A big cutback for Kodiak crab

The state has set a catch quota of 560,000 pounds for the Kodiak District Tanner crab fishery set to open at noon Jan. 15.

That's a big reduction from the 3 million pounds allowed last season.

Personnel file

Andrea Keikkala will be the new executive director for United Catcher Boats, taking over for Brent Paine, who is retiring after many years leading the organization.

Keikkala currently is assistant director of the International Pacific Halibut Commission.

United Catcher Boats is a trade association representing trawlers delivering Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska pollock and other groundfish to shore plants.

Factory trawler hit with $122K penalty

NOAA's Office of General Counsel reports this case charged in September:

• F/V America's Finest — Owner America's Finest Fishing LLC was charged under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act with directed fishing for groundfish with trawl gear in the Nearshore Bristol Bay Trawl Area when that area was closed to trawling. A $121,984.48 NOVA (notice of violation and assessment) was issued.

Tad Fujioka crosses the bar

The Alaska State Troopers report the death of Tad Fujioka as the likely victim of a bear mauling.

Fujioka, 50, of Sitka, was a commercial fisherman and owner of the F/V Sakura. He chaired the Seafood Producers Cooperative board of directors. A remembrance is posted here.

MSC victory for Alaska salmon

A decision turning back objections out of Canada clears the way for Marine Stewardship Council recertification of the Alaska salmon fishery.

The fishery has been certified since 2000. The certification was due to expire on Nov. 11.

Certification allows Alaska salmon to carry the blue MSC label signifying the product has been independently verified for sustainability.

No on Ballot Measure 1, says PSPA

The Pacific Seafood Processors Association is opposing Ballot Measure 1 and explains why here.

Personnel file

• Stephanie Madsen, longtime executive director of the At-sea Processors Association, will retire at the end of the year. APA represents Bering Sea pollock factory trawlers.

• Michelle Stratton is the new executive director of the Alaska Marine Conservation Council.

• At its meeting this month, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council reelected Angel Drobnica as chair. She is director of fisheries and government affairs for the Aleutian Pribilof Island Community Development Association.