Parties in Steller conflict seek ruling by September

As I'm sure you recall, the state and commercial fishing groups are suing the federal government over its recent closure of some Aleutian waters to reserve more food fish for endangered Steller sea lions.

While they disagree on the science behind the closures, the parties see eye to eye on this much: They want a quick ruling from federal Judge Tim Burgess.

Lawyers for the feds, the state and industry jointly filed this proposed case schedule under which they would move along the proceedings so the judge could render a decision by the first week of September.

This would allow enough time to make appropriate plans for the 2012 groundfish season, the court filing says.

The judge has not yet agreed to this expedited schedule, but a conference is set for 3 p.m. Thursday in his Anchorage courtroom.