Contact:
Bob Chadwick
Sitka Area Management Biologist
Phone: (907) 747-5355

Sitka – The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) announced today that effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday, July 6, sport fishing for king salmon in Bear Cove will be closed to protect brood stock returning to Medvejie Hatchery. This closure includes all waters east of a line between ADF&G regulatory markers located on the north and south shores of Bear Cove.  Anglers may not have any king salmon in possession while fishing in this closed area, regardless of where the king salmon were caught.

King salmon returning to Medvejie Hatchery are not expected to meet brood stock goals in 2006 due to poor ocean survival.  Ocean survival of king salmon returning to Medvejie Hatchery this year is estimated at less than 1%.  This is less than the ten year average ocean survival of 2.5%.  As of July 3, 2006, only 1,000 king salmon were observed in Bear Cove.  An additional 3,500 fish are needed to meet brood stock needs.  This sport fishery closure is therefore necessary to help ensure king salmon brood stock needs at Medvejie Hatchery are achieved.

Anyone needing further information concerning this announcement should contact the Division of Sport Fish in Sitka at (907)747-5355.