Federal Subsistence Board News

Districts Affected: Upper Yukon AreaThe Canadian-origin run size, based on genetic data and the Chinook salmon passage at Pilot Station sonar, was estimated to be about 95,000 fish, which is above the upper end of the pre-season forecast of 69,000 to 99,000 fish.  The department has switched to projecting the run size based on inseason passage at the Eagle sonar project and current run timing. The run appears to be about 2 to 3 days later than normal. Therefore, the approximately 16,000 Chinook counted at the Eagle sonar likely represents between 25% and 36% of the expected total passage at the project. 

Districts Affected: Yukon AreaThe 2019 fall chum salmon preseason run projection, based on the summer chum to fall chum salmon relationship, is for a run size of 625,000 fall chum salmon with a range of 500,000 to 750,000 fish. Run sizes within this range are expected to provide for escapement and subsistence use needs. The estimated fall chum salmon run size through July 21 is 119,000 fish, which is above the historical median of 68,000 fish for that date. The front of the fall season chum salmon migration is expected to be near Kaltag on July 30, Galena around August 1, and Tanana/Huslia around August 6, Rampart around August 8 and the Canadian border around August 26.

Districts Affected: Lower Yukon AreaThe 2019 fall chum salmon preseason projection, based on the relationship between summer chum to fall chum salmon run sizes, is for a run size of 625,000 fall chum salmon with a range of 500,000 to 750,000 fish. Run sizes within this range are expected to provide for escapement and subsistence use needs. In accordance with the Yukon River Drainage Fall Chum Salmon Management Plan, a threshold run size of 550,000 fish is necessary to open a fall chum salmon directed commercial fishery. Commercial fishing is allowed on the surplus above that level.

Districts Affected: Upper Yukon AreaThe 2019 fall chum salmon preseason run projection, based on the summer chum to fall chum salmon relationship, is for a run size of 625,000 fall chum salmon with a range of 500,000 to 750,000 fish. Run sizes within this range are expected to provide for escapement and subsistence use needs. The commercial fishing season is open in District 4, however, there are no buyers registered in the district. In accordance with the Yukon River Drainage Fall Chum Salmon Management Plan, a threshold run size of 550,000 fish is necessary to open a fall chum salmon directed commercial fishery. Commercial fishing is allowed on the surplus above 550,000. Processors, catcher sellers, or direct marketers interested in operating in District 4 should notify the department by contacting the Fairbanks office at 459-7274.

Districts Affected: Lower Yukon AreaThe 2019 fall chum salmon preseason projection, based on the relationship between summer chum to fall chum salmon run sizes, is for a run size of 625,000 fall chum salmon with a range of 500,000 to 750,000 fish. Run sizes within this range are expected to provide for escapement and subsistence use needs. In accordance with the Yukon River Drainage Fall Chum Salmon Management Plan, a threshold run size of 550,000 fish is necessary to open a fall chum salmon directed commercial fishery. Commercial fishing is allowed on the surplus above that level.

In a July 19, 2019 teleconference, the Federal Subsistence Board (Board) discussed and took action on three Temporary Wildlife Special Action Requests. The Board rejected WSA19-03, approved WSA19-05 with modification, and approved WSA19-06.

COPPER CENTER, AK – This week plans for the 2019 federal subsistence hunt for the Chisana caribou herd were announced by Wrangell-St. Elias Superintendent Ben Bobowski, the designated federal manager for the hunt. The Federal Subsistence Board authorized a limited harvest from the Chisana caribou herd at its January 2012 meeting. Consistent with the cooperative management plan for the herd, the harvest quota will be 7 bull caribou. The hunt will open on August 10 and close on September 30 or when the quota has been reached. 

Wrangell, Alaska – Wrangell District Ranger Clint Kolarich, under authority delegated by the Federal Subsistence Board, is closing the June 21 – July 31, 2019 Federal subsistence Sockeye Salmon fishery in the Stikine River. The closure will be effective Sunday, July 21, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. and will remain in effect through the rest of the 2019 season which ends July 31.

Districts Affected: Lower Yukon AreaThe 2019 fall chum salmon preseason projection, based on the relationship between summer chum to fall chum salmon run sizes, is for a run size of 625,000 fall chum salmon with a range of 500,000 to 750,000 fish. Run sizes within this range are expected to provide for escapement and subsistence use needs. In accordance with the Yukon River Drainage Fall Chum Salmon Management Plan, a threshold run size of 550,000 fish is necessary to open a fall chum salmon directed commercial fishery. Commercial fishing would be allowed on the surplus above that level. During the transitional period between the summer and fall seasons, a large number of summer chum salmon are still entering the river. A commercial period at this time would harvest a mixture of both summer and fall chum salmon. Fishermen should standby for future announcements regarding commercial fishing.

Districts Affected: Lower Yukon AreaThis is a notice to commercial fishermen; tonight’s (July 15) 12-hour period from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in District 2 is effectively cancelled. There is no buyer. Due to utility failures resulting in insufficient ice and refrigeration, Kwik’Pak will not be able to purchase fish today in District 2.