AK Kodiak Salmon Set Gillnet Fishery - MMPA List of Fisheries

Current Classification on the List of Fisheries

^ Number of participants estimates are based on state and federal fisheries permit data. The estimated number of participants is expressed in terms of the number of active participants in the fishery, when possible. If this information is not available, the estimated number of vessels or persons licensed for a particular fishery is provided. If no recent information is available on the number of participants, then the number from the most recent LOF is used. NOAA Fisheries acknowledges that, in some cases, these estimations may be inflating actual effort.

*Observer coverage levels include the latest information reported in the most current final Stock Assessment Report (SAR).

¹ Indicates the stock or species is driving the classification of the fishery.

Basis for Current Classification

The total annual mortality and serious injury of harbor porpoise (Gulf of Alaska [GOA] stock) in this fishery is greater than 1% and less than 50% of the stock’s Potential Biological Removal (PBR) level.

Distribution

This fishery generally operates from June 9 to the end of September or early October.  Many areas are open until early October, but most fishermen remove the nets by early September.  As the runs progress in late July and change from sockeye to pink salmon, the AK Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) often reduces the length of openers if escapement goals have not been met.  Fishing effort begins to reduce in mid- to late-August as salmon runs begin to decline.

This fishery consists of two Districts, the Northwest District from Spruce Island to the south side of Uyak Bay, and the Alitak Bay District located on the southwestern corner of Kodiak Island.  In most years, the Northwest District is fished by approximately 100 permit holders and constitutes approximately 70% of the annual fishing effort, while the Alitak Bay District is fished by approximately 70 permit holders and constitutes approximately 30% of the annual fishing effort.  Traditionally, the Northwest District is open for the majority of June and July, while effort in the Alitak Bay District typically occurs 5 to 7 days out of every 10 days during the fishing season.

Gear Description

This fishery uses set gillnet gear with continuous soak times during the opener.  Fishing effort occurs during the day, with the catch is picked from the net two or more times each day.  The majority of set gillnets are attached to a shore lead up to 80 fathoms (480 ft; 146 m) long in a straight line to a king buoy offshore, with numerous anchor lines and buoys holding the net in place.  The last 25 fathoms (150 ft; 46 m) of the net is usually formed into a fish trap, also called a hook.

Salmon may only be fished commercially during periods known as openers established by the AK Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) in-season.  Openers may last days or weeks. The ADFG posts weekly notices of fishing openers and announces the openers on regular radio channels. Fishing periods are often extended by emergency order during the last 24 hours of the opener.

Management

This fishery is managed by the ADFG as a limited entry fishery with gear restrictions on the mesh and net size, and area closures.

Historical Information

Timeline of Changes