ADF&G Releases the 2013 Preliminary Kuskokwim Area Salmon Season Summary
October 17, 2013
The information taken from this article comes from the ADF&G News Release, issued October 9, 2013. To read the News Release in its entirety, please go here.
In January 2013, the Board of Fish met and approved a new management plan (5 AAC 07.365), and a new drainage wide Chinook salmon sustainable escapement goal(SEG) of 65,000-120,000 fish. Following the management plan, in 2013 ADF&G used in season run projections based on BTF catch per unit effort (CPUE) and subsistence harvest reports to assess current run abundance.
The Chinook salmon forecast was 160,000-240,000 fish. Given that the escapement goal was 65,000-120,000, this would have left enough Chinook salmon after escapement to meet average subsistence Chinook harvest of 84,000 fish. The forecast didn't turn out to be true: subsistence harvest needs were not met all along the river and escapement goals will likely not be met either.
Based on BTF, the Chinook salmon run started about one week later than average, had a strong pulse and then dropped off about two weeks earlier than average. Chinook salmon escapement at tributary weirs were the lowest on record at all projects. Escapement goals at the George River and the Kogrukluk River were not met. The drainage wide SEG was "likely not achieved", but estimates won't be final until this winter.
The following restrictions occurred on the main stem of the Kuskokwim in 2013: Gillnet mesh size was restricted and hook and line Chinook salmon fishing was closed from the mouth of the Kuskokwim to Tuluksak from June 28 through July 9 and from Tuluksak to Chuathbaluk from July 3 through July 14.
Looking forward, ADF&G says this about the 2014 Management Strategy:
"The Kuskokwim Area has experienced low Chinook salmon runs during the past four years and run sizes the past two years were among the lowest on record. In 2012 and 2013, the majority of escapement goals were not consistently achieved. As a result the department will be working with the public to implement a more conservative management strategy for Chinook salmon in 2014.
In general, management will be restrictive at the onset of the season with the potential to relax restrictions based on inseason information if warranted. Management options and specific actions to be taken will be discussed with federal managers, the Working Group, and public stakeholders through the winter with the expectation for finalized management strategies prior to the season.
Management options under consideration in the Kuskokwim River include significant reductions in subsistence fishing time, gillnet mesh size and fish wheel restrictions, and delaying the onset of commercial fishing in District 1 to avoid incidental harvest of Chinook salmon."
The general consensus from folks along the river is that we have a lot of work to do. I think we can all agree that no one wants to see numbers this low again. In my opinion, working together is the only way to ensure that this goal is met.
