Section 5.30.331. Gillnet specifications and operations.

	(a)  A set gillnet with a mesh size smaller than eight inches may not be more than 45 meshes in depth and a set gillnet with a mesh size eight inches or larger may not be more than 35 meshes in depth, except that after July 1, in the waters of Yakutat Bay, a set gillnet of all mesh sizes may not be more than 60 meshes in depth. The individual and aggregate lengths of any and all set gillnets on board a vessel or operated by a person may not be more than one of the following in hung measure:  
		(1) in the Yakutat District,  
			(A) in the waters of Yakutat Bay, Monti Bay, and Disenchantment Bay, east and north of a line from the southernmost point of Ocean Cape to Point Manby at 59_ 41.60' N. lat., 140_ 18.30' W. long., only one set gillnet that does not exceed 75 fathoms in length;  
			(B) in Situk-Ahrnklin Inlet and Lost River, only one set gillnet that does not exceed 20 fathoms in length, except that in the Situk-Ahrnklin Inlet, two set gillnets, neither of which may exceed 20 fathoms in length, may be operated during periods established by emergency order;  
			(C) in the Yahtze River, the Yana River, and the Malaspina Lake drainage, only one set gillnet that does not exceed 25 fathoms in length;  
			(D) in the Dangerous River, a single set gillnet may not be less than 10 fathoms or more than 25 fathoms in length; a salmon interim-use or entry permit holder may not operate more than 75 fathoms of set gillnet in aggregate length;  
			(E) in the Akwe River, only one set gillnet that does not exceed 15 fathoms in length;  
			(F) in the East River, only one set gillnet that does not exceed 20 fathoms in length; except that starting the first Sunday in September, two set gillnets that do not each exceed 20 fathoms in length and an aggregate length not to exceed 40 fathoms;  
			(G) repealed 4/8/79;  
			(H) in other waters of the district, including the surf line beyond the outermost bars at mean low tide, only one set gillnet that does not exceed 15 fathoms in length;  
			(I) in the Alsek River, a single gillnet may not be less than 10 fathoms or more than 25 fathoms in length, and  
				(i) before the third Sunday in July, a CFEC salmon permit holder may not operate more than three set gillnets, and the aggregate length of set gillnets may not exceed 50 fathoms;  
				(ii) from the third Sunday in July, a CFEC salmon permit holder may not operate more than 75 fathoms of set gillnet in the aggregate;  
			(J) in the Sudden River, only one set gillnet that does not exceed 25 fathoms in length, except that starting the first Sunday in August, two set gillnets that do not each exceed 25 fathoms in length and an aggregate length not to exceed 50 fathoms;  
			(K) notwithstanding 5 AAC 39.240(a), a person may assist in the operation or transportation of additional set gillnet gear when the CFEC interim-use or entry permit card holder of the additional gear is present in compliance with 5 AAC 39.107;  
		(2) in the Yakataga District,  
			(A) in the Tsiu River, only one set gillnet that does not exceed 15 fathoms in length;  
			(B) in the Eight Mile River, only one set gillnet that does not exceed 15 fathoms in length;  
			(C) in the remainder of the district, only one set gillnet that does not exceed 25 fathoms in length.  
	(b)  A set gillnet may not obstruct more than two-thirds of a salmon migratory waterway, except that in the Tsiu River, a set gillnet may not obstruct more than one-half of the waterway. The provisions of this subsection apply in the intertidal zone at all stages of the tide.  
	(c)  A set gillnet shall be operated in substantially a straight line, except that in Disenchantment Bay and Yakutat Bay a set gillnet may have no more than 15 fathoms of its length used as a single hook.  
	(d)  Repealed 4/15/81.  
	(e)  The operation of each set gillnet shall be performed or assisted by the fisherman who holds the valid interim-use or entry permit card for that gear.  
	(f)  In the Alsek River, salmon may be taken only with gillnets of six inch or smaller mesh size during seasons established by emergency order.  

Authorities

16.05.060;16.05.251

Notes

Reference

5 AAC 30.345

Authority

AS 16.05.060 AS 16.05.251

History

In effect before 1982; am 4/14/82, Register 82; am 5/31/85, Register 94; am 4/18/86, Register 98; am 6/25/89, Register 110; em am 7/14/89 - 8/14/89, Register 111; em am 6/4/90 - 8/14/90, Register 114; am 4/30/91, Register 118; am 3/11/2001, Register 157; am 7/13/2012, Register 203; am 7/1/2015, Register 214