News From USFWS To Kuskokwim Subsistence Fisherman

May 6, 2014

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service published an announcement today for subsistence fisherman in the Kuskokwim area.  That announcement can be found HERE.

On April 17, 2014, the Federal Subsistence Board adopted FSA 14-03, which closes the Kuskokwim Chinook salmon fishery with the exception of Federally qualified users with customary and traditional determinations.   According to today's announcement: "A harvest allocation of not more than 1,000 Chinook by USFWS permit only may take place in the middle of June.  No further allocation is projected for the remainder of the season."

More permit information will be made available to Kuskokwim area residents who qualified under the Section 804 Analysis by late May.

In regards to expected Fishing Restrictions, the announcement says this:

Subsistence salmon fishing on the Kuskokwim in 2014 will be closed early in the season.  During the salmon closures, the use of set gillnets with 4-inch or less size not exceeding 60 feet in length and 45 meshes in depth is allowed for the harvest of non-salmon species.  The announcement then goes on to list actions that are expected to take place in the season, with running closures moving upstream based on migratory timing of Chinook salmon.  Closures within the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge are expected to begin on May 20, 2014.