Shrimp boats are a coming.
The first Prince William Sound commercial shrimp pot fishing period of the season is set to open at 8 a.m. on April 15 and close at 8 p.m. on April 24.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) biologists said that as of the close of registration for the pot fishery on Monday, 106 vessels were registered. Last year 95 vessels registered.
Gear limits are initially set at a maximum of 25 shrimp pots per vessel. Fishing hours during this initial period are extended by emergency order from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Announcements of future fishing periods will be dependent on prompt catch reporting and harvest levels, ADF&G biologists said.
The area open to commercial fishing is designated Area 2.
All commercial shrimp pot vessels must call the reporting line at 907-226-3474 no earlier than 24 hours before fishing for each trip and provide: the Commercial Fishing Entry Commission (CFEC) permit holder name, vessel name and ADF&G number of the registered vessel, number of pots intended to be operated, statistical area where the vessel operator intends to fish, and intended length of the trip.
Before landing shrimp, all participating commercial shrimp pot vessels must call the reporting line at 907-226-3474, and report: the CFEC permit owner’s name, vessel name and ADF&G number, statistical areas fished and for each statistical area the number of pots pulled, harvest of spot shrimp, coonstripe shrimp and other shrimp in pounds, and specify tail or whole weight, date of landing, and fish tucket number.
