And they're off at Sitka!

The Sitka Sound herring sac roe fishery has begun, with the first opener running from noon to 6 p.m. Friday.

Another opener was set for 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today.

About 495 tons of herring was harvested in the initial opener, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game reported.

The quota for this year's fishery is 35,015 tons, but industry is not expected to take anywhere near that much.