Gov. Sean Parnell today reappointed Karl Johnstone to the Alaska Board of Fisheries. Johnstone currently is board chairman.
The governor named Orville Huntington to replace board member Mike Smith.
Here's a press release from the governor's office.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
IPHC contenders named
Back in February we told you the federal government was inviting nominations for two U.S. seats on the International Pacific Halibut Commission.
So who was nominated? Here's the list.
Ralph Hoard and Phillip Lestenkof currently occupy the two seats, and both are eligible for reappointment. But only one of those names is on the list of nominees.
So who was nominated? Here's the list.
Ralph Hoard and Phillip Lestenkof currently occupy the two seats, and both are eligible for reappointment. But only one of those names is on the list of nominees.
A new player enters rockfish legal fray
Fishermen's Finest Inc. is seeking to intervene in the lawsuit major Kodiak processors have filed against the federal government over the new Central Gulf of Alaska rockfish catch shares program.
As you will recall, the processors argue the program is unlawful because it created shares only for fishing vessel owners.
Seattle-based Fishermen's Finest operates two large and well-known trawlers in Alaska, the American No. 1 and the U.S. Intrepid.
In its motion to intervene, Fishermen's Finest argues that if the processors win, the company would lose valuable quota.
What's more, a processor victory "would upend the rationalization process for many fisheries in the North Pacific," the motion says.
Rationalization means cutting up a fishery into individual shares. Fishery managers in Alaska have embraced rationalization as a way to alleviate safety and other problems that arise when boats "race for fish."
The processor lawsuit strikes at a burning policy question: Should the government award shares only to fishermen, or should processors receive them too?
While Gulf rockfish is not among Alaska's largest or richest commercial fisheries, it's apparent the rockfish lawsuit could turn into a titanic legal battle.
Deckboss hears we are likely to see more fishing vessel owners file to intervene in the case.
As you will recall, the processors argue the program is unlawful because it created shares only for fishing vessel owners.
Seattle-based Fishermen's Finest operates two large and well-known trawlers in Alaska, the American No. 1 and the U.S. Intrepid.
In its motion to intervene, Fishermen's Finest argues that if the processors win, the company would lose valuable quota.
What's more, a processor victory "would upend the rationalization process for many fisheries in the North Pacific," the motion says.
Rationalization means cutting up a fishery into individual shares. Fishery managers in Alaska have embraced rationalization as a way to alleviate safety and other problems that arise when boats "race for fish."
The processor lawsuit strikes at a burning policy question: Should the government award shares only to fishermen, or should processors receive them too?
While Gulf rockfish is not among Alaska's largest or richest commercial fisheries, it's apparent the rockfish lawsuit could turn into a titanic legal battle.
Deckboss hears we are likely to see more fishing vessel owners file to intervene in the case.
Now property of the USA
To a buyer, or the bottom? James Mason photoA federal judge in Anchorage yesterday signed this forfeiture decree for the Bangun Perkasa, a suspected high-seas driftnetter authorities seized and took to Dutch Harbor last year.
The judge signed the decree after no one came forward to claim the vessel. The government may now sell it.
Or better yet, says Alaska Sen. Mark Begich, the Coast Guard should use the "pirate" for gunnery practice and sink her.
What's your vote?
Chinook take a dip for Southeast trollers
Southeast Alaska commercial trollers have a Chinook salmon harvest allocation this year of 197,272 fish, down 20,788 from the 2011 preseason allocation.
Here's the announcement from the Department of Fish and Game.
Here's the announcement from the Department of Fish and Game.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
State looks at financing seafood real estate deal
A state lending agency, the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, is weighing whether to team with a bank on a $7.5 million loan to a Juneau seafood processor.
Here's an AIDEA staff memo with all the details.
The AIDEA board meets Friday. Here's the agenda.
Here's an AIDEA staff memo with all the details.
The AIDEA board meets Friday. Here's the agenda.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Who knew?
Did you know that the "Grand Canyons of the Sea" can be found off Alaska's coast?
And that these two underwater canyons are prominent "Green Belt" features?
And that Bering Sea commercial fishing vessels, including factory trawlers "the size of ocean liners," are dragging nets and longlines through the canyons?
And that these canyons, which are "remarkable biologically," really should be protected?
And that the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, which is meeting this week in Anchorage and lacks "conservation seats," probably won't do the right thing without a push from Greenpeace and other groups?
Read all about it and see lots of pictures here.
And that these two underwater canyons are prominent "Green Belt" features?
And that Bering Sea commercial fishing vessels, including factory trawlers "the size of ocean liners," are dragging nets and longlines through the canyons?
And that these canyons, which are "remarkable biologically," really should be protected?
And that the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, which is meeting this week in Anchorage and lacks "conservation seats," probably won't do the right thing without a push from Greenpeace and other groups?
Read all about it and see lots of pictures here.
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