Contact:
Brendan Scanlon
Northwest/North Slope Area Management Biologist
Phone: 907-459-7268
July 08, 2016
The Division of Sport Fish is closing the Unalakleet and Shaktoolik river drainages to sport fishing for king salmon, effective 12:01 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2016. This emergency order prohibits the taking of king salmon while sport fishing in these waters. In addition, this emergency order prohibits the use of bait in these drainages. This emergency order will remain in effect through August 15, 2016 or until inseason assessments project that escapement goals will be met for king salmon on the Unalakleet and Shaktoolik rivers.
Escapement counts of king salmon at the North River tower on the Unalakleet River are below historic averages. As of July 6th only 192 king salmon had passed the counting tower. From 2006 – 2015 an average of 309 king salmon had passed the counting tower by this date. According to the Subdistricts 5 and 6 of the Norton Sound District and the Unalakleet River King Salmon Management Plan (5 AAC 04.395), when the projected escapement is below the lower end of the escapement goal, all fishing will be closed. Although it is still early in the run, it appears that the escapement goal for king salmon will not be reached in 2016. This action is in alignment with the management plan.
The Department does not have a stock assessment project in the Shaktoolik River, but the king salmon run generally cycles in accordance with Unalakleet River stocks. Unalakleet River test fishery indices are also below historic averages for this date. The elimination of sport harvests of king salmon in the Unalakleet and Shaktoolik rivers will provide protection for returning fish. The prohibition of bait while sport fishing is in accordance with provisions set forth in 5 AAC 75.003 (1)(A). This action should minimize catch-and-release mortality for king salmon caught incidentally while sport fishing for other species.
The Department will continue to 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.
For additional information contact Brendan Scanlon, Northwest and North Slope Area Management Biologist, 907-459-7268.