Stocking plan available for comment

ANCHORAGE (AP) -- The Department of Fish and Game is taking public comment on its draft fish stocking plan.

The agency will stock Alaska's waters with more than 7.6 million fish this spring and summer for the benefit of anglers.

Most of the fish will be chinook and coho salmon and rainbow trout, according to agency officials. The plan also includes Arctic grayling, Arctic char and lake trout.

The purpose of the fish stocking program is to maintain and improve existing sport fisheries, relieve pressure in areas where fish stocks are depressed and create new fisheries.

The proposed plan covers fish stocking proposed from 2001 through 2005.

Public comment will be accepted through Jan. 18.