Lower Kuskokwim Fish & Game Advisory Committee

MEETING PACKET

November 13-14, 2018 Bethel ADF&G Office, 1:00 pm 570 4th Ave. Teleconference: 1-800-504-8071 code: 5432709

For information on the Western Region Fish and Game Advisory Committees, contact: Jen Peeks 1-855-933-2433 (Toll Free) 908-543-2931 Jennifer.peeks@alaska.gov

Table of Contents

LK AC ROSTER ……………………………………………………………….1 BOARD OF GAME MEETING SCHEDULE……………………………….2 BOARD OF FISH MEETING SCHEDULE ...... 4 LK AC MEETING MINUTES: October 25-26, 2017 ………………………..5 BOARD OF GAME PROPOSALS: Proposal 133 ...... 17 Proposal 139 ...... 19 BOARD OF FISH AND FEDERAL FISHERY PROPOSALS: KUSKOKWIM RIVER: Proposal 105 ...... 21 Proposal 106 ...... 22 Proposal 107 ...... 23 Proposal 108 ...... 24 Proposal 109 ...... 25 Proposal 110 ...... 26 Proposal 111 ...... 27 Proposal 112 ...... 28 Proposal 113 ...... 30 Proposal 114……………………………………………………………32 Proposal 115……………………………………………………………34 Proposal 116……………………………………………………………35 Proposal 117……………………………………………………………36 Proposal 118 …………………………………………………………...37 Proposal 120……………………………………………………………38 Proposal 122 ……………………………………………………………39

Table of Contents

STATEWIDE: Proposal 161 …………………………………………………………….40 Proposal 162……………………………………………………………..41 Proposal 163 …………………………………………………………….42 Proposal 164……………………………………………………………..43 FEDERAL FISHERY PROPOSALS: FP19-08 …………………………………………………………………44 FP19-09 …………………………………………………………………47 FP19-10 …………………………………………………………………50 SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTS: 2018 Preliminary Kuskokwim Area Summer Season Summary ………52 Board of Game Proposal Instructions and Blank Form ………………...63

LOWER KUSKOKWIM ADVISORY COMMITTEE Roster

Chairman: James Charles Updated: 10/2018 Vice Chair: Phillip Peter Sr. Secretary: Sandra Nicori

AC MEMBER NAME COMMUNITY TERM INTERESTS* EXPIRES Phillip Peter Sr. 6/20 Akiachak Brian Latham, Alternate 6/20 Jackson Williams Sr. 6/16 Akiak Vacant, Alternate 6/16 Nicholai Pavilla 6/19 Atmautluak James Nicholai, Alternate 6/19 William “Charlie” Brown 6/19 Eek Vacant, Alternate 6/19 John Twitchell Sr. 6/19 Kasigluk Phillip Nicholas, Alt. 6/19 John Andrew 6/19 Kwethluk Sandra Nicori 6/19 Vacant 6/19 Napakiak George Berry, Alternate 6/19 Richard Larson Sr. 6/20 Napaskiak Earl Samuelson Sr. 6/20 Henry Parks 6/20 Nunapitchuk Nick Twitchell, Alternate 6/20 Nick R. Henry 6/19 Oscarville Andrew Joekay, Alternate 6/19 Nelson Napoka 6/20 Tuluksak David Alexie Sr., Alternate 6/20 James Charles 6/17 Tuntutuliak John Fitka, Alternate 6/17

*Interests: 1. Trapping; 2. Sport Fishing; 3. Subsistence; 4. Hunting; 5. Commercial Fishing; 6. Photography; 7. Guiding; 8. Processing; 9. Personal Use; 10. Outdoorsperson; 11. Assoc./Corp.; 12. Conservationist

Lower Kuskokwim Advisory Committee seats: 14 total (1 Akiachak, 1 Akiak, 1 Atmautluak, 1 Eek, 1 Kasigluk, 2 Kwethluk, 1 Napakiak, 2 Napaskiak, 1 Nunapitchuk, 1 Oscarville, 1 Tuluksak, 1 Tuntutuliak)

Alaska Board of Game P.O. Box 115526 Juneau, AK 99811-5526 (907) 465-4110 www.boardofgame.adfg.alaska.gov

ALASKA BOARD OF GAME 2018/2019 Cycle Tentative Meeting Dates

Comment Meeting Dates Topic Location Deadline

January 10, 2019 Work Session Petersburg December 28, 2018 (1 day) Sons of Norway Hall

January 11-15, 2019 Southeast Region Petersburg December 28, 2018 (5 days) Game Management Units 1-5 Sons of Norway Hall

March 15-19, 2019 Southcentral Region Anchorage March 1, 2019 (5 days) Game Management Units 6, 7, 8, Anchorage Sheraton 14C, and 15 Hotel

Total Meeting Days: 11 Agenda Change Request Deadline: Thursday, November 1, 2018 (The Board of Game will meet via teleconference to consider Agenda Change Requests following the November 1 deadline.) Proposal Deadline: Tuesday, May 1, 2018

August 28, 2018

2 Alaska Board of Game P.O. Box 115526 Juneau, AK 99811-5526 (907) 465-4110 www.boardofgame.adfg.alaska.gov

Long-Term Meeting Cycle

The Board of Game (board) meetings generally occur from January through March. The board considers changes to regulations on a region-based schedule that cycle every three years. When the regional regulations are before the board, the following regulations are open for consideration within that region: • Trapping Seasons and Bag Limits -- All species • General and Subsistence Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits -- All species (Except antlerless moose hunts as noted below) • Intensive Management Plans • Closures and Restrictions in State Game Refuges • Management Areas, Controlled Use Areas, and Areas Closed to Hunting and Trapping • Changes specific to Units or Regions under 5 AAC Chapter 92

Proposals pertaining to reauthorization of all antlerless moose hunts, 5 AAC 85.045, and all brown bear tag fee exemptions, 5 AAC 92.015, are taken up annually. Changes having statewide applicability to 5 AAC Chapters 92 and 98.005 listed on the following page are considered once every three years at Statewide Regulations meetings. The proposal deadline is May 1 every preceding year. If May 1 falls on a weekend, the deadline is the Friday before. Boards Support issues a “Call for Proposals” generally in December or January prior to the May 1 deadline which will also specify which regulations are open for proposed changes.

Topic & Meeting Schedule Southeast Region – Game Management Units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Meeting Cycle: 2018/2019 2021/2022 2024/2025 Southcentral Region – Game Management Units: 6, 7, 8, 14C, 15 Meeting Cycle: 2018/2019 2021/2022 2024/2025 Central and Southwest Region – Game Management Units: 9, 10, 11, 13, 14A, 14B, 16, & 17 Meeting Cycle: 2017/2018 2020/2021 2023/2024 Arctic and Western Region – Game Management Units: 18, 22, 23, 26A Meeting Cycle: 2019/2020 2022/2023 2025/2026 Interior and Northeast Region – Game Management Units: 12, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26B, 26C Meeting Cycle: 2019/2020 2022/2023 2025/2026 Statewide Regulations (see next page) Meeting Cycle: 2017/2018 2020/2021 2023/2024

The three-year schedule was adopted at the January 2015 Work Session.

3 ALASKA BOARD OF FISHERIES 2018/2019 Cycle Tentative Meeting Schedule

Pacific Cod; Bristol Bay Finfish; Arctic, Yukon, and Kuskokwim Finfish; Alaska Peninsula, Aleutian Island, and Chignik Finfish; Statewide Finfish and Supplemental Issues

PROPOSAL DEADLINE: Tuesday, April 10, 2018 Comment Meeting Dates Topics Location Deadline October 15-16, 2018 Work Session Anchorage Oct. 3, 2018 [2 days] ACRs, cycle organization, Egan Center Stocks of Concern

October 17, 2018 Joint Protocol Committee Anchorage Oct. 3, 2018 [1 day] meeting Egan Center

October 18-19, 2018 Pacific Cod Meeting Anchorage Oct. 3, 2018 [2 days] Egan Center

November 28- Bristol Bay Finfish Dillingham Nov. 14, 2018 December 4, 2018 Dillingham Middle [7 days] School

January 15-19, 2019 Arctic / Yukon / Kuskokwim Anchorage Jan. 2, 2019 [5 days] Finfish Sheraton Hotel

February 21-27, 2019 Alaska Peninsula / Aleutian Anchorage Feb. 7, 2019 [7 days] Island / Chignik Finfish Sheraton Hotel

March 8-11, 2019 Statewide Finfish and Anchorage Feb. 20, 2019 [4 days] Supplemental Issues Sheraton Hotel

Total Meeting Days: 27 Agenda Change Request Deadline: August 15, 2018 [60 days prior to fall worksession]

The Joint Board of Fisheries and Game is also meeting in the 2018/2019 cycle. PROPOSAL DEADLINE: Tuesday, May 1, 2018 Comment Meeting Dates Topics Location Deadline March 21-25, 2019 Advisory Committees and Anchorage March 7, 2019 [5 days] Process for Adopting Sheraton Hotel Regulations

Updated Sept. 26, 2018 4

Lower Kuskokwim Advisory Committee Meeting Meeting Minutes October 25-26, 2017 ADF&G Office, 1:00 p.m. Teleconference: 1.800.504.8071 Code: 5432709

CALL TO ORDER: 1:24pm (Reconvened on Oct. 26 at 8:32am) ROLL CALL/ ESTABLISH QUORUM: 8 members, quorum established Present: James Charles, William “Charlie” Brown, Henry Parks, John Twitchell Sr., George Berry, Phillip Peter Sr., John W. Andrew, Sandra Nicori. INVOCATION: William Brown INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: Tim Andrew, ONC Patrick Jones, ADF&G Jen Peeks, ADF&G Pat Samson, Translator Dave Runfola, ADF&G (teleconference) Alex Nick, Bethel APPROVAL OF AGENDA: John Twitchell, motion to approve; seconded by Phillip Peter. James Charles discussed the difference between the state and federal proposals. Motion passed unanimous.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: John Twitchell moved to approve the minutes. Motion passed unanimous.

COMMENTS: ● CONCERNS/COMMENTS OF PUBLIC: Tim Andrew (ONC)- Started working at ONC on June 5, 2017, took the place of Greg Roczicka who had been very helpful to all the ACs for fish and wildlife issues. Previously he worked at AVCP. o Henry Parks- Thanked Tim for being supportive, “we will back you up in your job as well.” o Charlie Brown- Greg was very supportive, he helped us with technicalities as well as a source of information for the AC. ● CONCERNS/COMMENTS OF AC MEMBERS: (Note: If concern/comment needs more than 3 minutes, item should be placed on the agenda to be presented later in the meeting) Phillip Peter- complaint of boys hunting for caribou: a chopper and airplane guided the herd away from the hunters. He tells people that when possible please take the aircraft number, colors, time, etc. Charlie Brown- Near Kwethluk lake there is a problem. Aircrafts have been warned. A berry picker saw an aircraft harassing. The caribou are in that region for their food source. James Charles- Right now there are a lot of native pilots. We can also tell the feds about wildlife harassment. MEETING MINUTES Henry Parks- only want to ask about the whale caught on the Kuskokwim River summer 2017. He wants to know where the case is right now because he heard the hunters might be facing charges. He would be happy if they didn’t face legal issues. Trapper John- Since a little child, he used to summer in the mountain lakes. Late 1970s the planes started coming from Anchorage and landing in the mountain ranges, harassing caribou and we have been seeing them since 1980s herding brown bears and bringing them toward the lake. Also in Heart Lake we witnessed planes herding caribou toward hunters, we knew they were from Bethel. They had hunting camps with lodge like tents and small boats so I know they weren’t from this area [Kwethluk]. Some people came back to the villages saying that animals had been herding. They are coordinating using communication systems.

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Lower Kuskokwim Advisory Committee Meeting Draft Agenda October 25-26, 2017 ADF&G Office, 1:00 p.m. Teleconference: 1.800.504.8071 Code: 5432709

James Charles- Near the Johnson River mouth and other non-salmon spawning tributaries where they catch the king salmon, right now there is discussion that they want to close salmon spawning tributaries. My people have said they do not want those closed. In the spring time we utilized them. If it is closed it will not allow us to catch the other fish species. Charlie Brown- He use to do the test fishing in the lower river. Near the Eek River they were happy that it was open during the 2017 summer. It is not where the salmon usually go. We use to fish at the Kusko Bay but not permitted to fish there anymore. When I was a test fisher I learned all those channels. The depths are all different. There are 2 main channels on the Kusko, probably a 100 ft. in depth. The fishing in the non-salmon areas helps with economics for the Eek people. Public meetings should be held before closing areas, you need to hear all the issues. Phillip Peter- People should observe areas of the river for themselves. At low tide you can observe the different channels. People should observe those tributaries at low tide. Please don’t close those areas, salmon don’t use them for spawning (Galley, Johnson, etc.). Fishing depends on knowing the area and the tides. Charlie Brown- There are no fish swimming at low tide. John Twitchell- Akula villages see fish catches only during the high tides. He has told Akula residents to under report whitefish catches. James Charles- Many of us do not want the non-salmon tributaries closed.

