PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Anchorage, AK Fisheries Permit #643 News m A Publication of the Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association spring 2008

New Escapement Goal & Method for Counting Salmon Adopted By Bob DuBey, Ph.D., Fisheries Biologist Yukon River Drainage Yukon River salmon fish- how commercial, subsistence, Fisheries Association eries management has begun and sport fisheries will be man- A United Voice for a new chapter. In April the aged throughout the fishing Downriver and Upriver Yukon River Panel agreed to season. Fishermen. switch from the long-stand- ing mark/recapture program Why is the new goal only to a newer method involving for one year? Inside This Issue: sonar to measure border pas- A one year goal reflects an sage estimates of Chinook and adaptive approach to manage- A Message From The Director...... 3 fall returning to ment that allows adjustments YRDFA Thanks Annual Meeting . And since the sonar as more information becomes Supporters...... 4 method yields different num- available. Every year there will bers for than A Chinook salmon spawning stream in Canada, be more information from the YRDFA Board Resolutions 2008...... 4 the old program, the Panel near . sonar project and escapement Voices From The River...... 5 also adopted a revised escape- survey data, and biologists can ment goal for Chinook salmon in Canada’s por- use this data to refine the goal. Yukon River Panel Bids Farewell to tion of the Yukon River. Gerry Couture...... 6 The new Interim Management Escapement Why switch from mark/recapture to Goal (IMEG) for the Canadian Yukon River sonar estimates? Palin Appoints Yukon River Panel Advisers...... 6 escapement is 45,000 Chinook salmon as mea- The mark/recapture estimates of Chinook sured by the sonar project in Eagle, AK. This goal salmon in Canada have been highly variable and 2008 Restoration & Enhancement is only in effect for one year. inconsistent. Sonar has been used statewide and Projects...... 6 Sonar and mark/recapture estimates of fall is a tried and proven method of counting fish. Tr’ondek Hwech’in First Fish Program chum numbers are similar. The Canadian Yukon The Eagle sonar estimates of Chinook salmon Teaches Conservation to Youth...... 7 River fall chum escapement goal for 2008 was are thought to be more accurate than the mark/ once again set at 80,000 fish. recapture estimates as the sampling conditions Salmon Bycatch Update...... 8 at the Eagle site are considered ideal. It has been What is an Interim Management in operation for three years, which has allowed YRDFA Continues Local Knowledge Project on Salmon Indicators...... 8 Escapement Goal? scientists to compare it to the mark-recapture pro- This is the number of Chinook salmon that gram and other population surveys. These com- 2008 Yukon River Salmon fisheries managers are trying to get onto the parisons gave the scientists enough information to Fisheries Outlook...... 9 spawning grounds in Canada for this year. This formulate the new sonar goal. 2008 Subsistence Fishing Schedule... 9 management goal is an estimate of the escape- ment needed to maximize the sustainable yield— Bottom line: will this mean I get less fish? Spotlight On Allakaket...... 10 the escapement needed to maximize the number The old goal of 33,000 to 43,000 Chinook salm- of juveniles that return per spawner. The border on as measured by the mark/recapture program passage count will need to be higher than the is very similar to the new goal of 45,000 Chinook YRDFA reserves the right to include or omit any submissions to the Yukon Fisheries News. The views expressed in this newsletter goal, because the goal does not include Chinook salmon as measured by the Eagle sonar. This are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of YRDFA. salmon that fishers will harvest up stream of the change in itself should not have a major impact on Eagle sonar. This goal is an integral component of the number of fish available for harvest. m Associate Members Lifetime Members Allakaket Tribal Council Asa’ Carsarmiut Tribal Council Alakanuk Fort Yukon Palmer Beaver Village Council Max Agayar* Richard Carroll, Jr. Peter J. Stortz Birch Creek Gwich’in Tribal Council Richard P. Agayar City of St. Mary’s* Axel W. Alstrom* Galena Pilot Station Geoff Beyersdorf Bruce Beans*** Evansville Tribal Council Frank T. Alstrom, Jr.* Grace C. Alstrom* Gilbert Huntington Albert Beans, Jr*** Interior Fish Processors, Inc. Latrell Alstrom Sidney Huntington Moses Edwards*** Kotlik Traditional Council* Ragnar Alstrom John Joe Evan Grayling Kathy Fancyboy*** Koyukuk Tribal Coucil Robert S. Alstrom* John Ayunerak Shirley Clark Paul Fancyboy*** Nulato Tribal Council* Joe Buster* Carl Walker Raymond Fancyboy*** Pitka’s Point Tribal Council Louis T. Chikigak* Debbie Francis*** Holy cross Art Heckman, Sr.*** Yukon Salmon Committee Clifford Damian Jeffrey Demientieff, Sr. Jonathan Damian* Arthur Heckman, Jr*** Yukon Kings Seafood Lawrence T. Edmund* Hooper Bay Candace Heckman Yupiit of Andreafski John Hanson Lester Wilde Charlie Heckman*** Lloyd C. Heckman *Welcome to our newest associate members! Kevin A. Joseph* Raymond T. Joseph* Huslia Stuart Heckman*** Wilfred Joseph* Geoff Johnson Fr. Stan Heckman*** Frank K. Lamont Abraham Kelly*** Kaltag Andrew N. Makaily, Jr. Board of Directors John H. Lamont III Richard Burnham Raymond J.T. Lamont Andrew N. Makaily, III William Myers*** District / Seat # representative Lorraine Murphy* Kotlik Edward Phillip* Nicky Myers*** Coastal, Seat 1 Lester Wilde Peter Elachik** Charles C. Smith Rudolph Hootch** Rita Nick*** Y-1, Seat 1 Harry Wilde, Sr. Emmanuel P. Stanislaus* Clement Matthias** Evan Polty, Sr.*** Y-1, Seat 2 Larry Lujan Joseph P. Mike** John Tinker, Jr*** Anchorage Norman Xavier*** Y-1, Seat 3 Frank Alstrom Martin P. Okitkun, Sr.** William R. Beans Robert Okitkun** Pearl Yunak*** Y-2, Seat 1 Mike P. Peters Gabe Evan Michael Prince** Steve Hayes RamparT Y-2, Seat 2 Albert Beans, Jr. Billy Teeluk** Georgianna Lincoln Nina Heyano Victor Tonuchuk** Y-2, Seat 3 William Alstrom Jill Klein Y-3, Seat 1 Jeffrey Demientieff Aloysius Unok** Ruby Donald Kramer Aloysius Wasuli** Florence L. Esmailka Y-4, Seat 1 Carl Walker Larry Lujan George Williams** Harold Esmailka Y-4, Seat 2 Richard Burnham Aniak Y-5, Seat 1 Stan Zuray Manley Hot Springs St. Mary’s Stephen L. Hill Linda Johnson Jerry W. Alexie Y-5, Seat 2 Lester Erhart Anvik Steve O’Brien William F. Alstrom Y-6, Seat 1 Philip ‘Jeep’ Titus Francis Beans Ronald Kruger, Sr. Marshall Y-6, Seat 2 Victor Lord Gabe Evan Bethel Andy Boots Lillian Johnson Koyukuk, Seat 1 Benny Attla Timothy C. Andrew Aloysius Coffee , Seat 1 Jan Woodruff Terence Reeve David C. Fitka Soldotna Canadian (non-voting) Carl Sidney Jaylene Fitka Susan Robinson Cooper Landing Mike P. Peters Robert Gibson Vassily Sergie, Sr. Tanana Frank Carruthers Employee Directory Eagle Mountain Village Lester Erhart Andrew Bassich Thomas Barclay Bronk Jorgensen Fred M. Beans, II Gerald Nicholia Emmonak Fred P. Beans Stan Zuray Jill Klein, Executive Director Andrew C. Kelly, Sr. Phone: 907-272-3141, ext. 102 Meghan A. Beans John Lamont Morgan C. Beans Tok Email: [email protected] Thor Jorgensen fairbanks Robert Beans Becca Robbins Gisclair, Policy Director William Busher William Lawrence Wasilla Dane Mikisoq Koponen Matthew Waskey, Sr. Ernie Chase Phone: 907-272-3141 ext. 106 Harry Wilde, Sr. Email: [email protected] Heather Koponen Ernest Demoski Claire Matthews North Pole Outside alaska Alicia de la Cruz, Finance Manager Sherry Modrow Eric Umphenour Phone: 907-272-3141 ext. 104 Donald Robert Moore Bill Fliris Richard Kocan Email: [email protected] Denise C. Newman Nulato Brian Rogers Victor Nicholas Catherine Moncrieff, Anthropologist Doug Sweat Michael Stickman Phone: 907-272-3141 ext. 107 Darlene Sweat Email: [email protected] * sponsored by Alakanuk Native Corp. ** sponsored by Kotlik Yupik Corp. *** sponsored by Pilot Station Inc. Bob DuBey, Fishery Biologist 907-272-3141 ext. 103 Email: [email protected]

