ADF&G bars Situk king retention in Yakutat set gillnet opening

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game opened most Yakutat District waters to commercial set gillnetting for sockeye from midday Aug. 16 through noon Aug. 19, but Situk River king salmon of any size stayed off limits to retention.

The Aug. 14 announcement, issued under Emergency Order 1Y1426, also opened the Yakataga District from 9 a.m. Aug. 16 through 9 a.m. Aug. 19.

Any Chinook found dead in a net had to have its dorsal fin removed immediately, then be recorded on a fish ticket by number and weight under disposition code "86-Donated." Fishermen had to deliver those fish to a buyer or to the Yakutat ADF&G office, which distributes them to people in need.

Those terms applied to that opening only. ADF&G posted a newer Yakutat notice Aug. 21, and openings can change quickly by emergency order.

The department has repeatedly closed Chinook retention this year as Situk River escapement fell: from about 1,250 fish annually between 1976 and 2007 to about 600 since 2008. The Yakutat ADF&G office accepts donated fish and answers questions at 907-784-3255.