NEW BUSINESS: ● FISHERIES 2017 Season: James Charles- didn’t want subsistence fishing closed at all. Charlie Brown- there are 2 years we have been asking that the old bay river not be closed. It is not a salmon rearing river. Henry Parks- Thanks to ADF&G for giving us the opportunity to subsistence fish. We have fish- thanks very much. Jen Peeks (ADF&G) - explained that the 2017 fishing summary is in the packet and to call ADF&G if there are questions. James Charles- Sits on the KRSMWG and KRITFC. Would meet all summer long and would bring up lots of these issues. Charlie Brown- Was thankful for the 12 hr. openings. It gave the opportunity to gather fish and dry fish for the winter. John Andrew- In the openings, the first 2 were low counts, but the 3rd one was reasonable catches. Most families subsist together, not just for one household. Most didn’t camp at fishcamp. But set up “mini” racks and smokehousesMEETING in the village. It was heartbreaking MINUTEShearing Elders and people with no jobs ask when they can go out. WG members were being attacked for not allowing it. Some people did learn how to dry salmon in the fall time. We started looking for other ways to preserve salmon. A lot of people tried, hardworking people got some. Phillip Peter- I would change the May20- June 12 closure…it is too long. Unit 4 recommended that it be open until June 12 and then close. On the 3rd week of June it was rainy and hard to dry fish. There is also better fishing at night, openings should be allowed at night time. Dave Runfola (ADF&G)- ADFG is doing subsistence surveys. To date, 10 communities had been completed up to Aniak. Participation had been excellent. He expressed gratitude for the community reception. James Charles- Appreciated that ADF&G allowed the lower river to fish with 50 fathoms, 25 fathoms didn’t LOWER KUSKOKWIM Fish and Game Advisory Committee Page 2/11 6

Lower Kuskokwim Advisory Committee Meeting Draft Agenda October 25-26, 2017 ADF&G Office, 1:00 p.m. Teleconference: 1.800.504.8071 Code: 5432709

allow them to catch. Board of Fish ACRs: No ACRs were accepted as proposals for the 2017-18 cycle. Proposal deadline for AYK region is April 20, 2018. Break (2:44pm, 10 minutes)

Fishing Permits (above Aniak) Dave Runfola (ADF&G) explained the permits above Aniak James Charles- People from his area have also been fishing in KWN. People still put them in the calendar but don’t write down where they caught the fish from. Heard there were people all the way from Tuluksak who went down. Our region thanked ADF&G for not giving permits to our people. Henry Parks- what mesh sizes did upriver residents use this summer and what mesh size will they be allowed to use in 2018? Dave Runfola (ADFG)- max mesh size was 6 inches; likely that would continue though the manager can restrict the gear and time. Charlie Brown- Eek didn’t want the permitting system. Asked if it is only the Kuskokwim River being watched? Dave Runfola (ADFG) commented that it was because of the low Chinook salmon runs. Sandra Nicori- The fish calendar should have room to put where the fish were caught- Kusko or Quinhagak. James Charles- on the calendar you don’t always know where they get the fish from.

SEE BOG COMMENTS BELOW AGENDA. o BOARD OF GAME STATEWIDE PROPOSALS (Comments due October 27, 2017) o PROPOSAL 4 – 5 AAC 92.990(a)(26) Change the definition of “edible meat” for large game birds. o PROPOSAL 6 – 5 AAC 92.095: Allow the incidental take of up to two furbearers per year during an open season for other furbearers.

o PROPOSAL 8 – 5 AAC92.095: Remove the same day airborne restrictions for taking wolf and wolverine with a trapping license.

o PROPOSAL 13 – 5 AAC92.080(7): Clarify the regulation that prohibits the use of a “cellular or satellite telephone” to take game.

o Proposal 24 – 5 AAC 92.044(10): Define the term “equipment” for bear baiting. o PROPOSAL 25 – 5 AAC 92.010: Require harvest tickets for all brown bear hunts statewide. o PROPOSAL 31 – 5 AAC 92.050: Establish a preference point system for drawing hunts. o PROPOSALMEETING 41 – 5 AAC 92.012: Exempt rural subsistence MINUTES hunters from the requirements for obtaining a waterfowl conservation tag.

o PROPOSAL 43 – 5 AAC 92.011: Allow the taking of emperor geese by proxy hunting. o PROPOSAL 53 – 5 AAC 99.025(a)(12): Reevaluate the customary and traditional use finding for migratory game birds statewide.

o PROPOSAL 55 – 5 AAC 92.019: Combine the regulations allowing the take of big game for religious ceremonies and ceremony potlatches.

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Lower Kuskokwim Advisory Committee Meeting Draft Agenda October 25-26, 2017 ADF&G Office, 1:00 p.m. Teleconference: 1.800.504.8071 Code: 5432709

o PROPOSAL 64 – 5 AAC 92.029: Eliminate domestic sheep (Ovis aries) and goats (Capra hircus) from the “Clean List” and require a permit for possession with stipulations if located within 15 air miles of all sheep habitat.

o PROPOSAL 147 – 5 AAC 85.025: Open a nonresident drawn hunt in Units 18 and 19. o PROPOSAL 157 – 5 AAC 85.045(16): Reauthorize the nonresident antlerless moose season in the Remainder of Unit 18.

o PROPOSAL 163 – 5 AAC 92.015(a)(4): Reauthorize the current resident tag fee exemptions for brown bear in Units 18, 22, 23 and 26A.

o PROPOSAL 165 – 5 AAC 85.045 Open a registration hunt for moose in Unit 19A. ● FEDERAL SUBSISTENCE BOARD WILDLIFE PROPOSALS o WP18-21 – Change harvest limit to 2 caribou throughout Mulchatna caribou herd range and consolidate hunt.

o WP18-27 – Establish customary and traditional use determination for musk ox in Unit 18 for residents of Nunivak Island.

o WP18-28 – Addition of winter may-be-announced season for moose in Unit 18, Goodnews Bay. o WP18-29 – Lengthen moose season by one month in Unit 18 Remainder o WP18-30 – Shorten season and decrease harvest limit and possession limit for ptarmigan in Unit 18. o WP18-31 – Shorten caribou season in portions of Unit 18 by 15 days. o WP18-51– Modify bear baiting restrictions to align with State regulations.

OTHER/MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:

● ELECTIONS OF MEMBERS/ OFFICER ELECTIONS Discussion on membership. Alex Nick (member of public) had some questions on the difference between RAC and AC elections. James Charles would like someone to take his place as Chair.

Member of the Public (?) Thanked the AC for the process they were following. He use to come to the meetings and would have to translate for people who didn’t speak English. He’d share the information with the communities. The information really needs to be shared. That is an important piece. MEETING MINUTES LK AC decided to hold a teleconference in the spring (2018) for officer elections once communities updated their AC reps. James- Mr. Miller was my alternate and he was getting old. My alternate kept changing because of death or old age. Alternates can come to the meetings too. When I first started I was not a chairman, it doesn’t matter if you speak English or Yupik. You don’t have to be bi-lingual. Sometimes people will give you negative feedback but don’t change your commitments.

● NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE AWARDS (Deadline Oct. 31)

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Lower Kuskokwim Advisory Committee Meeting Draft Agenda October 25-26, 2017 ADF&G Office, 1:00 p.m. Teleconference: 1.800.504.8071 Code: 5432709

● Recognition: Phillip Peter Sr and Henry Parks- Years of Service on AC; James Charles AFN recognition. AC recognized James Charles for his service and commitment. Reps for BOG meeting in November: James will attend, Phillip Peter Sr. alternate

NEXT MEETING DATE: TBD ADJOURN: 12:35 pm , Oct. 26

Support 8 0 Allow the incidental take of up to two furbearers per year during an open season for other 6 furbearers John Andrew suggested No Action. No Action 8 Remove the same day airborne restrictions for taking wolf and wolverine with a trapping license Henry Parks- regarding the wolves, they are getting high in number. They are eating the moose and caribou calves. Do like an amendment to take wolves the same day, but restrict the wolverines. Phillip- the wolverine are stronger and more vicious than the wolf. Whatever they MEETINGgrab they will kill. They can follow MINUTES any game until they tire them out and kill them. Charlie- in my area where caribou come, when the wolves come up to the caribou and only eat the testical part and leave the other meat. Always worried that people will think that Eek people are killing the caribou and leaving meat, but it is wolves. Agree with taking the wolves for same day. Wolves can send runners from the pack- hunting is second to none. Want the caribou to increase. Supporting bc want the caribou population to increase. Support 8 0 13 Clarify the regulation that prohibits the use of a “cellular or satellite telephone” to take game John W. Andrew- In Kwethluk area after an aircraft surveys the area then jet Support boats come by and bring cell phones. They are being told by the aircraft where to See 8 0 hunt.

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Lower Kuskokwim Advisory Committee Meeting Draft Agenda October 25-26, 2017 ADF&G Office, 1:00 p.m. Teleconference: 1.800.504.8071 Code: 5432709

John Andrew makes a motion ban satellite phones except for emergencies, but not for hunting game. 24 Define the term “equipment” for bear baiting John Twitchell- we opposed this proposal last year. Evan at fish camp we opposed the bear baiting. Henry Parks- In spring the black bear meat is good. If he ate trash that can be an issue health wise. My tundra village is on swamp and they eat good food up there. We don’t hesitate eating the tundra bears, I don’t want to be eating a baited bear. John Twitchell- some of the people bait and some don’t bait. I do not like the bear baiting. No John Twitchell- this doesn’t pertain to use, I don’t know how to bait. Action Henry Parks- motion for no action. 25 Require harvest tickets for all brown bear hunts statewide James- If this goes through they would need a harvest ticket and license. James- all the other AC opposed this because they did not want additional paper Oppose 0 8 31 Establish a preference point system for drawing hunts

Oppose 0 8 Phillip Peter moved to adopt, John Twitchell, 2nd. MEETING MINUTES

41 Exempt rural subsistence hunters from the requirements for obtaining a waterfowl conservation tag Phillip Peter- wanted to make a motion to exempt us from the stamp. Some of the people do purchase this. The state legislature can decide, but the BOG can’t make this regulation. I like this the way it is written bc we are exempted in the rural areas. I do like that. John Twitchell- when did the duck stamp begin? I do a survey in our village, but I Support stopped surveying bc I thought there were negative implications. as Amendment: AK residents from April 1- November 1 amended 8 0

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Lower Kuskokwim Advisory Committee Meeting Draft Agenda October 25-26, 2017 ADF&G Office, 1:00 p.m. Teleconference: 1.800.504.8071 Code: 5432709

Combine the regulations allowing the take of big game for religious ceremonies and ceremony 55 potlatches John Twitchell- Suggested adding elders who are unable to go hunting. The meat is needed by the widowers and elders. Patrick Jones (ADFG) responded that there is another regulation to help Elders hunt. Charlie- There was an elder and orphan who died recent- does this mean I could have gotten a moose for them? It does help us for these feeds. It is important to us. If it includes religious and funeral I like this. Support 8 0 Sandra- potlatches are in the interior. They don’t pertain to us. Eliminate domestic sheep (Ovis aries) and goats (Capra hircus) from the “Clean List” and 64 require a permit for possession with stipulations if located within 15 air miles of all sheep habitat No

Action Alaska Board of Game Central/ Southwest Region Meeting February 16–23, 2018, Dillingham Proposal MEETING MINUTES Number Proposal Description Support, Support as Number Amended, Number Comments, Discussion (List Pros and Cons), Amendments to Oppose, Support Oppose Proposal No Action 147 Open a nonresident draw hunt for caribou in Units 18 and 19. Charlie- heard that the caribou herd is declining. Non-residents come with planes and have the ability to herd the animals. I would be opposed bc the caribou Oppose 0 8 population is too low. Phillip- they opened the subsistence hunt for all of us. So all residents can hunt LOWER KUSKOKWIM Fish and Game Advisory Committee Page 7/11 11

Lower Kuskokwim Advisory Committee Meeting Draft Agenda October 25-26, 2017 ADF&G Office, 1:00 p.m. Teleconference: 1.800.504.8071 Code: 5432709

157 Reauthorize the nonresident antlerless moose season in the Remainder of Unit 18 Charlie- We just heard the moose population growing on the Yukon. We will face this on the Kusko. We don’t just eat the meat, we eat berries. With the moose population growing they will screw up the tundra. The Yukon areas are now over populated and the food will be affected. Concerned about the terrain and hurting subsistence food gathering Phillip- sometimes there are teachers who are non-resident who would like to go hunting. Also, the female cows are higher than bull moose. When moose eat Support 8 0 black spruce trees they were also good tasting. On Yukon their taste is different now, there is a low number of moose we catch that has the original taste, because of the limited food they now have. John Twitchell- Elders say the moose taste different bc of what they are eating. They change when they are in rut. When they aren’t rutting, the meat tastes better. In the tundra villages, they tell us we need to catch what we need but not waste. We don’t mind people coming by to hunt, but we don’t like the trash. 163 Reauthorize the current resident tag fee exemptions for brown bear in Units 18, 22, 23 and 26A Phillip Peter made motion to accept, seconded by Henry Parks.Tim Andrew- discussed the history. Explained it continues the tag fee exemption. ONC supports. Support 8 0 MEETINGJames- they want to exempt the MINUTES tag fee. Charlie- wondered why bears go through the door [of a structure] and exit through the walls. 165 Open a registration hunt for moose in Unit 19A Charlie Brown- make motion to accept, seconded by Phillip Peter. Patrick Jones (ADF&G) and Dave Runfola (ADF&G) summarized. John Andrew- Local residents know where to go hunt moose even in bad weather. Patrick explained Tier I and Tier II.

