State fisheries officials have extended the Prince William Sound commercial shrimp pot fishery through Sept. 15, with gear limits increased to 40 shrimp pots per vessel as of Saturday, May 15.
Hours of gear operation continue to be from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game officials announced their decision on the extension in Area 3 on Friday, May 14, noting that they will continue to closely monitor the harvest through call-in reports and fish tickets.
The first period of the PWS Commercial shrimp pot session ran from April 15-28, with a 70,000-pound guideline harvest level. The second period began May 10, with an initial closure on May 20. Total estimated harvest to date for the PWS shrimp pot season is about 25,000 pounds from available fish ticket and call-in reporting data, indicating less effort and associated harvest, and prompting the extended season.
Harvesters are reminded that only 50% of the guideline harvest level may be harvested in any one statistical area, and to monitor advisory announcements and the call-in line for potential statistical area closures. It is critical that participating harvesters call the reporting line with pre-trip and landing reports at 907-226-3474 to allow or ADF&G to monitor the harvest, officials said.
ADF&G staff said that reporting requirements must be followed exactly, and enforcement action will result from non-compliance. Other pertinent fishery regulations can be found in Chapters 31 and 39 of the 2019-2021 statewide commercial Shrimp, Dungeness Crab and Miscellaneous Shellfish Regulations, which are online at cdv.tiny.us/shellfish.
More information can be obtained by contacting ADF&G at 907-235-8191.
