A public hearing is scheduled for May 6, 2021, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., via teleconference to receive public testimony on potential management actions on the Kuskokwim River Salmon Fishery. Emergency Special Action through delegation of authority to the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge (YDNWR) is expected due to:

1. Except for one of the past 11 years (2019), the Chinook salmon run has experienced low abundance and productivity,

2. The Chinook salmon run has not been abundant enough to meet defined long-term subsistence needs since 2010, and

3. Based on the preliminary Chinook salmon pre-season forecast from Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) it is anticipated that the 2021 Chinook run will not to be large enough to meet both escapement and subsistence harvest needs.

Based on these factors, the YDNWR Manager will propose the following management action to be discussed at this hearing:

• Close Federal public waters of the Kuskokwim River drainage to the harvest of Salmon except by Federally qualified subsistence users beginning approximately June 1, 2021 until superseded by a subsequent emergency special action.

The public is encouraged to participate in this hearing by calling the telephone number below. When prompted, enter the passcode. Comments will be forwarded to the manager of the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge for consideration. Please consider calling in and voicing your thoughts to the management team!

Public Hearing Information: Thursday, May 6, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (or until the end of public participation)

Teleconference: Toll Free: (888) 790-3358 Passcode: 6663156 (*Both the teleconference number and passcode have been updated from the numbers originally sent out on April 22, 2021)

View the full USFWS press release below.