Bristol Bay enforcement program yields 11 citations across Naknek and Nushagak districts

Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited at least 11 people across the Naknek and Nushagak districts between June 27 and July 10, with violations ranging from fishing closed waters and closed periods to unlicensed crewmembers and gear-marking infractions. A first conviction on certain Bristol Bay commercial fishing violations can bring a fine of up to $5,000 and loss of commercial fishing privileges for up to three years. All charges reported in trooper notices are accusations; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

In the Naknek District, two fishers were cited July 7 for commercial fishing during a closed period, with arraignments set for Aug. 5 in Naknek District Court. A South Naknek man was cited for carrying an unlicensed crewmember, and two South Naknek residents were cited July 10 for setting a gillnet too close to another net in the Naknek Commercial Fishing District, with arraignments set for Aug. 6. A Washington state man was cited the same day for displaying multiple CFEC numbers on set gillnet end buoys. A Virginia man, 20, was cited July 9 on the Naknek River for failing to provide proof of a current sport fish guide license. Shane Jason Mitchell, 50, of Morristown, Tennessee, was cited July 10 for unlawful practices and record of purchases, with arraignment set for Aug. 6 in Naknek District Court.

In the Nushagak District, a Vernon Hills, Illinois man was cited June 27 for commercial fishing in closed waters, with arraignment set for Aug. 4 at Dillingham District Court. Two Dillingham residents were each cited June 27 for failure to register, with arraignments set for Aug. 3. Two more were cited July 10 for vessel identification violations, also headed to Dillingham District Court on Aug. 3.