Board of Fish approves proposals

The two-week Alaska Board of Fisheries meetings concluded on Saturday afternoon with a few changes to the regulations, which are sure to affect northern district fisheries.

Last Thursday, the Board opened discussion on a ‘one percent’ rule and Saturday afternoon adopted the ruling.  It essentially strictly defines what constitutes the commercial fishing period and will hopefully eliminate confusion when determining when to close the Central District commercial setnet season.  The One percent rule will make a big difference in August on the numbers of coho salmon reaching the northern district waters.

aired Tues. – Six king salmon stocks were declared stocks of concern.  Several rivers on the west side of northern Cook Inlet have been closed to sport fishing.  Goose Creek, along the Parks Highway, has been closed to sport fishing for kings.

Although several proposals were introduced that would make changes in the personal dipnet regulations in Cook Inlet, no changes were made.  The board rejected all the proposals to reduce times and bag limits.  Mat Su Borough Blue Ribbon Sportsman’s Committee Chair – Bruce Knowles – predicted at the end of last week that the Board would make no changes and continue to uphold the Alaska Constitution, which allows for personal consumption.  He said the Kasilof  and the Kenai make their escapement goals and there is no reason not to continue the dipnetting in that area.

The regulations set this past week will hold thru the next three years until the next Board of Fisheries meeting.  For all the regulations, go to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website at adfg.alaska.gov