Fisheries Temporary Special Action Request FSA23-01, submitted by the Native Village of Kwinhagak, requests the Federal Subsistence Board (Board) to close Federal public waters of the Kanektok River drainage to the harvest of Chinook and Chum salmon except by Federally qualified subsistence users from June 1 through June 30, 2023, and June 1 through June 30, 2024.
The request cites Chum Salmon stocks in Western Alaska are in decline with the poorest returns on record, escapement goals throughout the Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim region not being met, and the long period of decline of Chinook Salmon stocks throughout the state as reasons for the temporary special action request. In light of these concerns, the proponent considers that precautionary management actions are necessary due to the lack of available salmon assessment data for the Kanetok River.
Public hearings to receive testimony on FSA23-01 are scheduled as follows:
February 15, 2023, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (or until conclusion of public comments). In-person in Quinhagak, Alaska, at the Bingo Hall or via teleconference: Teleconference: 888-455-7765 Passcode: 5922158
February 21, 2022, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (or until conclusion of public comments). Teleconference: 888-455-7765 Passcode: 5922158
To participate via teleconference, call the toll-free telephone number provided above. When prompted, enter the passcode.
Comments will be forwarded to the Board for consideration when it meets for a public meeting to act on FSA23-01 at a date to be announced later this spring. Further information on the upcoming Board meeting will be provided through news releases, radio and newspaper ads, the program webpage (https://www.doi.gov/subsistence/board), and social media.
For more information on fisheries special actions and a link to the fact sheet on FSA23-01, go to: https://www.doi.gov/subsistence/fisheries-special-actions
