Oregon State prof picked to head NOAA

Here's the White House announcement and an OSU press release.

Council tightens written comment policy

Details here.

Juneau watch

The At-sea Processors Association, which represents Bering Sea pollock factory trawlers, is set to give a legislative presentation at 3:30 today on "Barriers to Global Seafood Trade."

State to expand radiation testing of seafood

Here's the press release.

Watch your mouth

At its April meeting, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council has been considering, among other things, halibut and salmon bycatch in the trawl fisheries.

The council also has been grappling with another issue — unruly public comments posted to its website.

Aside from reflecting unfamiliarity with the council process, some comments have included profanity or threats, the council reports.

Here's one example Deckboss was able to snag off the council's website before it was scrubbed.

The council is now looking at reforms to its public comment policy. Ideas include delaying or screening comments before posting. Read more about it here.

COVID outbreak reported on factory trawler

Details in this city of Unalaska news release.

Fish politics

Saturday could be an especially interesting day in the Alaska Legislature.

Starting at 1 p.m., the House Fisheries and Resources committees will meet jointly to consider the governor's appointees to the state Board of Fisheries.

Two of these appointees face serious opposition.

Abe Williams is a Bristol Bay commercial salmon fisherman. He also works for the company looking to develop the Pebble mine, a fact that makes Williams a controversial pick for the board.

United Fishermen of Alaska is opposing Marit Carlson-Van Dort for continued service on the board. UFA says she's not truly a commercial fishing representative but rather a favorite of the Kenai River Sportfishing Association.