A recent study led by Anne Beaudreau, an associate professor at the University of Washington, explored the possibility of establishing a hatchery-only king salmon sports fishery in Southeast Alaska as a solution to declining wild king salmon populations. The study, funded by the Pacific Salmon Commission, considered the feasibility and desirability of such a fishery among Alaskans.
While a hatchery-only fishery could provide more sport fishing opportunities without impacting the U.S.-Canada treaty limits on wild king salmon harvest, the study found several challenges. Not all hatchery king salmon are marked, and there are concerns about incidental mortality of wild kings during catch-and-release fishing. Additionally, residents worry about the impact on commercial fisheries, charter boats, and resource diversion from habitat conservation.
Public meetings revealed community concerns about the lack of data on encountering wild versus hatchery kings, as well as the varying origins and destinations of king salmon in the region. State fisheries officials stated that there are too many unknowns at present to advance a specific proposal for a hatchery-only fishery.
While the study provides a high-level overview of the potential fishery, more data and community input would be needed to develop a viable plan. Although the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is not currently pursuing a hatchery-only fishery, they are open to assisting residents in gathering data for future proposals in specific areas.
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Photo credit alaskapublic.org