Yukon Fisheries News A Publication of the Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association Winter 2011
Yukon River Drainage Tribal Councils & First Nations Endure Fisheries Association A United Voice for Yukon River Fishers Constraining Issues
By Teddy Willoya, Program Assistant the material into the environment. As a result, This winter I had the opportunity to some of the clams, mussels, herring eggs, tomcod, interview six communities on the Yukon River and other subsistence foods are carcinogenic. from the coast all the way to Canada about their Locals ask, “Are the foods around that area safe to Success Story: Everybody Loves Eels · · · · · · · · · · · · · 4 most afflicting issues. In Alaska, I spoke with harvest anymore?” High unemployment for most of Tribal Council members from Scammon Bay, St. the members of the community is also a concern. Voices from the River · · · · · · · · 5 Mary’s, Holy Cross, and Eagle. On the Canadian St. Mary’s expressed some interesting How Does Fisheries Management side of the drainage, I spoke with directors from concerns. Unemployment is the top community Work in Canada?· · · · · · · · · · 7 Dawson and Little Salmon. All six communities issue. Many people there are unemployed, and 2011 Yukon River Chinook Salmon I interviewed had big issues that need to be most applicants are not qualified to operate the Rebuilding Initiative · · · · · · · · 7 addressed. programs and services offered in the community. Telling the Future: The Science The majority of the issues were related to It is a goal of the community to implement job Behind Salmon Run Forecasting · · · 8 environmental concerns, low king salmon returns, high unemployment, and landfill issues. Other Invasive Species 101: Are Pike Invasive?· · · · · · · · · · 9 issues included the need for a new cemetery, The majority of the storage and funding for a backhaul program, Whitefish Strategic Planning Project Nears Completion · · · · · · 9 and high levels of dust in the community. The issues were related Canadian communities were dealing with similar YRDFA’s 21st Annual Meeting issues including environmental concerns, low king in Mountain Village · · · · · · · · 10 to environmental salmon returns, climate change, unemployment, Alternative Approaches to and the implementation of a land claims treaty. Commercial Fishing · · · · · · · · 11 concerns, low king Scammon Bay is concerned about their Bycatch in the Bering Sea landfill. It is a Class 3 landfill that is being treated salmon returns, high Pollock Fishery· · · · · · · · · · · 12 as an open dump. It sits on the side of a hill above FSB Forms Customary Trade one of the subsistence streams. Because of the unemployment, and Subcommittee · · · · · · · · · · · 12 garbage that has been brought into the landfill, Children’s Book on Natural Indicators the runoff is carrying chemicals into the streams landfill issues of Salmon Now Available · · · · · · 13 and surrounding areas. With open burning, some
Spotlight on Mountain Village· · · · 14 hazardous materials that aren’t supposed to be burned are being burned, posing a threat to the placement, whereby different Tribes would work Barriers on the Yukon: local environment. In the spring, the leftover together to create their own administrative How Road Culverts Can Block Salmon from Streams· · · · · · · · 15 ashes cause problems for berry pickers in the programs so that they can hire locals for the surrounding areas. Cape Romanzof Radar Site is jobs. Storage and funding for a backhaul program YRDFA Board Unanimously were other concerns. The community does not Approves Creation of Yukon a military installation that was used to track the River Elders Council· · · · · · · · 16 air activity in the area. According to the Scammon have a storage building for the accumulation of Bay Traditional Council, some past spills occurred backhaul items, such as old refrigerators, freezers, at the site, and some contaminants were left propane ovens, electronic waste, vehicle batteries, YRDFA reserves the right to include or omit any submissions to the Yukon Fisheries News. The views buried in the ground. The containers housing expressed in this newsletter are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of YRDFA. these contaminants have rotted away, releasing “Constraining Issues…” continued on page 14 Associate Members Lifetime Members
Interior Alaska Fish Processors Inc. Alakanuk Fort Yukon Palmer Max Agayar* Richard Carroll, Sr. Geoff Johnson Boreal Fisheries Richard P. Agayar Peter J. Stortz Fortuna Ledge Holy Cross Traditional Council Frank T. Alstrom, Jr.* Grace C. Alstrom* Vassily Sergie Pilot Station Albert Beans, Jr*** Koyukuk Tribal Council Latrell Alstrom Galena Ragnar Alstrom Bruce Beans*** Gilbert Huntington Moses Edwards*** Ruby Marine Robert S. Alstrom* Sidney Huntington John Ayunerak John Joe Evan Kathy Fancyboy*** City of Nulato Joe Buster* Grayling Louis T. Chikigak* Shirley Clark Paul Fancyboy*** Raymond Fancyboy*** Pitka’s Point Tribal Council Clifford Damian Harry Maillelle Jonathan Damian* Carl Walker Debbie Francis*** Art Heckman, Sr.*** Yupiit of Andreafski Lawrence T. Edmund* Kevin A. Joseph* Holy cross Arthur Heckman, Jr*** Raymond T. Joseph* Jeffrey Demientieff, Sr. Candace Heckman Wilfred Joseph* William Newman Charlie Heckman*** Frank K. Lamont Lloyd C. Heckman Board of Directors John H. Lamont III Hooper Bay Matushka Heckman Raymond J.T. Lamont Lester Wilde Fr. Stan Heckman*** Lorraine Murphy* Stuart Heckman*** District / Seat # rEpresentative Kaltag Abraham Kelly*** Edward Phillip* Richard Burnham Coastal, Seat 1 Lester Wilde Emmanuel P. Stanislaus* Andrew N. Makaily, Jr. Y-1, Seat 1 Frank Alstrom Kotlik Andrew N. Makaily, III Anchorage Peter Elachik** Nicky Myers*** Y-1, Seat 2 Aloysius Unok William R. Beans Rudolph Hootch** William Myers*** Y-1, Seat 3 Ephrim Thompson Steve Hayes Clement Matthias** Rita Nick*** Nina Heyano Evan Polty, Sr.*** Y-2, Seat 1 Alexie Walters, Sr. Joseph P. Mike** Jill Klein Martin P. Okitkun, Sr.** John Tinker, Jr*** Y-2, Seat 2 Paul Beans Larry Lujan Robert Okitkun** Norman Xavier*** Pearl Yunak*** Y-2, Seat 3 William Alstrom Aniak Michael Prince** Billy Teeluk** Y-3, Seat 1 Leroy Peters Stephen L. Hill RamparT Victor Tonuchuk** Georgianna Lincoln Y-4, Seat 1 Fred Huntington, Sr. Anvik Aloysius Unok** George Williams** Y-4, Seat 2 Richard Burnham Ronald Kruger, Sr. Ruby Robert Walker Florence L. Esmailka Y-5, Seat 1 Charlie Wright Manley Hot Springs Harold Esmailka Bethel Linda Johnson Y-5, Seat 2 Stan Zuray Timothy C. Andrew St. Mary’s Y-6, Seat 1 Philip ‘Jeep’ Titus Terence Reeve Marshall Jerry W. Alexie Andy Boot Y-6, Seat 2 Victor Lord Aloysius Wasuli** William F. Alstrom Aloysius Coffee Francis Beans Koyukuk, Seat 1 William Derendoff Cooper Landing Gabe Evan Lillian Johnson David C. Fitka Yukon Flats, Seat 1 Jan Woodruff Robert Gibson Jaylene Fitka Tanana Canadian (non-voting) Ron Chambers Delta Junction William Manumik Lester Erhart David Davenport Mike P. Peters Gerald Nicholia Stan Zuray Eagle Mountain Village Employee Directory Andrew Bassich Fred M. Beans, II Tok Jan Woodruff Fred P. Beans Bronk Jorgensen Meghan A. Beans Thor Jorgensen Jill Klein, Executive Director Emmonak Morgan C. Beans Phone: 907-272-3141, ext. 102 Andrew C. Kelly, Sr. William Lawrence Wasilla Email: [email protected] John Lamont Sarah Peterson Axel Alstrom* fairbanks Matthew Waskey, Sr. Ernie Chase Becca Robbins Gisclair, Policy Director Dane Mikisoq Koponen Harry Wilde, Sr. Ernest Demoski Phone: 907-272-3141 ext. 106 Heather Koponen Nenana Outside alaska Email: [email protected] Sherry Modrow Doug Bowers Bill Fliris Donald Robert Moore Ted Suckling Richard Kocan Richell Carmichael, Finance Manager Denise C. Newman Donald Kramer Phone: 907-272-3141 ext. 104 Susan Robinson Nome Email: [email protected] Brian Rogers Frank Carruthers Darlene Sweat Doug Sweat Nulato Catherine Moncrieff, Anthropologist Pat Madros Eric Umphenour * sponsored by Alakanuk Native Corp. Phone: 907-272-3141 ext. 107 Victor Nicholas Email: [email protected] Michael Stickman ** sponsored by Kotlik Yupik Corp. *** sponsored by Pilot Station Inc. Teddy Willoya, Program Assistant Phone: 907-272-3141 ext. 108 Email: [email protected]
Bob Massengale, Program Assistant Yukon Fisheries News is published by the Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association Phone: 907-272-3141 ext. 107 725 Christensen Drive, Suite 3-B, Anchorage, AK 99501 Email: [email protected] Phone: (907) 272-3141 / Fax: (907) 272-3142 • Toll-free 1-877-99-YUKON (98566) www.yukonsalmon.org Jason Hale, Communications Director Phone: 907-272-3141 ext. 105 Funding is provided by the USFWS, pursuant to grant #70181AG035, Email: [email protected] to support dissemination of information regarding the Yukon River Salmon Agreement and the management of Yukon River salmon.
