Contact:
George Pappas
Area Management Biologist
Phone: 907-262-9368

The preseason projection for Kenai River sockeye salmon was for 1,849,000 fish, which is lower than normal. Based on this projection and the Cook Inlet Management Plan, commercial fishing time early in the season was significantly less than what is allowed during a year when an average run size is projected.

As the season progressed, the actual Kenai River sockeye run appeared to be even smaller than predicted and ADF&G became concerned about achieving the Kenai River late-run sockeye salmon spawning escapement goal of 500,000 fish. Consequently a number of fishery restrictions and closures were instituted for all user groups.

Kenai River sockeye counts unexpectedly increased approximately July 25, with daily counts exceeding 50,000 fish. Kenai bound sockeye are continuing to arrive at a time when normally the run is tapering off. Through Wednesday, August 2, the number of late-run sockeye estimated to have passed the sonar is about 750,000 fish.

The current Upper Cook Inlet Management Plan directs ADF&G to meet an in-river goal range of 650,000 - 850,000 sockeye salmon past the sonar counter during years when the expected run strength is less than 2,000,000 sockeye salmon. The Board of Fisheries, however, developed the Kenai River Late Run Sockeye Salmon Management portion of the plan based on average sockeye salmon run timing. Because this year’s run timing has been very unusual, the goals within the current plan cannot be met without additional fishing opportunity. Accordingly, ADF&G is taking additional measures for all fisheries to harvest more Kenai River sockeye and avoid exceeding the in-river goal of 650,000 to 850,000 fish.

The Department of Fish and Game has or will be issuing Emergency Orders affecting the following fisheries:

1. Commercial - Commercial fishermen will be provided additional fishing time, beyond what is currently allowed in the management plan. This additional time may be used at the area manager’s discretion prior to the season closure of August 10, to harvest Kenai River bound sockeye salmon. Restrictions to the Northern District set gillnet fishery may continue to conserve Susitna River sockeye salmon.
2. Sport - The Kenai River sport fishery bag and possession limit below the River Mile 19 sonar site was increased to 6 per day and in possession.
3. Personal Use - The Kenai River Personal Use Dipnet fishery was reopened and will remain open 24 hours per day until 11:59 p.m. Thursday, August 10, unless closed earlier by Emergency Order. An announcement will be made and News Release issued to inform the public if the Personal Use Fishery will be closed prior to August 10. Because we are using all sectors simultaneously to reduce escapement, dip netting will likely require a higher level of effort per fish than when commercial fishing is not open.

If anglers have already turned in their personal use permit and did not harvest their allowable annual limit, they may obtain a “Duplicate” permit from ADF&G offices and vendors to harvest the remainder of their annual limit. Persons who request a personal use permit will be asked if they previously held a permit this season and if they harvested their annual limit. If anglers have already harvested their allowable annual limit, they may not be issued another permit. Person’s requesting a duplicate may be issued a permit and the word “DUPLICATE” will be written in large letters on both the vendor’s copy and on the permit. This duplicate permit will be considered an extension of the original, with the original annual limit applying. Anglers should not write down any fish harvested and recorded on a previously turned in permit, and record only the new fish they catch on the duplicate permit. Anglers are cautioned not to exceed their allowable annual limit between both the permits.

The coho salmon run is just beginning, and according to regulations adopted by the Board of Fisheries, is managed primarily for sport fisheries. On August 10 the East Side set gillnet fishery is scheduled to close. We believe that is better to take these actions now, while the ratio of coho to sockeye is very low, than later when many more coho will be present.

ADF&G will continue to monitor the run with all tools available in upper Cook Inlet, including, but not limited to, sonar projects, test fishing, and harvest monitoring. Information from these projects will continue to guide ADF&G’s management of Kenai River late-run sockeye salmon.

For more information, contact: Tracy Lingnau or Jim Hasbrouck in the Anchorage office of ADF&G: (907) 267-2104/2218.

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