Chignik River Federal Subsistence Fishery for Sockeye Salmon

This action is necessary to ensure the conservation of healthy populations of Chignik River Sockeye Salmon and the continuation of subsistence uses. Sockeye Salmon may only be harvested by Federally qualified subsistence users who are residents of Chignik Bay, Chignik Lagoon, Chignik Lake, Ivanof Bay, or Perryville who are in possession of a Federal Subsistence Harvest Permit during this time.

The biological escapement goal for early run Sockeye Salmon in the Chignik River drainage is 350,000 – 450,000 fish. The weir escapement estimate as of June 16 was 8,868 Sockeye Salmon, which is well below the 95,000 – 125,000 expected for this point in the run. Based on the current rate of escapement, it is unlikely that the lower end of the escapement goal for early-run Sockeye Salmon in the Chignik River drainage will be achieved. These low returns of early run Sockeye Salmon decrease fishing efficiency for Federally qualified subsistence users to harvest subsistence fish. This is in support of the conservation of healthy populations and the continuation of subsistence uses on public lands.

Permits can be acquired by contacting the Federal In-season Manager or at the Tribal Councils of Chignik Bay, Chignik Lagoon, Chignik Lake, and Perryville.

Information about the Federal Subsistence Management Program may be found on the web at www.doi.gov/subsistence or by visiting www.facebook.com/subsistencealaska.

Missing out on the latest Federal subsistence issues? If you’d like to receive emails and notifications on the Federal Subsistence Management Program you may subscribe for regular updates by emailing fws-fsb-subsistence-request@lists.fws.gov.

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