Bristol Bay researchers say in‑season genetics can guide bycatch policy; council adopts Western Alaska cap Jordan Head of the Bristol Bay Science and Research Institute told the Alaska House Special Committee on Fisheries that BBSRI’s in‑season genetic monitoring produced weekly stock composition and catch estimates in 2024–25 and was fast enough to inform management; the North Pacific Fishery Management Council last week adopted a Western Alaska‑specific chum salmon cap that explicitly incorporates in‑season genetic monitoring.

Bristol Bay researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking in-season genetic monitoring program that could revolutionize bycatch management and protect Western Alaska's salmon stocks!

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