Jason Hale, Outreach & Communications Coordinator Yukon Fisheries News is published by the Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association Phone: 907-272-3141 ext. 105 725 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) Lauren Sill, Program Assistant Funding is provided by the USFWS, pursuant to grant #701813G221, Phone: 907-272-3141 ext. 108 to support dissemination of information regarding the Yukon River Salmon Agreement Email: [email protected] and the management of Yukon River salmon.

 Yukon Fisheries News spring 2008 www.yukonsalmon.org a message from the YRDFA Welcomes Acting Director New Addition By Becca Robbins Gisclair, Policy Director

To me, the coming of spring has a sound: we are working hard to ensure that the trea- the honking and calling of the sand hill sure of the Yukon River salmon can endure. cranes which fill the hay fields in front of my As one of my favorite authors, Terry Tempest home for a few precious days in the spring, Williams, said, “The eyes of the future are not to be seen again until looking back at us and they are praying for On March 26, 2008, at 4:30 p.m., the long days of sum- us to see beyond our own time.” At times like YRDFA Executive Director Jill Klein mer come to a close. Their this, with huge environmental change on the and her husband Dov brought a new arrival, late this year, is horizon, and the possibility of no commercial baby girl into the world. Sipora Bayla always a vocal reminder fishery on the Yukon this year, we must think Margalit weighed in at 6 pounds, 4 of the changes to come as not only of our own time, and what we need ounces and measured 19 inches long. Both mother and baby are in good the fields turn to green, trees bear their leafy to fill the drying racks or freezer for next health. Congratulations, Jill and Dov, coats and our attention shifts from eating year, but what those eyes of the future—and and welcome, Sipora! m what is in the freezer to growing and catching the stomachs they are attached to—will need. the next year’s food. m At YRDFA this spring is a time for change and new beginnings as well. We celebrate the birth of Jill Klein’s daughter, Sipora, and con- gratulate the proud parents. In Jill’s absence, 2008 Bycatch Management Action Calendar and with a few less positions due to funding June 2-10 cuts, staff has adapted to the changes here in North Pacific Fishery Management Council the workplace and are working diligently to http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/ ensure that YRDFA’s work continues. Chose preliminary preferred option As the season’s change is upon us, it is for managing bycatch hard to ignore the bigger changes occur- – Kodiak – ring in our world, and the dramatic impacts on salmon. The changes from global climate July-August 45 day public comment period for Environmental Impact Statement for change, from rising in-river temperatures to North Pacific Fishery Management Council salmon bycatch management measures shifts in river hydrology and ocean acidifica- Analyze social and environmental impacts of the options tion, are amongst the gravest – and scariest – factors which could fundamentally affect the September 29-October 7 productivity of Yukon River salmon. Salmon North Pacific Fishery Management Council bycatch in the pollock fishery and http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/ from new development are equally worrisome. – Anchorage Sheraton – In the face of these serious threats we have but two options: to sit back as the iconic December 8-16 North Pacific Fishery Management Council Yukon River salmon runs weaken, or to work http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/ diligently and passionately to ensure that the Final action adopting option for fish and subsistence and commercial fisheries managing bycatch survive. – Anchorage Hilton – Here at YRDFA, we are committed to our mission of ensuring healthy, wild salmon runs on the Yukon River. Through education and outreach, scientific research and advocacy

