ADFG announced Nov 5th that the preseason harvest forecast for West Behm Canal in 2011 of 8.61 tons. In accordance with the 1-E 7 1-F sac roe herring management plans [5 AAC 27.197] which allows for alternating years of set gillnet and purse seine fisheries has the 2011 fishing year will be opened for set gillnet fishery. (Remember in 2004 based on in-season observations the fishery did not open). Mesh size for the West Behm Canal fishery is 2-1/4″ and 50 fms long except 2 permit holders onboard under 5AAC 27.131 may fish a 75 fm long net.There will be closed areas near Ketchikan including Naha Bay, Clover Pass, and Tongass narrows creating a sanctuary for a significant portion of the spawning herring stock.
For additional information view the news release
http://documents.cf1.adfg.state.ak.us/AdfgDocument.po?DOCUMENT=22774
and check out the regulations developed at the 2003 Board of Fish meeting for the West Behm Canal area.