Credit Katie Basile / KYUK
It looks like another tough year for salmon fishing on the Yukon River. The king salmon run on the Yukon is expected to be smaller than last year’s, which failed to meet minimal escapement goals.
With such a small run, regulations require managers to close salmon fishing as the kings begin to arrive, and during the first pulse of the run. That’s to get as many king salmon up the Yukon River as they can.
Currently, subsistence fishing is open 24/7 with 7.5 inch mesh or smaller nets along the coast and the lower Yukon River, but that’s changing. Starting June 2 at 8 p.m., all salmon fishing will be closed in the northern and southern coastal areas. Fishing will also be closed in District 1, from the mouth of the Yukon River including Black River and the communities of Emmonak, Nunam Iqua, Alakanuk, and Kotlik. Fishing will be limited to gillnet mesh sizes of 4-inchs or less to target non-salmon species. Net lengths will also be restricted to 60-feet
Credit KYUK
KYUK has received regional and statewide awards for journalism produced in 2020. KYUK won three 2020 Regional Edward R. Murrow awards and six 2020 statewide Alaska Press Club awards.
The Murrow Awards are awarded by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA), and are considered to be among the most respected journalism awards in the world. The RTDNA describes the awards as the embodiment of the values, principles and standards set forth by Edward R. Murrow, a journalism pioneer who set the standards for the highest quality of broadcast journalism. KYUK will be advancing to the National Murrow award competition.
KYUK’s 2020 Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards
Katie Basile / KYUK
At times it felt like 2020 would never end, but now the year is finally coming to a close. Before we move into 2021, here’s a look back on KYUK’s top stories from the year we’ve just survived.
Bethel began the year with a unique distinction. It became one of the few places in the nation where you can buy marijuana, but not liquor. Bethel’s only liquor store closed following a vote to enter a more restrictive local option status. Shortly after, Bethel’s first two marijuana stores opened.
Bethel musher Pete Kaiser won the Kuskokwim 300 Sled Dog Race for the fifth time in six years.