PRESS RELEASE: NOAA’s next steps could start to rebalance the scales between factory trawlers and Alaskan communities

PRESS RELEASE: NOAA’s next steps could start to rebalance the scales between factory trawlers and Alaskan communities

Thousands of Alaskans and Americans, as well as the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Bering Sea Fishermen’s Association, Native Peoples Action, SalmonState, Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA), The Boat Company, Bear Trail Lodge, and DeepStrike Sportfishing, have formally urged federal fisheries managers to institute new, desperately needed updates to their management guidelines.

Federal Fishing Closure and Early June Harvest Opportunities Announced

Federal Fishing Closure and Early June Harvest Opportunities Announced

In consultation with KRITFC, the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge (YDNWR) Manager determined that Federal management and closures necessary for the conservation and the continuation of subsistence uses for Chinook, Chum, and Coho Salmon within the Federal public waters of the Kuskokwim River drainage. Early June harvest opportunities with set and drift gillnets were announced.

Public Hearing on Kuskokwim Salmon Fishing Closure

Public Hearing on Kuskokwim Salmon Fishing Closure

The Fisheries Management staff at the at Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge (YDNWR), in coordination with the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (KRITFC), proposes to close Federal public waters of the Kuskokwim River drainage to the harvest of Chinook, Chum, and Coho Salmon by all users starting June 1, 2023. Harvest opportunities for Federally qualified subsistence users may be announced during this closure. The public is encouraged to provide comments to the Federal Manager on the proposed closure.