The river area affected by the switch is in the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, from Aniak down to the mouth of the Kuskokwim. By taking over the fishery, the service is responsible for ensuring that local people receive subsistence priority. Under federal control, openings are limited to local subsistence users living on the Kuskokwim River drainage or those living along the coast in Chefornak, Kongiganak, Kipnuk or Kwigillingok.