Yukon Fisheries News Winter 2011 w w w.yukonsalmon.org A Message From the Director
By Jill Klein, Executive Director tools for spreading information and gaining Mountain Village, several attendees from the comments and discussion from users. However, upper river were invited to someone’s house Spring is upon us, and nothing works better than a face-to-face for dinner. They struck out in the evening to it brings many wonderful meeting, where attendees can shake hands, find the house, and after a bit of a walk they things: return of the light, share meals, look one another in the eye, and knocked on a door and were welcomed inside. more pleasant temperatures talk. That’s how real relationships are built. The meeting attendees relaxed on couches, for working and playing That’s how lasting understanding is built. A used the phone to call home, watched some outside, village carnivals, dog races, and lots of meeting was the tool of choice thousands of television, had comfortable conversations, and meetings. Without a doubt, spring is meeting years ago, and it’s still the best option available. enjoyed a great meal. Sometime during that season. Glancing at my calendar, it’s packed I hear stories from fishers about the meal, they found out that they had gone to the with meetings—the YRDFA Annual Meeting, first riverwide meetings, including the first wrong house, but had still been invited in with Regional Advisory YRDFA meeting more than open arms. Council meetings, … nothing works better 20 years ago. As people Of course, tensions remain on the river meetings with boarded planes to fly into and regional differences certainly still exist. legislators, the Yukon than a face-to-face other regions of the river, There are challenges ahead, because fish River Panel meeting, they were afraid for their returns have not been strong enough to the North Pacific meeting, where safety. Their friends and provide for spawning escapement and a full Fishery Management attendees can shake families told them not to subsistence harvest and commercial fisheries Council meeting, go, because they would are much smaller than they used to be. People the Pre-season hands, share meals, probably not come back. need to work out how to share the resource Planning meeting, They went anyway, because fairly when there is not enough to go around. the interagency staff look one another in salmon were important As a result of lots of hard work and dedication meeting, regional enough to take the risk. from many years of meetings, we are better pre-season meetings, the eye, and talk What met them when off than we were before. Relationships have and advisory council their planes landed? People been built and they stand strong. As a result of meetings, to name several. not too different from themselves, wary but meetings, we will work through these trying I know what you’re thinking: Meetings welcoming. times, look each other in the eye, and smile at are NOT wonderful. They’re tiresome. They At this year’s YRDFA Annual Meeting in a job well done. m involve loads of travel and planning. They are often contentious and political. I used to think so, too, especially as the person who plans Yukon River Fisheries Meetings Calendar many of these events. They were stressful and challenging, although necessary. Now, however, Date Meeting Location I’ve seen the light. The Yukon River is impossibly long, March 17 Western Alaska Salmon Stock Identification Anchorage dotted with communities in two countries, Project (WASSIP) Advisory Panel Meeting each separated by distance and numerous March 21 - 24 Yukon River Panel Meeting Whitehorse, YT differences. The fishery is shared by users March 28 - April 5 North Pacific Fishery Management Council Anchorage throughout this region, all of whom need a share of the salmon resource for subsistence, April 13 Yukon River Pre-season Planning Meeting Anchorage culture, and survival. All of these users need to April 13 - 14 Southwest Alaska Salmon Science Symposium Anchorage remain informed on the status of their fishery. They deserve a voice in the management of May 12 Regional Pre-season Fisheries Meeting, Nulato their fishery. They need to be able to explain Middle River (Y3 & Y4) their point of view to fisheries managers and May 18 Regional Pre-season Fisheries Meeting, St. Mary’s one another, and they need to hear from all Lower River (Y1 & Y2) the other users. This discussion is always May 25 Regional Pre-season Fisheries Meeting, Ft. Yukon important, but much more so in times of low Middle River (Y5 & Y6) abundance, like now. Flyers, newsletters, posters, websites, June 6-14 North Pacific Fishery Management Council Nome surveys, and teleconferences are all useful w w w.yukonsalmon.org Winter 2011 Yukon Fisheries News Success Story Everybody Loves Eels: 2010 Commercial Lamprey Fishery
By Stacey Buckelew, November 20 and to Grayling the day after. Assistant Area Management Biologist, Communication with lower river subsistence Alaska Department of Fish & Game fishers allowed the village to be prepared for the lamprey’s arrival. Fishers worked through The scene is one that could make millions nearshore ice using “eelsticks” and dipnets. In in a Hollywood horror film; it’s not unlike the end 22 fishers had delivered 30,713 pounds Hitchcock’s The Birds, in which thousands of of lamprey to the commercial buyer, who birds descend violently upon paid $1.25 per pound. Despite the people of a small town. unseasonably warm temperatures, Picture a dark and bitter cold which kept fishers close to the night in November. Things river bank, the lamprey harvest Photo: Steve Hayes, ADF&G are eerily quiet in the village, was the second largest on record. The commercial harvest of Arctic lamprey in Grayling on the Yukon River. except for the occasional dog Although the Yukon River bark. Suddenly appearing Photo: Randy Brown, USFWS supports a small commercial from the depths of the ocean, The rasping mouth of an Arctic harvest, studies are still needed lamprey. hundreds and thousands of long to better understand lamprey fanged, blood-sucking creatures arrive. Their abundance and biology. Fishers are encouraged bombardment lasts for days, even up to a week. to share their knowledge about lamprey with The creatures are unsettled, wriggling, and state and federal managers. Completing the searching for a final place to rest. You can just commercial delivery logs and household imagine this surreal scene ending in blood, subsistence cards is one way you can help gore, and bandages. safeguard this resource. After all, everybody Photo: Steve Hayes, ADF&G For residents of Grayling this past loves long-fanged, blood-sucking creatures… Commercially harvested Arctic lamprey waiting for air shipment November, the exact event happened in real- right? m from Grayling. life. There were no big movie cameras. The blood-sucking creatures were Arctic lamprey (eels). And, although the ending did involve The Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Lands Resources some blood, it did not include many visits to and Heritage Department have the nurse. The real ending was much happier: money in the pocket. Arctic lamprey return to the Yukon River each November or December to spawn. A female lamprey lays up to 100,000 eggs, which hatch in a few weeks. The hatchlings Hoodies for Sale! remain larvae for one to four years before their metamorphosis into juvenile lamprey. These small lamprey then hitch a ride to the ocean by attaching parasitically to different fish species. Once at sea, the lamprey become adults and feed on blood and body juices of host fish, including salmon and herring. $50 each Available in Black and White Lamprey are perhaps the oiliest fish in the Yukon River. Almost 40 percent of their body Our purpose is to help raise awareness that the Yukon River salmon weight is oil; Chinook salmon contain only 15 are important to the Yukon First Nations, our history and our culture. percent oil. The high oil content makes lamprey The proceeds will support Yukon First Nation delegation participation appealing to Asian food markets, as well as the at the Yukon River Panel meetings. pharmaceutical industry. Since 2003, an experimental commercial For information contact: lamprey fishery has been in place. In 2010 Coralee Johns, Fish and Wildlife Program Coordinator Kwik’pak operated a single buying station (867) 668-3444 ext. 231 • [email protected] in Grayling. Fish arrived to Anvik on
Yukon Fisheries News Winter 2011 w w w.yukonsalmon.org Voices from the River
“What are you most looking forward to about spring?”