www.yukonsalmon.org spring 2008 Yukon Fisheries News  YRDFA Thanks Annual YRDFA Board Meeting Supporters Resolutions 2008

This past February more than 50 com- Community The YRDFA Board of Directors passed munity representatives and YRDFA Board From the time attendees exited their the following resolutions at the annual Members gathered in the gym in Grayling to planes and were welcomed by a fleet of smil- meeting in February. For more infor- discuss the fisheries issues of the day. Over ing snow machiners, they felt the warm mation, please contact Becca Robbins the course of the week, they covered issues hospitality of the people of Grayling. Local Gisclair, policy director, at 907-272-3141 from bycatch to alternative energy, learning officials visited the meeting daily, going out ext. 106 or [email protected]. and sharing on each topic. They spoke with of their way to make everyone feel at home. local youth and elders and enjoyed the hos- The cooks sang, joked, and laughed as they 01 - Salmon Bycatch pitality of the welcoming community. The prepared and served delicious meals. The BE IT RESOLVED that YRDFA sup- meeting brought ideas and understanding to community liaison checked in with each ports the continued monitoring of wild participants. It was said to be a success by all person throughout the day and worked tire- salmon bycatch; increased understand- involved, and it is now time to thank those lessly to meet everyone’s needs. Numerous ing of stock composition, wild salmon who made it possible. community members brought food for the distribution and the relationship between potluck and danced the night away at the wild salmon abundance and wild salmon Presenters evening social. The teachers, principal, and bycatch; and management measures at Knowledge is power, and YRDFA would students of the school showed kindness and the North Pacific Fishery Management like to thank these experts for arming attend- generosity at every turn, and even the basket- Council that will effectively reduce the ees with the most current facts regarding a ball team didn’t complain, despite losing their number of wild salmon caught as bycatch, number of key issues: David Lockard, Alaska gym to the meeting the week before hosting including explicit limits on the total num- Energy Authority; Jaime Pinkham, Columbia a big tournament with surrounding villages. ber of wild salmon that may be caught as River Inter-tribal Fish Commission; Steve YRDFA is extremely grateful for all the heart- bycatch. Hayes, Eric Newland, Fred Bue, and Gene warming hospitality and would like to offer Sandone, ADF&G; Kristin Mull, Bureau of Land its most sincere thanks. 02 - Hatcheries Management; Jeremiah Millen, Alaska Wilderness BE IT RESOLVED that YRDFA oppos- League; Dorothy Childers, Alaska Marine YRDFA’s work on the annual meeting is es the allowing of roe stripping in hatch- Conservation Council; and Jennifer Hooper, funded under agreement number 701813G221 eries and supports setting specific limits Association of Village Council Presidents. Last, from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), on hatchery production and decreasing but far from least, special thanks to Beverly agreement number NA07NMF4720091 from the funding and loans to private non-profit Chmielarczyk for sharing thoughts and activi- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hatcheries. ties on salmon with the youth of Grayling. (NOAA), and agreement number NA06FP0387 from the Pacific Salmon Recovery Fund (PacSal). 03 – Thanking the Community of Raffle Donors The statements, findings, conclusions, and recom- Grayling Before every annual meeting, YRDFA mendations are those of the author and do not BE IT RESOLVED that the YRDFA reaches out to its vendors and friends for necessarily reflect the views of USFWS, NOAA, Board Members, delegates and staff of items to raffle. The goal is to raise funds PacSal, or any related subagencies. m YRDFA gratefully thank the Grayling to support our mission, and this year the School, the City and IRA Tribal Council raffle successfully drew in nearly $1,000. of Grayling, and the people of Grayling for The raffle table was covered with desirable their generosity and hospitality. items, including airline tickets, a fishing net, binoculars, artwork, and money. YRDFA 04 – Concern over Pebble Mine would like to thank the following vendors for BE IT RESOLVED that YRDFA has their generous offerings: Hageland Aviation concerns over the development and imple- Services, Sheraton Anchorage Hotel, Wells mentation of the proposed Pebble Mine. Fargo Bank N.A., Reed’s Snowmachine & Marine, Donalson Company: Warehouse & 05 – Subsistence Windows Net Loft, Auction Arms, Fred Meyer West, BE IT RESOLVED that YRDFA does Katie Sevigny Studios, Crowley Petroleum not support current regulations requir- Distribution, Inc., Boreal Fisheries, Inc., ing elder subsistence users to adhere to Golden North Motel, and Everts Air. A girl from Grayling offers cake to everyone at the potluck. the subsistence windows schedule, and

 Yukon Fisheries News spring 2008 www.yukonsalmon.org YRDFA supports creating an exemption to allow elders to fish 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the Yukon River Drainage. Voices from the River 06 – Renewable Energy BE IT RESOLVED that YRDFA supports Yukon River Fishermen Speak Out the development and use of renewable ener- By Jason Hale, Outreach & Communications coordinator gy resources, including wind, biomass, geo- thermal, solar, and hydrokinetic, providing that there is minimal environmental impact “How has salmon fishing changed in your lifetime?” to fish and wildlife resources.

