(Sitka) - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is announcing a reduction in the pelagic rockfish limits for 2023 in the Sitka Area (Central Southeast Outside Section). The affected area includes the marine waters west of Baranof and Chichagof Islands between 57˚ 30′ N. Latitude and the Latitude of Cape Ommaney (56˚ 9.60′ N.). These regulations will be effective 12:01 a.m. Monday, April 24 through 11:59 p.m. December 31, 2023. The regulations are:

Residents

The resident daily bag limit is four pelagic rockfish, eight in possession, no size limit.

Nonresidents

The nonresident daily bag limit is two pelagic rockfish, four in possession, no size limit.

An increase in pelagic rockfish harvest by sport anglers since 2009 has led to substantially higher harvest levels than previously seen. Despite reductions in bag and possession limits in 2016, the sport harvest of pelagic rockfish has now increased to levels observed prior to 2016. This harvest may be unsustainably high and in the interest of conservative management, this action is being taken to reduce the harvest of pelagic rockfish until better stock information is available. The department is actively working to collect information to better inform the stock status of pelagic rockfish and sustainable harvest levels.

For further information, contact the Sitka ADF&G office at 907-747-5355 or visit our site.

#23-3496