Federal Subsistence Board News

Department of the Interior bison seal set against green mountainous background.

2021 Yukon River Salmon Fall Fishery Announcement #23 District 4 and Koyukuk River Subsistence Fishing Schedule Districts Affected: Upper Yukon Area

10/04/2021

The 2021 fall chum and coho salmon runs were the lowest on record which led to full season closures to subsistence salmon fishing. At this time, lower Yukon River assessment projects are complete for the season and very few salmon are entering the Yukon River. Subsistence fishing restrictions will be relaxed in District 4 once the majority of fall chum and coho salmon have migrated through the area. However, the Koyukuk River drainage will remain closed to subsistence salmon fishing through December to protect active salmon spawning areas. To provide more nonsalmon fishing opportunity, subsistence fishing for nonsalmon will be relaxed to seven days per week with 4-inch or smaller mesh gillnets and selective gear on October 30 in the Koyukuk River drainage.

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Department of the Interior bison seal set against green mountainous background.

2021 Yukon River Salmon Fall Fishery Announcement #22 Coastal District and Districts 1-3 Subsistence Fishing Schedule Districts Affected: Lower Yukon Area

10/04/2021

The 2021 fall chum and coho salmon runs were the lowest on record and led to full season closures to subsistence salmon fishing. At this time, lower Yukon River assessment projects are complete for the season and very few salmon are entering the Yukon River. Subsistence fishing restrictions are being removed starting in the Lower Yukon Area, based on fall chum salmon travel time.

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Department of the Interior bison seal set against green mountainous background.

2021 Yukon River Salmon Fall Fishery Announcement # 21 Fall Update # 9, Yukon Area Salmon Fishery Districts Affected: Yukon Area

09/24/2021

The Yukon River fall chum and coho salmon runs are the lowest on record. The fall chum salmon run is approximately 102,000 fish compared to a historical run size of 870,000 fish based on median timing. The coho salmon run is approximately 37,000 fish compared to a historical run size of 240,000 fish. Both the fall chum and coho salmon runs are nearly done entering the Yukon River. According to the Fall Chum Salmon Management Plan, the run size did not meet the threshold of 300,000 fish needed to allow subsistence, personal use or commercial fishing. The drainagewide escapement goal of 300,000-600,000 fall chum salmon, tributary escapement goals and Canadian treaty objectives are not expected to be achieved

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Department of the Interior bison seal set against green mountainous background.

2021 Yukon River Salmon Fall Fishery Announcement # 20 Fall Update # 8, Yukon Area Salmon Fishery Districts Affected: Yukon Area

09/19/2021

The Yukon River fall chum and coho salmon runs are the lowest on record, see Figures 1 and 2. The fall chum salmon run is approximately 99,000 fish compared to a historical run size of 870,000 fish based on median timing. The coho salmon run is approximately 37,000 fish compared to a historical run size of 240,000 fish. Both the fall chum and coho salmon runs are nearly done entering the Yukon River. According to the Fall Chum Salmon Management Plan, the run size did not meet the threshold of 300,000 fish needed to allow subsistence, personal use or commercial fishing. The drainagewide escapement goal of 300,000-600,000 fall chum salmon, tributary escapement goals and Canadian treaty objectives are not expected to be achieved.

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Department of the Interior bison seal set against green mountainous background.

Applicants Sought for Subsistence Regional Advisory Council Membership Deadline: February 28, 2022

09/17/2021

For Immediate Release:

September 17, 2021

Applicants Sought for Subsistence Regional Advisory Council Membership
Deadline: February 28, 2022

The Federal Subsistence Board is accepting applications through February 28, 2022 to fill seats on the
10 Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils (Councils). Council membership appointments are
typically for 3-year terms. There are approximately 38 seats open for appointment among all Councils.

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