(Craig) - The sport shrimp pot fisheries in Kasaan Bay and Skowl Arm will remain closed from 12:01 a.m., Wednesday, January 7, through Thursday, December 31, 2026. The closed waters include all waters of Kasaan Bay and Skowl Arm west of the longitude of Kasaan Point at 132°16.87′ W long.

The Kasaan Bay and Skowl Arm personal use and sport shrimp pot fisheries were closed in July 2025. These closures were implemented due to significant decreases in abundance observed in department pot survey catch per unit effort (CPUE) data, commercial shrimp pot fishery data, and poor personal use harvest throughout the area. The department’s most recent shrimp pot survey in the fall of 2025 indicated further decreases in abundance, with CPUE rates being the lowest recorded since the shrimp pot surveys began in 2011. Continued indicators of poor stock health, combined with weak commercial fishery performance in recent seasons, resulted in the closure of the commercial fishery for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. The personal use and sport shrimp pot fisheries closure will extend through the 2026 season.

The intention of this closure is to allow spot shrimp abundance in Kasaan Bay and Skowl Arm to rebuild to levels that allow sustainable harvest for all user groups. This closure will remain in effect for the 2026 season and will be reevaluated following completion of the department’s annual shrimp pot survey in the fall of 2026.

For further information, contact the Prince of Wales Sport Fish office at 907-826-2498 or visit our website.

#26-3965