YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL NUMBER: URE-04N-08 PROJECT TITLE: Ruby Salmon Data Collection Project PROJECT PROPONENT: Ed Sarten, Ruby Tribal Council PO box 21, Ruby, AK 99768 (907) 468-4475
[email protected] POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Brandy Berkbigler, Tanana Chiefs Conference (907) 452-8251
[email protected] Lara Dehn, Alaska Department of Fish & Game (907) 459-7288
[email protected] PROJECT LOCATION: Ruby, AK PROJECT OBJECTIVES: 1.) To collect age, sex, length, weight, and girth data as well a genetic tissue samples from Chinook salmon caught with fishwheels and set nets, the two types of gear used in this area. 2.) To better understand stock biology and composition of the Ruby harvest throughout subsistence windows. Budget Priority Framework 2006: • Improve information on biological composition of run; and, • involve and educate users and non-users in communities to increase their desire to maintain and protect salmon stocks and habitat. US and Canada Yukon River Salmon Committee Joint Technical Committee Plan: • Estimate the stock biological or other composition of escapements – 1.1.2; and, • build and maintain community capacity – 3.2.3. Budget Priorities for 2008 & Near Term Priorities: 3. Determine the quality of stock escapement 4. Community Education and Stewardship PROJECT SUMMARY: Management of the Chinook salmon fishery is difficult due to the mixed stocks of salmon, commercial and subsistence fishing, the many tributaries and the vast distance that the Yukon River flows. As a result, several controversies have arisen over time. First are concerns over allocation of the fishery based on the size of salmon runs year to year.