2009 Norton Sound, Kotzebue, and Port Clarence Salmon Fishery News Release #26 ANNOUNCEMENT: SUBDISTRICTS 2 AND 3 COMMERCIAL SALMON FISHING SCHEDULE

Contact:
Jim Menard, Area Management Biologist
Scott Kent, Asst. Area Management Biologist
Phone: (907) 443-5167
Fax: (907) 443-5893

Districts Affected: Northern Norton Sound

The Niukluk River and Kwiniuk River salmon counting towers are used to evaluate salmon escapements in the Golovnin Bay and Moses Point Subdistricts, respectively. Through August 12, cumulative coho salmon passage estimates are 1,749 cohos at the Kwiniuk River and 1,476 cohos at the Niukluk River. Kwiniuk coho salmon escapements are below the recent 5-year average for this date. However, the final escapement is projected to range between 6,100-11,700 cohos, which will easily provide for subsistence fishing and escapement needs. Similarly, Niukluk River coho cumulative passage is slightly above average for this date and the escapement is projected to be between 5,100-6,400 cohos. The Niukluk River tower-based sustainable escapement goal range is 2,400-6,100 cohos.

Commercial catches of coho salmon in the Moses Point Subdistrict are record-setting for mid August. The record-setting catch of 2,154 cohos by 11 permit holders during the August 7th opening was followed by an August 10th opening catch of 1,809 cohos by 12 permit holders. Additionally, 4 permit holders in Golovnin Bay caught 1,000 cohos during the last 48-hour opening ending August 12.

Coho salmon escapement and subsistence fishing needs are projected to be reached and fishing power is minimal in the Golovnin Bay and Moses Point Subdistricts. There are coho salmon surpluses available for commercial harvest and the buyer has requested additional fishing opportunity in these subdistricts. Therefore, effective 6 p.m. Monday, August 17, the department will reopen Subdistricts 2 and 3 of the Norton Sound Districts, the Golovnin Bay and Moses Point Subdistricts, to a weekly commercial fishing schedule of two 48-hour openings per week. Fishing periods will be from 6 p.m. Monday to 6 p.m. Wednesday and 6 p.m. Thursday to 6 p.m. Saturday. Permit holders are limited to 100 fathoms of net in aggregate length and gillnets must have a mesh size of 6 inches or less. The commercial salmon fishing season in Subdistricts 2 and 3 will close by regulation on August 31. If coho escapements suddenly drop off, the department may rescind the schedule at any time.