Chignik River Federal Subsistence Fishery for Chinook Salmon

This action is necessary to ensure the continued viability of the Chignik River Chinook Salmon population. This action prohibits all fishing for Chinook Salmon and they may not be retained or possessed. Chinook Salmon accidentally caught while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.

The biological escapement goal for Chinook Salmon in the Chignik River drainage is 1,300 to 2,700 fish. The weir count as of July 11 was 243 Chinook Salmon. Based on historical run timing, approximately 50% of the escapement has occurred by July 15, and the current projected total escapement is approximately 900 fish. Through Section 816 of ANILCA, this Emergency Special Action (8-KS-01-21) closes fishing for Chinook Salmon in the Federal public waters of the Chignik River drainage due to concerns about the viability of the population.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game fishery managers have implemented restrictions to sport and subsistence fisheries. Effective July 14, this emergency special action (8-KS-01-21) will close Chignik River Federal Public waters to the harvest of Chinook Salmon for all users concurrently with the closures of Chignik River state subsistence fishery and sport fishery for Chinook Salmon.

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.

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