Four cited in Bristol Bay enforcement push covering vessel ID and sport guide violations

Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited four people across two Bristol Bay districts in three days last week, issuing charges for commercial vessel identification failures and a sport fish guide violation during peak sockeye season.

Three Nushagak District citations for vessel identification violations went to John Chakuchin, 56, of Bethel; Dale Moses, 50, of Akiachak; and Scott Holland, 38, of Haiku, Hawaii, cited July 7 and July 10. All three face arraignment at Dillingham District Court on August 3. A fourth citation, for sport fish guide requirement violations on the Naknek River, was issued July 7 to Alyssa L. Stewart, 29, of Helena, Montana. Her arraignment is set for Naknek District Court on August 6.

The citations continue a broader 2026 enforcement push in the region. Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited 13 commercial fishers in a separate 10-day Bristol Bay enforcement action in late June and early July. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game's March 2026 Bristol Bay outlook had flagged increased improper vessel-identification markings and identified them as an enforcement priority for the season.

All four cases were filed under the Bristol Bay Salmon Enforcement Program. All charges are accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.