Mollie Kabler uncovered some herring roe that washed up on the beach at Halibut Point Recreation Area. According to ADF&G, the cumulative herring spawn is 49 miles of shoreline so far. (Emily Kwong/KCAW photo)
The herring spawn is in full swing in Sitka Sound. According to Alaska Department Fish and Game Biologist Dave Gordon, 29 nautical miles of active spawn were recorded today (Wed 4-1-15) and 32 miles on Tuesday.
During an aerial survey, ADF&G saw active spawn on the west shoreline of Krestof Sound, the Siginaka Islands, the Magoun Islands and Mud Bay. Spawn was also observed on the Lisianski Peninsula shoreline, along Middle Island, and most of the Kasiana shoreline. There has also been considerable active spawn along the northern end of the Sitka road system.
Spawning started on March 25th in Hayward Strait, just as the sac roe fishery was winding down. So far biologists have mapped approximately 49 cumulative miles of active spawn.
Gordon said that Sitka Sound is likely at the peak of it’s spawn volume, with a possible secondary spawn expected around mid-April.
ADF&G will conduct another aerial survey on Thursday morning.
Rachel Waldholz contributed reporting.
A map of today’s (04-01-15) active herring spawn, courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
