The Alaska Department of Fish and Game recently announced the retention of big skates as bycatch in directed groundfish and Pacific halibut fisheries in Cook Inlet Area state waters is prohibited through Dec. 31.

The prohibition went into effect Nov. 26.

The National Marine Fisheries Service made prohibited the retention of big skates in the federal Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska, or CGOA, effective Nov. 21. According to a Nov. 25 press release from ADF&G, big skate harvest in the Cook Inlet accrues to the federal CGOA Total Allowable Catch — therefore, in order to remain consistent with federal regulations, the retention of big skates in Cook Inlet directed groundfish and halibut fisheries was also prohibited.

Another advisory announcement to close big skate retention in the western section of the Outside District in Prince William Sounds was made in conjunction with the above.

For more information, contact the Homer ADF&G office at 907-235-8191.