State seeks public comment on Yukon River salmon fishing rules by April 30

The Alaska Board of Fisheries is accepting written public comments through 5:00 PM on April 30 on proposed changes to Yukon River fall chum salmon fishing regulations.

The board plans to add the term "traditional knowledge" to the Yukon River Drainage Fall Chum Salmon Management Plan. If approved, this change would formally incorporate traditional knowledge alongside scientific data in managing the fishery.

The board will consider the proposal during a special online meeting on May 1 at 1:00 PM. The public can watch the livestream at https://boardoffisheries.adfg.alaska.gov/, but no oral testimony will be taken.

The proposal affects subsistence, personal use, commercial, and sport fishing regulations for Yukon River fall chum salmon. The board has broad authority to modify fishing rules to ensure subsistence priority under state law.

Written comments must be submitted online at https://boardoffisheries.adfg.alaska.gov/, mailed to ADF&G Boards Support Section at P.O. Box 115526, Juneau, AK 99811-5526, or faxed to 907-465-6094.

The full proposal text is available at https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fisheriesboard.proposalbook. Contact Art Nelson at 907-267-2292 or [email protected] for accommodation requests or questions.