(Released: March 17, 2020)

CONTACT: Molly McCarthy-Cunfer
Fisheries Center Supervisor
(907) 269-0427


Fisheries Centers Will Close to the Public

(Headquarters) - Understanding the need to limit groups over 10 people, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (Department) announced today that both state-owned Fisheries Centers are closed to public visitors effective immediately. This includes both the Tanana Valley Fisheries Center, located at the Ruth Burnett Sport Fish Hatchery in Fairbanks, and the Ship Creek Fisheries Center, located at the William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery in Anchorage.

“Due to the high amount of public interaction that occurs at the Fisheries Centers, we’ve decided to close them through April 7th to help keep the public and our employees safe,” stated Molly McCarthy-Cunfer, the Ship Creek Fisheries Center supervisor. We will reevaluate the closure after this date.

The decision to reopen will be based on the best information available in the upcoming weeks. Although the Fisheries Center in Anchorage will be closed, the outside path along Ship Creek will remain open for members of the public. Guided tours will not be available.

This closure will not impact fish production at the William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery or the Ruth Burnett Sport Fish Hatchery. Both facilities will continue normal operations as staff care for fish and prepare for the summer stocking season. The Department remains committed to providing diverse sport fishing opportunities for Alaskans through its hatchery enhancement program.

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