UFA going to the authorities

We told you recently how United Fishermen of Alaska suspected a rival had eavesdropped on one of UFA's private teleconferences.

UFA is now taking the matter to the authorities, including the Juneau district attorney.

Here's a press release UFA issued today:

UFA begins process of releasing information to the Alaska authorities regarding unauthorized eavesdropping of UFA teleconference by office of Kenai River Sportfishing Association

On January 17, 2013 the United Fishermen of Alaska (UFA), Alaska’s largest statewide commercial fishing trade association representing 34 member organizations, held a private teleconference. In addition to 25 UFA Board members, an individual or individuals at the offices of the Kenai River Sportfishing Association (KRSA) was also on the line during the teleconference. This fact was later confirmed by the teleconference vendor, who provided a phone log, which included a phone number registered to the KRSA office. KRSA is not affiliated with UFA in any way. KRSA is not a member of UFA. KRSA was not invited by UFA to join the teleconference. The person or persons who listened in on UFA’s meeting from the KRSA offices did not acknowledge their presence when joining the teleconference. UFA was not aware of this intrusion until it received an email on January 18, 2013 indicating that information regarding UFA Board member discussions had been transmitted to a third party. On February 8, 2013 UFA began the process of turning over information to the authorities with the expectation that a full investigation would be initiated.

Listening in

A potential legal showdown is brewing between United Fishermen of Alaska and the Kenai River Sportfishing Association.

Here's a draft letter from UFA to KRSA that explains.

The allegation is that someone eavesdropped on a recent UFA teleconference, heard some stuff, then passed it along to Karl Johnstone, chairman of the Alaska Board of Fisheries.

Well, Deckboss can just imagine what kind of stir this is causing!