Region 1-Southeast News Release
(Released: July 29, 2005)
Contact:
Bob Johnson
Area Management Biologist (Yakutat)
Phone: (907) 784-3222
July 29, 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 increased to 6 per day, 12 in possession upstream from the weir. These changes will take effect at 12:01 A.M. Saturday, July 30.
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 27 was 65,218 sockeye and the 2005 sockeye escapement is now well within the escapement goal range. Recent extreme low water levels have moderated, and weather conditions have brought water temperatures to acceptable levels. As a result, bag limit restrictions upstream of the weir are no longer necessary.
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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