Contact:
Brendan Scanlon
Northwest Area Management Biologist
Phone: (907) 459-7268
July 09, 2013
The Division of Sport Fish is closing the Unalakleet and Shaktoolik river drainages to sport fishing for king salmon, effective 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2013. This emergency order prohibits fishing for king salmon 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, 2013 or until additional in-season 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 7th only 30 king salmon had passed the counting tower. From 2008 – 2012 an average of 168 king salmon had passed the counting tower by this date. Consistent with 5 AAC 04.395. Subdistricts 5 and 6 of the Norton Sound District and the Unalakleet River King Salmon Management Plan, 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 North River sustainable escapement goal for king salmon will not be reached in 2013.
The Department does not have a stock assessment project in the Shaktoolik River, but the king salmon run generally cycles in accordance with Unalakleet stocks. The elimination of sport fishing for 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 is taken to minimize mortality for king salmon caught incidentally while sport fishing for other species.
The Department will continue to evaluate in-season run strength and take appropriate management actions to ensure that escapement requirements are met. If in-season 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 & North Slope Area Management Biologist, 907-459-7268.
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