State fisheries officials are advising commercial harvesters to confirm their market prior to fishing, as Prince William Sound purse seine fisheries are anticipated to close for the season next Friday, Sept. 15.
Biologists with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s (ADF&G) Cordova office noted Tuesday that the Valdez Fisheries Development Association had reported that its Solomon Gulch Hatchery coho salmon run entry and broodstock numbers are behind anticipated levels.
Waters of the Eastern, Northern and Northwestern districts of Prince William Sound were open to commercial purse seine fishing for daily 12-hour periods from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Wednesday, Sept. 13, as well as those of the Montague, Southeastern and Southwestern districts.
ADF&G said the next scheduled seine fisheries announcements were anticipated on Wednesday, Sept. 13.
Upcoming announcement recordings for seine fisheries were also to be available by calling 907-424-7345, and for gillnet fisheries by calling 907-424-7535.
