SITKA, ALASKA – HERRING FISHERY NEWS – An aerial survey on March 22, 2014 – Covered Sitka Sound. Clear with east winds to 20 kts. Marine mammal concentrations similar to previous survey with large number of sea lions and whales in the areas west of Crow Island, north Middle Island, Border Rocks, and from Halibut Point into Katlian Bay. Herring schools were seen in shallower water inside the Breakwater, south of the Causeway, Inner Point, and between Promisla and Eastern Bay. No spawn was observed.
Vessel survey: March 22, 2014 – R/V Kestrel surveyed northern Sitka Sound and Katlian Bay.
Large biomass of herring in shallow and deeper waters west and north of Crow Island. A large biomass of herring also in
the area from Starrigavin Bay to Old Sitka Rocks with large scattered schools in Katlian Bay.
Sitka Alaska, Herring Season is underway!
Spawn: None through March 22. Test samples: None taken since March 20. Test sampling will resume today.Fishery: Revised processor hails of harvest on March 20, 2014 – totals 5,300 tons. Processors have indicated processing and tendering capacity will be available and the department will be seeking to provide for another harvesting opportunity today.
Fishermen wanting to make practice sets or clean their nets after an opening may do so in Eastern
Channel east of the longitude of Rocky Patch Light until further notice.
Sitka Sound Herring Opening
Brought to you by: Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Commercial Fisheries – Fishery Update March 2014!
