Illegal Fishing Violations Prompt Shutdown Of Egegik River Fishery

A flurry of alleged illegal fishing violations prompted the state to order a shutdown of

Here’s more from Dillingham’s KDLG radio:

In Bristol Bay’s Egegik district, it’s not uncommon to see some boats fishing in areas of the fishery deemed illegal by the state. But this year seemed particularly bad, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Aaron Tiernan, a biologist with the department, said widespread reports of illegal fishing beyond the legal areas of Egegik Bay and the waters just outside it led him to prematurely shut down this year’s fishery.

“We were receiving daily phone calls between Fish and Game and wildlife troopers, you know, multiple boats upwards of 50 at times fishing outside of the district,” Tiernan said.