In April 2008, YRDFA The salmon are Last year the water was 08 - Elders’ Advisory Group Outreach & Communications much smaller. low and we had to pull BE IT RESOLVED that YRDFA supports Coordinator Jason Hale had People in my boats, but fish still came the work of the Bering Sea Elders’ Advisory a chance to ask this question community are getting and were in good shape, Group. of fishers from up and down less and less salmon to get and we caught them. the Yukon. Here are their them through the winters. The new escapement 09 - Yukon Delta Fisheries thoughts... It can be noticed in their goal, I couldn’t believe we Development Association’s health. The knowledge, would let so few fish get up Contribution to YRDFA Richard Carroll II, experiences, values of the river, but after seeing BE IT RESOVED that Yukon River Ft. Yukon the salmon cannot be the spawning numbers I Drainage Fisheries Association respect- The salmon numbers transferred to the future think it’s okay. We’ll see fully requests the Yukon Delta Fishery are down, definitely. generations—the values, what happens. Everybody Development Association reinstate their Because of the restraints lessons, experiences from was happy with their fish annual $10,000 donation to Yukon River people want to get fish camps are being lost. last year. Drainage Fisheries Association. fish faster then they need to. That’s sort of Angela Demientieff, Erik Weingarth, 11- Donlin Mine disappointing. I think you Holy Cross St. Mary’s BE IT RESOLVED that YRDFA expresses have the same number In the 60’s I think it It definitely has its concern that the mine, if permitted, oper- or more people fishing was a lot more work than changed. I think no ate with no impacts to the environment and, because of the high cost of it is now because we were matter what people will particularly, no impacts to aquatic life and groceries at the store. on a raft and we had to subsist off the land… it’s habitat productivity. m You don’t see the long haul all the fish up to in their blood. Over the fish camps like you used where we cut them. It was years we’ve sacrificed a to. People stay closer to a long day, it was all day. lot. I think it’s in the best home. It still makes people We got a lot more fish, interest of the whole river happy to get salmon and especially the chum— to rebuild the runs. put them away for the maybe 5,000-8,000 The concept of sharing winter. summer chum and about hasn’t been lost. The Of course, the king the same number of kings toughest things have been salmon are smaller. You as we get today. the price of boats, motors, hardly see 40 pounders and fuel. I think it’s really anymore. Twenty-five to 30 Vicky Josie, Old Crow, important, even with no pounds, and that’s about it. Yukon Territory returns, that we share with We didn’t fish for two future generations—kids, Carl Sidney, Teslin, years voluntarily because grandkids—just to show Yukon Territory we want stocks to build them that we need to The most noticeable— up. Another time we preserve the resource no it takes 40 times longer to pulled our nets during part matter what. m get the amount of fish that of the run. People aren’t we used to take. Therefore, complaining. a lot less salmon. A high school student from Grayling presents a question to fishers from the length of the Yukon River at the annual meeting. www.yukonsalmon.org spring 2008 Yukon Fisheries News  Yukon River Panel Bids Farewell to Gerry Couture YUKON RIVER PANEL 2008 RESTORATION & ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS Project1 Project Title Project Proponent $US/$Cdn2 Req. URE-07-08 Gillnet Catch Comp (ASLWG) – Lower Yukon River TF YRDFA 7,620/ URE-08-08 Tech Assist, Dev & Support – Video USFWS 5,600/ URE-09-08 Rampart-Rapids Full Season Video Monitoring Stan Zuray 46,100/ The Yukon River Panel meeting this spring saw the retirement of one of the original Panel URE-16N-08 (a) Eagle Sonar Operations ADF&G/DFO 99,525/ members, Gerry Couture of Dawson City, Yukon. URE-16N-08 (b) ASL Collection ADF&G/DFO 20,100/ Gerry has demonstrated commitment to the URE-16N-08 (c) Canadian Participation ADF&G/DFO /69,000 conservation and enhancement of salmon in the Yukon River through his involvement in many URE-19N-08 In-season Chin Stock ID Pilot ADF&G 45,000/ committees, boards, panels, work groups, and URE-04N-08 Ruby Data Collection Ruby Tribal Council 14,900/ public forums that are devoted to this cause. We URE-13-08 Ichthyophonus Sampling at Emmonak & Eagle ADF&G 34,191/ all have enjoyed Gerry’s wit and candor at Panel meetings, and wish him the best in his retire- URE-05-08 Marshall Chinook Test Fishery YRDFA 28,000/ ment. m URE-06-08 Kaltag Fall Chum/Coho Drift Gillnet Test Fishery City of Kaltag 21,000/ CRE-78-08 Collection of DNA Baseline Samples YR AK & YT DFO/ADF&G /60,000 CRE-11-08 In-Season Management Fund YRCF Assoc & THFN /50,000 Governor Palin CRE-06-08 Yukon River North Mainstem Stewardship DDRRC /24,000 Appoints Yukon River CRE-07-08 First Fish Youth Camp Tr’ondek Hwech’in FN /10,000 Panel Advisers CRE-09-08 Tr’ondek Hwech’in Student Steward Tr’ondek Hwech’in FN /4,600 From State of Alaska Press Release CRE-10-08 Size Selective Fishing using Live Catch Fishwheels YRCF Assoc. /29,700 CRE-16-08 Chinook Sonar B. Mercer /18,100 On February 29, 2008 Governor Sarah Palin CRE-19-08 Mayo Riv Channel Reconst–Assess Juv Chin Hab-4 FN NND /14,527 announced the appointment of eight advisers to the Yukon River Panel. The advisers assist the CRE-27-08 Chum Mark/Recapture Project Vuntut Gwitchin Gov /52,201 Panel in achieving conservation of salmon stocks CRE-29-08 Chum Spawning Ground Recoveries – Minto Area Selkirk RRC /12,000 originating from the Yukon River in Canada CRE-37-08 Blind Creek Chinook Salmon Enumeration Weir Jane Wilson & Assoc. /47,100 through development and implementation of agreed upon research and management programs, CRE-41-08 Chinook Sonar Enumeration Big Salmon River Jane Wilson & Assoc. /77,700 identification of restoration and enhancement CRE-46N-08 Upper Chum Tracking Pilot Teslin Tlingit Council /5,000 opportunities, and submission of recommendations CRE-51-08 KDFN Michie Cr Salmon & Habitat Monitoring Kwanlin Dun FN /30,000 to management entities in Canada and Alaska. Richard Carroll II (Fort Yukon) and Erik CRE-54-08 Ta’an Kwach’an Council Community Steward Ta’an Kwach’an Cncl /41,845 Weingarth (St. Mary’s) were appointed, and Shirley CRE-63-08 Rapids Hatchery Coded Wire Tagging YF&G Association /41,800 Clark (Grayling), Angela Demientieff-Walker (Holy CRE-64N-08 Incubation Temp/Sex Ratio Whs. Hatchery Study Kwanlin Dun FN /5,500 Cross), Jennifer Hooper (Bethel), Mike Smith (Fairbanks), Joseph Strongheart Sr. (Nunam Iqua), CRE-65-08 McIntyre Creek Salmon Incubation Project NRI Yukon College /45,300 and Virgil Umphenour (Fairbanks) were reap- CRE-66N-08 Salmon in the Classroom Incubator Chillers Streamkeepers Nor Soc /4,700 pointed. m CRE-67-08 Yukon Schools Fry Releases & Habitat studies Streamkeepers Nor Soc /4,000 CRE-79-08 Stock ID Microsatellite Variation – Chin & Chum DFO /30,000 32 R&E Projects Total $999,109 $322,036/677,073

