September 22, 2004
Wednesday

Petersburg, Alaska - According to the U.S. Forest Service, the 2004 Stikine River Federal subsistence sockeye fishery was completed successfully this summer. During the July 1st to July 31st fishing season, 40 Southeast Alaska households from Wrangell and Petersburg obtained fishing permits. A total of 243 sockeye and 12 chinook salmon were harvested. All fish were harvested using gillnet fishing gear. Some local subsistence users said they were glad they had the opportunity to participate in a fishery that has long been part of the local cultural heritage.

The Federal Subsistence Board adopted regulations for this subsistence sockeye salmon fishery in January of this year after several years of negotiations with Canada and cooperation with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the Pacific Salmon Commission. This fishery targets sockeye salmon and is open to Alaska residents living in Petersburg, Wrangell and Meyers Chuck. Fishing permits are required and there is a guideline harvest of 600 sockeye although other species of fish may be retained if taken incidentally. The fishing area is restricted to the freshwater portions of the river.

According to a news release, the Federal Subsistence Board is committed to providing for additional opportunity to harvest chinook and coho salmon in the Stikine River. The Board says it is hopeful that cooperative efforts of the Federal Subsistence Board, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the Pacific Salmon Commission will allow directed fisheries for these species prior to the 2005 season.

Source of News Release:

U.S. Forest Service - Tongass National Forest
Web Site

 

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