The Alaska Department of Fish and game is increasing the bag and possession limits for sockeye salmon, effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday through 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31.

According to a press release from the agency, the new limits are six per day and 12 in possession.

The increased limits apply to salmon 16 inches or longer — except for king, pink, chum and coho — in the Kenai River downstream of Skilak Lake, which includes the flowing waters of the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to the marker located at the outlet of Skilak Lake.

According to the Kenai River Late-Run Sockeye Salmon Management Plan, the ADF&G may increase the limits when the run exceeds 2.3 million salmon.

ADF&G projects the late-run in the Kenai River will exceed 2.3 million fish and estimates the escapement goal of 750,000 to 1.3 million sockeye will be reached, according to the release.

A stipulation in the increased limit states that no more than two per day and in possession may be coho salmon. Additionally, no more than three per day and six in possession may be chum.

For more information contact Area Management Biologist Colton Lipka at 907-262-9368.

Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.