Support 8 0

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Lower Kuskokwim Advisory Committee Meeting Draft Agenda October 25-26, 2017 ADF&G Office, 1:00 p.m. Teleconference: 1.800.504.8071 Code: 5432709

Proposal Number Proposal Description WP18- 21 Change harvest limit to 2 caribou throughout Mulchatna caribou herd range and consolidate hunt.

Support 8 0 Phillip Peter moved to accept, seconded by John Andrew. Aligns state and feds.

WP18- Establish customary and traditional use determination for musk ox in Unit 18 for residents of Nunivak 27 Island. Phillip- the musk ox are increasing not only on Nunivak Island. I think Mekoryak No need recognition from the state of AK. They are asking for recognition. Action Discussion that Nunivak guides were concerned that this might negatively affect them. WP18- Addition of winter may-be-announced season for moose in Unit 18, Goodnews Bay. 28 Henry Parks- motion to adopt, 2nd by Phillip Peter. Support 8 0

WP18- Lengthen moose season by one month in Unit 18 Remainder 29 Phillip Peter made a motion to adopt, 2nd by John Twitchell Tim Andrew explained proposal. Alex Nick (Member of Public) originally from Russian Mission, now lives in Bethel. Does have concern on this proposal.. My comments, being from Unit 18 remainder and having hunted in that area. Although there is enough moose in the area, there may be some decline in the future. With today’s young generation who Support 8 0 don’t care what they shoot at. There have been moose mortality that people don’t MEETINGknow about bc they were wounded. MINUTES Opposes this proposal. Phillip- sometimes there is a lot of snow, but lately our area has less snow. It makes it hard to travel. I don’t mind lengthening due to the conditions. Low snow is hard on machines. It will help us bc of climate change, we do need to harvest food. In spring we crave fresh meat.

WP18- Shorten season and decrease harvest limit and possession limit for ptarmigan in Unit 18. 30 Support Henry Parks- Used snowshoe hare and moose as example. There used to be a as lot of rabbits. We caught too many and now we don’t see them anymore. We had Amended a moratorium on the moose population and now the population has grown. As a

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Lower Kuskokwim Advisory Committee Meeting Draft Agenda October 25-26, 2017 ADF&G Office, 1:00 p.m. Teleconference: 1.800.504.8071 Code: 5432709

Alaska Board of Game Statewide Regulations Meeting November 10 – 17, 2017 | Anchorage Proposal Proposal Description Number Support, Support as Number Number Amended, Comments, Discussion (list Pros and Cons), Amendments to Proposal Oppose, Support Oppose No Action young man there were a lot of ptarmigan, we would catch just enough 7-10 of them. It is true that the population for ptarmigan has crashed. A lot of the mortality is attributed to the power lines, but now they don’t see that any more either. I don’t like the dates but like to support as amended to keep the closing date the same. John Twitchell- they may be affected by climate change. Everything now is happening early. In March we start gathering wood. I see a change in ptarmigan habitat. Charlie- in support of proposal but don’t support closing the season early. Phillip- In Akiachak we are subsistence people and go out to hunt. In winter [past] we’d go to the Johnson River to hunt and saw all the ptarmigan. In the spring we made plans to go hunt all the ptarmigan, but when we went back we didn’t see any. Back in the day there were a lot of snowshoe hares. Finally [recently] we saw one set of tracks and we were really happy. Perhaps the snowshoe hare are making a comeback. One time we were hunting ptarmigan by Kisaralik River and we saw some ptarmigan but they were smaller and the markings were different: dark markings not red. My grandmother asked if I went to the mountains, she knew they came from the mountains and was happy to eat what she grew up on. Alex Nick (member of public)- I do not agree with historical evidence. I would recommend that the justification be revised. Charlie- we get only what we want to cook and dry. They aren’t the primary game. We don’t reach this 100 in possession. Amending: to close at April 30. WP18- Shorten caribou season in portions of Unit 18 by 15 days. 31 Phillip Peter, moved to adopt, John Andrew seconded. Charlie- Eek agreed with the Feb. 28 closure, because in March they are pregnant and they didn’t want to disturb them. Phillip- If we do hunt for one month it will disseminate the population. We have Support 8 0 seen 5 hunters shooting at the caribou. Some were wounded and ran away. They are just shooting out of contempt for what we are telling them. Regulation say to MEETINGhunt 2 that is what we do. I like theMINUTES intent of the proposal becasue the population is declining. Even if it is a small window I am okay with that.

WP18- Modify bear baiting restrictions to align with State regulations. 51 Unclassified game was defined. This would align federal and state. Henry Parks adopted, 2nd by Phillip Peter Henry Parks- in the tundra villages we don’t use bear baiting, so I have nothing to add. Alex Nick (member of public)- said that baiting of any game is not traditional for Native people, especially in the summer time. Game and fish are being Oppose 1 7 processed. Don’t agree with the bear baiting near fishcamps. I would not support

LOWER KUSKOKWIM Fish and Game Advisory Committee Page 10/11 14

Lower Kuskokwim Advisory Committee Meeting Draft Agenda October 25-26, 2017 ADF&G Office, 1:00 p.m. Teleconference: 1.800.504.8071 Code: 5432709

Adjournment: Minutes Recorded By: ______Minutes Approved By: ______Date: ______

MEETING MINUTES

LOWER KUSKOKWIM Fish and Game Advisory Committee Page 11/11 15 MEETING MINUTES

16 BOARD OF GAME

PROPOSAL 133 5 AAC 85.045(a)(16). Hunting seasons and bag limits for moose. Reauthorize the antlerless moose seasons in Unit 18 as follows:

Resident Open Season (Subsistence and Nonresident Units and Bag Limits General Hunts) Open Season

(16)

…

Unit 18, that portion south of Sept. 1—Sept. 30 and including the Goodnews River Drainage

1 antlered bull by registration permit only; or

1 moose by registration Jan. 1—Jan. 31 Permit only; During the Jan. 1–Jan (Season to be 31 a season up to 21 days may be announced) announced by emergency order

Remainder of Unit 18

RESIDENT HUNTERS:

2 moose; of which Aug. 1—Sept. 30 only 1 may be an antlered bull; a person may not take a calf or a cow accompanied by a calf; or

2 antlerless moose; or Oct. 1—Nov. 30.

2 moose Dec. 1—Mar. 15

NONRESIDENT HUNTERS:

1 antlered bull: or Sept. 1—Sept. 30

1 antlerless moose Dec. 1—Mar. 15

…

17 BOARD OF GAME

What is the issue you would like the board to address and why? To be retained, the antlerless moose seasons in Unit 18 must be reauthorized annually. The current antlerless hunts in the Remainder of Unit 18 were adopted at the January 2014 Board of Game meeting in Kotzebue. The current antlerless hunt in the Goodnews Hunt area and nonresident antlerless hunt was adopted at the January 2017 Board of Game meeting in Bethel. The Board of Game has previously reauthorized the antlerless moose season for resident hunts in Unit 18 Remainder for regulatory year (RY) 2016 – RY2018. This proposal requests reauthorization for RY2019.

Implementation of antlerless hunts began in 2007 and has continued each year due to increased moose abundance, productivity and population growth along the Yukon River drainage in Unit 18. Based on the steady growth in moose populations and productivity, the Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) proposes continued antlerless moose hunts in the Remainder of Unit 18.

Within the areas near the Yukon River, the moose population is estimated at a minimum of 17,000 animals with calf:cow ratios ranging from 65:100 to 75:100 and twinning rates from 20% to 50% for all areas. Population growth continues to be strong in this portion of Unit 18 and anecdotal evidence suggests that calf survival rates remain high. The population is expected to continue to grow with high recruitment and adult survival.

Although the current year harvest data in the Remainder of Unit 18 has not been finalized due to the early proposal deadline, we expect harvest to be similar to the past four years and well within sustained yield for this robust population. Allowing antlerless harvest will benefit hunters through increased opportunity and any increases in harvest may help slow the growth rate of the population in this portion of Unit 18.

The moose population in the Goodnews River drainage had grown steadily in the past 15 years following a closure in 2004. The fall hunt has had a quota of ten in the first few years of the hunt and recently increased to 30. The season has not been closed by emergency order and the past few years the quota was not meet. The population now is over 300 moose and based on the steady growth in moose populations and productivity, ADF&G proposes continued antlerless moose hunts in the Goodnews River Drainage.

PROPOSED BY: Alaska Department of Fish and Game (HQ-F18-061) ******************************************************************************

18 BOARD OF GAME

PROPOSAL 139 5 AAC 92.015. Brown bear tag fee exemptions. Reauthorize the resident brown bear tag fee exemptions in Units 18, 22, 23, and 26A as follows:

(a) A resident tag is not required for taking a brown bear in the following units:

… (4) Units… 26; … (8) Unit 22; (9) Unit 23; … (13) Unit 18; …

(b) In addition to the units as specified in (a) of this section, if a hunter obtains a subsistence registration permit before hunting, that hunter is not required to obtain a resident tag to take a brown bear in the following units:

… (4) Unit 18; … (7) Unit 22; (8) Unit 23; … (10) Unit 26(A).

What is the issue you would like the board to address and why? The Board of Game must reauthorize brown bear tag fee exemptions annually or the fee automatically becomes reinstated. We recommend continuing resident tag fee exemptions for the general season and subsistence season hunts in Region V (Units 18, 22, 23, and 26A).

General Season Hunts: Reauthorizations are needed for: Unit 18, where the tag fee has been exempted for six years; Unit 22, where the tag fee has been exempted for 16 years; Unit 23, where the tag fee has been exempted for 11 years; and Unit 26A, where the tag fee has been exempted for six years. Tag fee exemptions are desired to allow: 1) incremental increase in annual harvest, 2) opportunistic harvest by resident hunters, and 3) harvest by a wide range of users. Increased harvest is allowable because portions of these units have high bear populations.

General season brown bear harvest rates are within sustained yield limits and previous exemptions of the resident tag fee have not caused dramatic or unexpected increases in overall

19 BOARD OF GAME

harvest. In Units 18 and 26A, tag exemptions were authorized for RY2012 and harvest has remained within sustained yield and continues to be similar to the preceding ten-year period. In Unit 22, the 16-year tag-free period for residents has had an average annual harvest of 50 brown bears (range 41–63 bears). In Unit 23, general harvests have been increasing slowly since 1961, primarily in response to increases in human population rather than regulatory changes, although harvests are annually quite variable due to effects of weather on hunting conditions. Harvest data for Unit 23 show no trend in the sex ratio, age or size of bears harvested under all types of hunts.

Subsistence Season Hunts: Reauthorizations are needed for Units 18, 22, 23, and 26A where brown bear subsistence hunt requirements include: 1) registration permit, 2) tag fee exemption, 3) salvaging meat for human consumption, 4) no use of aircraft in Units 22, 23, and 26A, 5) no sealing requirement unless hide and skull are removed from subsistence hunt area, and 6) if sealing is required, the skin of the head and front claws must be removed and retained by the Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) at the time of sealing. Continuing the tag fee exemption helps facilitate participation in the associated brown bear harvest programs maintained by ADF&G for subsistence hunts.

