Salmon Symposium November 13-14 at Palmer Community Center

The Mat-Su Basin Salmon Habitat Partnership will host its 2023 Salmon Science and Conservation Symposium from 9 am - 5pm in the Palmer Community Center (train depot) on Monday and Tuesday of next week. I feel remiss in that I last mentioned this event in the September 8 fishing column. The public is invited and in addition to online registration (which may ensure lunches and snacks during the event) people may simply show up and sign in at the community center starting at 8 am on Monday Nov. 13 or at 8:30 am on Tuesday Nov. 14. There is a $25 fee for attendees to help cover costs of the event (student attendance is free), however, the Mat-Su Basin Project Manager, Jessica Speed has told me that people may attend either day, both days, or even as little as one talk or session during the event. Jessica specifically mentioned that she did not want cost to deter anyone from attending — but she also mentioned that with planning for food — and depending upon how many people show up on the first or second day of the event without advance registration — there may only be food for those who made advance registration.

After an opening welcome from Laurie Stuart (Tyonek Tribal Conservation District), Kevin Toothaker (Cultural Exchange Program Administrator, Knik Tribe) and Mike Wood (newly appointed Board of Fisheries member) I am excited to hear what keynote speaker, Dr Peter Wesley has to highlight concerning key lessons of salmon conservation science from the last two decades. I am specifically interested in what he might have to say concerning interactions between wild and hatchery released salmon. At the end of each session there is usually an opportunity for attendees to ask questions, so I may take that opportunity — or I may also ask questions or have an informal discussion during one of the scheduled meeting breaks. There are many opportunities to network with scientists and other attendees throughout the event — something I attempt to take advantage of each year. It also gives me an opportunity to catch up on how other people (some whom I may only see once or twice a year) are spending their time and living their lives.

I have an interest in every item on the Symposium agenda and will even be giving a brief presentation on four specific items the Mat-Su Borough Fish and Wildlife Commission has been working on during the past year —and into the next year.

People can learn more about the symposium and presentations or discussions that may interest them by viewing the agenda online.

For those who would like to place a registration for the event — including food and snacks you can do so using this link. As mentioned earlier people may also register at the door (may or may not include the food).

Valley Fishing Opportunities

When I talked with A. J. from 3 Rivers Fly & Tackle on Tuesday, he mentioned that a few people had already been out on thin ice attempting to catch fish — we both agreed, however, that it would be safer to wait a bit and let the ice get thicker. Note: depending upon how long it lasts — a layer of snow can provide insulation that slows down the ice forming process. Better to wait a bit longer — if you have any doubts about the ice. A. J. mentioned 3 Rivers Fly & Tackle is now running fly tieing and rod building classes at the shop — something to do while waiting for better fishing conditions / weather.

Federal Fishery Management in the Cook Inlet Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

I wrote about this issue in my last fishing column (fishing in the area often referred to as the Conservation Corridor)— I am now hoping the Mat-Su Borough Fish and Wildlife Commission may adopt some comments to submit to the National Marine Fishery Service at our Nov. 16 public meeting — and also that we may post those comments on the Mat-Su Borough website so others may see them before the comment deadline —December 18, 2023.

Good Luck and Fish On!