Action taken to conserve Kuskokwim River Chinook Salmon

by the USFWS

Federal Public Waters Closed to Chinook Salmon Fishing by Federally Qualified Subsistence Users Beginning June 12.

In consultation with the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (KRITFC) and the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADFG), the Federal In-season Manager has closed Federal public waters of the Kuskokwim River main-stem and salmon-bearing tributaries within the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge boundary to the harvest of Chinook salmon by Federally qualified subsistence users beginning 12:01 a.m., June 12, 2017.

Salmon tributaries are the Eek, Kwethluk, Kasigluk, Kisaralik, Tuluksak, and Aniak within the boundaries of the refuge. This closure is based on the need to conserve a lower than average Chinook salmon run.

The Federal Subsistence Board closed these Federal public waters to the harvest of Chinook salmon by non-Federally qualified subsistence users via special action issued on May 22, 2017.

Non-salmon tributaries 100 yards upstream of their confluence with the Kuskokwim River remain open to all users by means and methods outlined in permanent regulation by the ADFG and the Federal Subsistence Management Program (FSMP).

The Federal In-season Manager will announce Chinook salmon fishing opportunities for Federally qualified users in future news releases.

This closure has been implemented by Federal Emergency Special Action (3-KS-02-17) under the delegated authority of the Federal Subsistence Board.

Access up-to-date information on fishing opportunities by calling 907-543-1037 or visit the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge Facebook page or www.fws.gov/refuge/yukon_delta/. Questions? call the Refuge at (907) 543-3151 or at (800) 621-5804.

Additional information on 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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This news release was issued on May 24, 2017.