Extensive conservation measures will be in effect through the duration of Chinook salmon runs for the Stikine and Taku rivers in 2019, due to very low forecasts and recent poor runs to these transboundary waterways.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game officials said the decision announced on Nov. 30 is based on preseason forecasts for king salmon returning to the two rivers.
The 2019 preseason terminal run forecast for the Stikine River large Chinook salmon is 8,250 fish. A terminal run forecast of this size does not provide an allowable catch for either the U.S. or Canada, as the forecast is below the lower end of the escapement goal range of 14,000 to 28,000 fish.
Likewise, for the Taku River large Chinook salmon, with a preseason terminal run forecast of 9,050 fish, which is below the lower end of the escapement goal range of 19,000 to 36,000 fish.
