For the fifteenth year in a row… the Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced on February 25th that the eulachon fisheries in several areas of Southeast Alaska, including around Revillagigedo Island will remain closed.
Eulachon are small, oily fish and are a traditional food for Alaska Natives.
Fish and Game reports spawning runs in the southern portions of Southeast Alaska have fluctuated largely in recent years and continue to show poor returns. State biologists say the closures are necessary to sustain and rebuild healthy stocks.
There has been no eulachon fishery in the area since 2005, when the run collapsed.
In addition to state-managed fisheries, the Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger District announced the closure of all Federal public waters that flow into this area beginning March 1st Any fish caught must immediately be returned to the water unharmed.
The ranger district, in cooperation with ADF&G and Ketchikan Indian Community will continue to monitor returns.
______________________________________________________________
Maps – https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/migrated/subsistence/library/maps/upload/se.pdf
Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger District contacts: Susan Howle – 907-228-4100, Jon Hyde – 907-228-4137, or Jeff Reeves at 907-826-1649.
