Monday, July 7, 2008

I want crab. Just for me and mine.

Question: I want to fish for crab for my own use. Can I do that?

Answer: The Fish & Game department has a page specifically about Personal Use Fisheries at: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishingPersonalUse.main. You can see 5 AAC 77.664. Personal use king crab fishery by opening the Codified Statewide Personal Use and Subsistence Fisheries Regulations on this page: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=PersonalUseRegulations.main.

As odd as it sounds, the personal use fisheries are regulated by the Division of Commercial fisheries, so it would be best to check with the local ComFish office about permits and possible fishing closures that may take place under the regulations linked above. ComFish office locations and phone numbers can be found at http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=contacts.main.