Lakes Area Fisheries
The Bristol Bay region is known around the world as a global salmon stronghold. And for good reason. The 20-year average run size is 40.0 million fish, but the last six years have seen a sockeye run size exceeding 50.0 million.
The salmon fishery continues to be culturally and economically vital to Lake Iliamna communities. Despite a large decline (> 60%) in local permit holdings since the State began limiting entry into commercial fisheries in 1975, fishing serves as the primary private source of cash employment in the region. Restoring local access to the largest salmon fishery on the planet is a priority for the region and essential to long-term community sustainability. The relationship between the people of Lake Iliamna and salmon dates back 1000s of years, and is seen, heard, and sustained in Alaska Native languages, cultural practices, and traditional foods.Â
Round 2 CARES Act Funds Now Available
Apply by October 31, 2022
PSMFC Link for info & applications:https://relief.psmfc.org/alaska-cares-act-information/
In March 2021, NOAA Fisheries announced the allocation of an additional $255 million in fisheries assistance funding as Round 2 funding. The funding will support activities previously authorized under Sec. 12005 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, CARES Act (Round 1). This funding is for fishery participants in all sectors: commercial, sport/charter, subsistence, and seafood processing. If you have questions you can call (888) 517-7262 or write to AKCares@psmfc.org
As a reminder, Round 1 amounts for Alaska fishery participants were as follows:
Commercial Harvesters – $3,208.00 per share
Sport Fishing Charter – $10,895.15 per share
Seafood Processing Sector – $101,927.62 per share
Subsistence Users – $380.68 per share
Also, PSMFC notes that remote villages and communities are highly encouraged to request applications in bulk to be mailed to a community leader or tribal liaisons.