiated in 1998. It contains in-season catch estimates reported in pieces (numbers of fish), calculated from fisher-reported catch and effort data. The data is managed within the Fishery Operations System (FOS) database established in 2001.

Use Cases

• Analyze catch estimates in pieces (numbers of fish) across Pacific Fishery Management Areas (PFMAs) to monitor fishery pressure.
• Model in-season catch estimates against reported effort data to forecast fishery performance for management.
• Track preliminary catch estimates over time to identify trends in commercial salmon harvests for adults and jacks combined.

Strengths

• Data originates from a mandatory, fleet-wide commercial salmon logbook program established in 1998, ensuring systematic collection.
• Estimates are calculated using multiple data sources, including fisher-reported catch and effort plus overflight observations.
• Managed within the centralized Fishery Operations System (FOS) database, providing a consistent data repository since 2001.

Limitations

• Contains only preliminary in-season catch estimates which are explicitly noted as subject to change.
• Excludes test fishing, recreational, and First Nations catch data, limiting the scope of total fishery impact.
• A portion of the source logbook data contains protected personal information and is unreleasable.

Provenance

Source

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) via the Fishery Operations System (FOS) database.

Collection Method

Data is reported by commercial salmon fishers through mandatory daily harvest logbooks, submitted to DFO via a service provider.

Time Range

Logbook program data collection began in 1998, with mandatory participation from the 2001 season.

Freshness

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Geography

Pacific Region of Canada, specifically Pacific Fishery Management Areas (PFMAs).