Forecast for Bristol Bay’s Kvichak River Downgraded; Inseason Timing Charts Plot Bad News
SEAFOODNEWS.COM By Peggy Parker - July 7, 2015
The pre-season forecast for one of Bristol Bay’s top three river systems has shifted downward from a predicted harvest of 7.12 million sockeye to 4.7 million.
The Kvichak (pronounced KWEE jak) may be the first of more river systems to be downgraded this week. A look at the ADF&G Inseason Timing Chart shows that for the most part, the Bristol Bay fishery is winding down.
Only the Ugashik district appears to have reached the level of last year’s fishery. Landings in that area are also significantly down this week.
The 33% drop in projected landings for the Kvichak River was accompanied with a more severe drop in predicted escapement. Prior to the recalibration, Kvichak River escapement was forecasted at 7.69 million fish with a forecasted harvest of 7.12 million fish. The Kvichak escapement now is forecasted to be 2.35 million sockeye.
“Based on the current catch and escapement information...
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