Contact:
Brendan Scanlon
Northwest/North Slope Area Management Biologist
Phone: 907-459-7268

The Division of Sport Fish is reducing the king salmon bag and annual limit from two to one fish in Unalakleet River drainage. In addition, this emergency order establishes an annual limit of one king salmon in all waters of the Shaktoolik River drainage. These changes will be in effect from 12:01 a.m. Monday, May 9 through 11:59 p.m. Monday, August 15, 2016.

The 2016 preseason outlook for the Unalakleet River drainage king salmon run is expected to be sufficient to provide for a moderate harvestable surplus. According to the Subdistricts 5 and 6 of the Norton Sound District and the Unalakleet River King Salmon Management Plan, when the inriver subsistence fishery is limited to less than two 36-hour openings or the subsistence fishery in the marine waters of Subdistricts 5 and 6 are restricted to a gillnet mesh size of six inches or less, the sport fish bag, possession, and annual limit for king salmon will be reduced to one fish. At this time, restrictions are planned to limit the Unalakleet River subsistence fishery to two periods per week of less than 36 hours each and the marine subsistence fishery to a gillnet mesh size of six inches or less.

The department does not have reliable stock assessment information for the Shaktoolik River, but the king salmon run generally cycles in accordance with Unalakleet River stocks and warrants similar restrictions to the Shaktoolik River drainage. The department will evaluate inseason run strength and take appropriate management actions to ensure that escapement requirements are met. If inseason stock assessment information indicates that the king salmon escapement goal in the Unalakleet River will be met, restrictions will be relaxed. If it appears that the escapement goal will not be met, the king salmon sport fishery will be closed.

For additional information contact Brendan Scanlon, Northwest and North Slope Area Management Biologist, 907-459-7268.