Industry players sue feds over Steller restrictions

As expected, commercial fishing groups have gone to court in an effort to block federal restrictions on fish harvests in the Aleutians.

Here's the lawsuit, filed yesterday in U.S. District Court in Anchorage.

The restrictions, which took effect at the first of the year, are designed to leave more Pacific cod and Atka mackerel in the water for endangered Steller sea lions to eat.

The industry's concerns are summarized in this press release.

Looking at the lawsuit, the plaintiffs appear to be mainly trawlers at this point.