Alaska Native tribal AP member resigns

Shawaan Jackson-Gamble recently resigned from his seat on the North Pacific Fishery Management Council's Advisory Panel.

His appointment to the AP was notable, as he was the first to fill the newly designated Alaska Native tribal seat on the panel.

"A call for nominations to fill the vacancy will be posted on the council's website soon," council Executive Director David Witherell tells us.

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.

ASMI Executive Director Alexa Tonkovich resigns

Here's the press release.

New leader coming for BBRSDA

Becky Martello, executive director of the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association, has announced her resignation.

An impending vacancy on the fish board

Bob Mumford reportedly intends to step down from the Alaska Board of Fisheries.

The former state wildlife trooper was appointed to the board less than a year ago.

Regnart leaving as commercial fisheries director

Jeff Regnart is stepping down as the state's commercial fisheries director, effective Oct. 2.

That's according to a note sent on behalf of Commissioner Sam Cotten to Alaska Department of Fish and Game employees.

"Jeff has done an exceptional job serving the division, the department and the state in many capacities for over two decades," the note said. "We hate to see him go, but also understand that personal reasons will take him outside the state."

Regnart was appointed commercial fisheries director in February 2011 during the Parnell administration.

Is Bristol Bay marketing association in turmoil?

Sue Aspelund, executive director of the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association, is resigning effective May 15.

This news comes on the heels of Robert Heyano's resignation as board chairman.

Aspelund was hired only a year ago as the association's executive director.

BBRSDA board president resigns

Robert Heyano, president of the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association, has resigned from the board of directors.

The official announcement doesn't offer a word of explanation.

The timing seems odd, as the organization is in the midst of a mail-in election to fill two other board seats.

Heyano's term wasn't due to end until 2016. He's a Dillingham resident and owner of the F/V Lady Mindy.

Governor makes moves on fisheries leadership

Gov. Bill Walker has removed the "acting" from Sam Cotten's job title. Cotten is now commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

On another front, the Peninsula Clarion reports that Karl Johnstone, chairman of the state Board of Fisheries, has resigned.

Longtime leader leaving Bristol Bay association

This just in from the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association:

Bob Waldrop resigns as BBRSDA executive director

Robert Heyano, President of the Board of Directors of the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association, announced today that the board has accepted the resignation of its executive director, Bob Waldrop, who has served in that capacity since inception of the association. The board wishes Bob well in his next endeavors.

The board has appointed Mike LaRussa, who presently serves as the Treasurer of the association, to serve as interim executive director until a permanent successor can be named. The board is currently interviewing candidates and is confident that it will name a successor within 60 days.

A leadership change at Icicle

Amy Humphreys is the new president and chief executive officer of Icicle Seafoods Inc., taking over for Dennis Guhlke, who has resigned.

So says this press release from Paine & Partners, the private equity firm that holds Icicle.

Icicle is a major processor of Alaska salmon, pollock, halibut, crab and other seafood.

Humphreys comes to Icicle from Delta Western Inc., where she was president of the Alaska petroleum distributor. She previously was an executive with American Seafoods.

In the press release, Humphreys says she believes Icicle has "many opportunities to continue its growth in both wild and farmed seafood product offerings."

'Effective immediately'

Here's the resignation letter former Board of Fisheries member Bill Brown submitted to the governor.

Fish Board member Brown steps down

Bill Brown, of Juneau, has resigned from the Alaska Board of Fisheries, the governor's office confirms.

First appointed to the board by former Gov. Sarah Palin in 2008, Brown's current term was due to expire on June 30, 2014.

That's all we know at this point. Deckboss will try to get more details.

Commerce secretary steps down

Major media outlets are reporting this morning that U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson has resigned.

Bryson had been on medical leave following traffic accidents in California.

More on Fuglvog

Deckboss just received the following statement from U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski's office:

Aug. 2, 2011

Murkowski statement on Arne Fuglvog

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Lisa Murkowski reacts to news that Arne Fuglvog violated a fishing regulation before he joined her staff:

"Prior to joining my staff, Arne Fuglvog violated a fishing regulation by misstating the location where he caught sablefish. I accepted his resignation Sunday, and he will plead guilty to this charge as part of a plea agreement.

"Arne served Alaskans for the past five years on my staff and for over a decade before that in his public service work in fisheries. I thank him for his years of service, but he knows the importance and value of our fisheries, and he also knows what all fishermen understand: fishing laws and regulations must be followed.

"Arne has cooperated fully with the authorities, taken responsibility for his actions, and accepted the consequences."

More on Janet Woods

Deckboss asked the governor's press secretary, Sharon Leighow, for a copy of any resignation letter or notice outgoing Board of Fisheries member Janet Woods might have submitted.

Leighow provided the following e-mail Woods sent to Jason Hooley, the governor's director of boards and commissions.

Woods "was not asked to resign," Leighow said.

Here's the e-mail:

Jason,

Note to confirm that I am stepping down from BOF appointment much to my dismay. I truly enjoyed being a part of the process and working with such wonderful people and constituents that I was privileged to meet, serve and work with. Thank you Janet

Janet L. Woods

Woods resigns from Board of Fisheries

This just in from the governor's office:

March 26, 2010

Vacancy Created on the Board of Fisheries

JUNEAU — Gov. Sean Parnell accepted the resignation of Janet Woods from the Alaska Board of Fisheries.

The resignation creates a vacancy on the seven-member panel that is charged with the conservation and development of Alaska's fisheries resources. Woods, of Fairbanks, was appointed on July 22, 2009.

"I am grateful for Janet's service during her tenure on the board," Gov. Parnell said.

According to state law, the governor shall, within 30 days after a vacancy occurs, appoint a person to serve the balance of the term and submit that name to the Legislature for confirmation.