Tanner Crab Fishing Closes in Eastern Section of South Peninsula District

According to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), all remaining open waters of the Eastern Section of the South Peninsula District will close to Tanner crab fishing at 5:59 p.m. tomorrow (Friday, Feb. 3, 2012). Catch reports indicate that the total harvest will approach survey estimates of allowable Tanner crab surplus. ADF&G says further harvest is not warranted to protect the long-term health of the Tanner crab stock.

All pots within the Eastern Section of the South Peninsula District must be unbaited with doors open at the time of the closure. Unbaited pots may be stored in the closed area in waters deeper than 25 fathoms for seven days. After seven days, all pots remaining in the closed area must be removed or placed in waters less than 25 fathoms deep.