Alaska Board of Fisheries Finfish Supplemental Meeting on March 20, 2026 - Proposal 186 Deliberation

The Alaska Board of Fisheries held a supplemental meeting on March 20, 2026, focusing on Proposal 186 concerning the Central District Drift Gillnet Fishery Management Plan. The board deliberated on substitute language (RC 161) aimed at conservation of coho salmon stocks in Northern Cook Inlet by restricting fishing areas and times, including establishing maximum daily fishing hours and specific fishing windows. The proposal sought to reduce harvest in state waters to increase salmon escapement in key rivers, addressing concerns over declining coho populations and the impact of federal fishery management in adjacent waters. The discussion included detailed analysis of escapement goals, genetic stock composition, and the potential economic impact on commercial fisheries. Legal counsel confirmed the board's authority to act on the substitute language despite its allocative nature. The board voted 4-2 in favor of adopting the proposal with amendments to fishing periods, emphasizing conservation priorities while balancing commercial fishing opportunities. No additional costs to the department were anticipated from the proposal's implementation.