Region 1-Southeast News Release
(Released: July 05, 2005)
Contact:
Bob Johnson
Area Management Biologist (Yakutat)
Phone: (907) 784-3222
July 05, 2005
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced today that the bag and possession limit for sockeye salmon 16 inches or greater in length in the Situk River downstream of the weir, will be increased to 6 per day, 12 in possession. Sockeye salmon bag and possession limits continue at 2 fish per day and in possession upstream of the ADF&G weir. These changes will take effect at 12:01 A.M. Wednesday, July 6
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 July 4 was 39,904 sockeye and the 2005 sockeye escapement is now within the escapement goal range. Recent low water levels are crowding concentrations of sockeye into a few holding areas in the upper portions of the Situk River. Water temperatures in the upper reaches of the Situk River may soon reach critical levels and expose fish to additional stress. Bag limit restrictions upstream of the weir remain necessary to keep the sockeye escapement within the management range.
Managers will continue to monitor the situation and take additional management actions as necessary depending on water levels and future run strength. For further information, anglers should call the Division of Sport Fish, Yakutat, at (907) 784-3222
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