Kenai king salmon are on an unprecedented decline, with only 965 large early-run kings having passed the official in-river counter. This is a far cry from the optimal escapement goal of 3,900-6,600 large kings and substantially short of the forecasted amount of 2,630 kings.
Nonetheless, the Kasilof River personal use set gillnet fishery opened Friday morning at 6:00 AM.
Even with reduced days and gear restrictions, many members of the Kenai River Sportfishing Association (KRSA) have expressed great concerns that the fishery will kill Kenai River-bound kings.
“To allow this fishery to further threaten the Kenai’s most vulnerable stock is irresponsible when numerous other sockeye harvest opportunities are available,” stated Shannon Martin Executive Director for the Kenai River Sportfishing Association (KRSA).
“We heard multiple East Side Set Net (ESSN) fishermen testify at the Upper Cook Inlet Board of Fisheries meeting that gillnets most definitely kill king salmon, and those kings are more likely to be caught during slack tide or low water,” added Martin.
New regulations for ESSN commercial fishermen will restrict fishing times according to the tides. However, the Kasilof personal-use gillnet fishery, which is open 6:00 AM—11:00 PM daily through June 24, is not subject to such restrictions.
KRSA members are asking all user groups to adopt safe practices to conserve king salmon and allow their recovery. By sitting out this fishery, KRSA believes they can all work together to deliver Kenai kings to their spawning grounds.
“We want as many spawners on gravel as possible,” added Martin.
