Alaska Department of Fish and Game Stocks of Concern Summary from 2000-2017

During the 2000-2001 Alaska Board of Fisheries meeting cycle, the board adopted into regulation the Policy for the Management of Sustainable Salmon Fisheries (SSFP; 5 AAC 39.222, effective 2000, amended 2001) and the Policy for Statewide Salmon Escapement Goals (EGP; 5 AAC 39.223). The Policy for the Management of Sustainable Salmon Fisheries directs the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) to provide the Alaska Board of Fisheries with reports on the status of salmon stocks and identify any salmon stock that present a concern. In consultation with ADF&G, the Board may designate, amend, or discontinue Stocks of Concern based on stock status reports and recommendations from ADF&G. The SSFP defines three levels of concern (Conservation, Management, and Yield) with yield being the lowest level of concern and conservation the highest level of concern. The issue of salmon stocks of concern arose several times during the 2016-2017 Alaska Board of Fisheries meeting cycle. At the end of the cycle the board requested the Alaska Department of Fish and Game provide them with a synopsis of stock of concern determinations, including reasons for stock of concern designation and the timing and justification for removal from the stock of concern list.