Alaska's new congresswoman

Mary Peltola has won the special election to finish out the late Congressman Don Young's term.

Look out, Area M!

The nonprofit Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association posted the following on Facebook:

A meeting with Governor Dunleavy is scheduled for Monday, August 29, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Leaders from the Bristol Bay, Kuskokwim, Yukon, and Norton Sound regions will be putting forth solutions to the intercept fishery in Area M. This is a closed meeting, but a report will be given during the In-Season teleconference on August 30, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. AKST and 2:00 p.m. PDTC. To listen to the teleconference you can dial in at 1-800-315-6338 pin: 98566#.

Salmon notes

The Alaska salmon season is entering the homestretch.

• The statewide commercial harvest has reached 150 million fish. This year's preseason forecast of 160.6 million appears within reach.

• The sockeye harvest stands at 74 million, right on forecast.

• The pink salmon harvest stands at 63.2 million, only 4 million shy of forecast.

• NOAA Fisheries has posted an interesting article, What's Behind Chinook and Chum Salmon Declines in Alaska?

More focus on bycatch

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council is seeking nominations for a new Salmon Bycatch Committee.

A BBRSDA vacancy

George Wilson is resigning from the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association board of directors, the organization said today.

BBRSDA did not give a reason for Wilson's departure.

Wilson, of Naknek and the fishing vessel SassaLena, is board vice president, BBRSDA's website says.

"Per BBRSDA policies and procedures, it shall be up to the remaining board members to fill the seat for the duration of Mr. Wilson's term, which ends in 2024," BBRSDA said.

Association members are invited to apply for the seat by Sept. 1.

BBRSDA represents commercial driftnetters, who this year enjoyed a record sockeye harvest in Bristol Bay.

New leadership for Board of Fisheries

Art Nelson is the new executive director of the Alaska Board of Fisheries.

He is highly familiar with the organization, having served as a board member and chair.

Nelson succeeds Glenn Haight, who earlier this year was confirmed to the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission.

Troll fishery in jeopardy

This court order could have serious consequences for commercial fishing in Southeast Alaska, as the state Department of Fish and Game explains.

A loss for Cook Inlet setnetters

A judge this week denied a bid to force the state to reopen the eastside Cook Inlet salmon setnet fishery.