Forecasting Sitka’s herring biomass is a thorough but imperfect science

Fisheries scientist Sherri Dressel reviews the data that shaped this year’s herring forecast in Sitka Sound. “It’s not a perfect world,” she told the 48 permit holders, “But Sitka has the best data set in the Pacific.” (Emily Russell/KCAW)As seiners converge in Sitka for the annual sac roe herring fishery, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is holding firm on its harvest target of 14,649 tons.
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This is despite having fallen short of that target i