In March 2011, YRDFA staff asked this question of fishers from up and down the Yukon River. Here are their thoughts:
Darrell Vent, Huslia Lester Erhart, Tanana Springtime we have carnivals, More birds. Better weather. Better dogs. dog races, we pull for our local people. Then we have the TCC Frances Woolsey, Whitehorse Convention to talk about what See the snow all gone, flowers our people need. Prices are high coming up, and warm weather. in the village. Everything comes I’ll have a garden and plant more together... We have potlatches, flowers. I’m just waiting for spring. too—takes lots of money and effort to provide for those.
Tim Gervais, Ruby That’s a no brainer. Tim McManus, Nenana Lots of warm sunshine! The regeneration of the Earth—the Hoodies for Sale! new growth, things coming back. To see Mother Nature at its peak.
Anita Andrews, Mountain Village I really don’t like spring. It’s because I have four kids, and in spring it gets all wet and cold. That means bad colds, wet rubber boots, and wet clothes (in my house). I am just waiting for summer to get here.
w w w.yukonsalmon.org Winter 2011 Yukon Fisheries News How Does Fisheries Management Work in Canada?
By James McDonald, Aboriginal Affairs special meetings with Yukon First Nations instructs that, after requirements for Advisor, Fisheries and Oceans Canada Elders, newsletters, and people hired conservation, the first priority in salmon specifically by Yukon First Nations to collect allocation is to provide harvest opportunities As you may already be aware, Fisheries in-season harvest information. to Yukon First Nations, followed by and Oceans Canada (DFO) is the federal During recent seasons of low salmon opportunities for the Commercial, Recreational department responsible for the management of abundance, Yukon First Nations have self- and Domestic fisheries. Past Management Yukon River salmon on the Canadian portion imposed restrictions and have been able to Plans are available online at: http://www-ops2. of the Yukon River drainage. reduce their harvests pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/xnet/ When the salmon migrate beyond Eagle, by 50 percent in some content/mplans/mplans. Alaska, they enter Canadian-managed waters. cases. This reduction Because many Yukon htm. Of course, the fisheries in Canada are subject has been done without For 2011, the pre- to a whole different management regime than the enforcement of any First Nations have season forecast for what applies in Alaska. fishing regulations. Canadian origin Chinook Each year in May, June, and July, DFO Some examples of treaties, they are salmon is anticipated to communicates regularly with Yukon First effective self-imposed be a range of 65,000 to Nations to ensure Yukon First Nations management actions responsible for the 89,000 fish. This means understand what the projected salmon returns by Yukon First Nations the management actions and subsequent management actions are include the use of management of their for 2011 fall somewhere expected to be. Thirteen First Nations are a single gillnet by between the Green and affected in the Yukon River drainage, and they persons authorized own subsistence Yellow management are located throughout the Yukon Territory, by the First Nation zones. The Green beginning just south of the Alaska-Yukon to fish on behalf fisheries, and DFO management zone means border and ranging to the headwaters of the of the community; fishing opportunities Yukon River. the recruitment of a works collaboratively will exist in all Canadian DFO convenes an annual meeting each local salmon harvest fisheries, and the Yellow May to communicate the initial pre-season monitor who visits with them to manage management zone means salmon forecast, and holds in-season meetings fishers regularly, possible restrictions in with Yukon First Nations by teleconference observing and this shared resource. Canadian fisheries. It in June and July to discuss the returns and recording catches and is critical to note that what management actions could or should relaying and acquiring both management zones be taken to balance conservation with other in-season information as appropriate; depend on in-season salmon abundance—the subsistence needs. Because many Yukon First and a voluntary reduction of gillnet mesh size, foundation of the Management Plan. Nations have treaties, they are responsible which is intended to catch the smaller salmon Put another way, depending on how many for the management of their own subsistence so that the bigger salmon can pass and reach salmon return to Canadian waters, there fisheries, and DFO works collaboratively their spawning grounds. may be opportunities for a limited Canadian with them to manage In-season Canadian commercial harvest at the upper end of the this shared resource. This management actions are 65,000-to-89,000 range. On the other hand, if kind of collaboration can outlined in the Yukon the run comes in lower than what is currently only be achieved through River Chinook and Fall projected, reductions in the First Nation regular communication to Chum Salmon Integrated subsistence harvest would be considered. attain a common goal: the Fisheries Management Plan As in previous years, DFO will continue to conservation of Yukon River (Management Plan). This base the management of its fisheries on both salmon. Management Plan is revised the salmon estimates produced through the In previous years of low salmon returns, and approved annually after the conclusion of Eagle, Alaska, sonar project and the harvest Yukon First Nations have demonstrated strong yearly meetings with Yukon First Nations, the shares outlined in the Yukon River Salmon leadership by actively managing their own public, the Yukon Salmon Sub-Committee, and Agreement. fisheries. This means Yukon First Nations other stakeholders. In other words, only after For further information, please contact provide clear and consistent communication DFO has met with fish harvesters and heard Steve Smith, Area Chief of Resource with subsistence salmon fishers in their their views on salmon and management is the Management, DFO, in Whitehorse, YT, at Traditional Territories. This communication Management Plan completed. 867-393-6724. m is mainly done through community meetings, As a principle, the Management Plan
Yukon Fisheries News Winter 2011 w w w.yukonsalmon.org 2011 Yukon River Chinook Salmon Rebuilding2011 InitiativeYukon River Chinook Salmon Pre-season Rebuilding Initiative
Yukon River Chinook salmon are important to all users in the Yukon Area. Unfortunately, they have experienced a drop Yukon River Chinook salmonin are production important. Current runto sizesall usersare about in half the of historic Yukon levels, Area. making Unfortunately, it difficult to meet escapement they have goals and provide Planning Meeting for subsistence uses on the river. Harvests have been greatly reduced since 2000 (Figure 1). Despite good parent year experienced a drop in production.escapements Current in run 2007 sizes, 2008, andare 2010about, runs half were of below historic expectations levels, and escapement making goals it difficult into Canada to were not met meet escapement goals and provide(Fig urefor 2 )subsistence. Preliminary analyses uses suggest on the the 20 river.11 Yukon Harvests River Chinook have salmon been run willgreatly again bereduced below average to poor. for king salmon Due to poor production in recent years, it is likely the 2011 Chinook run may not be sufficient to fully support subsistence needs. since 2000 (Figure 1). Despite good parent year escapements in 2007, 2008, and 2010, runs were below Over half of the Yukon River Chinook salmon that are harvested in Alaska are Canadian-origin. Therefore, it is very management in the expectations and escapement goalsimportant into to Canada keep Canadian were as wellnot as met Alaska (Figure stocks healthy. 2). Preliminary Conservation of fisheries analyses resources suggest by all users the is extremely important for ensuring future salmon runs. It is now prudent to enter the 2011 season with the expectation that Alaskan portion of 2011 Yukon River Chinook conservation measures will be required in an effort to meet escapement goals and share the available subsistence harvest.
