Beginning Monday, March 27 the bag limit for pelagic rockfish will be 3 fish per day and 6 in possession. 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.). See attached map.

An increase in pelagic rockfish harvest by sport anglers since 2009 has led to substantially higher harvest levels than previously seen. This harvest may be unsustainably high and in the interest of conservative management, bag limits will be reduced from 5 per day and 10 in possession to 3 per day and 6 in possession until better stock information is available.

For further information, contact the Sitka ADF&G office or visit: www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm

#17-2391