SITKA SOUND HERRING FISHERY UPDATE #7

English: Mount Verstovia, Alaska, USA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Sitka Area Office
Time: 8:00 a.m.

Yesterday, March 27, the Sitka Sound herring sac roe fishery was opened from 3:00 p.m. until 6:05 p.m. in an area southwest of a line from the easternmost tip of Bieli Rock to the westernmost tip of Makhnati  Island, north of 57° 02.40’ N. latitude and east of 135° 29.97’ W. longitude. The preliminary harvest for  this opening was approximately 2,100 tons.

Vessel and aerial surveys conducted yesterday indicated herring were beginning to move from offshore areas into the island groups to the south of Middle and Kasiana Islands. Large numbers of whales continue to be seen in the offshore areas as well. No spawning has been recorded as of March 27. Herring were seen in shallow waters on the southeast side of Kasiana Island during the aerial survey.

The plan for tomorrow is to continue vessel and aerial surveys and to conduct test sampling to monitor herring distribution and roe quality. The fishery is on 2-hour notice meaning a fishery may be announced at anytime giving only 2-hour advanced notice to an opening time.