In all units, subsistence brown bear harvest rates are low and well within sustained yield limits and exempting the resident tag fee has not caused an increase in subsistence harvest. In Unit 18, we estimate 1–3 bears are taken annually in subsistence hunts. In Unit 22, subsistence harvest by permit is quite low, averaging less than one bear per year (less than 1% of the total brown bear harvest). In Unit 23, subsistence permit harvest is less than five bears annually since 1992 (less than 10% of the total brown bear harvest). In Unit 26A, between one and five bears are taken annually by subsistence hunters.

PROPOSED BY: Alaska Department of Fish and Game (HQ-F18-065) ******************************************************************************

20 BOARD OF FISH: Kuskokwim

PROPOSAL 105 5 AAC 01.270. Lawful gear and gear specifications and operation. Allow use of set gillnets with 7 ½” mesh to harvest salmon other than king salmon and other non-salmon fish species on the Kuskokwim River for subsistence purposes during times of king salmon conservation, as follows:

A gillnet mesh size may not exceed 7 1/2 inches, 60 feet in length and may only be operated as a set gillnet; the gillnet operators may anchor their gillnets using commercial metal or aluminum anchors or make shift anchors out of wood regardless of where the high water mark is at the location of the individuals traditional set net site.

What is the issue you would like the board to address and why? The use of 4" gillnet during times of Chinook Salmon Conservation is inadvertently causing whitefish species to decline and in order for subsistence users to get a taste of other Salmon species, this particular proposal needs to be repealed and replaced.

People along the Kuskokwim River drainages have fished for white fish and chee fish right after the river ice breaks up. They only target those species until chinook and other salmon species migrate up the Kuskokwim River and river drainages to their spawning ground. We all know that other salmon species, i. e. chum and sockeye salmon migrate along with chinooks to their spawning grounds and those two salmon can be targeted with the 7 ½ inch mesh gill nets as outlined in 5 AAC 01.270 (m) (1) (A). This will ensure that we do not over fish all species of white fish and decimate the next generation of chinook salmon that migrate up the Kuskokwim River and its drainages. (See 5 AAC 01.270 (m) (1) for specifics on chum salmon in the 2016-2017 Subsistence and Personal Use Statewide Fisheries Regulations.)

People will over fish white fish and other small fish that come up the Kuskokwim River and its tributaries which in the future will cause us not to fish for those species if this regulation is not changed and may do more harm to the next generation of Chinook that migrate up to their spawning grounds. People along the Kuskokwim River drainages will have to look elsewhere to set their gill nets where they do not generally set their nets.

PROPOSED BY: Organized Village of Kwethluk (HQ-F18-082) ******************************************************************************

21 BOARD OF FISH: Kuskokwim

PROPOSAL 106 5 AAC 01.270. Lawful gear and gear specifications and operation. Allow set gillnets to be operated for subsistence purposes within 50 feet of each other in that portion of the Kuskokwim River drainage from the north end of Eek Island upstream to the mouth of the Kolmakoff River, as follows:

In that portion of the Kuskokwim River drainage from the north end of Eek Island upstream to the mouth of the Kolmakoff River, no part of the set gillnet located within a tributary to the Kuskokwim River may be set or operated within 50 feet of any part of another set gillnet.

What is the issue you would like the board to address and why? All throughout the Kuskokwim River drainage there are a few eddies to set gillnets during spring to fall and under ice set nets during winter months where we see nets set less than the current regulation. People along the Kuskokwim River drainages have set gillnets in eddies in spring to fall and under ice gear in winter which are usually less than 150 feet in length. In order to correct this, the department must adopt a revised regulation that meets the needs of set netters throughout the year.

PROPOSED BY: Organized Village of Kwethluk (HQ-F18-086) ******************************************************************************

22 BOARD OF FISH: Kuskokwim

PROPOSAL 107 5 AAC 01.270. Lawful gear and gear specifications and operation. Allow the use of dipnets in the Kuskokwim River drainage subsistence salmon fishery, as follows:

5 AAC 01.270. Lawful gear and specifications and operation. (a) Salmon may be taken only by gillnet, beach seine, a hook and line attached to a rod or pole, handline, dip net, or fish wheel subject to the restrictions set out in this section and 5 AAC 01.275, except that salmon may also be taken by spear in the Holitna River drainage, Kanektok River drainage, Arolik River drainage, and the drainage of Goodnews Bay.

What is the issue you would like the board to address and why? Add the gear type dip nets to the list of gear that can be used to catch salmon in the Kuskokwim River drainage. Currently dip nets can only be used during times of king salmon conservation. There is a history of dip net use in various locations of the Kuskokwim.

If we wish to encourage dip net use during this time of conservation it makes sense to allow dip net use during other times when the density of other types of salmon is greater and provides a better opportunity to be successful with the use of dip nets. although we know there has been use of dip net in the past, dip nets are a method that has long been out of use, so successful use needs to be relearned. Being able to dip net when there are higher concentrations of salmon in the river, such as sockeye and chums, would be a more successful experience for the new dip netter and would encourage use of this method during times of king salmon conservation.

PROPOSED BY: Stony Holitna Advisory Committee (EF-F18-031) ******************************************************************************

23 BOARD OF FISH: Kuskokwim

PROPOSAL 108 5 AAC 01.270. Lawful gear and gear specifications and operations. Add dipnets as legal gear for subsistence fishing in the Kuskokwim Area, as follows:

Allow subsistence dipnetting during gillnet opening: to ensure that people who don’t have gillnets have the opportunity to get fish.

What is the issue you would like the board to address and why? Allow dipnetting during subsistence gillnetting because some people don’t own gillnet and don’t want too much fish caught.

PROPOSED BY: Iqurmiut Tribal Council (HQ-F18-002) ******************************************************************************

24 BOARD OF FISH: Kuskokwim

PROPOSAL 109 5 AAC 01.275. Waters closed to subsistence fishing. Close marine waters immediately adjacent to the mouth of the Kuskokwim River to subsistence fishing during times of king salmon conservation, as follows:

During times of Chinook salmon conservation, the Bethel Fish and Game Advisory Committee would like the Commissioner to extend the current regulatory boundary line located at the south end of Eek Island and just below the west point called Kookaq in the Kuskokwim River mouth 10 miles out, or as far out as the ADF&G authority, including marine waters in order to extend Chinook salmon conservation authority.

Suggested regulatory language: 5 AAC 01.275 (e) During times of subsistence Chinook salmon closures, the commissioner shall close marine waters immediately adjacent to the mouth of the Kuskokwim River.

What is the issue you would like the board to address and why? This proposal is to address the conservation of Chinook salmon in times of conservation. The purpose of this proposal is to keep fisherman out of the milling areas during times of conservation. This proposal is to add new regulation, during times of conservation to continue setting conservation consistent throughout the drainage.

The issue is that there have been known Chinook salmon that mill in the brackish areas near the ADF&G regulatory markers at the Kuskokwim River mouth. Fishermen from many Kuskokwim River villages have been known to travel to the mouth of the Kuskokwim River to harvest Chinook Salmon. There have been reports of Chinook Salmon being caught at the mouth of the Kuskokwim River in quantities of 80 fish per day. It is felt that there is not an equal opportunity for harvest of these Chinook Salmon when they are caught in this area while there are conservation restrictions in the river main stem. Therefore it is suggested there be a closure on these bodies of water that serve as milling areas for Kuskokwim River Chinook salmon.

PROPOSED BY: Bethel Fish and Game Advisory Committee (EF-F18-091) ******************************************************************************

25 BOARD OF FISH: Kuskokwim

PROPOSAL 110 5 AAC 01.275. Waters closed to subsistence fishing; 5 AAC 07.365. Kuskokwim River Salmon Management Plan; and 5 AAC 71.010. Seasons and bag, possession, annual, and size limits for the Kuskokwim — Goodnews Area. Close all fishing in non-salmon spawning rivers of the Kuskokwim River within five miles of the confluence during times of king salmon conservation, as follows:

The Commissioner shall close non-salmon spawning rivers (Tagayanaq, Ishkowik, Tuntutuliak, Kialiq, Johnson, Kwiik and all other unnamed creeks, sloughs and rivers) in times of chinook salmon conservation as follows with the following restrictions: Non salmon spawning rivers shall be closed starting from the mouth to five miles upstream. Set nets and drifting with any size gear are prohibited in times of chinook salmon conservation within the 5 mile buffer.

What is the issue you would like the board to address and why? There is no current regulation on non-salmon spawning rivers in times of Chinook salmon conservation on the Kuskokwim River. For the residents of the Kuskokwim River to truly conserve chinook salmon for the future generations, the non-salmon spawning rivers must be closed five miles upstream from the mouth of these rivers.

PROPOSED BY: Organized Village of Kwethluk (HQ-F18-083) ******************************************************************************

26 BOARD OF FISH: Kuskokwim

PROPOSAL 111 5 AAC 07.331. Gillnet specifications and operations. Increase maximum gillnet mesh size to 8 inches in both subsistence and commercial salmon fisheries, as follows:

Increase net sizes to 8 inches for salmon fishing either for subsistence or commercial fishing.

What is the issue you would like the board to address and why? Net sizes, commercial openings. Find a fish buyer for commercial fishing. Only income fishermen get because jobs are scarce in the villages.

PROPOSED BY: Kasigluk Traditional Council (HQ-F18-003) ******************************************************************************

27 BOARD OF FISH: Kuskokwim

PROPOSAL 112 5 AAC 07.365. Kuskokwim River Salmon Management Plan. Allow subsistence fishing with dipnet gear during times of king or coho salmon conservation, as follows:

Dipnetting will be an allowable year round fishery method on the Kuskokwim River, even in times of an Emergency Order.

5 AAC 07.365(c)(2)

…

(A) the commissioner shall close, by emergency order, the commercial, sport, and subsistence king salmon fisheries, and after June 11, to the extent practicable, the commissioner shall open, by emergency order, at least one fishing period per week for a directed subsistence king salmon fishery, the commissioner shall keep open, even during an emergency order, dipnetting as an allowable method, to provide harvest opportunity on surplus king salmon in excess of escapement needs;

What is the issue you would like the board to address and why? Dipnetters of the Kuskokwim River are requesting to keep dipnetting an open fishery year round in the regulation book. They specifically would like to emphasize that dipnetting will be allowed even during an Emergency Order (EO).

Dipnetting is not dangerous to any fishery. Therefore, not dangerous or harmful to Chinook Salmon. Dipnetters will be able to catch other species of salmon, while still conserving for Chinook to let go any accidental caught Chinook go, unharmed.

Allowing for a open ended dipnetting harvest method, even during an EO to close the fishery, will validate the opportunity for harvest. While still allowing conservation implementation to continue in preservation of rebuilding Chinook Salmon abundance.

This is an ineffective method for catching large quantities of salmon at once, provides opportunity for fresh salmon other than Chinook Salmon to be caught. Families of the Kuskokwim River, where dipnetting is effective, would have the opportunity to catch freshly caught salmon for dinner, some drying, and storing.

This method would greatly help out the Kuskokwim River communities. Even though dipnetting is not a custom traditional practice of the Kuskokwim River. Families can learn to use this method of fishing effectively. This method has been practiced by a few folks from the Bethel area and have reported to improving their skills at catching salmon. It takes practice, patience, and planning.

Many dipnetters reported were targeting whitefish and reds, letting go chums when they caught enough. One dipnetter reported that they were also trying to target silver (Coho) salmon and found dipnetting effective was also effective way of harvesting Coho.

28 BOARD OF FISH: Kuskokwim

The request is to also have dipnets open as a fishing method even during gillnet only restrictions on Coho season. Dipnetters wanted to emphasize that if they are needing more chums during the silver salmon run, they would have the opportunity to target chums and not Coho. This would allow for specific salmon target of a species than swamping a gillnet with unnecessary amounts of Coho. Therefore, families would still be able to catch Chum for dryfish. Chum is preferred salmon for dryfish during the rainy season, because they dry faster than other salmon species.

Due to the Chinook Salmon conservation restrictions, subsistence harvesters had to change their methods of gathering, processing, and harvesting of subsistence caught salmon. They were forced into these changes by Emergency Orders, Special Actions Requests, and Federal Management take over. Over the past 8 years of method change. It is time to change regulations that best work to the benefit of the people and the resource.

Dipnetting helps control how much salmon you need and what kind of fish you want to keep.

