Southeast geoduck season set at 264,000 pounds, first opening planned Oct. 7

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game set this season's Southeast Alaska geoduck harvest at 264,000 pounds, down from 443,600 pounds a year ago, the agency announced Tuesday.

The season opens by regulation Oct. 1. "The first opening is planned for October 7 depending on paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) test results," said Justin Breese, Ketchikan assistant area management biologist.

ADF&G sets the annual harvest rate at 2%, citing geoducks' long lifespan and low, sporadic recruitment. Kelp Island holds the largest limit at 136,500 pounds. Foggy Bay follows at 24,200 pounds, and Northwest Dall Island at 20,700 pounds.

Saint Nicholas Channel, North Lulu Island and Biorka Channel/Legma Island stay closed after biomass fell below 30% of original estimates. Sea otter predation is a documented factor in that decline.

Harvesters need a Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission permit and 2026/2027 ADF&G registration. They must notify the department 48 hours before fishing a new area.

Weekly openings in the Ketchikan area generally run 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays. The fishery closes Nov. 20 through Dec. 1 and Dec. 18 through Jan. 12.