One of the best-known fishing rules in Alaska is the 32-foot length limit on drift gillnet boats operating in the Bristol Bay sockeye salmon fishery.
The rule is a great leveler for the highly competitive harvest.
But make no mistake, the bay's 32-foot boats are not equal. The more aggressive fishermen have found ways to pack more and more fishing power into their boats, making them wider, faster, brawnier and better equipped than other vessels.
It's all about outcompeting other captains for the sockeye that pour into the bay by the millions each summer.
But this coming season, Bristol Bay gilletters are expected to come under extra scrutiny from the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, who issued this
letter to driftnet permit holders warning against add-ons or other modifications that could violate the 32-foot vessel length limit.
"In an effort to ensure a fair and equitable fishery, AWT will be measuring vessels for possible enforcement action during the 2023 fishing season," the letter says.
Could be a lot of Bristol Bay fishermen will be scrambling to bring their boats into compliance.