Board of Fisheries panel to examine salmon plans </MCC HEAD>

Story last updated at 7:59 PM on Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Board of Fisheries panel to examine salmon plans

The Board of Fisheries has formed a committee to look at Upper Cook Inlet salmon management plans and issues, and is seeking public comment by Feb. 15.

Upper Cook Inlet sal-mon management is governed by five different management plans by regulation. Many of these plans overlap in time and area and may have objectives that compete with one another. Often, these plans do not provide clear guidance to fishery managers as to which objectives may have priority under different circumstances.

With this in mind, the Board of Fisheries established a committee to examine the numerous Upper Cook Inlet salmon management plans, in preparation for the regular, in-cycle Upper Cook Inlet Board of Fisheries meeting during the winter of 2007-2008.

The committee’s initial task was to develop a draft issues paper based on input from the Department of Fish and Game. That issues paper is available through the board’s Web site at http://www.boards. adfg.state.ak.us/.

The issues paper looks at subjects such as pre-season forecast versus actual run strength in regulating the drift fleet, using the drift fleet as a tool to control escapements in the Kenai and Kasilof rivers while trying to prevent Yenta River interception, problems with frequent overescapement in the Kasilof River, and personal-use and sportfish bag limits.

The committee understands this initial draft may not include issues or conflicts from the perspective of the various resource user groups. After the committee reviews the comments received, the committee will prepare a final draft for submission to the full board for its consideration at its March meeting. It is the committee’s hope that the final issues paper may help focus public proposals and comments for the April 10 proposal deadline. Comments can be sent to: ATTN: BOF Cook Inlet Comments, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Boards Support Section, P.O. Box 115526, Juneau, AK 99811-5526, or fax to (907) 465-6094.

United Fishermen of Alaska, the state’s largest commercial fisheries trade association, issued a statement applauding the appointment of Denby Lloyd as acting commissioner of Fish and Game by newly elected Gov. Sarah Palin.

UFA had recommended four names to Palin for commissioner including Lloyd. UFA had been informed that Lloyd planned to take a position with NOAA in January and hoped he could be convinced to remain with the state.

“We felt that it was a long shot but did not want to rule out Mr. Lloyd, even though it was assumed that he was not available for the job. Governor Palin said at her inauguration that she would seek to attract the best qualified individuals for her Cabinet, and we applaud her for considering and attracting Denby for the job,” said UFA President Bob Thorstenson Jr.

“We are pleased to have an experienced biologist and proven divisional manager from within the department to fill its highest position, and we feel that Denby will maintain a balance between the needs of those who depend on Alaska’s fish and game, with emphasis first and foremost on the sustainability of those resources,” said Thor-stenson. UFA represents 33 Alaska commercial fishing organizations.

Cristy Fry has commercial fished in Homer since 1978. She also designs and builds gear for the industry. She currently longlines for halibut and gillnets salmon in upper Cook Inlet aboard the F/V Realist.