salmon run will again be below
the Yukon River average to poor. Due to poor
production in recent years, it drainage is likely the 2011 Chinook run
may not be sufficient to fully
support subsistence needs. April 13, 2011 Over half of the Yukon
Clarion Suites, Anchorage River Chinook salmon that
are harvested in Alaska are
Canadian-origin. Therefore, Figure 1. Total utilization of Chinook salmon, Yukon River, 1961-2010. 2010 data are preliminary. Join tribal it is very important to keep
representatives, Canadian as well as Alaska
stocks healthy. Conservation fisheries managers, of fisheries resources by all
and other stakeholders users is extremely important
in working to create a for ensuring future salmon
runs. It is now prudent to fair management plan enter the 2011 season with the
and rebuilding the king expectation that conservation
measures will be required in Figure 2. The estimated number of Chinook salmon reaching spawning grounds in the Canadian portion of the mainstem salmon run on the Yukon River drainage, 1982-2010. The dotted and dashed lines represent the 2010 interim escapement goal range an effort to meet escapement (IMEG). Yukon River. goals and share the available subsistence harvest. It is necessary for all users to help in meeting escapement goals. In recent years, Canadian fishermen have voluntarily reduced their subsistence harvest, sometimes by more than 50%, in order to allow fish to Questions? reach the spawning grounds (Figure 1). During these low runs, it is necessary for all users to look at the amount they harvest and determine how they can help ensure adequate Chinook salmon escapement. Call Jason Hale with Given the users’ concerns over the future of Yukon River Chinook salmon runs, it is necessary to the Yukon River Drainage develop a management plan focused on rebuilding the stocks. The initial objectives of the plan would be to achieve escapement goals in the Alaska portion of the drainage and meet escapement and harvest sharing Fisheries Association commitments to Canada. Furthermore, this plan must provide for subsistence use of Chinook salmon in at 877-999-8566 the Alaska portion of the drainage and management of overlapping summer chum salmon fisheries. Yukon River fisheries managers need your assistance developing options and management strategies extension 105 for 2011 that will assist in getting fish to the spawning grounds should the Chinook salmon run be similar m to the poor runs of 2007, 2008, and 2010. Because of the trend of low productivity, it is anticipated that a conservative rebuilding plan will be in place for the next few years. During the winter and spring, State and Federal fisheries managers will attend several meetings to YRDFA’s work on the Summer Season Preparedness program is funded under award inform fishermen and user groups of the 2011 outlook, and to receive input on management options for number 70181AG035 from the U.S. Fish & the 2011 fishing season. Yukon River fisheries managers are soliciting practical ideas for reducing Chinook Wildlife Service (USFWS)and grant number CC-03-11 from the Yukon River Panel (YRP). salmon harvests from resource users on the river. All people who depend on Yukon River salmon have a The statements, findings, conclusions, and role in protecting these special fish for future generations. m recommendations are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of USFWS, YRP, For additional information: or any related agencies. ADF&G: Steve Hayes in Anchorage 907-267-2383 USFWS: Fred Bue in Fairbanks 907-455-1849 w w w.yukonsalmon.org Winter 2011 Yukon Fisheries News Telling the Future: The Science Behind Salmon Run Forecasting
and humidity levels) have existed in an area the fish, then experience would tell us that historically, then a storm typically follows. we could expect a good run in the upcoming The model combines each piece of information season. Using a model helps us predict just available and how these pieces of information how good that run could be in numbers. Also, interact with each other to produce the forecast we often find that for any year some pieces of in a quantitative way (based on numbers). You information would be positive (predict a good may hear a weather forecaster say “80 percent run) and some would be negative (predict a chance of rain”. That’s because the model lets poor run). The model helps to determine if weather forecasters determine not just if it the positives outweigh the negatives, and by might rain, but also actual numbers related to how much: it helps us look at the interactions the prediction. between pieces of information. By Dr. Katie Howard, Salmon forecasting works in a very similar Just like weather forecasts, salmon Yukon Area Research Biologist, way to weather forecasting. The information forecast models don’t always do a perfect job Alaska Department of Fish & Game that goes into salmon forecasting (or outlook) of predicting the future. For instance, in recent models primarily involves (1) the numbers of years we’ve seen a change in Chinook salmon With generations of experience behind fish that have spawned in previous years, and patterns. Runs aren’t returning in the same them, Yukon River fishers can tell you if they (2) how many fish have returned from those way they have historically. Since the models expect a good or a bad salmon run in the spawning years. Then, by understanding past use historical patterns to predict the future, upcoming year. Natural indicators like wind patterns, we can use them to predict next changes in the patterns we see make using the direction, bird presence, and plant growth year’s run. models more difficult. While we still have the have helped Yukon River fishers predict what Dozens of projects on the river—Eagle experience to say if a run is going to be good will happen in an upcoming salmon run. That sonar, weirs, aerial surveys, carcass surveys, or bad, it’s more difficult to say how good or information is helpful to managers pre-season, subsistence harvest bad, or the number of but managers also need fairly precise numbers estimates, and Salmon forecasting fish we could expect. to show how good or how bad that run might others—all contribute To help with this be so that they can prepare for appropriate the information works in a very similar problem, scientists are management decisions. They need specific needed for these investigating ways of numbers of fish. They need a fortune teller. models to work. way to weather including additional We don’t have any fish fortune tellers. Fishers may not realize pieces of information However, some very smart people have it, but whenever forecasting. in the models, such as developed mathematical models over the years they participate in estimates of juvenile that help us predict how many fish should subsistence harvest Yukon River Chinook return to a river in a given year. The models we surveys, provide catch calendars, or participate salmon in the Bering Sea, and quantitative use today have been used to understand fish in projects that sample their catch for age, estimates of natural indicators used by populations since the 1950s. sex, and length, they are contributing to these traditional subsistence fishers. So what are mathematical models? If you outlooks. Effort from hundreds of people all Keep your eyes open for the 2011 salmon turn on the TV, radio, computer, or pick up a along the river makes getting a specific number outlooks. Yukon River Chinook salmon newspaper and it tells you that there will likely possible. outlooks are first available at the US/Canada be a storm next week, then you’ve just received In a sense, these models quantify, or put Yukon River Panel meeting (March 21-24). a forecast from a mathematical model. Weather a number on, the patterns that fishers have News releases announcing those outlooks will forecasting models use past observations to observed for generations. If 5 and 6 years be available after that. Preseason outlooks predict what will happen in the future. People ago there were plenty of healthy fish on the will also be presented at the 2011 Pre-season have observed that when certain conditions spawning grounds, and there weren’t any Planning Meeting on April 13, coordinated by (like particular wind speeds, temperatures, unusual weather patterns that could have hurt YRDFA. m
