Project: Chignik Intertribal Coalition Chinook avoidance while harvesting sockeye for subsistence and commercial uses in Chignik Management Area (CMA).
Project Description: In recent years, Chinook numbers have declined rapidly in the Chignik watershed. They are doing so poorly that at some point there will be severe protections put on them, as done in the Nushagak Chinook Action Plan (Feb 2023 BoF). The CIC would like to research a pro-active, Chinook avoidance program.
1. This project would require input from all users within the CMA, ADFG, USFWS, and Academia.
2. We would not like to see the Early run(ER) and/or Late run(LR) sockeye fisheries curtailed to protect a weak Chinook run.
3. Possibly corridors could be set up in the lagoon to allow Chinook passage while still catching traditional levels of sockeye.
4.This project could be fundable by NPRB or Sea Grant with the appropriate matching funds.
People/Organizations responsible for completing these steps: Chignik Intertribal Coalition, Chignik Bay, Chignik Lake, Chignik Lagoon, Ivanof Bay, Perryville, Bristol Bay Native Association, USFWS
Costs: Unknown
Timeline: 2021-2025
Funding Partners:
Evaluation Measures:
-Research completed.
-Avoidance Program identified.
-Increase in Chinook escapement numbers.
Key Project Contact:
Name: George Anderson
Title: President
Organization: Chignik Intertribal Coalition