The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has announced reductions in coho salmon limits in the Prince William Sound and Resurrection Bay areas. In the Prince William Sound, the bag and possession limit for coho salmon has been reduced to one fish, while in Resurrection Bay, limits vary depending on the area. These restrictions have been put in place due to below-average coho salmon runs and a lack of assessment projects to inform the fish’s performance.
The reduction in limits is part of a precautionary approach to preserve future coho salmon runs. Emergency orders have also been issued for other areas in Southcentral Alaska, such as the Valdez Terminal Harvest Area and the Northern Cook Inlet area. The lack of escapement goals for coho salmon stocks in the Kenai Peninsula and the monitoring of coho salmon through the Bear Creek Weir in Seward influenced the decision to implement these limits.
Biologist Brittany Blain-Roth stated that the restrictions are necessary to reduce harvest and ensure the sustainability of coho salmon populations. Fishermen are advised to review the emergency orders and regulations in place in each specific area. For more information, individuals can contact the North Gulf Coast Area Management Biologist, Brittany Blain-Roth, at (907) 267-2186.
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