2021 Yakutat Set Gillnet Fishery Management Plan PDF Download

This management plan provides an overview of the expected salmon runs, spawning escapement goals, harvest projections, and management measures for the 2021 Yakutat commercial set gillnet fisheries. The Yakutat set gillnet will open by regulation as described in 5 AAC 30.310 and 5 AAC 30.320, or by emergency order. The Alsek River will open June 6, Dangerous River and Yakutat Bay will open June 13, Situk-Ahrnklin Inlet, and Manby Shore Outside Waters will open June 20. All Yakutat District fisheries will be opened by Sunday, June 27, except for the East Alsek, Akwe, and Italio Rivers which will open by emergency order when desired sockeye salmon escapement levels are observed. The Yakataga District coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) fisheries will also open by emergency order. Set gillnet fisheries are managed by adjusting fishing time and area in response to inseason assessments of run strength. Management emphasis will focus on sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka) and Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in June and July, and transition to coho salmon beginning the first Sunday in August. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game develops formal preseason forecasts for only the Situk River Chinook salmon run and is forecasting a total run of 1,550 large (3-ocean age and older) fish. Canada develops preseason forecasts for Alsek River sockeye and Chinook salmon runs. Continued poor productivity of Chinook salmon and sockeye salmon stocks warrants conservative fishery management during June and July. Other Yakutat sockeye and coho salmon runs are expected to be average to above average based on parent year harvests and escapements.