Region 1-Southeast News Release
(Released: June 21, 2005)
Contact:
Bob Johnson
Area Management Biologist (Yakutat)
Phone: (907) 784-3222
June 21, 2005
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced today that the Situk River bag and possession limit for sockeye salmon 16 inches or greater in length in the Situk River will be reduced from 6 per day, 12 in possession, to 2 fish per day and in possession. These changes will take effect at 12:01 A.M. Wednesday, June 22.
The Situk River drainage is managed for an optimum escapement goal of 50,000 sockeye salmon, with an escapement goal range of 30,000 to 70,000 spawners. The weir count on June 20 was 20,977 sockeye. Sockeye run timing in the Situk River is much earlier this season than historically observed. Indications are that this is a very early run, and not a large run. Due to the unprecedented early timing, managers are unable to forecast 2005 run-strength with confidence. Recent sockeye weir counts have declined and indications are that the overall run strength may fall near the lower end of the escapement goal.
As a result of the uncertainty in projecting the total Situk River sockeye salmon escapement with confidence and indications that the run may be nearing the peak, a reduction in the bag limit is necessary to achieve desired escapement levels.
ADF&G staff will continue to monitor the situation and take additional management actions as necessary depending on future run strength. For further information, anglers should call the Division of Sport Fish, Yakutat, at (907) 784-3222.
