Alaska Department of Fish and Game

This presentation outlines the management plan for Prince William Sound's spot shrimp fisheries. It details the shrimp's life history, survey methodologies, and stock assessments utilizing an updated surplus production model. Key focus areas include balancing commercial and non-commercial harvests, adapting to shifts in stock productivity, and protecting egg-bearing females. For 2026, due to declining stock status and lower productivity, the total allowable harvest has been established at 49,657 pounds, resulting in more restrictive measures for the non-commercial fishery and the closure of the commercial fishery.

This proposal outlines a comprehensive Deshka River King Salmon Fishery Management Plan designed to ensure adequate king salmon escapement and provide predictable management guidelines for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The plan details specific management actions for sport and guided sport fisheries, including closures, retention prohibitions, size limits, and adjustments to fishing hours and bag limits, which are contingent on pre-season forecasts and in-season escapement projections relative to sustainable escapement goals. The primary objective is to formalize current management practices, introduce new tools like size restrictions, and enhance transparency and stakeholder engagement in the management of this critical resource.

The Board of Fisheries convened for discussions and actions on Statewide Shellfish, PWS Shrimp, and Supplemental Issues. Key actions involved commercial crab and scallops, including modifying season start dates, increasing the legal size for male red king crab, and establishing the Aleutian Islands state-waters golden king crab fishery. Several proposals related to Kodiak District commercial Tanner crab fishery regulations, gear, and pot limits were addressed. Decisions were also made regarding Dungeness crab and razor clam fisheries management in Registration Area J and Cook Inlet. Furthermore, several proposals concerning Prince William Sound shrimp fisheries were acted upon. In the final session addressing Salmon and Herring, the board increased season dates and fishing periods for dip net gear under the Kenai River late-run king salmon stock of concern management plan, and created a Kvichak River Special Harvest Area. Miscellaneous business included adopting a finding to extend the Crab Observer Oversight Task Force, approving a letter to the Alaska Legislature concerning observer coverage and funding for Chinook salmon research, and delegating authority to the commissioner.

This document outlines proposed amendments to the Kenai River Late-Run Sockeye Salmon Management Plan. The primary objective is to manage the salmon stocks predominantly for sport, personal use, and guided sport anglers. Key proposals include increasing the sustainable escapement goal range to 1,300,000-1,750,000 salmon, adjusting inriver goal ranges, and modifying commercial fishery periods based on sockeye run strengths. The plan also aims to minimize the commercial harvest of other salmon species, regulate personal use dip net and sport fisheries, and consider the impact of noncommercial fishing on riparian habitat. The stated intent is to enhance fishing opportunities for inriver users and support the Kenai River valley's economy.

The document lists advisory committee comments for the Southeast and Yakutat Finfish discussion concerning the Alaska Board of Fisheries proposals. Various committees provided input on numerous proposals (BOF 114 through BOF 231), focusing heavily on king salmon size limits, herring management plans, commercial fishing gear restrictions (troll, drift gillnet, purse seine), and establishing allocation formulas for different user groups. Specific attention was given to proposals impacting king salmon management in the Taku and Chilkat Rivers (Proposal 174) and various allocations within Sitka Sound and the Yakutat Area.