Yukon Fisheries News Winter 2011 w w w.yukonsalmon.org Invasive Species 101: Are Pike Invasive? Whitefish Strategic By Dr. Mark Wipfli, Alaska Cooperative Fish unknown. There is some speculation that pike Planning Project and Wildlife Research Unit, University of are affecting salmon in parts of the Yukon River Alaska Fairbanks drainage, while others believe otherwise. The truth Nears Completion is, we don’t really know what percentage of the Northern Pike - Northern pike (Esox lucius) are salmon populations pike are affecting. Places that By Caroline Brown, Alaska Department of predatory fishes that occur naturally in fresh water hold large numbers of pike like the downstream, Fish & Game, and Randy Brown, U.S. Fish throughout the northern hemisphere, includ- slow moving reaches of the Chatanika, Nowitna, & Wildlife Service ing Russia, Europe and North America. They are and Innoko rivers may be predator gauntlets for known as an aggressive sport fish, and aggressive young salmon when they smolt and migrate to the In 2008 the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, predator, often consuming other fishes, amphib- ocean each spring. Pike and other predators could Office of Subsistence Management (OSM), ians, small mammals that venture into water, large be preying upon large numbers of smolts in these funded the development of a strategic action insects, and just about any type of prey they can and similar types of habitats throughout the Yukon plan for whitefish species to provide direction get their jaws around. They can grow to large sizes, River drainage. Clearly, studies are needed to help for research on these important subsistence ranging up to 20 lbs or more. us understand pike predation on salmon in the fish. With increasing commercial opportunities Yukon River ecosystem. offered, but little research available about whitefish life history, this request was timely. This project is divided into 3 phases: 1. Preliminary research, including literature reviews and scoping meetings in the Pike in Alaska - Pike are native in much of lower Yukon and Central Kuskokwim regions, Alaska, including the Yukon River basin, and do 2. Two meetings(October 2008 and April not occur naturally south and east of the Alaska 2009) attended by a panel of experts made up Range except for a small, remnant population near of river residents, biologists, managers, and Yakutat. Pike are voracious predators in fresh water social scientists, and and a large part of their diet is comprised of small Photo: Alaska Department of Fish and Game 3. Development of the written plan. fish including juvenile salmon. Pike prefer slow The first phase of the project was waters, and vegetated, shallow habitats where they Spread of pike - Illegal stocking and spread of completed by October 2008 when preliminary often await and ambush prey. northern pike is reducing the quality of fishing in materials on the biology and use of whitefish In parts of Alaska, especially south central some places in Alaska and threatening wild fish- species were assembled for the expert panel. Alaska, pike are invasive species. As discussed in eries. Pike spread illegally can impact freshwater The second phase was completed in April 2009 a previous article, invasive species are microbes, ecosystems by preying on native fish while having with the second meeting. At that meeting, plants, or animals that do not naturally occur in few predators of their own. For example, lakes and the group developed criteria that can be used an area and can negatively affect the environment, streams that once supported healthy numbers of to assign relative priority levels among issues economy, subsistence, and recreation. Pike have coho and Chinook salmon in south central Alaska such as fisheries, species, user-groups, research been illegally introduced into water bodies in now have only small, apparently stunted northern objectives, and management options. The ideas Alaska, and there they are decimating salmon pike. The further spread of pike either as a conse- introduced and prioritized at the meeting are and trout populations. Outside their native range, quence of warming from climate change or intro- the basis of the strategic plan for research of trout, salmon and other fish have not had time to ductions by humans will likely have further devas- whitefish species in the Yukon and Kuskokwim adapt defenses against pike’s predatory behavior. tating effects on freshwater food webs and fishes. River drainages. Pike are often valued as a subsistence and Caroline Brown (ADF&G) and Randy sport fish where they occur naturally. There they How can I learn more? - There are agency reports Brown (USFWS) have been working on this can prey upon many other fish, such as whitefish, published by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (http:// plan (phase 3 of the project) since May 2009. sheefish, suckers, Alaska blackfish, stickleback, www.fws.gov/invasives/) & Alaska Department of The authors provided a final draft of the and char, potentially reducing their impact on Fish & Game (http://www.adfg.state.ak.us/special/ priorities to OSM in March 2011 and hope to juvenile salmon populations. In their native range, invasive/invasive.php). have a complete draft of the accompanying pike are part of the natural fish community, For more information, visit or phone the monograph to OSM by early summer 2011 for however, climate change and other aquatic habitat Alaska Department of Fish & Game (1-877-468- review. impacts can encourage the spread of this predator, 2748) or the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (907-786- If you would like to learn more about this potentially threatening salmon populations at a 3813). strategic planning effort, to receive any of much broader scale. Sources of information for this report: the meeting materials, or have input into the Although pike have been shown to impact USFWS Fairbanks Field Office - Randy Brown, process, please contact either Randy Brown young salmon populations in places where these personal communication at 907-456-0295, [email protected], predators are invasive (e.g., south central Alaska), http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/ or Caroline Brown at 907-459-7319, caroline. their effect on prey species in their native range http://alaska.fws.gov/fisheries/ m [email protected]. m (e.g., Yukon River drainage) remains largely
w w w.yukonsalmon.org Winter 2011 Yukon Fisheries News YRDFA’s 21st Annual Meeting in Mountain Village
By Jill Klein, Executive Director as a staff member to Senator Olson, was able to join us for the entire meeting, which we YRDFA held its 21st Annual Meeting in greatly appreciated. Senator March Begich the community of Mountain Village along also participated by teleconference, and we the lower Yukon River. With an almost full were pleased to have his staff member Shawna delegation at the table and representation from Thoma join us in Mountain Village for a couple most Alaskan villages along the Yukon River of days. The first meeting day started off with staff in attendance, YRDFA was able to conduct a The community entertained us with and Council members from the North Pacific successful meeting. The meeting took place at Eskimo dancing by the youth group and dance Fisheries Management Council talking about the Mountain Village Community Hall, and troupe and with drummers. Additionally we salmon bycatch—a big topic for folks from the most meals were served at the Ignatius Beans had live music from “Corny” of St. Mary’s Yukon River. The Council representatives had Memorial School. Some people stayed at the and his local accompanying musicians. A to leave soon after their presentation to head to school; others got to know local people on a delicious potluck was enjoyed by a full hall more meetings, but the weather had whipped more personal basis through home stays. As of community members, and the Mountain into a snowstorm and the planes were unable usual, we had local people drive us around Village Strivers were out in full force. to arrive in Mountain Village. The group town and assist with all aspects of the meeting. Enjoy these pictures and join us next year, quickly dressed for snow machine rides that The Tribal Council greatly assisted us in setting when we’ll meet in Galena! m up the meeting, as did the City of Mountain were offered and departed for St. Mary’s, which Village and YRDFA board members. was still flyable. Several inbound meeting The weather was good all around on our attendees arrived to the same bad weather, and travel day of Monday, February 17. Everyone those who could manage the snow machine was able to make it in, including Ron ride over to Mountain Village soon joined us, Chambers from the Canadian headwaters, who returning with the drivers who dropped off the participated as an ex-officio board member. Council representatives. Senator Donald Olson was among those Thank You Donors who had to turn back; he was not able to For our most successful chance being stuck in Mountain Village and raffle ever! had to return to Juneau for his legislative duties. We thank him for his efforts to attend No YRDFA Annual Meeting would be our meeting, and for working with us to complete without a raffle. Raffles are fun, participate by phone instead. Loren Peterson, help to get people moving and talking, bring originally from Mountain Village and working in more people from the local community, and raise money for a good cause—continuing our work! Because of the generosity of the following individuals and businesses, this year we had the biggest and best raffle yet. Our most sincere thanks go out to:
Alaska Newspapers Inc. • Calista Corporation • Crowley Petroleum Distribution, Inc. • Donalson Company: Warehouse & Net Loft • Fred Huntington • Fred Meyer • Era Alaska • Hilton Hotel • Historic Anchorage Hotel • Home Depot • Kaladi Brothers • Katie Sevigny Studios • Leroy Peters • Marriott Anchorage Downtown • Mickey Stickman • Nenana Board Members and Friends • Pike’s Waterfront Lodge • Princess Alaska Lodges • Reed’s Snowmachine & Marine • Ruby Marine • The Boat Shop • Sam’s Club • Stanley Nissan • Warbelow’s Air Ventures • Wells Fargo Bank N.A. • Westmark Hotel • Wright Air Service, Inc.