Yukon River Panel U.S. Advisors Erik Weingarth, Jennifer Hooper, 1 N – Identifies a new YRP R&E project. Shirley Clark, and Panel Member Francis Thompson share a laugh during a reception at the Panel meeting this spring. 2 The amount expressed in $US or $Cdn as per the request/application, and the respective values presently being essentially equivalent.

 Yukon Fisheries News spring 2008 www.yukonsalmon.org Tr’ondek Hwech’in First Fish Program Teaches Conservation to Youth By Roberta Joseph, Tr’ondek Hwech’in Fish and Wildlife Coordinator

Annually since the late 1980s, the resources. The stewardship mes- Tr’ondek Hwech’in First Nation Government sages are reinforced as youth return in Dawson City, Yukon Territory, has held a to First Fish year after year. The fish camp for youth, known as First Fish. The most important components of the First Fish project was established to provide program are learning about salmon, an opportunity for youth to experience and how to harvest salmon by using a become educated about conservation. The fish net or fish wheel, processing the local youth have been exposed to the prin- salmon, identifying different parts ciples of conservation by expounding on the of the salmon, and fish hatcheries. value (both cultural and biological) of salmon Other components include boat safe- and their habitat. In regards to stewardship, ty, bear safety, traditional medicine we have used the project to educate both identification, and some recreation users and non-users on the importance of and leisure time. © Tr’ondek Hwech’in Fish and Wildlife maintaining healthy salmon stocks now and Early in July, camp personnel into the future. It is our expectation that these will be identified and all workshops will be provides the program on an annual basis, as principles will be carried forward for, as the coordinated with the respective participants. we believe that good stewardship evolves from youth grow into young adults, they will carry The camp is a joint effort of the various teaching the youth from a young age. To date with them an appreciation and respect for Tr’ondek Hwech’in governmental departments the program continues to be successful in salmon and their habitat. (Heritage and Culture, Fish and Wildlife, meeting its objectives. Over the years we’ve observed the knowl- and Youth Enhancement), with much valued The First Fish program is made possible by edge that the youth input from Tr’ondek funding from the Yukon River Panel, have gained and we Hwech’in elders, who and Inuit Science and Technology Camp Program continue to feel the provide not only Youth Strategy – Indian and Northern Affairs need to provide oppor- traditional handling Canada, and Tr’ondek Hwech’in Government. tunities for youth to methods but also learn more about con- oral history and Hän servation and stew- language. This inter- ...we have used ardship of salmon. generational approach the project to Through this project, is one way that we local children between are able to maintain a educate both the age of 10 and 14 link to past practices users and non- have grown to know while crafting modern users on the the value of salmon means of salmon har- and the importance of vesting. In this way, importance of their habitat and con- we are able to help maintaining servation. By continu- frame our children’s ing to educate as many understanding of our healthy salmon © Tr’ondek Hwech’in Fish and Wildlife youth as possible, we social world according stocks now and believe we are helping to instil within them to the beliefs passed down to us. Since not into the future the value of stewardship and are thereby help- all youth can experience opportunities out on . m ing to ensure the future health of our salmon the land, the Tr’ondek Hwech’in Government www.yukonsalmon.org spring 2008 Yukon Fisheries News  YRDFA Salmon Bycatch Update Continues Local By Becca Robbins Gisclair, Policy Director Knowledge So far in 2008, Chinook salmon bycatch Chinook salmon bycatch at their June meet- Project on is much lower than it has been in recent ing in Kodiak. A draft Environmental Impact years, with a total of 15,500 Chinook taken Statement (EIS) will be released for a 45-day Salmon as bycatch in the pollock “A” season. While comment period in July. The public will have Indicators this is good news, it’s still important for us to the opportunity to comment on the analy- continue our efforts to push for a hard cap on sis of the EIS at this time. In December the By Catherine Moncrieff, salmon bycatch in the pollock fishery. This Council is scheduled to take final action on Anthropologist would ensure that these low levels of bycatch Chinook salmon bycatch reduction measures are the norm, rather than the record highs at their meeting in Anchorage. The analysis YRDFA is beginning its third field we’ve seen in recent years. for chum salmon will follow shortly behind season on the Natural Indicators of this timeline. Abundance and Timing The Council accepts written and oral project. This summer, staff will travel The December public testimony at all of their meetings. to Hooper Bay and Emmonak to revisit knowledgeable elders and active fish- meeting will be Testimony at Council meetings can focus on the options they are considering and which ers in follow-up interviews and to map an important management measure they should ultimately sites discussed in the interviews. This project, a partnership opportunity for chose. The December meeting will be an important opportunity for western Alaskans between YRDFA and ADF&G Office western Alaskans to make their voices heard about the issue of of Subsistence Management, seeks to understand historical abundance, to make their salmon bycatch. YRDFA will be continuing to provide updates about the process and oppor- distribution, and health of salmon voices heard tunities for public comment through mailings, populations in several communities in the Yukon River drainage through the about the issue of faxes, and future issues of this newsletter. If you have any questions about this important documentation of natural indicators of salmon bycatch. issue please contact Becca Robbins Gisclair in salmon used by fishermen and women the YRDFA office at (877) 999-8566 ext.106. in preparing for the salmon arrival. YRDFA’s work on Bycatch is funded Examples of natural indicators we hear The North Pacific Fishery Management under award number NA07NMF4720091 about through this project include Council (Council) is moving forward with from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric release of aspen seeds or “cotton” cor- an analysis of salmon bycatch reduction Administration (NOAA). The statements, findings, related with the arrival of Chinook measures, including hard caps and trig- conclusions, and recommendations are those of the salmon. Some natural indicators seem gered closures. They will be choosing a pre- author and do not necessarily reflect the views of to be more causal such as high tides on liminary preferred option or “alternative” for NOAA or any of its subagencies. m the coast that bring the salmon in. The communities in the study include Hooper Bay, Emmonak, St. Written Comment should be sent to: Mary’s, Grayling, and Kaltag. To date, North Pacific Fishery Management Council there have been 38 participants in the 605 West 4th Avenue, Suite 306 interview portion of this project. Anchorage, AK 99501-2252 YRDFA’s work on Natural Indicators is funded under award number IHP-06- Important points you may want to include are: 119 from the Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim • The importance of salmon to you, your family, your community and your culture; Sustainable Salmon Initiative. The state- • In-river users make sacrifices in their salmon harvests to conserve salmon populations ments, findings, conclusions, and recom- – the pollock fishery must bear the burden of conservation as well; mendations are those of the author and • A hard cap set by the Council and NMFS must be put in place to ensure that there is a do not necessarily reflect the views of the limit on the number of salmon which can be caught as bycatch. Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim Sustainable Salmon Initiative. m

