Wrangell Sentinel -

SITKA, Alaska (AP) — The Department of Fish and Game says aerial surveys will begin Tuesday in preparation for the first opening of the Sitka Sound sac roe herring fishery.

Area management biologist Dave Gordon tells the Daily Sitka Sentinel that the guideline harvest level of 28,829 tons is based on a forecast biomass of 144,143 tons.

The guideline harvest is down slightly from the preliminary figure of 29,008 tons announced in December.

The guideline harvest last year was 19,490 tons and commercial fishermen hauled in 19,429 tons in five openings that ended April 9.

Aerial surveys asses...