10 Yukon Fisheries News Winter 2011 w w w.yukonsalmon.org YRDFA Annual Alternative Approaches to Meeting Resolutions Commercial Fishing
and Outcomes By Teddy Willoya, Program Assistant
Resolutions I recently had the pleasure of interviewing one of our past interns, Richard 01 – Thanking the Community of Mountain Village Bender, on commercial and subsistence fishing and alternatives to fishing. Richard is Be it resolved that the YRDFA board members, delegates, and staff a 24-year-old resident of Kotlik. He is a senior at the University of Alaska Anchorage of YRDFA gratefully thank the Ignatius Beans Memorial School, the studying business administration economics, with a minor in Alaska Native studies City and Tribal Council, and the people of Mountain Village for their and an emphasis on policy. He still visits the YRDFA office often and participates generosity and hospitality. in meetings, including Alaska Federation of Natives Youth & Elders, Federal Subsistence Board, and YRDFA functions. He often shares his insights, gained from his life on the river and his classes. 02 – Salmon Bycatch Be it resolved that YRDFA requests that the North Pacific Fishery YRDFA: When did you fish at your hometown? Management Council adopt management measures that will adequately Richard: Every year for the past 24 years. I commercial protect Yukon River chum salmon runs at a biologically acceptable level. fished for three seasons in the Y-1 District for Chinook salmon and one season for chums. 2002 to 2006 I was a 03 – Unified Yukon River Conservation Plan deckhand Be it resolved that all people on the Yukon River should work together YRDFA: How long have you been subsistence fishing to develop a conservation plan for Yukon River Chinook salmon to allow and where do you fish? Richard: For 24 years on the Lower Yukon River. the stock to recover and rebuild. YRDFA: Which fishing seasons were the best? Richard: The fishing seasons were better in the 1990s. 04 – Federal Subsistence Board Membership YRDFA: What are your ideas on how to increase the Be it resolved that YRDFA supports the inclusion of rural subsistence productivity of the current commercial fisheries? users on the Federal Subsistence Board and asks the Secretary of the Richard: We need to have economic opportunity in terms of jobs. There needs to Interior to move forward expeditiously with implementing changes to be other opportunities to bring in income that pays the same amount or more the Federal Subsistence Board structure to provide more representation than commercial fishing. Some of these opportunities can include privatized for rural subsistence users. small businesses like natural resource development and fishing industries. Maybe there should be two permit holders per boat to decrease the overall costs of the fishing operation. If we put two permit holders on a boat, that means we 05 – Protection of Yukon River Salmon in the Marine would have to find job opportunities for the deckhands that were replaced by the Environment second permit holder. Be it resolved that YRDFA supports protection of Yukon River salmon in YRDFA: Where would those deckhands go? What would they do? the marine environment through trawl closures, marine protected areas, Richard: Encourage them to get an education or other form of training. This will and other measures. go along with other organizations’ missions to increase their human capital in rural Alaska. Other Board Actions YRDFA: Do you have any other ideas for helping commercial fishers in these times Tribal Membership: The YRDFA Board voted unanimously to increase of low abundance? Richard: If the Yukon River boat captains fished or conducted business elsewhere, tribal involvement in YRDFA by offering every Tribe in the Yukon River it would reduce their dependence on a scarce resource and a declining industry. watershed one vote in the annual YRDFA board of director elections. Our human capital will strengthen in other areas. Yukon River Elders Council: The YRDFA Board voted unanimously to support creating a Yukon River Elders Council to provide direction Richard’s ideas from our interview seem like a good start on brainstorming new for how to manage salmon fisheries in times of low returns and ideas. Some of the alternative methods to fishing that he describes might have to conservation needs based on their experience and knowledge. be considered if the low Chinook salmon runs continue. The methods discussed are Youth Involvement: The YRDFA Board voted unanimously to engage ideas that may lead to alternative means of income and uses for equipment that has Yukon River youth in YRDFA and in the stewardship of salmon along the already been acquired. m Yukon River through various activities. m w w w.yukonsalmon.org Winter 2011 Yukon Fisheries News 11 Chinook and Chum Salmon Bycatch in the Bering Sea Pollock Fishery
By Becca Robbins Gisclair, Policy Director when reached. The alternatives also include the fleet participating in a rolling hot spot system and being exempt from the area closure in Current Bycatch Numbers regulation, as the fleet currently is. Salmon bycatch numbers for the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands The range of caps being considered are 50,000 to 353,000 for Pollock Fishery are: hard caps and 25,000 to 200,000 for trigger caps. The alternatives Chinook salmon: 1,940 as of Feb. 12 include allocating these caps among the different sectors of the fleet. Non-Chinook (chum) salmon: 8 as of Feb. 14 There are several options for triggered area closures, including smaller and larger sets of closures that can be closed based on monthly or Chinook Salmon Bycatch Management: Amendment 91 cumulative trigger caps. The option for a rolling hot spot system also A new system for reducing Chinook salmon bycatch in the includes the ability for the Council to revise the system currently Bering Sea pollock fishery was adopted by the North Pacific Fishery in use. A special closure area is associated with the rolling hot spot Management Council (the Council) in April 2009 and went into effect system. This large closure area encompasses 80 percent of the area January 1, 2011. The new program, called Amendment 91, includes where bycatch has occurred historically, and would be selected with an overall cap of 60,000 Chinook salmon if the pollock fishery is the rolling hot spot system. participating in approved incentive plans, or an overall hard cap of The Council is scheduled to review the analysis and possibly 47,591 if the Pollock fishery is not participating in approved incentive select a preliminary preferred alternative at its June 2011 meeting plans. If the fishery is participating in approved incentive plans, in Nome. Final action is scheduled for December 2011 in Anchorage. it may exceed the performance standard of 47,591 (up to 60,000 The Council is also doing outreach in Western Alaska for input on this Chinook salmon) in two out of any seven years. If the Pollock fishery action. Council members and staff have been giving presentations exceeds the performance standard in a third year out of any seven, at meetings throughout Western Alaska in February and March the cap drops to 47,591 permanently. 2011, including several of the Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory The cap is divided between seasons (A and B) and sectors Committee (RAC) meetings. Comments collected at these meetings (offshore catcher processors, motherships, inshore catcher vessels, and will be summarized and presented to the Council. Meeting agendas Community Development Quotas [CDQs]). When a sector reaches are posted on the Council’s website: http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/. its portion of the cap, it must stop fishing for the remainder of the When the Council is in session, a live audio feed of the meeting is season. available at this link. Amendment 91 also requires that all participants in the pollock To comment about chum salmon bycatch management measures, fishery have at least 100 percent observer coverage. Those vessels that send letters to: were previously required to have 200 percent observer coverage are North Pacific Fishery Management Council still required to do so. 605 West 4th Avenue, Suite 306 Anchorage, AK 99501-2252 m Chum Salmon Bycatch Management The Council is currently considering revisions to measures that This article was prepared by YRDFA under grants from the Oak Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The statements, findings, conclusions, and reduce chum salmon bycatch. The alternatives, or options, under recommendations are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Oak consideration include a range of hard caps, which would close the Foundation or NOAA. fishery when reached, and trigger caps, which would close a set area
Federal Subsistence Board Forms Customary Trade Subcommittee
By Becca Robbins Gisclair, Policy Director in February and March. The subcommittee is this term will provide some boundaries for what scheduled to meet during the spring and summer is permissible and what is not. The FSB directed In response to several proposals aimed at to develop recommendations. the subcommittee to consider starting with a limiting or defining customary trade on the Yukon The subcommittee’s charge, as stated by the household limit of $750 per year. River, the Federal Subsistence Board (FSB) took FSB, is to develop a definition of “significant The work is to be completed as soon as action at its January 2011 meeting to approve commercial enterprise” for sales of subsistence possible, with the understanding that it may forming a subcommittee of the Eastern Interior caught salmon to others, including rural residents, take time to resolve an issue this controversial Alaska, Western Interior Alaska, and Yukon- that can be applied to the entire Yukon River and complex. The Solicitor’s Office and Law Kuskokwim Delta subsistence Regional Advisory watershed. Customary trade is currently limited Enforcement will assist in developing the final Councils (RACs). Each of theseRAC appointed two to that which does not constitute a “significant language of the proposal. m members to the subcommittee during meetings commercial enterprise.” More clearly defining
12 Yukon Fisheries News Winter 2011 w w w.yukonsalmon.org Children’s Book on Natural Indicators of Salmon Now Available