www.yukonsalmon.org spring 2008 Yukon Fisheries News  2008 Yukon River Salmon 2008 subsistence fishing Fisheries Outlook schedule

The following information describes the anticipated management The subsistence salmon fishing schedule will be used early in strategies of the 2008 season. State and federal fishery managers will the season until the salmon run size is projected to be of sufficient coordinate management of the Yukon River subsistence salmon fishery. strength to warrant discontinuing the schedule. The schedule is intended to reduce harvest impacts during years of low salmon runs RUN AND HARVEST OUTLOOK on any particular run component and to spread subsistence harvest Chinook Salmon Chum Salmon opportunity among users. The schedule is based on current, or past, Below average run is projected Average run is projected to provide Average to above average run is to provide for escapement and for escapement and subsistence projected to provide for escapement fishing schedules and should provide reasonable opportunity for subsistence uses. uses. and subsistence uses. subsistence users to meet their needs. Please Note: this schedule is Summer chum commercial harvest 2008 Chinook salmon run is Runs have been increasing due to subject to change depending on run strength. is anticipated to be between anticipated to be similar to 2007. improved production. 500,000 and 900,000 fish. Regulatory Subsistence Schedule Commercial harvest is anticipated Fall chum commercial harvest is Commercial harvest is anticipated to Area Fishing Periods to Begin Days of the Week to be between 5,000 and 30,000 anticipated to be between 50,000 be between 50,000 and 70,000 fish. and 400,000 fish. fish. Coastal District 7 days/week By Regulation M/T/W/TH/F/SA/SU – 24 hours

Mon. 8 pm to Wed. 8 am / MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES District 1 Two 36-hour periods/week May 26, 2008 Thu. 8 pm to Sat. 8 am District 2 Two 36-hour periods/week May 28, 2008 Wed. 8 pm to Fri. 8 am / • Initial management will be based on preseason projections and Sun. 8 pm to Tue. 8 am Fri. 8 am to Sat. 8 pm / shifted to inseason project information as the runs develop. District 3 Two 36-hour periods/week May 30, 2008 Tue. 8 am to Wed. 8 pm • Continue the regulatory subsistence salmon fishing schedule Sun. 6 pm to Tue. 6 pm / District 4 Two 48-hour periods/week June 8, 2008 Wed. 6 pm to Fri. 6 pm until run assessment indicates there is a harvestable surplus for 7 days/week By Regulation M/T/W/TH/F/SA/SU – 24 hours additional subsistence opportunity and other uses. Tue. 6 pm to Thu. 6 pm / • Because of the unexpected weak Chinook run in 2007, the Subdistricts 5-A, B, C Two 48-hour periods/week June 17, 2008 Fri. 6 pm to Sun. 6 pm

