Three cited at Chitina dipnet fishery over July 4 weekend; one faces mandatory court date

Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited three fishers at the Chitina Personal Use Salmon Fishery during the July 3-5 emergency-order opening, the only window available over the July 4 weekend. ADF&G closed the fishery July 6-12 to protect the Copper River sockeye escapement goal.

The most serious citation went to a Fairbanks man, 32, contacted July 5. Troopers alleged he retained one king salmon in violation of a standing Emergency Order. ADF&G Area Management Biologist Tracy Hansen stated that "king salmon retention has been prohibited in the personal use fishery this season" and that "all king salmon caught must be released immediately and returned to the water unharmed." He faces a mandatory Glennallen Court appearance.

On July 4, troopers contacted an Anchorage man, 69, and found he had exceeded his authorized household limit of 55 sockeye by 56 fish. He was summoned for arraignment in Glennallen.

A North Pole man, 65, was cited July 5 for failing to record his catch before leaving the site and for concealing fish from plain view. His citation carries an optional court appearance.

All charges reported are accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The fishery is closed July 6 through July 12 to reduce harvest and help meet the Copper River sockeye escapement goal. Failure to report harvest data by October 15 can bring a $200 fine and denial of future permits. Fishers should confirm the current ADF&G emergency-order schedule before returning to the river.