SITKA, ALASKA
Alaska Department of Fish & Game management biologist Dave Gordon said the percentages of mature roe are starting to look good, but fish volumes aren’t there.
The first opening last year took place on March 24th.
“Kind of looking at the calendar thinking we should be a little further along but we’re not,” Gordon said. “The roe percentages are still getting up there. There’s still some immaturity in the samples, still about 1 percent. Usually it’s good that you’re getting your optimal fish when the immature roe is getting less than 1 percent. I feel like we’re still a day or two away from reaching that optimal fish.”
The herring fishery is one of Alaska’s most lucrative. Last year’s catch was worth about $12 million at the docks.
Fish & Game issues live updates on VHF Channel 10. A herring hotline also exists, with recorded news about the fishery at 747-1009.
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