Fisheries, Subsistence, and Habitat
Publications Searchable Database
Search Again| Division: | Multi-Divisional Collaboration |
| Title: | Kenai River drift gillnet pilot study at river mile 19, 2021. |
| Author: | Begich, R. N., A. Eskelin, and R. E. Brenner. |
| Year: | 2022 |
| Report ID: | Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Special Publication No. 22-15, Anchorage. |
| Abstract: | In August 2021, we investigated the feasibility of using drift gillnets at river mile (RM) 19 to examine the species composition and spatial distribution of salmon migrating past the Division of Commercial Fisheries sonar site. Currently, the site uses dual-frequency identification sonar (DIDSON) to estimate sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) passage, and fish wheels are used to sample salmon for species composition and biological characteristics. Drift gillnetting was conducted for 6 days during August 5–24, 2021 using 9.1 m length gillnets consisting of 1 of 3 mesh sizes: 4 in, 4¾ in, or 5 in (10.2, 12.1, and 12.7 cm, respectively). Gillnetting occurred in 6 areas (0–10 m, 10–20 m, and 20–30 m) off each river bank, representing the area of the river where sonar data are collected to estimate passage of migrating sockeye salmon (sonar zones) and in 2 areas 0–10 m downstream of the fish wheel located on each river bank (fish wheel zones). Sockeye salmon composed the majority of the catch in both fish wheel and nearshore sonar zones. Sockeye salmon proportions declined offshore (>10 m) and during later sampling dates. Our results show that drift gillnets of various mesh sizes can be employed to capture migrating salmon at the Kenai River RM 19 sonar site. We present recommendations for future study designs. |
| Keywords: | Sockeye salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka, Upper Cook Inlet, UCI, Kenai River, drift gillnets, sonar, fish wheels |