Scientists Address Overescapement

To be clear: our expectation is there will be a 2020 fishery season in Bristol Bay, subject to State-mandated requirements. However, esteemed UW fishery scientists Daniel Schindler and Curry Cunningham have recently addressed the implications of sockeye overescapement in Bristol Bay. See the excerpt and read the full article by clicking on the link below.

Excerpt: Concern that the Bristol Bay sockeye salmon fishery represents a substantial public health risk has prompted requests for severe restrictions or even complete closure of the fishery until the threat of covid-19 has passed. In addition to the immediate economic impacts of such a policy, these discussions have generated widespread concern about “over-escapement” — that severely restricted fishing would result in spawner abundances (escapements) beyond what watersheds can withstand, thereby severely depressing future salmon production.

Based on data from Bristol Bay sockeye salmon, and current theory about salmon population dynamics, it is clear that concerns for the negative ecological impacts of exceptionally high escapements should be dismissed. Instead, decisions should focus on balancing human health risks and economic impacts.

Read the full article here: https://www.nationalfisherman.com/viewpoints/alaska/what-if-theres-no-salmon-fishery-how-covid-19-could-affect-escapement/