By Jason Hale, Communications Director The book will be mailed to Tribal Councils and Long before sonars, counting tours, and schools throughout the management agencies, Yukon River Elders Yukon River drainage. predicted the salmon runs. They observed the If you would like world around them—wind, birds, insects, fish, a copy, please contact plants, water, weather, and even the moon—to YRDFA anthropologist determine when the salmon would come and Catherine Moncrieff how many would arrive. This knowledge was at catherine@ critical to the survival of families, Tribes, and yukonsalmon.org. You cultures, and it remains as important as ever. can also view it on When Will the Salmon Come? Advice from Elders YRDFA’s website: www. highlights this knowledge from the lower and yukonsalmon.org. middle river in a colorful, illustrated children’s A teacher tool kit for each Yukon River book. school district has been developed to In addition, thank you to the team of This 28-page book is packed with accompany this book in the classroom. This reviewers who poured over draft versions to information from Hooper Bay, Emmonak, kit offers suggested activities, ways to engage ensure the accuracy and usefulness of this Mountain Village, St. Mary’s, Grayling, Kaltag, Elders and youth, and ways for teachers to meet book: Malinda Chase, Veronica Kaganak, Carol Koyukuk, and Galena. In its pages you can the Alaska Performance Standards. YRDFA Lee Gho, Lillian Johnson, Lester Wilde, Frank find descriptions of natural indicators, quotes, staff presented tool kit activities to students Alstrom, Aloysius Unok, Ephrim Thompson, and vibrant hand-drawn pictures. The book and teachers in Mountain Village during the Alexie Walters, Sr., Paul Beans, Bill Alstrom, is meant for school-aged children, but can YRDFA Annual Meeting. Some of the popular Leroy Peters, Fred Huntington, Sr., Richard be enjoyed by all people interested in the learning tools were Jeopardy and fly swatter Burnham, Charlie Wright, Stan Zuray, Philip Yukon River salmon resource and the cultures games. Students were engaged and caught on Titus, Victor Lord, William Derendoff, Jan dependent on it. quickly because the subject matter had so much Woodruff, Aloysius Aguchak, Felix Walker, YRDFA created this book because relevance for them. Sr., Michael James, Ole Hunter, Anna Pratt, the Elders of the Yukon River want this Special thanks to the many knowledgeable Mike Peters, Alfred Demientieff, Robert information to be documented, shared with Elders and active fishers of the lower and Walker, Mickey Stickman, Lester Erhart, youth, and passed to future generations. In middle Yukon River who shared their Tim McManus, Ted Suckling, Pollock Simon, the past, the Elders were the teachers and knowledge, time, and insight to make this book Sr., Andrew Firmin, Ron Chambers, Craig the scientists. Their knowledge is place-based a reality. McKinnon, Laurel Devaney, Dani Evenson, Jill and has accumulated over thousands of years. Klein, and Teddy Willoya. Emmonak St. Mary’s Austin Esmailka Their knowledge is a resource that should not Mary Ann Andrews Hilda Alstrom Justin Esmailka This book would not have been possible be lost; it should continue to be held by their Michael Andrews Pat Beans, Jr. Franklin Madros, Sr. without generous funding from Rasmuson John Bird Sophie Beans Albert Nickolai descendants. Mary Ann Immamak Evan Kozevnikoff Lawrence Saunders Foundation, Lannan Foundation, Alaska When Will the Salmon Come? Advice from Peter Moore Mike Joe Goodwin Semaken Sustainable Salmon Fund, Arctic-Yukon- Paul Jones Liz Joe Kuskokwim Sustainable Salmon Initiative, Elders was unveiled at the YRDFA Annual William Trader Clarence Johnson Grayling Meeting in Mountain Village in February 2011. Benedict Tucker Lillian Johnson Edna Deacon and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Mary Patsy Herman Deacon Administration. We appreciate their continued YRDFA took 55 copies of the book, and they Hooper Bay Charlie Paukan Tiny Deacon quickly disappeared into the hands of meeting Nathan Fisher Maggie Paukan Rose Golilie support. m James Gump Mary Paukan Freddie Howard attendees, Mountain Village residents, and Gabe Moses Cecilia Sipary Joe Maillelle YRDFA’s work on this project is funded by grants from the George Moses Daniel Stevens, Sr. Rose Maillelle staff members from the school. Many people Rasmuson Foundation, Lannan Foundation, Alaska Sustainable Neva Rivers Theresa Stevens Mary Mountain requested more copies and described Peter Seton, Sr. John Thompson, Sr. Gabe Nicholi Salmon Fund (AKSSF), Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim Sustainable it as a great tool for teaching Helen Smith Marcia Thompson Salmon Initiative (AYKSSI), and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The statements, findings, children about local David Simon, Sr. Koyukuk Carl Smith Kaltag Benedict Jones conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author and knowledge Catherine Smith Mary Rose Agnes do not necessarily reflect the views of the Rasmuson Foundation, from the James Smith Barb Arquell Mountain Village Lannan Foundation, AKSSF, AYKSSI, NOAA, or any related Nicolas Smith Dale Arquell Simon Harpak agencies. Yukon Evan Tomaganuk Richard Burnham Josephine Harpak River. Silas Tomaganuk Robert Dentler
w w w.yukonsalmon.org Winter 2011 Yukon Fisheries News 13 “Constraining Issues…” continued from front page and household batteries. Another issue is the $ 4.47 per gallon for heating oil, high freight In addition, the local landfill has been in use high levels of dust in the community. The cost, and expensive groceries, electricity, water, for more than 20 years. The village keeps Department of Environmental Conservation and sewer costs. Daily needs are hard to keep compressing the trash, but eventually a new conducted a dust study in St. Mary’s a couple up with these days. The Holy Cross residents landfill will have to be started elsewhere. A of years ago, and the results proved that its supplement other needs with subsistence number of items being thrown into the landfill dust level was far above the daily safe exposure foods. Unemployment was another concern— shouldn’t be disposed of there. Examples level. the Tribal Council stated that not many jobs include oil rags, building materials, furniture, Holy Cross declared the low king salmon are available. and tires. returns as a top issue. Holy Cross is in the The Eagle Traditional Council also In Little Salmon, Canada, directors middle of everything because of its location on expressed concerns about the high expressed that low king salmon returns was a the river. Council members stated, “We feel for unemployment rate. Tribal government, the large issue because it takes away from people’s everybody’s issues in regard to the lower/upper school, the post office, and the store are the subsistence way of life. The low returns river and their issues.” Most of the community main employers in the village. Also, Eagle also reduce chances for teaching the next members were able to gather their subsistence Village needs a new cemetery. The old cemetery generation how to lead the subsistence way needs last year, but it took longer than usual. was washed out in the 2009 flood, and all of life. The directors feel that cross-border Cost of living was another concern. These of the cemetery markers were lost. A new cooperation is essential to help the salmon costs include $5.00 dollars per gallon for gas, cemetery must be created in the new village. run recover. They are trying to promote a salmon run recovery plan, but stated that it’s hard to get the Department of Fisheries Spotlight on Mountain Village & Oceans, the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, and other stakeholders to work together for the conservation of the salmon. Social By Mary J. Peterson, When fishing is here, people put up problems such as high unemployment and a Mountain Village, Alaska fish, cut and dry them, salt fish strips, and bad education system were other concerns. Mountain Village is pressure cook them. There are so many ways Moreover, Little Salmon is concerned about located on the Yukon River, to fix them, and all are so good after all the pollution and environmental degradation from about 18 miles west of St. work that goes on! mining projects. Mary’s. We have a highway that goes to St. When summer is over and winter is here, In Dawson City, the declining numbers Mary’s, but at winter time we don’t use it some folks have Eskimo dances, regular of king salmon has been a large concern. The because nobody maintains the road, and it’s dances, and everyone looks forward to lack of the salmon return has affected the getting bad. People still use it during summer some basketball activities, potlatches, and families that rely upon it. The First Nation time though. There are approximately just enjoying the family gathering together. feels that addressing the issue requires a strong 800 people that live here. Some move over Spring is around the corner and most people partnership between the Canadian and U.S. to Anchorage, and some students go to are looking sun tanned from enjoying the management and user groups. The First Nation different schools in places such as Anchorage, beauty of God’s creation. Men are busy is also experiencing challenges associated with Fairbanks, Sitka, or Nenana. getting logs for fire wood, or just hunting implementing a land claims treaty. Another Right now, though, people are looking some animals that are available in the concern is climate change and its effects on the forward to the wonderful spring weather wilderness. This is what makes Mountain traditional food chain. These effects are felt and probably thinking about commercial and Village a great place! m throughout the north and have a direct impact subsistence fishing, which EVERYONE looks on traditional food sources and availability. forward to. Those that have fish camps spend The Tr’ondek Hwech’in First Nation considers their time in and out of the village, putting climate change a high priority and has engaged up fish, and the children look forward to go in several studies aimed at assessing its impact out camping with grandparents. on traditional food sources and medicines. Like in other villages, men go out Yukon River communities are clearly hunting to whatever is available to hunt dealing with some important issues. The for—ptarmigan, rabbits, geese. The men also people and cultures are strong and have put out nets in winter time under the ice, and survived on this land for thousands of years. get whitefish, shee, and pikes. The ladies look The challenges have taken on new forms, but forward to picking greens and rhubarb, and the people will work hard and prevail, as they then berries like blackberries, blueberries, always have. m cranberries, and salmon berries.