department will be delaying Chinook directed commercial fish- Subdistrict 5-D 7 days/week By Regulation M/T/W/TH/F/SA/SU – 24 hours ing in 2008 until the midpoint of the run to ensure that escape- District 6 Two 42-hour periods/week By Regulation Mon. 6 pm to Wed. Noon / ment and subsistence needs and Canadian border obligations will Fri. 6 pm to Sun. Noon be met. At that time, Chinook directed openings may occur if a Old Minto Area 5 days/week By Regulation Friday 6 pm to Wednesday 6 pm surplus is identified beyond escapement and subsistence needs. All subsistence salmon fishing with gillnets and fish wheels must • If a surplus of summer chum salmon is identified above escape- be stopped during subsistence salmon fishing closures. ment and subsistence needs, there may be directed chum com- mercial fishing with gillnets restricted to 6 inch maximum mesh NOTICE: In Districts 1-3, from June 1 to July 15 a person size. The actual commercial harvest of summer chum will likely may not possess king salmon taken for subsistence uses unless both be dependent on market conditions and may be affected by a tips (lobes) of the tail fin have been removed. Marking must potentially poor Chinook run. be done before the person conceals the salmon from plain view or • The US/Canada Yukon River Panel agreed to a one year Canadian transfers the salmon from the fishing site. A person may not sell or Interim Management Escapement Goal (IMEG) of >45,000 purchase salmon from which both lobes of the tail fin have been Chinook salmon based on the Eagle sonar program and set a 3 removed. year IMEG for the Fishing Branch River of 22,000 to 49,000 fall chum salmon based on the Fishing Branch River weir count. • The US/Canada Yukon River Panel agreed to a Canadian Yukon River fall chum salmon mainstem escapement objective of >80,000 fish based on the Eagle sonar program.

For additional information: ADF&G: Steve Hayes in Anchorage 907-267-2383; Fred Bue, Fairbanks 907-459-7274; or Emmonak 907-949-1320 Subsistence Fishing Schedule: 1-866-479-7387 (toll free outside of Fairbanks); in Fairbanks, call 459-7387 USFWS: Russ Holder in Fairbanks 907-455-1849 or 1-800-801- 5108; or in Emmonak 907-949-1798

www.yukonsalmon.org spring 2008 Yukon Fisheries News  Spotlight on Allakaket By Catherine Moncrieff, Anthropologist

In each issue of Yukon Fisheries News Subsistence is still the focus of the local traditional trading center for Athabascans and YRDFA highlights a different village. We hope economy. Salmon, whitefish, , bear, (old Alatna). A post office opened these descriptions will give readers a glimpse into small game and berries provide much of the in 1925 and the community became known life and history in different areas of the Yukon food eaten by people in Allakaket (Commerce as Allakaket. A flood in 1964 caused by ice River drainage. 2008). Interviews with fishers in Allakaket jamming covered 85% of the community. described fishing for dog (chum) and king Another flood in 1994 destroyed most of the The village of Allakaket is located on the (Chinook) salmon, as well as whitefish, pike, community’s buildings, homes and winter south bank of the Koyukuk River southwest grayling, sheefish, blackfish and long-nosed food caches (Commerce 2008). of its junction with the . Allakaket suckers. Non-salmon fish species are harvest- YRDFA has been working with the people is mainly an Athabascan community while ed with nets, traps, and hook-and-line gear of Allakaket on a traditional knowledge proj- Kobuk Eskimos live across the river in Alatna. (Andersen et al 2004). Both gillnets and seine ect on changes in salmon spawning grounds Allakaket and Alatna are separate villages nets are used for salmon and non-salmon since 1995. The first summer of the project with their own village councils. fishing (Andersen et. al. 2004). ten elders and active fishers shared their The people of Allakaket are Fishing takes place year round in knowledge with YRDFA staff and Koyukon Athabascan, Koyukuk River Division. Allakaket. Burbot traps are built and installed language expert Eliza Jones. They also par- They are the most northwestern group of following freeze up and allowed to freeze ticipated in the follow-up community meeting Athabascans. Within the Koyukuk River into the ice. In the past there were as many and helped YRDFA staff draft maps of salmon Koyukon there are four subdivisions; as five burbot traps in the Allakaket area but and other fish areas. During these community Yukon-Kateel, Huslia-Dalbi (Dulbi)-Hogatza, more commonly there is one in operation at meetings, Eliza Jones connected YRDFA with Todatonten-Kanuti, and South Fork (Clark a time (Andersen et. al. 2004). Gillnets in use the Kanuti Wildlife Refuge, who had mapped 1981:582). Allakaket is located within the today catch a variety of types of fish and are Koyukon place names in the area. These South Fork band territory. used in open water and under the ice. They place names were documented in the 1990s Prior to settling in villages, the Koyukon are often set and left overnight to catch fish. by Allakaket and Hughes elders and Eliza Athabascans traveled in groups consisting of Traditionally these nets were made out of Jones and Wendy Arundale. Together, with several families totaling 50 or more people. willow bark, twisted by hand. Willow bark the villages of Allakaket, Alatna, and Hughes, They moved between several camps within a continued to be used after commercial nets YRDFA plans to publish a glossy Koyukuk territory of 50 to 75 miles (Clark 1981:585). were available to extend or make the new nets River Atlas highlighting the place names and Before twine was available, fish traps and more usable. Seine nets, 150 to 300 feet with fish lifecycle and harvesting areas. weirs were the primary methods of fishing. a small mesh size, are used by the residents of For more information on any of the above Families moved to their fishing areas and Allakaket as a primary method of subsistence. mentioned projects, please contact Catherine someone directed the group in preparing and Seining is a good way to catch whitefish Moncrieff at the YRDFA office. installing the traps and weirs. Women set gill- and sheefish. These nets were also tradition- nets in eddies and sloughs or near the mouths ally made with willow bark (Andersen et. al. YRDFA’s work on Traditional Knowledge is of tributaries of the Koyukuk River. Traps 2004). funded under award number NA07NMF4720091 were also used for whitefish and suckers in Allakaket can be an exciting place with from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric tributaries. Nets became the primary fishing gatherings for traditional potlatches, dances Administration (NOAA). The statements, findings, method after twine became available and its and foot races, attracting visitors from other conclusions, and recommendations are those of the use allowed for an increase in small fishing villages (Commerce 2008). A mission was author and do not necessarily reflect the views of camps (Clark 1981:588). established in 1906 across the river from a NOAA or any of its subagencies.

