Bering Sea low threatens Norton Sound just as commercial salmon opener is set for July 24

A Bering Sea low-pressure system is expected to reach Norton Sound by late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, bringing gusty winds and high surf to the same coastal waters where commercial salmon fishers are scheduled to begin a 24-hour gillnet opening Friday evening.

National Weather Service Fairbanks issued a Special Weather Statement Tuesday for the West Coast from the Yukon Delta to Kivalina. The office says the system will bring west and northwest winds gusting to 45 mph and moderate to heavy rain Wednesday afternoon through Thursday night. Seas in Northwestern Alaska Coastal Waters are forecast to build to 9 feet Thursday night. The primary concerns are high surf and minor coastal flooding along the Yukon Delta, Norton Sound, and areas north of the Bering Strait, though significant impacts are not anticipated. NWS continues to monitor the storm. "The West Coast from the Yukon Delta to Kivalina should continue to monitor the latest forecasts," the office said Tuesday.

Commercial Opening

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced a 24-hour commercial salmon gillnet opening in Norton Sound Subdistricts 5 and 6, running from 6 p.m. Friday, July 24, to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 25. The department based the decision on North River tower escapement data showing a harvestable surplus of chum salmon. The opening is intended to gauge chum and coho salmon abundance in marine waters; additional commercial periods may be announced depending on fishing performance and escapement data. Mesh size is restricted to 6 inches or smaller. The opening does not affect subsistence fishing schedules.

Permit holders should check weather.gov/fairbanks for updated forecasts before heading out Friday.