14 Yukon Fisheries News Winter 2011 w w w.yukonsalmon.org Barriers on the Yukon: How Road Culverts Can Block Salmon from Streams
By Bob Massengale, Program Assistant under roads. Unfortunately, these culverts were sometimes The Yukon River is an enormous thread inadequately designed to of rivers, curling streams, and rocky drainages maintain high-quality habitat that knit together different cultures, creatures, conditions in the streams they and habitats across thousands of miles. It’s a have channeled. Some were brilliant composition, and each river resident planted too steeply in the earth has an influence on how the composition looks for fish to navigate past, and and works as a whole. From the less developed many are in poor enough physical outwashes of the Yukon Delta to the storm- condition that they block the drained intersections of downtown Fairbanks, general flow of water as they the whole watershed is connected. begin to fall in on themselves. Photo: Library of Congress I recently studied areas where a good deal Steep angles of narrow culverts Road crews widening the corridor during construction of the ALCAN, 1942. of road development exists, hoping to use roads create fast-paced water flows as an indicator of mining activity that might that prove too much for migrating fish to Last summer, the ADF&G field crews become an issue for Yukon salmon habitat swim against over long distances. Culverts focused on inventorying along the Dalton, quality. Although I did sometimes find mining with structural deformations trap debris and Taylor, and Steese highways. They took culvert operations in clumps around old highway create blockages barring passage. Many times measurements and calculations, and then areas, I found myself following the roads channels form below the culvert outflows, documented the environment where the themselves as they passed by the rounded hills leaving pipe ends hanging above the creek, culvert was located. This information has been and busy waters of the Chatanika, Tolovana, so that the fish have to try and leap into the compiled and is available online through the and Chena river drainages. I thought about the overhanging pipe mouth out of the water to ADF&G Fish Passage Improvement Program effects these road systems might be having successfully travel upstream website: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index. there. These three rivers are all tributaries There are similar stories along most roads cfm?adfg=fishpassage.main. There you can find to the Tanana River basin, which ultimately in the Alaska Interior. Roads like the Dalton, information on culverts that have been mapped connects into the Yukon River near the town of Steese, Taylor, and Elliot highways all have across the state, and see what areas still need to Tanana. Through the connections, these river similar conditions, ranging from outdated or be cataloged. systems are important to the Yukon salmon worn culverts to perched pipes out of reach of ADF&G biologists and others in the region, populations, and roads crossing those streams stream residents attempting to swim through. including biologists with the U.S. Fish and might affect those fish. Stream channeling by road culverts is a big Wildlife Service (USFWS), hope to expand on Since the early 20th century, rough issue, one that has drawn the attention of the culvert information collected by ADF&G roadways were built to access mineral wealth scientists studying migratory fish species, and field teams. Then projects can begin to remove for mining rushes, link strategic defensive has served as a basis to create partnerships and barriers around the Interior region based on locations with crucial supply lines, and form approaches for land managers and community the culvert inventory. connections between rural communities. groups to clear blocked streams and identify Part of this work could involve community Ultimately, what began as pack trails and areas of concern. groups and nonprofits, like YRDFA, and could corduroy roads, started to take shape as a more One of several examples of organizations expand to fill data gaps on habitat conditions engineered system of land links to the lower taking on barrier culvert issues is the Alaska farther upstream and downstream of flagged United States. Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), culverts. These types of projects might make These links crossed rivers and streams, Restoration and Enhancement division. The it possible for communities and regional and involved the clearing and grading of large division’s fisheries biologists have been busy biologists to get together and rank what tracts of land, largely along watercourses with field teams around the state locating barriers are the most important to remove. in major drainages. It is unclear how much and assessing culverts that might be creating This way, communities can become more consideration was given to the impacts these obstacles for fish travel. They’ve used a system involved in deciding which streams need the roads were having on the lands and streams of Red, Green, and Grey ratings to show first restoration efforts, and can then work when the roads were made. Certainly the land culvert conditions and locations across Alaska with others to do the restoration. clearing was a disturbance in itself, but other roadways, assigning Green ratings to culverts If you know of a barrier culvert in your physical impacts of a road were likely left on that are in good condition and allow for clear community that might have changed how fish fish habitats at many stream crossings sites in passage of fish species. Red-rated culverts are are getting upstream or any other impact on the form of culverts. considered partially or fully impassable for fisheries, tell us about it: call 877-999-8566 Road culverts are basically big pipes, fish passage, and Grey-rated culverts need extension 107 or email [email protected]. often made of metal, that allow water to flow additional data and further study. We’d enjoy hearing from you! m
w w w.yukonsalmon.org Winter 2011 Yukon Fisheries News 15 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association PAID 725 Christensen Drive, Suite 3B Anchorage, AK Permit #643 Anchorage, AK 99501
YRDFA Board Unanimously Approves Creation of Yukon River Elders Council
By Catherine Moncrieff, Anthropologist this project because Elders are tradition bearers, in our approach to the current situation on the traditional teachers, and indigenous scientists, Yukon River. Hopefully the Elders will guide us At the recent YRDFA Annual Meeting in and we need to turn to Elders for their advice in a united approach to sharing the salmon and Mountain Village, the YRDFA board members during these times of low salmon returns. planning for the future. agreed that an Elders council Elders have always Next steps include securing funding and representing the Alaskan been consulted by contacting Tribal Councils. We will discuss Elders are tradition portion of the river would the YRDFA board; with the Tribal Councils how they would like benefit the people. Their bearers, traditional Elders are seated to select their representative Elders, whether unanimous vote to approve on the YRDFA translators are needed for Elders in their region, the concept of an Elders teachers, and indigenous board, and many of and other concerns. Meetings with Elders will council allows staff to move scientists, and we need the YRDFA board be held to discuss traditional values that are forward to make the council members, including important for the Yukon River fishery, how a reality. Some topics that to turn to Elders for their Fred Huntingon to share the salmon, and how to preserve the will be considered by the advice during these times of Galena and fishing culture. new council are uniting Tim McManus of If you have ideas or suggestions about the river and advising the of low salmon returns. Nenana, confer with the Yukon River Elders Council, please YRDFA board in preparation their local Elders contact Catherine Moncrieff at catherine@ for the upcoming Alaska on a regular basis. yukonsalmon.org or 907-272-3141, extension Board of Fisheries meeting in January 2013. Forming the Elders Council will help us all learn 107. m According to board members, they support from traditional ways and use traditional values