PROPOSED BY: Alissa Nadine Rogers (EF-F18-028) ******************************************************************************

29 BOARD OF FISH: Kuskokwim

PROPOSAL 113 5 AAC 07.365. Kuskokwim River Salmon Management Plan. Close king salmon fisheries on the Kuskokwim River by emergency order on June 1, as follows:

5 AAC 07.365. Kuskokwim River Salmon Management Plan

(c) In the king salmon fishery, (1) when the projected escapement of king salmon is below the drainagewide escapement goal range, the commissioner shall close, by emergency order, the commercial, sport, and subsistence king salmon fisheries on June 1; (2) when the projected escapement of king salmon is within the drainagewide escapement goal range, the commissioner shall open and close fishing periods, by emergency order, as follows: (A) the commissioner shall close on June 1, by emergency order, the commercial, sport, and subsistence king salmon fisheries, and after June 11, to the extent practicable, the commissioner shall open, by emergency order, at least one fishing period per week for a directed subsistence king salmon fishery to provide harvest opportunity on surplus king salmon in excess of escapement needs, (B) after June 11, fishing may be opened for commercial and sport fisheries to provide harvest opportunity on surplus king salmon in excess of escapement and subsistence needs; (C) notwithstanding (c)(2)(A) of this section, before June 12 the commissioner shall open, by emergency order, at least one subsistence fishing period per week with four-inch or smaller mesh gillnets; the gillnet may only be operated as a set gillnet and no part of the set gillnet may be more than 100 feet from the ordinary high water mark; (3) when the projected escapement of king salmon exceeds the drainagewide escapement goal range, (A) the commissioner shall close on June 1, by emergency order, the commercial, sport, and subsistence king salmon fisheries, and after June 11, the directed subsistence king salmon fishery will be open seven days per week; and (B) after June 11, the commercial and sport fisheries will be managed to provide harvest opportunity on surplus king salmon in excess of escapement and subsistence needs. (C) notwithstanding (c)(3)(A) of this section, before June 12 the commissioner shall open, by emergency order, at least one subsistence fishing period per week with four-inch or smaller mesh gillnets; the gillnet may only be operated as a set gillnet and no part of the set gillnet may be more than 100 feet from the ordinary high water mark;

What is the issue you would like the board to address and why? ADF&G’s Kuskokwim Salmon Management Plan requires the State to close king salmon fisheries in the Kuskokwim River drainage through June 11. This closure is achieved by implementing a closure to the use of gillnets. In 2017, the closure to the use of gillnets began on May 20. Few Chinook Salmon pass the mouth of Kuskokwim before June 1, and local people customarily and traditionally harvest other species of fish with gillnets, especially whitefishes and the larger Sheefish that are harvested with 6 inch mesh size gillnets. The Management Plan should have a June 1 beginning date for the closure so that people can continue to harvest fish other than Chinook Salmon in gillnets.

30 BOARD OF FISH: Kuskokwim

PROPOSED BY: Alissa Nadine Rogers (HQ-F18-064) ******************************************************************************

31 BOARD OF FISH: Kuskokwim

PROPOSAL 114 5 AAC 07.365. Kuskokwim River Salmon Management Plan. Allow subsistence fishing for king salmon in the Kuskokwim River prior to June 11, as follows:

5 AAC 07.365. Kuskokwim River Salmon Management Plan

(c) In the king salmon fishery, (1) when the projected escapement of king salmon is below the drainagewide escapement goal range, the commissioner shall close, by emergency order, the commercial, sport, and subsistence king salmon fisheries; (2) when the projected escapement of king salmon is within the drainagewide escapement goal range, the commissioner shall open and close fishing periods, by emergency order, as follows: (A) the commissioner shall close, by emergency order, the commercial and sport [AND SUBSISTENCE] king salmon fisheries, and in the subsistence king fishery from June 1 through June 25 the use of 6-inch or less mesh size gillnets will only be restricted, if necessary, during rolling closures implemented sequentially up the river in a step-wise progression consistent with Chinook Salmon run timing [AFTER JUNE 11, TO THE EXTENT PRACTICABLE, THE COMMISSIONER SHALL OPEN, BY EMERGENCY ORDER, AT LEAST ONE FISHING PERIOD PER WEEK FOR A DIRECTED SUBSISTENCE KING SALMON FISHERY TO PROVIDE HARVEST OPPORTUNITY ON SURPLUS KING SALMON IN EXCESS OF ESCAPEMENT NEEDS,] (B) after June 11, fishing may be opened for commercial and sport fisheries to provide harvest opportunity on surplus king salmon in excess of escapement and subsistence needs; [(C) NOTWITHSTANDING (C)(2)(A) OF THIS SECTION, BEFORE JUNE 12 THE COMMISSIONER SHALL OPEN, BY EMERGENCY ORDER, AT LEAST ONE SUBSISTENCE FISHING PERIOD PER WEEK WITH FOUR-INCH OR SMALLER MESH GILLNETS; THE GILLNET MAY ONLY BE OPERATED AS A SET GILLNET AND NO PART OF THE SET GILLNET MAY BE MORE THAN 100 FEET FROM THE ORDINARY HIGH WATER MARK;] (3) when the projected escapement of king salmon exceeds the drainagewide escapement goal range, (A) the commissioner shall close, by emergency order, the commercial and sport [AND SUBSISTENCE] king salmon fisheries, and in the subsistence king fishery from June 1 through June 11 the use of 6-inch or less mesh size gillnets will only be restricted, if necessary, during rolling closures implemented sequentially up the river in a step-wise progression consistent with Chinook Salmon run timing, and after June 11, the directed subsistence king salmon fishery will be open seven days per week; and (B) after June 11, the commercial and sport fisheries will be managed to provide harvest opportunity on surplus king salmon in excess of escapement and subsistence needs.

What is the issue you would like the board to address and why? ADF&G’s Kuskokwim Salmon Management Plan requires the State to close king salmon fisheries in the Kuskokwim

32 BOARD OF FISH: Kuskokwim

River drainage through June 11. This closure is achieved by implementing a closure to the use of gillnets. There should be opportunity to harvest king salmon before June 11 every year.

PROPOSED BY: Alissa Nadine Rogers (HQ-F18-065) ******************************************************************************

33 BOARD OF FISH: Kuskokwim

PROPOSAL 115 5 AAC 07.365. Kuskokwim River Salmon Management Plan. Allow subsistence fishing for non-salmon fish species in certain waters during times of king salmon conservation, as follows:

5 AAC 07.365 (d) (5) During subsistence salmon fishing closures, that portion of the Tuntutuliak, Tagayarak, Kialik and Johnson rivers upstream from a line between ADF&G regulatory markers 100 yards upstream from its confluence with the Kuskokwim River, shall remain open to subsistence fishing with gillnets that are eight-inch or smaller mesh, with a maximum length of 50 fathoms.

What is the issue you would like the board to address and why? The Kuskokwim River has experienced main stem and tributary subsistence closures in recent years in order to conserve Chinook salmon. The Tuntutuliak, Tagayarak, Kialik and Johnson rivers are non-salmon spawning tributaries located in the lower portion of the Kuskokwim River and are important and traditional subsistence fishing locations for the residents of Tuntutuliak. People from this area have a long history of fishing in these locations for species such as pike, lush, chum salmon, and whitefish and rely on these rivers to meet their physical needs and to sustain their subsistence way of life and culture. With increased regulations during the Chinook salmon season these tributaries may be negatively impacted and could become closed to subsistence harvest of fish.

Since the Tuntutuliak, Tagayarak, Kialik and Johnson rivers are non-salmon spawning tributaries of the Kuskokwim River, residents would like to see the subsistence fishing in these tributaries protected in regulation even in times of Chinook salmon conservation since Chinook salmon do not typically spawn in these locations. Keeping these tributaries open would also relax pressure on subsistence users when the Kuskokwim River mainstem is closed to fishing by allowing users to easily harvest other species in nearby tributaries.

PROPOSED BY: Native Village of Tuntutuliak (EF-F18-076) ○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○

What is the issue you would like the board to address and why? Closure of Kuskokwim River and tributaries in recent years. Pailleq, Agyaraq, Tuntutuliak, Kialiq, and Johnson Rivers are non- spawning Kuskokwim tributaries that are important and traditional subsistence fishing locations for the local residents living nearby the aforementioned rivers. With increased regulations during the chinook season, the rivers may be negatively impacted and could become closed to subsistence harvest of fish. Since these rivers are non-spawning tributaries, local residents would like to see its subsistence fishing protected in regulation, as stated in ANILCA.

PROPOSED BY: Qinarmiut Corporation (HQ-F18-058) ******************************************************************************

34 BOARD OF FISH: Kuskokwim

PROPOSAL 116 5 AAC 07.365. Kuskokwim River Salmon Management Plan. Maintain open subsistence salmon fishing periods around the mouths of the Johnson, Kialiq, Kinak, Tagyaraq and Pailleq Rivers, as follows:

We are requesting to keep the mouths of Johnson River, Kialiq River, Kinak River, Tagyaraq River and Pailleq River open for subsistence fishing.

What is the issue you would like the board to address and why? The chinook fish do not go up these rivers to spawn and other surrounding villages come and fish for their subsistence needs in these rivers. When subsistence fishing, people do not over-catch but stop when they reach their own limits and it all depends on how big their family members are. In the past, Kalskag had made a resolution to close the mouths of these rivers, but we are requesting to keep them open as before.

PROPOSED BY: Tuntutuliak Traditional Council (HQ-F18-025) ******************************************************************************

35 BOARD OF FISH: Kuskokwim

PROPOSAL 117 5 AAC 07.365. Kuskokwim River Salmon Management Plan. Allow subsistence fishing for non-salmon fish species in Pailleq Slough when the subsistence fishery for salmon is closed, as follows:

5 AAC 07.365 (d) (5) During subsistence salmon fishing closures, that portion of Pailleq Slough upstream from a line 100 yards upstream from its confluence with the Kuskokwim River, shall remain open to subsistence fishing with gillnets.

What is the issue you would like the board to address and why? The Kuskokwim River has experienced main stem and tributary subsistence fishing closures in recent years in order to conserve Chinook salmon. The community of Eek is located on the Eek River, which is a salmon spawning tributary of the Kuskokwim River. Pailleq Slough is located up river from Eek Island off of the mainstem of the Kuskokwim River and flows into Eenayarak River. During Chinook salmon conservation subsistence fishing closures, Pailleq has also been closed even though salmon do not typically migrate up these waters. Residents would like to keep Pailleq open to fishing even in times of Chinook salmon conservation.

Traditionally, residents near the Kuskokwim River mouth and Bering Sea coast, including the community of Eek, have maintained subsistence camps on or near Pailleq Slough and have practiced subsistence activities such as fishing and berry picking while living at these camps throughout the summer season. Residents harvest whitefish, Sheefish, pike and other nonsalmon species from this location. Today, the Pailleq Slough remains important due to its proximity to the community of Eek, its historical relevance, and its subsistence opportunities. People rely on this slough during the summer fishing season because it is much closer to Eek than having to travel south to the Quinhagak area, which requires more boat fuel and expenses, in order to fish. Residents depend on Pailleq Sough to meet their physical needs and to sustain their subsistence way of life and culture. They typically use driftnets in this location since setnets cannot be used due to the strong tidal action. Keeping Pailleq Slough open even in times of conservation would also relax pressure on subsistence users when the Kuskokwim River mainstem is closed by allowing users to easily harvest other fish species nearby.

PROPOSED BY: William Charlie Brown (HQ-F18-078) ******************************************************************************

36 BOARD OF FISH: Kuskokwim

PROPOSAL 118 5 AAC 07.365. Kuskokwim River Salmon Management Plan, and 5 AAC 71.010. Seasons and bag, possession, annual, and size limits for the Kuskokwim — Goodnews Area. Close sport fishing for king salmon in the Kuskokwim River drainage when other Kuskokwim River fisheries are closed to the taking of king salmon, as follows:

Kuskokwim River Drainage: (Downstream of a point located ¼ mile upstream of the confluence of the Kuskokwim River with the Holitna River, and all waters draining in to the Kuskokwim River Bay south of the Kuskokwim River): (include with current language)

King Salmon: During times of Chinook Salmon conservation, all waters draining into the Kuskokwim River will be closed to taking of Chinook Salmon unless the Chinook Salmon Conservation has been lifted for all rivers that drain into the Kuskokwim River.

What is the issue you would like the board to address and why? During times of Chinook Salmon conservation, there is no regulation where sport fishing is prohibited all throughout the Kuskokwim River as outlined in the Special Regulations for the Kuskokwim – Goodnews Drainages. If one set of users are prohibited from taking Chinook salmon, all other users must also be prohibited.

