Due to significantly low preseason forecasts, Alaska Department of Fish and Game closes Cook Inlet king salmon sport fishing

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) has announced the closure of sport fishing for king salmon in Cook Inlet, due to the decreased abundance of fish forecasted in the preseason.

ADFG stated that the low abundance of king salmon necessitated the closure of the inlet’s sport fishing season. Based on preseason forecasts, the number of king salmon returning to the inlet is projected to be significantly lower than average.

The closure of sport fishing in Cook Inlet will remain in effect until further notice. ADFG also noted that other salmon and marine species in the inlet remain open to sport fishing.

“The decision to close the sport fishery in Cook Inlet was a difficult one,” said Doug Vincent-Lang, ADFG’s regional fisheries manager. “We understand how important sport fishing is to the local economy and the recreation opportunities it provides. This decision was made to protect the forecasted low abundance of king salmon.”

The closure of the sport fishing season in Cook Inlet is expected to have a substantial economic impact. According to the United Fisherman of Alaska, sport fishing provides an estimated $49 million in economic activity annually.

ADFG also noted that the closure could be extended if the preseason forecast is accurate. If the abundance of king salmon remains low, the closure could extend beyond the summer season.

“Given the low preseason forecast, the closure of the sport fishery in Cook Inlet may be the most prudent action,” said Vincent-Lang. “We will continue to monitor the data and assess the situation to determine if the closure should be extended.”

In light of the closure, ADFG has urged all sport fishers to be mindful of their fishing practices and to adhere to all relevant regulations. The department is also considering a range of management strategies to protect the inlet’s king salmon population.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has announced the closure of sport fishing for king salmon in Cook Inlet, due to the decreased abundance of the species projected in the preseason. This closure, which will remain in effect until further notice, was necessitated by the low abundance of king salmon forecasted to return to the inlet.

Doug Vincent-Lang, ADFG’s regional fisheries manager, acknowledged the difficulty of this decision, noting the importance of sport fishing to the local economy and recreation opportunities it provides. The closure is expected to have a substantial economic impact, as sport fishing in the inlet is estimated to bring in $49 million annually. Vincent-Lang further explained that, given the low preseason forecast, the closure may be the most prudent action.

ADFG has urged sport fishers to be mindful of their fishing practices and to adhere to all relevant regulations. The department is also considering a range of management strategies to protect the inlet’s king salmon population. Should the abundance of king salmon remain low, the closure could extend beyond the summer season.