Fish and Game sets cleanup rules for herring pound structures

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game issued new rules April 28 for removing herring pound structures in Prince William Sound after spawn-on-kelp harvest operations end.

Prince William Sound Herring Announcement #5 sets specific timelines for commercial permit holders to move or fully remove pound structures from the water. The rules aim to prevent disease transmission and ensure orderly closure of the fishery after sac roe and spawn-on-kelp harvests.

The announcement affects commercial herring permit holders, processors, and seine and gillnet operators working in Prince William Sound districts, including exploratory fisheries in the Kayak Island District. Cordova-based fishers must register with Fish and Game offices.

Background on 2026 season

The post-spawn management rules follow four earlier announcements issued between February and April 2026. Announcement #1, released February 24, noted minimal harvest potential due to market conditions and closed spawn-on-kelp operations in closed pounds for 2026 because of disease risks.

An aerial survey in March 2026 observed approximately 60 tons of herring in Prince William Sound waters.

The 2026 season marks the first major opening for Prince William Sound herring since 1998, but buyer uncertainty has dampened commercial interest. Low market demand may limit how many operators actually use pound structures this season.

How pound structures work

Spawn-on-kelp fisheries use pound structures to hold herring while they deposit eggs on suspended kelp fronds. After harvest, the structures must be removed to prevent disease spread among remaining wild herring populations.

The Prince William Sound Management Area includes waters from Kayak Island west through the sound. Commercial herring fisheries in the region have faced closures and restrictions for more than two decades due to population concerns.

Permit holders with questions about pound structure removal timelines or registration requirements should contact Fish and Game offices in Cordova. Fishers and processors can find the full text of Announcement #5 and previous announcements on the Fish and Game commercial fishing news page.