Motion denied

A federal judge has denied the Aleut Corp.'s motion to intervene in the Steller sea lion lawsuit.

The state and various industry groups are suing the federal government in hopes of killing new restrictions on cod and Atka mackerel fishing along the Aleutian chain. The restrictions are meant to preserve food for the endangered Stellers.

U.S. District Judge Timothy Burgess ruled that Aleut, which opposes the fishing restrictions, missed the deadline to join the suit as an intervenor.

However, the judge is allowing Aleut a say in the case as a "friend of the court."