Smith Inlet Gillnet Opening

This is pretty interesting. There have been previous Fishery Notices stating the sockeye returns at the Docee River counting fence seem stronger than usual. But, to announce a gillnet opening on a stock that has been closed to commercial fishing since 1997 seems just strange...even for DFO.
Look at the graph below the Fishery Notice. Does this look like a recovering stock capable of withstanding commercial exploitation? And, why would DFO open it up at the first good year of returns....??  Have to keep an eye on this one.

Category(s):
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Gill Net
Fishery Notice - Fisheries and Oceans Canada
 Subject: FN0575-COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Gill Net - Area C - Area 10 - Opening
         
Area 10

Gill nets open 16 hours, from 06:00 hours to 22:00 hours Monday July 18, in Subareas 10-4, 10-5, 10-6, 10-7, 10-8 and 10-9.  Max Mesh 150 mm, Max Depth 60 Meshes.  Max Hang Ratio 3:1, Corkline to Web Distance Min 0 cm, Max 45 cm. V.O.# 2011-CCSAL-013

The target species in this fishery is Smith Inlet sockeye. This gill net fishery is being conducted with non-retention and non-possession of coho, pink, chum, Chinook and steelhead. Fishers are required to release all coho, pink, chum, Chinook and steelhead to the water with the least possible harm.
Operating revival boxes are mandatory and are to be used to revive fish prior to release.