PROPOSED BY: Organized Village of Kwethluk (HQ-F18-085) ******************************************************************************

37 PROPOSAL 120 5 AAC 71.030. Methods, means, and general provisions – Finfish. Close sport fishing and rafting on the Kwethluk, Kasigluk, and Kisaralik Rivers from May 1 to October 31 in times of conservation for any species of salmon, as follows:

Closure of sports fishing and rafting at prime salmon spawning tributaries of the Kuskokwim River, namely the Kwethluk, Kasigluk and Kisaralik Rivers that flow into the Kuskokuak Slough and Kuskokwim River starting May 1 to October 31st of each year conservation of salmon species (Chinook, Chum, Sockeye and Coho) is warranted.

What is the issue you would like the board to address and why? Rafting and sports fishing in times of salmon conservation (Chinook, Chum, Sockeye and Coho) on the Kuskokwim River and its tributaries. Rafters and Sports Fishers will contaminate the headwaters and lakes where all salmon species spawn in the tributaries of the Kuskokwim River.

PROPOSED BY: Chariton Epchook (EF-F18-030) ******************************************************************************

38 BOARD OF FISH: Kuskokwim

PROPOSAL 122 5 AAC 71.030. Methods, means, and general provisions — Finfish. Require parts of sport-caught salmon in the Kuskokwim-Goodnews Area to be retained or disposed of away from shore, as follows:

Add new regulation

5 AAC 71.030 Sport Fishing and Personal Use Fishery Kuskokwim-Goodnews Area Methods, means, and general provisions - Finfish (d) In the State sport salmon fishery in the Kuskokwim River drainage, salmon heads and back bones shall be retained and Chinook Salmon heads, eggs, stomachs, tails, and backbones shall be retained. Nonedible parts shall be offered to local dog mushers and garden groups and only then discarded midriver away from shore or buried away from any community.

What is the issue you would like the board to address and why? At many communities, sport fishermen discard fish parts all over the beach where kids go swimming. Local residents observe fish parts on beaches in tributary streams also, especially the Kwethluk, Kasigluk, and Kisaralik river drainages where sport fishing pressure is high.

PROPOSED BY: Alissa Nadine Rogers (HQ-F18-063) ******************************************************************************

BOARD OF FISH: Statewide

PROPOSAL 161 5 AAC 01.XXX, 5 AAC 75.XXX, 5 AAC 77.XXX. New Section. Require weekly reporting of salmon harvest by all permit or license holders, as follows:

All holders of a State of Alaska commercial, charter, subsistence, or personal use permit or license shall be required to report the number, species and location of salmon taken in the State of Alaska weekly (unless a shorter time period is required by regulation) by phone, by e-mail, or on an ADF&G provided report form or commercial fish ticket.

What is the issue you would like the board to address and why? The need for timely data necessary to make effective decisions in the management of the salmon resources in the State of Alaska.

PROPOSED BY: Ralph Lohse (EF-F18-022) ******************************************************************************

40 BOARD OF FISH: Statewide

PROPOSAL 162 5 AAC 01.XXX - 5 AAC 77.XXX. New section. Require biweekly reporting of all sport, personal use, and subsistence king salmon catch, as follows:

All personal use, sport, and subsistence fishermen must report their catch numbers to the department within 14 days of harvesting chinook salmon through the ADF&G website or other appropriate methods provided by the department.

What is the issue you would like the board to address and why? A lack of in season data on chinook salmon catch numbers by sport, personal use, and state subsistence users.

At a time when the state of Alaska is attempting to understand chinook run strength numbers, the Department of Fish and Game needs every tool available. Timely in season reporting coupled with the fish ticket numbers of the commercial fleet would create a clear and real time picture of the amount of chinook salmon harvested in season. In a time when smart phones and internet are easily accessible, timely reporting should be achievable. Most game hunters are required by state regulation to report a successful hunt within two weeks of harvest, there is no reason to treat our salmon resource any differently.

PROPOSED BY: Cordova District Fishermen United (EF-F18-049) ******************************************************************************

41 BOARD OF FISH: Statewide

PROPOSAL 163 5 AAC 01.010. Methods, means, and general provisions. Prohibit the intentional waste or destruction of subsistence-caught fish, as follows:

The intentional waste or destruction of any species of subsistence-caught fish is prohibited.

What is the issue you would like the board to address and why? The waste of subsistence- caught fish in northwest Alaska.

(Note: The reason for the is request is that over the last decades, I've seen countless sheefish, Dolly Varden, northern pike, etc. fish caught and left on the ice near fishing holes, and along the trails- abandoned fresh, so to speak. See the example photos provided.

Separately, also, fish are dumped in the spring as weather warms and folks realize they don't want that heap of fish rotting in their yards or their freezer space used up on so many huge and unwanted fish- discarded still whole.

Separate from ice fishing, in June/July along the Kobuk it is also popular to go out boating and hook countless huge adult sheefish heading up to spawn, and upon arriving home to toss them on the shore under a blue tarp, where at times a lot remain until they turn into maggots.

This splendid fishery is important locally, and I think we all can agree should be treated in a manner that's respectable and sustainable.)

PROPOSED BY: Seth Kantner (EF-F18-026) ******************************************************************************

42 BOARD OF FISH: Statewide

PROPOSAL 164 5 AAC 01.010. Methods, means, and general provisions. Prohibit the intentional waste or destruction of sheefish, as follows:

5 AAC 01.010. …

The intentional waste or destruction of inconnu (sheefish) is prohibited.

What is the issue you would like the board to address and why? People catching inconnu (sheefish) and abandoning them piled on the ice near where they were caught or letting them go to waste after bringing them back to town – leaving in the sun, warm weather, flies, to spoil. This is offensive to local customs and violates Iñupiaq values, besides being wanton waste of a valuable resource that feeds a lot of people in the region and throughout the State. While these incidents are not common, when they occur there is no regulation for enforcement purposes to address this.

Other solutions are to include all subsistence fish species. This was rejected because it would get complicated when you start dealing with baitfish and other small fishes (saffron cod) that are used for a variety of purposes, including as plant fertilizer, and other uses where waste is not so easily defined. In addition, waste of other fish besides sheefish, at least in the Kotzebue Sound region, is rare. This issue is unique because sheefish are large and at times are easily caught in quantities right near Kotzebue with little investment of effort, equipment, or cost. The effort comes in transporting them from the fishing grounds and putting them away properly and at times some people catch more than they are prepared, or willing, to process. Sheefish are a high value subsistence species and worthy of conservation regulations, at a minimum to prohibit intentional waste. Use of sheefish for dog food and as crab bait (both of which are traditional uses) should continue to be allowed and not be considered waste.

PROPOSED BY: Kotzebue Fish and Game Advisory Committee (EF-F18-029) ******************************************************************************

43 FEDERAL FISHERY PROPOSALS 2019-2021 Fisheries Proposals Kuskokwim Area FP19-08

To: Federal Subsistence Board

From: Alissa Nadine Rogers, P.O. Box 2405, Bethel, Alaska 99559, (907) 306-4345.

RE: Proposal, in times of conservation of Chinook Salmon pulse protection dates to be put in regulation. WHAT REGULATION YOU WISH TO CHANGE OR NEW REGULATION? Existing Federal regulation: §100.14 Relationship to State procedures and regulations. (a) State fish and game regulations apply to public lands and such laws are hereby adopted and made a part of the regulations in this part to the extent they are not inconsistent with, or superseded by, the regulations in this part.

§100.27 Subsistence taking of fish. (e)(4) Kuskokwim Area. (ii) For the Kuskokwim area, Federal subsistence fishing schedules, openings, closings, and fishing methods are the same as those issued for the subsistence taking of fish under Alaska Statutes (AS 16.05.060), unless superseded by a Federal Special Action. Existing State regulation: Chapter 16.05. FISH AND GAME CODE AND DEFINITIONS AS 16.05.060. Emergency orders. (a) This chapter does not limit the power of the commissioner or an authorized designee, when circumstances require, to summarily open or close seasons or areas or to change weekly closed periods on fish or game by means of emergency orders.

5 AAC 07.365. Kuskokwim River Salmon Management Plan

. . . .

(1) when the projected escapement of king salmon is below the drainagewide escapement goal range, the commissioner shall close, by emergency order, the commercial, sport, and subsistence king salmon fisheries;

(2) when the projected escapement of king salmon is within the drainagewide escapement goal range, the commissioner shall open and close fishing periods, by emergency order, as follows:

Federal Subsistence Management Program 44 FEDERAL FISHERY PROPOSALS 2019-2021 Fisheries Proposals

Kuskokwim Area

directed subsistence king salmon fishery to provide harvest opportunity on surplus king salmon in excess of escapement needs,

(B) after June 11, fishing may be opened for commercial and sport fisheries to provide harvest opportunity on surplus king salmon in excess of escapement and subsistence needs;

(C) notwithstanding (c)(2)(A) of this section, before June 12 the commissioner shall open, by emergency order, at least one subsistence fishing period per week with four- inch or smaller mesh gillnets; the gillnet may only be operated as a set gillnet and no part of the set gillnet may be more than 100 feet from the ordinary high water mark;

(3) when the projected escapement of king salmon exceeds the drainagewide escapement goal range,

(A) the commissioner shall close, by emergency order, the commercial, sport, and subsistence king salmon fisheries, and after June 11, the directed subsistence king salmon fishery will be open seven days per week; and

(B) after June 11, the commercial and sport fisheries will be managed to provide harvest opportunity on surplus king salmon in excess of escapement and subsistence needs.

(C) notwithstanding (c)(3)(A) of this section, before June 12 the commissioner shall open, by emergency order, at least one subsistence fishing period per week with four- inch or smaller mesh gillnets; the gillnet may only be operated as a set gillnet and no part of the set gillnet may be more than 100 feet from the ordinary high water mark;

HOW SHOULD THE REGULATION READ? §100.14 Relationship to State procedures and regulations. (a) State fish and game regulations apply to public lands and such laws are hereby adopted and made a part of the regulations in this part to the extent they are not inconsistent with, or superseded by, the regulations in this part.

§100.27 Subsistence taking of fish. (e)(4) Kuskokwim Area. . . . . (ii) For the Kuskokwim area, Federal subsistence fishing schedules, openings, closings, and fishing methods are the same as those issued for the subsistence taking of fish under Alaska Statutes (AS 16.05.060) except from June 1 through June 25 the use of 6-inch or less mesh size gillnets will only be restricted, if necessary, during rolling closures implemented sequentially up the river in a step-wise progression consistent with Chinook Salmon run timing, unless superseded by a Federal Special Action. . . .

Federal Subsistence Management Program 45 FEDERAL FISHERY PROPOSALS 2019-2021 Fisheries Proposals Kuskokwim Area

(xvii) from June 1 through June 25 the use of 6-inch or less mesh size gillnets will only be restricted, if necessary, during rolling closures implemented by the Federal in-season manager sequentially up the river in a step-wise progression consistent with Chinook Salmon run timing. WHY SHOULD THE REGULATION CHANGE BE MADE? ADF&G’s Kuskokwim Salmon Management Plan requires the State to close king salmon fisheries in the Kuskokwim River drainage through June 11 every year. This closure is achieved by implementing a closure to the use of gillnets. There should be opportunity to harvest king salmon before June 11 every year. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION?

Federal Subsistence Management Program 46 FEDERAL FISHERY PROPOSALS 2019-2021 Fisheries Proposals

Kuskokwim Area FP19-09

To: Federal Subsistence Board

From: Alissa Nadine Rogers, P.O. Box 2405, Bethel, Alaska 99559, (907) 306-4345.

RE: Proposal to set allowable harvest dates to provide Sheefish harvest opportunity in the Kuskokwim River drainage. For example: immediately after ice breakup harvest of Sheefish will be allowed until May 24. WHAT REGULATION DO YOU WISH TO CHANGE OR NEW REGULATION? Existing Federal regulation: §100.14 Relationship to State procedures and regulations. (a) State fish and game regulations apply to public lands and such laws are hereby adopted and made a part of the regulations in this part to the extent they are not inconsistent with, or superseded by, the regulations in this part.

§100.27 Subsistence taking of fish. (e)(4) Kuskokwim Area. . . . . (ii) For the Kuskokwim area, Federal subsistence fishing schedules, openings, closings, and fishing methods are the same as those issued for the subsistence taking of fish under Alaska Statutes (AS 16.05.060), unless superseded by a Federal Special Action. Existing State regulation: Chapter 16.05. FISH AND GAME CODE AND DEFINITIONS AS 16.05.060. Emergency orders. (a) This chapter does not limit the power of the commissioner or an authorized designee, when circumstances require, to summarily open or close seasons or areas or to change weekly closed periods on fish or game by means of emergency orders.

5 AAC 07.365. Kuskokwim River Salmon Management Plan

. . . .

