The Fraser Watershed Joint Technical Forum (FWJTF) enables, promotes and facilitates the exchange of technical fisheries information primarily between DFO and Fraser First Nations, but also amongst Fraser First Nations. The intent of the FWJTC process is to provide a mechanism for information exchange as part of a management process that promotes the sustainability of the fisheries resources of the Fraser watershed.

The FWJTF is co-chaired by one of the Fraser River Aboriginal Fisheries Secretariat’s Fisheries Biologists and a Biologist or Resource Management staff member designated by DFO, both co-chairs being appointees of the FRAFS Executive Committee. the current Co-Chairs are Pete Nicklin (FRAFS) and Jamie Scroggie (DFO).

Participation in the FWJTF is inclusive of Fraser First Nations and DFO, with discussions being technical in nature. The FWJTF meets at regular intervals 4 to 6 times a year. In general meetings are scheduled as follows:

• Fall: pre-season Chinook and preliminary post-season (spawning ground escapement) discussions
• Early Winter: post-season sockeye, Chinook, chum, pink, coho discussions
• Late Winter: pre-season discussions for all salmon species
• Spring: pre-season discussions
• Summer: in-season discussions

The FWJTF activities and discussions may include the following:

• Examining the technical information and scientific rationale for fisheries management actions contemplated and/or implemented by DFO, in order to provide Fraser First Nations with comprehensive technical information support;

• Guiding and supporting a credible in-season fishery assessment program that will provide in-season up-river indicators of abundance to support active and successful achievement of FSC and economic fishery management objectives throughout the Fraser.

• Facilitating information sharing and data exchange in support of cooperative or collaborative stock assessment, policy development and management planning in discussions with the First Nations, DFO, the Province, the Pacific Salmon Commission, the Salmon Sub-committee of PSARC, and other relevant bodies;

• Maintaining awareness of relevant stock status reports to further the scientific bases for future fish stock management of Fraser watershed fisheries resources.

• Making recommendations to the Executive Committee (EC) relating to technical initiatives or projects that may be required.

• Undertaking projects as directed by the EC, and attempting to reach consensus on recommendations where possible. In the event that consensus does not occur, separate reports will be provided to the EC.