GoodSalmondotCom
2009-04-04 06:02:37
ADFG submitted a proposal at the last BOF meeting to close the Cross Sound Pink and Chum fishery. We did not get any valid reason for this at the Juneau AC meeting, other than there was low effort and value recently in the fishery, etc., as stated in the proposal. I saw this as a very dangerous precedent - that ADFG closed a fishery PERMANENTLY for reasons other than conservation. That's just not their role, as stated in the state constitution. I see ADFG should only take a fishery off the books for a conservation reason. Allocation issues should be left to the public to submit. This issue ends up being purely allocative, but with no other gear groups that I know of opposed to this fishery. I know alot of Taku gillnetters would almost pay to have more pinks caught most year so they don't have to pick them in here.
I heard there was some talk after we brought this up and vehemently opposed it that ADFG was going to open an experimental fishery there for kings. They could already do that as far as I can see.
So, does anyone out there know of some "real" reason this fishery was closed? I've talked to trollers in Cross Sound, who wanted the fishery extended from 5 to 7 days (and not closed!) who indicate they were never consulted. It just seems if we start allowing the government to close fisheries for their convenience or because of low effort and value as they stated in their proposal, that every fishery west of Togiak (and some east of it) could close for the same reason. Somebody help me out here. We bought some of the nicest pink and chums ever a few years ago from the FV Victoria out there, and wanted to do it again if we could figure out how to get them in here. It didn't make sense with the fuel prices last year, but it might have this year, EXCEPT THE DANG FISHERY IS NOW CLOSED!
Salty
2009-04-04 18:04:36
Brian told us he would manage it as an experimental Chinook area with a 1,000 fish Chinook limit which would give the guys five hundred more Chinook as by-catch in their pink and chum fishery. I was not sure on what he decided on the 7 day a week proposal but their was a lot of support for that. I explained the situation and Jim Wild had a long letter that was submitted explaining the situation to the Board of Fisheries.
There was no intent to eliminate the opportunity to catch chums and pinks in Cross Sound in late June. Just an effort to align the fishery with what is happening in spring management. I am hoping he opens the area and leaves it open. I am hoping the guys don't find a bunch of treaty kings in the area and get it closed thus eliminating the opportunity on pinks and chums.
The last time I fished up their in June and July we had good chum catch rates. But during those years we had better chum fishing on the coast around here too. For some reason those darn chums have been coming in deep until they pop up in front of the release sites.
Give Brian a call and ask him what he is planning. The spring troll meetings are coming up soon.