(2) when the projected escapement of king salmon is within the drainagewide escapement goal range, the commissioner shall open and close fishing periods, by emergency order, as follows:

Federal Subsistence Management Program 47 FEDERAL FISHERY PROPOSALS 2019-2021 Fisheries Proposals Kuskokwim Area

(A) the commissioner shall close, by emergency order, the commercial, sport, and subsistence king salmon fisheries, and after June 11, to the extent practicable, the commissioner shall open, by emergency order, at least one fishing period per week for a directed subsistence king salmon fishery to provide harvest opportunity on surplus king salmon in excess of escapement needs,

(B) after June 11, fishing may be opened for commercial and sport fisheries to provide harvest opportunity on surplus king salmon in excess of escapement and subsistence needs;

(3) when the projected escapement of king salmon exceeds the drainagewide escapement goal range,

(B) after June 11, the commercial and sport fisheries will be managed to provide harvest opportunity on surplus king salmon in excess of escapement and subsistence needs.

Federal Subsistence Management Program 48 FEDERAL FISHERY PROPOSALS 2019-2021 Fisheries Proposals

Kuskokwim Area

. . . . (xvii) You my use a gillnet with 6-inch or less mesh size before June 1 in the Kuskokwim River drainage. WHY SHOULD THE REGULATION CHANGE BE MADE? ADF&G’s Kuskokwim Salmon Management Plan requires the State to close king salmon fisheries in the Kuskokwim River drainage through June 11. This closure is achieved by implementing a closure to the use of gillnets. In 2017, the closure to the use of gillnets began on May 20. Few Chinook Salmon pass the mouth of Kuskokwim before June 1, and local people customarily and traditionally harvest other species of fish with gillnets, especially whitefishes and the larger Sheefish that is harvested with 6 inch mesh size gillnets. The Management Plan should have a June 1 beginning date for the closure so that people can harvest fish other than Chinook Salmon. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION?

Federal Subsistence Management Program 49 FEDERAL FISHERY PROPOSAL 2019-2021 Fisheries Proposals Kuskokwim Area FP19-10

Fisheries Proposal to the Federal Subsistence Board

Date: April 20, 2018

Name:

James Charles P.O. Box 8044 Tuntutuliak, AK 99680

What regulation do you wish to change?

Ensure that fishing is allowed for other species of fish in non-salmon spawning tributaries even when salmon fishing is closed. Allow fishing by set net on non-salmon spawning tributaries, 100 yards upriver from the main stem of the Kuskokwim during times when salmon fishing is closed. Rivers that are important to subsistence fishing for the community of Tuntutuliak that flow out of the tundra and have no salmon spawning runs include the Kailik, Tagayarak, and the Kinak or Tuntutuliak River. Other Kuskokwim river tributaries that have no salmon spawning runs that are also important for subsistence are the Johnson River and non-salmon spawning tributaries near the community of Eek.

Existing Federal Regulations

Salmon fishing is open as scheduled. For the Kuskokwim Area, Federal subsistence fishing schedules , openings, closing and fishing methods are the same as those issued for subsistence taking of fish under State issued emergency orders unless superseded by Federal Special Action.

Fishing for all other fish on the Kuskokwim River is open year round with no limit.

Proposed Federal Regulations (proposed change in bold)

Fishing for all other fish on the Kuskokwim River is open year round with no limit. During times of closure to salmon fishing, non-salmon spawning tributaries of the Kuskokwim River will be open to the harvest of fish 100 yards upriver from the confluence of the Kuskokwim River.

Federal Subsistence Management Program 50 FEDERAL FISHERY PROPOSAL 2019-2021 Fisheries Proposals

Kuskokwim Area

Why the regulation should be changed?

These non-salmon spawning tributaries to the Kuskokwim River are very important to subsistence harvest of several species of whitefish, pike, and burbot by the community of Tuntutuliak. The Kailik, Tagayarak, and the Kinak and Tuntutuliak Rivers are very important rivers for the community for year-round subsistence activities and often preferred for fishing due to the heavy tidal influence and winds that affect fishing ability in the wide channel of the lower Kuskokwim River which also make it difficult to use set nets in that area of the main stem Kuskokwim nearest to Tuntutuliak. In recent years during salmon fishing closures due to Chinook Salmon conservation these non-salmon spawning rivers have been open to fishing 100 yards upstream of the confluence by Federal Special Action in order to allow some subsistence fish harvest and still protect the Chinook salmon traveling up the main stem of the Kuskokwim River. The community of Tuntutuliak would like to express that this opportunity has been extremely important to meet subsistence needs and at least harvest some fish when the area would otherwise be closed to fishing for Chinook Salmon conservation. The community harvest during these times has been predominantly important non-salmon subsistence fish such as whitefish, pike, and burbot, with some small incidental catch of salmon that have strayed or are “lost” on these non-salmon spawning rivers. The community of Tuntutuliak feels this fishing opportunity on non-salmon bearing tributaries 100 yards upstream of the confluence of the Kuskokwim is vital to the subsistence needs of the community and will have no impact to salmon conservation and thus should be protected in regulation.

Federal Subsistence Management Program 51 2018 Kuskokwim River Summary

ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME DIVISION OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES NEWS RELEASE

Sam Cotten, Commissioner Scott Kelley, Director

Contact: Anchorage Area Office Aaron Tiernan, Area Management Biologist 333 Raspberry Rd Colton Lipka, Assistant Area Management Biologist Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: (907) 267-2100 Date Issued: October 4, 2018 Fax: (907) 267-2442 Time: 12:00 p.m.

2018 Preliminary Kuskokwim Area Salmon Season Summary

Kuskokwim Area Management The 2018 fishing season was the third consecutive year since statehood that there were no large- scale commercial salmon buyer/processors in the Kuskokwim Area. This resulted in very little opportunity for fishermen in District 1 and no opportunity for fishermen in District 4 (Quinhagak) and District 5 (Goodnews Bay). Kuskokwim River Preseason Forecast and Inseason Subsistence Management The 2018 Kuskokwim River Chinook salmon forecast was for a total run of 116,000–150,000 fish. The drainagewide Chinook salmon sustainable escapement goal (SEG) is 65,000–120,000 fish. Average subsistence Chinook salmon harvest is 84,000 fish. Preseason management actions including early season subsistence fishing closures, tributary closures, time and area restrictions, gillnet mesh size and length restrictions, and live release requirements were jointly recommended by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in an effort to achieve escapement goals. The Kuskokwim River Salmon Management Working Group (Working Group) and the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (KRITFC) voted to support the management actions. An early season subsistence fishing closure was initiated on May 25 from the mouth of the Kuskokwim River up to Tuluksak; May 30 from Tuluksak up to the Yukon Delta Refuge Boundary at Aniak; June 4 from the Yukon Delta boundary at Aniak up to the Holitna River mouth and upstream of Holitna River mouth beginning June 9, 2018. With the closure came additional restrictions, including tributary closures and live release of Chinook salmon requirements. During the front-end closure there were two gillnet opportunities with 4-inch or

52 2018 Kuskokwim River Summary

less mesh to allow subsistence fishers time to harvest non-salmon species. These openings occurred on May 30 and June 6.

Beginning June 12, the Federal Subsistence Board adopted a Special Action to close the Kuskokwim Chinook salmon fishery to non-Federally qualified users within the boundary of the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). The USFWS managed the subsistence fishery within the Yukon Delta NWR through July 6 at which time ADF&G resumed management of the entire Kuskokwim River.

Subsistence management under ADF&G consisted of a June 12, 12 hour 6-inch or less mesh, 25 fathom gill net opportunity in Section 4 (from the refuge boundary at Aniak to the Holitna River mouth) and opened Section 5 (Holitna River mouth to headwaters) until further notice with 6- inch or less mesh, 25 fathom gill nets. Section 4 opened again on June 19 with a 24 hour 6-inch or less mesh, 25 fathom gillnet opportunity and on June 25, subsistence fishing with 6-inch or less mesh, 25 fathom gillnets was opened until further notice. Beginning July 6, the entirety of the mainstem of the Kuskokwim River was open to 6-inch or less mesh, 25 fathoms in length until further notice with 50 fathom in length gillnets being allowed downstream of the Johnson River mouth. Mainstem gear restrictions were removed on July 26 and the tributary restrictions were lifted on August 16. The tributary restrictions were kept in place beyond the mainstem restrictions for the purpose of conservation while Chinook salmon were on their spawning grounds.

Postseason subsistence harvest surveys are presently being conducted. An assessment of subsistence salmon harvest in 2018 will not be available until after postseason harvest surveys have been completed, data have been analyzed, and preliminary harvest estimates are produced.

District 1 Commercial Fishery 2018 Commercial Harvest Outlook and Harvest Chinook Sockeye Coho Chum 2018 Outlook 0 5,000–20,000 80,000–140,000 100,000–150,000

Due to the lack of a large-scale commercial buyer/processor, only a few short commercial fishing opportunities directed at coho salmon were provided in the Kuskokwim River in early to mid-August resulting in well below average harvests. Participants included those commercial fishermen who had registered with the department as catcher/sellers and had secured their own markets. Due to the small number of participants during these commercial fishing periods State of Alaska confidentially requirements prohibit release of the harvest. Run Timing and Escapement Chinook Salmon The preliminary Kuskokwim River total run estimate is approximately 140,891 Chinook salmon (95% CI: 113,093–175,521). The Kuskokwim River drainagewide escapement goal was likely achieved but will not be fully assessed until after all data has been analyzed this winter. Due to the early season subsistence fishery closures, Bethel Test Fish (BTF) was limited as an indicator of Chinook salmon run timing. Subsistence harvest is historically weighted towards the

53 2018 Kuskokwim River Summary

beginning of the run, and the lack of this early season fishery resulted in the evaluation of a larger proportion of the early run than other years on record. Run timing was average based on BTF. Preliminary Chinook salmon escapement at Kogrukluk River weir is 5,757 fish, which is within the established SEG range of 4,800–8,800 fish. Preliminary Chinook Salmon escapement of 3,421 fish to the George River weir exceeded the established SEG range of 1,800–3,300 fish. Escapement at Kwethluk River weir was not assessed due to the project being inoperable for the majority of the Chinook salmon migration (Table 1). Seven tributaries have aerial survey SEGs and all seven tributaries were within the respective SEG ranges (Table 2). Sockeye Salmon Based on BTF, sockeye salmon run timing was late. Overall, sockeye salmon escapement was well above average across the drainage. The preliminary Kogrukluk River weir escapement of 18,934 sockeye salmon exceeded the established SEG range of 4,400–17,000 fish. The Telaquana weir observed the highest escapement of sockeye salmon since the project was established in 2010 with a count of 197,324 fish (Table 3). Chum Salmon Chum salmon run timing at BTF was late and escapement projects showed an average run. The preliminary escapement count of 45,230 fish at the Kogrukluk River weir achieved the established SEG range of 15,000–49,000 fish (Table 4). Coho Salmon Coho salmon run timing was only partially assessed at BTF due to project operational dates. This season the project ended operations a week early due to a boating accident involving the BTF vessel. All run strength indicators point to a below average coho salmon run. Coho salmon passage at the Kwethluk River weir was below average with a count of 5,589 coho salmon, which is below the established SEG threshold of >19,000 fish. The preliminary Kogrukluk River weir coho salmon escapement did not achieve the lower bound of the SEG range of 13,000– 28,000 coho salmon, with a season count of 7,700 fish (Table 5). Kuskokwim Bay District 4 (Quinhagak) There were no commercial salmon fishing periods in District 4 during the 2018 season due to a lack of a buyer/processor. Run Timing and Escapement The Kanektok River weir did not operate in 2018 due to a lack of funding. The Chinook salmon aerial survey SEG of 3,500–8,000 fish was achieved with an estimate of 4,246 fish. The sockeye salmon aerial survey SEG 14,000–34,000 fish was exceeded with an estimate of 326,200 fish, which is the second highest escapement estimate on record (Table 6). District 5 (Goodnews Bay) There were no commercial salmon fishing periods in District 5 during the 2018 season due to a lack of processing capacity.

54 2018 Kuskokwim River Summary

Run Timing and Escapement The Middle Fork Goodnews River weir did not operate in during the 2018 season due to high water. An aerial survey of the North Fork Goodnews River was not conducted due to poor weather conditions during the established survey period (Table 7).

