The closure was issued by the Federal Subsistence Board on August 10, 1993, to protect the health of the Southern Alaska Peninsula Caribou Herd. Since the early 1980s the herd has been steadily declining from a high of over 10,000 animals to a present population estimated at less than 2,000. Although the precise reason for the decline is not known, poor range conditions, primarily on the winter range, may be a significant factor.
The harvest rate for the herd has also fallen significantly over the years. Although caribou have been an important food source in the area, residents have been adjusting to less availability. Five communities will be affected by this closure: Cold Bay, False Pass, King Cove, Nelson Lagoon, and Sand Point, although only False Pass residents have customary and traditional use eligibility for hunting on Unimak Island.
A public hearing was held in Cold Bay on August 3, and Izembek Refuge staff have visited other communities affected to discuss the closure with residents.
For further information, contact the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in Cold Bay at (907) 532-2445 or the Office of Subsistence Management in Anchorage at (800) 478-1456. Hearing impaired may call 786-3309 in Anchorage.
FWS
