Our History
1990
Our First Forum
Hosted first annual Yukon River Forum, at which delegate members from the region met to plan objectives and strategies for the coming year. The Yukon River Forum continues to provide an opportunity for community members and state and federal agencies to share their concerns and ensure the integration of all management efforts.
1990
1992
Access to Information
Established a newsletter to disseminate information on concerns, actions, and future plans for all constituents in order to help them acquire the information and skills needed to advocate on behalf of themselves.
1992
1993
Create Management Plan
Led action to achieve the first consensus state management plan for the region at Alaska State Board of Fisheries (Toklat River Fall Chum Salmon Rebuilding Plan).
1993
1994
Initial Successes
- Launched an ongoing in-season teleconference to bring together fishers and fisheries managers from the length of the Yukon River to discuss management of the current run.
- Achieved first limits on salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands directed pollock fishery.
1994
1996
New Beginning
Began Salmon Marketing program.
1996
2000
Growing Our Mission
- Received first Congressionally-directed grants for Yukon River information and education and for stock restoration, marine by-catch reduction, and habitat restoration work.
- Started indigenous capacity-building projects for local Yukon River residents including the YRDFA Fisheries Technician Training Program.
- Annually funds research to study the salmon life history of Yukon River salmon.
- Started LTK program to document local knowledge about the Yukon River.
2000
2001
The Yukon River Salmon Agreement
Helped representatives from the United States and Canada reach a legally-binding agreement, The Yukon River Salmon Agreement, to cooperatively restore, conserve, and manage Yukon River Chinook and fall chum salmon, originating in Canada.
2001
2002
International Exchange
Began educational exchanges between Alaska and Yukon Territory to foster learning about the Yukon River Salmon Agreement between the U.S. and Canada.
2002
2004
Coordinate Campaign
Initiated a river-wide Wild Salmon Campaign with all Yukon River processors.
2004
2008
Unite Stakeholders
United key stakeholders in western Alaska to work through the North Pacific Fishery Management Council toward the common goal of getting a hard cap put into place that would limit salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands pollock fishery.
2008
2011
Salmon Cap
First Chinook salmon cap in the Bering Sea Aleutians pollock fishery is put into place.
2011
2013
Shaping the Future
YRDFA influences the King salmon management plan to include conservation closures of the first pulse of king salmon traveling into the Yukon River in districts Y-1, Y-2 and Y-3.
2013