Fatality reported at Akutan

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Akutan

Type: Death investigation

On July 30, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., the Alaska State Troopers were notified that 36-year-old Seattle resident Vincent Short had fallen from the mast of a boat in Akutan and sustained significant injuries. Shortly after, he succumbed to his injuries. Next of kin has been notified. The U.S. Coast Guard has assumed case responsibility, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Kodiak fish debates set

Here's a press release.

An update on the F/V Arctic Sea grounding

Readers will recall the Jan. 5 wreck of the fishing vessel Arctic Sea along the rugged north coast of St. George Island and the rescue of nine crew.

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation has released a new situation report on the wreck concluding: "No further spill response or cleanup actions are required at this time."

As for salvage, the report says: "Resolve Marine has been contracted to perform the wreck removal. Work is scheduled to begin in early August 2026 and should be completed before the Bering Sea winter season begins."

Port Moller limbo

A recent court order calls into question the ownership of a remote Southwest Alaska seafood processing plant.

The Port Moller plant was among assets of failed processor Peter Pan. The plant was sold at auction in 2024 to Rodger May, who was Peter Pan's owner, and a Washington court approved the sale.

But on July 9, Alaska Superior Court Judge Laura Hartz ruled the Washington court lacked jurisdiction to dispose of property in Alaska without approval of the Alaska court.

The judge concluded that John Ketcham, who had loaned Peter Pan money, has a first priority lien against the Port Moller plant.

The plant currently is under lease to Silver Bay Seafoods, which is using it not to process fish but to provide support services for area fleets.

Blotter

Lots of enforcement news over on our sister blog The Brig.

Bristol Bay homicide investigation

The Alaska State Troopers today posted this press release.

State records list a Henry Ayojiak, of Manokotak, as a Bristol Bay salmon setnet permit holder.

Juneau watch

The Legislative Budget and Audit Committee tomorrow will consider a special audit request from Rep. Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, chair of the House Fisheries Committee.

She's seeking a review of how the Alaska Board of Fisheries has been conducting business of late, saying the board has "lost the public's trust."

Here's the committee agenda. The hearing begins at 8:30 a.m. and will be teleconferenced.