New Fishing Regulations for Alaska Residents in Federal Waters
Sitka, AK – Alaska sport fishermen will face new regulations this year when fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), as announced by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). A public preseason meeting will be held on Wednesday night at Centennial Hall to discuss these changes.
For the first time, residents fishing in the EEZ, which extends from three to 200 nautical miles offshore, are required to adhere to all nonresident seasons, bag and possession limits, annual limits, and size limits. This regulatory shift comes following a proposal from California lawmaker Marc Gorelnik, aimed at equalizing regulations between resident and nonresident anglers in federal waters.
Troy Tydingco, ADF&G Sitka Area Manager, emphasized that Sitka is particularly affected by this change, as local anglers frequently access the EEZ. Historically, the fishing effort in the EEZ was minimal for residents; for example, in the past three years, their harvest amounted to less than 1% of the overall resident king salmon harvest.
Under the new rules, all anglers in the EEZ must follow nonresident regulations, significantly impacting residents who previously enjoyed more favorable limits and seasons. For instance, residents are now restricted to just one king salmon from the EEZ, compared to a daily catch with no annual limit in state waters.
Challenges are anticipated, especially for charter operators guiding mixed groups of residents and nonresidents. The ADF&G is working to address potential enforcement issues surrounding these new rules.
The ADF&G, alongside personnel from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and U.S. Coast Guard, will present an overview of these changes at Wednesday’s meeting, ensuring residents understand the new regulations. All community members are encouraged to attend at 7 p.m. to voice their concerns and seek clarity on the upcoming fishing season.
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Photo credit www.sitkasentinel.com
