After June 1, only federally qualified subsistence users will be able to harvest chinook salmon on federal public waters along the Kuskokwim River drainage.
A news release from the Federal Subsistence Management Program announced May 8 that the decision was reached during teleconference meeting on May 1 of the Federal Subsistence Board.
Eligible subsistence users include residents of the drainage, and the villages of Chefornak, Kipnuk, Kwigillingok and Kongiganek.
The release says the in-season manager for the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge may implement a community harvest system for federally qualified subsistence users.
The in-season manager will also provide harvest opportunities for chinook salmon fisheries using openings, closures, and gear restrictions developed with consultation with partners.
The closer begins June 1 or when the chinook salmon run begins, whichever comes first.