10 Yukon Fisheries News spring 2008 www.yukonsalmon.org References Cited:

Andersen, David B., et al. YRDFA Mourns 2004 Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Contemporary Subsistence Harvest of Non-Salmon Fish in the Koyukuk River Drainage, Alaska. Passing of Anchorage: Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Research North, . Andrew Paukan Andrew Paukan of St. Mary’s died Clark, A. McFadyen 1981 Koyukon. In Handbook of North American Indians. Pp. 582-601, Vol. March 2, 2008 at Providence Extended 6. Washington: Smithsonian Institute. Care Center of natural causes. Andy was born Feb 23, 1939 in Akulurak. Commerce, DCRA He was a knowledgeable fisher and 2008 Community Database Online - Allakaket. In Community Database Online, Vol. 2008. Anchorage: Department of Commerce, Community and participated in YRDFA’s first traditional ecological knowledge Economic Development. m project. His interview was videotaped and became part of YRDFA’s video associated with the project. Andy’s knowledge led to other important research questions that YRDFA is still YRDFA Welcomes New Members exploring. By Lauren Sill, Program Assistant The Anchorage Daily News wrote, “He was an advocate for bilingual education and cultural events.” His family wrote, YRDFA extends a warm welcome to our newest members! “Andrew Paukan was a wonderful, loving and caring husband As always, our annual meeting provided a great chance to give and father. He was an advocate for bilingual education and gift memberships to friends and family. Thanks to everyone who cultural events.” Andy had 29 grandchildren and five great- renewed their membership for another year and welcome to grandchildren. YRDFA: m

Benita Aguchak (Scammon Bay) Harry Maillelle (Grayling) Douglas Aguchak (Scammon Bay) Martha Maillelle (Grayling) Sheila Aguchak (Scammon Bay) Martika Maillelle (Grayling) Aloysius Aguchak, III (Scammon Bay) Alvin Maillelle (Grayling) Yes! I want to support healthy William “Bossa” Alstrom (Saint Mary’s) Jason Maillelle (Grayling) Dennis Argall () Harold Maxim (Grayling) salmon runs for generations to come! Beverly Chmielarczyk (Anchorage) Timothy Mcmanus (Nenana) Cameron Clairmont (Grayling) Jeremiah Millen (Palmer) Enclosed is my tax-deductible annual gift of: Patience Clairmont (Grayling) Bernice Nicholi (Grayling) Brenda Deacon (Grayling) Gabriel Nicholi (Grayling) $5 Subsistence only user Henry Deacon (Grayling) Jack Nicholi (Grayling) $5 Student YRDFA works to: Alfred Demientieff (Holy Cross) Kevin Nicholi (Grayling) • Solve problems in fisheries $10 Commercial permit holder management Bernard Edwards (Grayling) Sue Nicholi (Grayling) or crew member Esau Evan (Nenana) William Nicholi (Anvik) • Sustain wild salmon populations $25 General public or agency Gerilyn Fitka (Marshall) George Nicholi (Grayling) • Keep people informed on Leo Fitka (Marshall) Gabe Nicholi, Jr (Grayling) $100 Business current fisheries issues • Restore salmon habitat and Roberta Gochenauer (Grayling) Bradley Painter (Grayling) $100 Individual Sustainer depressed runs Kelsey Gochenauer (Grayling) Moses Paul (Nenana) Other: Amount ______Jennifer Gochenauer (Grayling) Gary Richardson (Anvik) Vanessa Golilie (Grayling) Anthony Shelton (Alakanuk) *payable by cash, or check or money order made out to “YRDFA” Patricia Green (Fairbanks) Patricia Solomon (Grayling) Please indicate the ONE fishing district you live and/or fish in: Doug Green, Sr (Fairbanks) Cecelia Solomon (Grayling) Coastal Y-1 Y-2 Y-3 Y-4 Y-5 Y-6 Koyukuk Michael Grundberg (Anvik) Ephrim Thompson (Mountain Village) Flats/Y-5d Skip Johnson (Grayling) Margie Walker (Grayling) Marilyn Johnson (Grayling) Alexie Walters (Mountain Village) Scott Joseph (Fairbanks) Henry Wiehl (Fairbanks) Member name: ______Melody Kruger (Grayling) Mary Jane Wiehl (Fairbanks). Rick Kruger (Nulato) Address:______Maureen Larson (Marshall) Welcome also to our new associ- Village/City:______Karen Lord (Nenana) ate members: Nulato Tribal Council, Willie Lord (Nenana) Kotlik Traditional Council, and State: ______Zip code:______Hannah Maillelle (Grayling) the City of St. Mary’s, Phone:______

If there’s someone you think would like to be a member, let E-mail/fax:______us know. And we always welcome comments and suggestions to Today’s date: ______help us serve you better. NL-0508

www.yukonsalmon.org Spring 2008 Yukon Fisheries News 11 Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association

Yukon River In-Season Management (98566#)

yukon# Teleconferences t n e d 1:00 pm Alaska Time co

participa 2:00 pm Yukon Time each Tuesday

Starting the first week in June

Tracking the run, one week at a time 1-800-315-6338

This program is funded by the U.S. Department of Interior, Fish & Wildlife Service, Office of Subsistence Management and the Yukon River Panel.