Cook Inlet To Reopen To Drift Fishing After Controversial Closure

Here’s more on the controversial decision to reopen the fishery from Alaska Public Media after the issue went into litigation:

In Tuesday’s decision, Judge Joshua Kindred largely agreed with the fishermen.

He said the federal closure was arbitrary and capricious and that the closure did not comply with national standards — including that it was based on political compromise and not on science. He added the urgency of the impending season meant it was necessary to vacate the rule immediately.

On Wednesday evening, Fish and Game said it would reopen the fishery Thursday.

“Any vessel fishing for salmon in Cook Inlet will be regulated by the State of Alaska under the laws of the State of Alaska,” said Brian Marston, Fish and Game’s area manager for Upper Cook Inlet commercial fisheries, in a Wednesday recording.