30 JULY 1998. ALASKA: FISHERY
"AK Salmon Season. As of July 22, 1998, about 9.6 million sockeye had been
caught in Bristol Bay fisheries. On July 27, 1998, the AK Dept. of Fish
& Game (ADF&G) issued emergency restrictions on Kenai River sport
fishing to assure that more sockeye salmon escape to spawn. Commercial
fishing on Kenai-bound sockeye in Cook Inlet was closed on July 24. The
sockeye return was reported as one of the poorest seen in recent years.
On July 28, 1998, sockeye returns to the Kenai River were about 134,000
fish less than the 550,000 fish escapement goal, and ADF&G officials
suggested that all sport fishing may be banned if more sockeye do not return.
On July 28, 1998, ADF&G biologists predicted the return of Kodiak Island
pink salmon could be 14 million fish, exceeding the preseason forecast
of 9 million fish. On July 30, 1998, AK Governor Tony Knowles declared
western AK a disaster area and outlined a $19 million aid program for communities
and fishermen. [Assoc Press, Anchorage Daily News]" -John Field <John.Field@mail.house.gov
VIA Scientific forum on fish and fisheries FISH-SCI@SEGATE.SUNET.SE
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1997 El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO 97-98)