(Kodiak) – In an effort to achieve escapement goals the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is implementing the following sport fishing regulation closure on the Buskin River drainage for sockeye salmon effective 12:01 a.m. Saturday, June 16, 2018. Sockeye salmon may not be retained or possessed by anglers from the Buskin River drainage.

As of June 11, 2018, only 44 sockeye salmon have passed the Buskin River weir, the lowest count on record. The escapement goal for sockeye salmon into the Buskin River is 5,000 to 8,000 fish. Based on historical run timing, about 35% of the run has occurred and ADF&G does not expect the final weir count to meet the escapement goal for this stock. Therefore, it is warranted to close the sockeye salmon sport fishery in an attempt to meet escapement objectives.

For additional information, please contact the Division of Sport Fish Kodiak Office at (907) 486-1880.

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