55 2018 Kuskokwim River Summary

Table 1.–Chinook salmon spawning weir escapement, Kuskokwim River drainage, Kuskokwim Management Area 2008–2018. Chinook Salmon Escapement Salmon Salmon Year Kwethluk Tuluksak (Aniak) George Kogrukluk Tatlawiksuk (Pitka) 2008 5,276 701 2,376 2,563 9,750 1,075 a 2009 5,744 362 1,656 3,663 9,528 1,071 a 2010 1,667 201 a 1,498 5,812 546 a 2011 4,079 288 a 1,547 6,731 992 a 2012 a 555 a 2,201 a 1,116 a 2013 a 193 625 1,292 1,819 495 a 2014 3,187 320 1,757 2,993 3,732 1,904 a 2015 8,163 709 2,285 2,281 7,639 2,095 6,736 2016 3,555 909 a 1,663 7,056 2,494 6,326 2017 7,404 609 2,446 3,671 9,984 2,174 8,003 2018 b a a 2,277 3,421 5,757 a 5,317 4,100– 1,800– 4,800– SEG 7,500 3,300 8,800 Average 2008–2017 4,884 485 1,917 2,337 6,895 1,396 6,596 a Weir did not operate, or counts were incomplete. b Preliminary numbers subject to change.

56 2018 Kuskokwim River Summary

Table 2.–Chinook salmon spawning aerial survey index estimates, Kuskokwim River Drainage, Kuskokwim Management Area, 2008–2018.

Lower Kuskokwim River a Middle Kuskokwim River a Upper Kuskokwim River a Kwethluk Salmon Bear Year Eek Canyon C. Kisaralik Tuluksak Aniak Kipchuk Salmon Holokuk Oskawalik Holitna Gagarayah Cheeneetnuk (Pitka) (Pitka) 2008 b 487 1,074 b 3,222 1,061 589 190 213 b 177 290 1,305 245 2009 b b b b b b b 390 379 b 303 323 632 209 2010 b b 235 b b b b 108 b 587 62 b 135 75 2011 263 b 534 b b 116 79 20 26 b 96 249 767 145 2012 b b 610 b b 193 49 9 51 b 178 229 670 b 2013 240 1,165 597 83 754 261 154 29 38 670 74 138 475 64 2014 206 b 622 b 3,201 1,220 497 80 200 1,785 359 340 1,865 b 2015 b b 709 b b 917 810 77 b 662 19 b 2,016 1,381 2016 b b 622 b 718 898 b 100 47 1,157 135 217 1,578 580 2017 b b b b 1,781 889 423 140 136 676 453 660 687 492 2018 b b 584 b 1,534 1,123 441 162 b 980 438 565 1,399 550 Escapement 400– 1,200– 330– 970– 300– 340– 470– Goal 1,200 2,300 1,200 2,100 830 1,300 1,600 Average 2008–2017 236 826 625 83 1,935 694 372 114 136 923 186 306 1,013 399 a Estimates are from aerial surveys conducted during peak spawning periods under 'good' or 'fair' survey conditions. b Survey was either not flown or did not meet acceptable survey criteria.

57 2018 Kuskokwim River Summary

Table 3.–Sockeye salmon spawning weir escapement, Kuskokwim River drainage, Kuskokwim Management Area 2008–2018. Sockeye Salmon Escapement Year KwethlukTuluksak George Kogrukluk TatlawiksukTelaquana Salmon (Aniak) 2008 2,451 188 92 19,675 39 a 1,181 2009 4,230 686 54 22,826 39 a 1,366 2010 4,239 437 113 17,139 28 72,021 a 2011 2,031 126 43 7,974 15 35,105 a 2012 a 187 79 a 9 22,994 924 2013 a 394 150 7,808 37 27,806 966 2014 3,778 514 156 6,413 9 23,820 894 2015 8,975 824 159 6,411 0 95,516 1,669 2016 20,495 1,509 2,807 20,087 240 82,706 254 2017 29,940 4,094 912 27,315 59 145,287 a 2018 b 6,174 a 1,558 18,934 a 197,324 2,656 SEG 4,400–17,000 Average 2008–2017 9,146 896 557 15,072 48 78,064 1,239 a Weir did not operate, or counts were incomplete. b Preliminary numbers subject to change.

58 2018 Kuskokwim River Summary

Table 4.–Chum salmon spawning weir escapement, Kuskokwim River drainage, Kuskokwim Management Area 2008–2018. Chum Salmon Escapement Year Kwethluk Tuluksak George Kogrukluk Tatlawiksuk Aniak Salmon (Aniak) 2008 20,030 12,550 29,396 44,744 30,129 427,911 9,459 2009 32,191 13,671 7,944 82,483 19,975 479,531 9,392 2010 19,235 13,042 26,275 69,258 37,737 429,643 a 2011 18,329 9,828 46,650 76,823 88,202 345,630 a 2012 a 16,981 33,310 a 44,569 a a 2013 a 12,911 37,879 65,644 32,249 a 7,723 2014 17,941 8,724 17,148 30,763 12,455 a 2,890 2015 23,039 6,337 17,551 33,201 10,379 a 5,657 2016 22,914 5,868 20,834 45,329 10,564 a 817 2017 53,745 22,405 40,028 94,387 29,876 a 10,173 2018 b 29,245 a 45,195 45,230 a a 18,922 15,000– 222,000– SEG 49,000 480,000 Average 2008–2018 26,297 12,232 29,292 60,292 31,614 420,679 8,129 a Weir did not operate, or counts were incomplete. b Preliminary numbers subject to change.

59 2018 Kuskokwim River Summary

Table 5.–Coho salmon spawning weir escapement, Kuskokwim River drainage, Kuskokwim Management Area, 2008–2018. Coho Salmon Escapement Year Kwethluk Tuluksak George Kogrukluk Tatlawiksuk Salmon (Aniak) 2008 49,972 7,457 21,931 29,237 11,022 10,974 2009 21,911 8,137 12,490 22,289 10,148 6,351 2010 a 1,216 12,639 14,689 3,733 a 2011 a a 29,120 21,800 14,184 a 2012 19,960 4,407 14,478 13,421 8,015 a 2013 a 6,490 15,308 21,207 12,764 2,797 2014 43,945 13,672 35,771 52,975 19,814 8,254 2015 24,443 6,611 35,812 32,493 17,701 a 2016 28,852 1,857 a a 11,897 560 2017 46,594 28,922 25,384 a a a 2018 b 5,589 a 8,993 7,700 a a 13,000– SEG >19,000 28,000 Average 2008–2017 33,668 8,752 21,193 26,014 12,142 5,787 a Weir did not operate, or counts were incomplete. b Preliminary numbers subject to change.

60 2018 Kuskokwim River Summary

Table 6.–Kanektok River salmon spawning escapement estimates, 2008–2018. Weir Escapement Aerial Survey Escapement Year Chinook Sockeye Coho Chum Chinooka Sockeyeb 2008 c c c c 3,659 38,900 2009 7,065 305,756 c 55,846 d d d 2010 6,537 204,954 c 68,186 1,228 16,950 2011 5,170 88,177 c 53,050 d d d 2012 1,561 115,021 c 28,726 d d d 2013 3,569 128,761 c 43,040 2,346 64,802 2014 3,594 259,406 c 18,602 1,871 148,800 2015 10,416 106,751 c 15,048 4,919 39,970 2016 c c c c 5,631 80,160 2017 c c c c d d d 2018 c c c c 4,246 326,200 Average 2008–2017 5,416 172,689 c 40,357 3,276 64,930 a Chinook salmon SEG is 3,500–8,000 fish. b Sockeye salmon SEG is 14,000–34,000 fish. c Weir did not operate, or counts were incomplete. d Survey was either not flown or did not meet acceptable survey criteria.

61 2018 Kuskokwim River Summary

Table 7.–Salmon spawning escapement estimates, Goodnews River Drainage, Kuskokwim Bay, 2008–2018. MiddleFork Goodnews R. Weir Escapement NorthFork Goodnews R. Aerial Escapement Year Chinook Sockeye Coho Chum Chinook Sockeye 2008 2,223 43,879 37,690 39,548 2,155 32,500 2009 1,669 27,495 19,699 19,237 a a 2010 2,176 36,574 26,287 24,789 a a 2011 2,045 19,643 24,668 19,974 853 14,140 2012 524 29,531 11,371 9,065 378 16,710 2013 1,187 23,545 1,189 27,682 a a 2014 c 750 41,473 7,594 11,518 630 a 2015 c 1,494 57,809 15,084 11,517 991 38,390 2016 d 3,767 170,574 b 41,815 1,120 90,060 2017 d 6,881 179,897 b 54,799 a a 2018 b b b b a a 1,500– 18,000– Esc Goal 2,900 40,000 >12,000 >12,000 640–3,300 5,500–19,500 Average 2008–2017 2,272 63,042 17,948 25,994 1,021 38,360 a Survey was either not flown or did not meet acceptable survey criteria. b Weir did not operate, or counts were incomplete. c Weir operations ended Aug 31. d Weir operations ended July 31.

-end-

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING PROPOSAL FORM

Top of form check boxes:

• Insert applicable game management unit your regulation would change.

• Check the appropriate box(es) for the activities the regulation change would affect (hunting, trapping, subsistence, resident, nonresident, other).

• Select the appropriate meeting for which the proposed regulation change applies.

Fillable numbered boxes:

1. If known, enter the series of letter and numbers which identify the regulation to be changed. For example, 5 AAC 92.055. If it will be a new section or provision, then enter 5 AAC 72.XXX.

2. Write a short explanation about the issue your proposal addresses, or why you are proposing the regulation change. Address only one issue per proposal. State the issue clearly and concisely. The board will reject proposals that contain multiple or confusing issues.

State why the regulation change should be adopted or provide an explanation about what will happen if the regulation is not changed.

To assist you in development of your issue statement (#2 on the form), you may want to consider the following: • What would happen if nothing is changed? • What are other solutions you considered? Why did you reject them?

3. Print or type your proposal as you would like to see it appear in the regulation book. The boards prefer that revised regulatory language is provided. New or amended text should appear first and be in bold text and underlined. [REGULATORY TEXT BEING DELETED SHOULD BE FULLY CAPITALIZED AND ENCLOSED IN BRACKETS]. It is not necessary to bold and underline text if entire change contains new language.

EXAMPLES: 5 AAC 85.020. Hunting seasons and bag limits for brown bear. Shorten the brown bear hunting season in Unit 16B by as follows: September 25 through April 15 [MAY 1]

5 AAC 85.025(3). Unit 9(B) Caribou. NONRESIDENT HUNTERS: 2 [3] caribou; however, no more than 1 bull may be taken.

Revised July 2018 63 Page 1 of 3 Alternatively, you may state your changes in clear sentences. For example, “Lengthen the season for brown bear hunting to July 15 in the Togiak and Bay districts,” or “Reduce the bag limit for caribou in Unit 9(B) to two caribou.”

Bottom of form (submission block):

• Write the name of the group that voted to submit the proposal or your name if you are submitting the proposal. This name will be published in the proposal book. The Boards of Fisheries and Game will not consider anonymous proposals.

• Fill in your address and zip code, and telephone number. These will NOT be published; it simply enables us to reach you if clarification is necessary.

Mail, fax, or email the completed form to the address at the top of the form. Alaska Board of Game P.O. Box 115526 Juneau, AK 99811-5526 Fax: 907-465-6094 Email: [email protected]

NOTE: The proposal deadline for the 2019/2020 meeting cycle is Wednesday, May 1, 2019. Proposals must be received by the deadline in the call for proposals; there are no exceptions. A fax is considered an original. The form must be physically received by fax or mail; postmark is not adequate. Proposals can also be submitted online at www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=gameboard.proposal.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please consult staff at any Department of Fish and Game office.

Revised July 2018 64 Page 2 of 3 ALASKA BOARD OF GAME REGULATION PROPOSAL FORM | 2019-2020 MEETING CYCLE Send completed form to: PO BOX 115526, JUNEAU, ALASKA 99811-5526 FAX (907) 465-6094 or EMAIL [email protected] BOARD OF GAME REGULATIONS Game Management Unit (GMU) ☐ Hunting ☐ Subsistence ☐ Trapping Other

Does the proposed change affect residents or nonresidents? ☐ Residents ☐ Nonresidents

Which meeting would you like to submit your proposal to? ☐ Arctic/Western Region (GMUs 18, 22, 23 ☐ Interior/Northeast Arctic Region (GMUs 12, & 26A) 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26B & 26C)

Please answer all questions to the best of your ability. All answers will be printed in the proposal book along with the proposer's name (address and phone numbers will not be published). Use separate forms for each proposal. Address only one issue per proposal. State the issue clearly and concisely. The board will reject multiple or confusing items.

1. Alaska Administrative Code No. 5 AAC: Regulation Book Page No.:

2. What is the issue you would like the board to address and why?

3. What solution do you recommend? In other words, if the board adopted your solution, what would the new regulation say? (Please provide draft regulatory language, if possible.)

Submitted By: Individual or Group

Address City, State ZIP Code

Home Phone Work Phone Email

Revised July 2018 65 Page 3 of 3