Bristol Bay setnet election in sight

Bristol Bay setnetters will vote in September on whether to join the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association.

So says the BBRSDA's new annual report (PDF Page 15).

The Cook Inlet conundrum

The National Marine Fisheries Service is moving to establish federal management of salmon fisheries in the federal waters of Upper Cook Inlet.

This is the latest twist in a long and contorted legal battle over Cook Inlet salmon management.

Juneau watch

Shannon Carroll, of Trident Seafoods, is scheduled to give a presentation on "bycatch management and reduction measures."

The presentation is set for 10 a.m. Thursday before the House Special Committee on Fisheries.

Juneau watch

Rep. Sarah Vance, R-Homer, has introduced a resolution "encouraging the Department of Fish and Game to adopt certain regulations relating to fisheries bycatch."

Cook Inlet setnet buyback in the spotlight

The Senate Resources Committee tomorrow will consider Senate Bill 82 to establish a buyback program for eastside Cook Inlet setnet permits.

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, is the sponsor. Here's his sponsor statement.

"The purpose of this legislation is to reduce the number of commercial setnet permits on the east side of the Cook Inlet, thereby improving profitability for remaining setnet permit holders and reducing king salmon harvest in the eastside setnet fishery," an Alaska Department of Game fiscal note says.

The hearing is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m.

Bristol Bay salmon forfeiture

The Alaska Department of Public Safety, in a recent legislative presentation, listed the following among its successes in 2022-23.

118,000 pounds of illegally harvested salmon forfeited in Bristol Bay

'Mistreatment of observers is unlawful'

Federal officials have posted a notice to vessel owners on preventing observer harassment.