Press Release ADF&G Logo
ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
McKie Campbell, Commissioner

DIVISION OF SPORT FISH
Kelly Hepler, Director

Contact:
Southcentral Region Information Center
Anchorage, Alaska
Phone: (907) 267-2218

May 31, 2006

KELP HARVEST ILLEGAL IN SOUTHCENTRAL WATERS

Individuals are reminded that it is illegal to harvest live aquatic plants, including kelp, from beaches in Southcentral Alaska.  Live kelp is attached to substrates such as rocks or gravel. Kelp may not be harvested from the beaches of Cook Inlet, the North Gulf Coast, and Prince William Sound. Alaska Bureau of Wildlife Enforcement officers are issuing citations to individuals who harvest kelp and other aquatic plants. 

 

Limited spring harvest of kelp for family use occurred in the past but reports of large harvests from the Seward and Homer areas brought the illegal activity to the attention of the Department.  Kelp and other aquatic plants provide important habitat for fish and marine invertebrates, and spawning habitat for herring in the spring. Members of the public who wish to legally harvest live kelp and other aquatic plants in the future would need to submit a proposal to the Board of Fisheries for consideration prior to the next meeting concerning Cook Inlet regulations in fall of 2007. For more information on the Board of Fisheries process, visit www.boards.adfg.state.ak.us.