Conservation For King Salmon is the Message, Following KRSMWG Meeting on June 14th

The Kuskokwim River Salmon Management Working Group met Wednesday morning, June 14th, 2017.  The subsistence reports were heard, ADF&G staff gave their assessment, and overall there was agreement - the numbers aren't adding up well for Chinook salmon in the Kuskokwim River Drainage so far this year.The ADF&G assessment referenced a "snapshot" look into Chinook numbers.   Here is that snapshot provided by ADF&G on chinook salmon, taken from today's working group packet, numbers up to date as of 6/12.

• The Bethel Test Fish (BTF) daily Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) was 3.• The BTF cumulative CPUE is 21.• 22% years since 2008 fell below this cumulative CPUE.• 13% of the run is complete based on historical average run timing.• 16% of the run is complete based on a preliminary run timing forecast (official forecast will be available soon).• Late run scenarios are considered highly unlikely at this time due to the preliminary timing forecast (1.4 days early).• 15 - 22% of the run is expected to pass in the next 5 days.• Over the last 3 days, Chinook salmon made up 27% of the BTF catches, compared to 53% on average.

If these numbers tell us anything, it is that conservation for kings is necessary, and we are in another year where sockeye and coho will be relied heavily upon for subsistence needs.The next working group meeting is scheduled for  Wednesday, June 21st at 10 am.To view current escapement information, please visit the ADF&G Kuskokwim River Fish Counts page: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareakuskokwim.salmon#fishcountsFor the most up-to-date information regarding fishing opportunities please visit:USFWS: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/yukon_delta/wildlife_and_habitat/dailyupdate.htmlADF&G: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=cfnews_mobile.main