KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Sitka Sound sac roe herring fishing file photo. Rachel Waldholz/KCAW photo
Rachel Waldholz/KCAW
The Sitka Sound sac roe herring fishery will be on 2-hour notice starting 10 a.m. Wednesday, the Alaska Department of Fish & Game announced Monday afternoon.
A test sample taken from a body of herring west of Black Rock showed about 7% mature roe, which is low for the commercial fishery. But the Department said that percentage could rise rapidly over the next few days as less mature herring separate out from those ready to spawn.
Fish and Game also conducted an aerial survey of Sitka Sound Monday morning, and reported herring predators concentrated in the areas west and south of Crow Island and Bieli Rock.
This year’s fishery is being conducted as a co-op in response to historically low prices for herring. As a result, Sitka is expecting a much smaller fleet than in recent years.
