UFA likes Murkowski for another term

United Fishermen of Alaska, the state's top commercial fishing association, is endorsing U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski for re-election.

Fishing finance

Here's an interesting lawsuit, now pending in Alaska federal court, that sheds light on how processors stake fishermen.

It's all over at Sitka

The Sitka Sound sac roe herring fishery has closed for the season.

The fish didn't much cooperate this year, and the harvest of about 10,000 tons fell well short of the preseason target of 14,741 tons.

Deckboss hasn't heard a thing regarding prices to fishermen. Have you?

Plenty of capacity, processors say

A new survey indicates Bristol Bay processors will have more than enough capacity to handle this year's projected sockeye harvest.

Sitka herring fishery plods along

Sitka seiners scratched up an estimated 1,800 tons of herring yesterday, bringing the total harvest for the season to 9,770 tons.

About 4,970 tons remain on the quota, the Department of Fish and Game said in this fishery update.

Smaller salmon harvest expected this year

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is forecasting a commercial catch of 161 million salmon, well below the 268 million taken last year.

Fire ravages Kwik'pak buildings in Emmonak

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Emmonak
Type: Structure fire
On 3/19/16 at approximately 1328 hours, Alaska State Troopers and the Emmonak village public safety officer were notified of a structure fire and smoke from a Kwik'pak Fisheries building in Emmonak. AST and the VPSO arrived on scene to find smoke coming from the windows of a large warehouse. The VPSO started to organize firefighting efforts and AST secured the area and ensured the surrounding buildings were evacuated. Fire suppression efforts on the building were unsuccessful due to failed and inoperable equipment. The fire quickly spread, completely destroying three Kwik'pak Fisheries buildings. The fire continued to spread, destroying two Yukon Marine Manufacturing buildings. The fire continued to burn throughout the evening. No injuries or burns have been reported, and no foul play is suspected. Damage is currently estimated in excess of $3 million.

A fair start

Sitka Sound seiners took an estimated 3,735 tons Thursday in their first opener of the season.

Another opener is expected on Saturday. More details here.

And they're off!

The Sitka Sound sac roe herring fishery just opened.

Sitka watch

The Sitka Sound herring fishery goes on two-hour notice effective 11 a.m. Thursday.

Peterson, Laukitis named to North Pacific Council

Alaska Gov. Bill Walker has nominated Theresa Peterson, of Kodiak, and Michael "Buck" Laukitis, of Homer, for seats on the North Pacific Fishery Management Council.

More details here.

If confirmed, Peterson and Laukitis will replace Duncan Fields, of Kodiak, and David Long, of Wasilla.

Fields has served his limit of three consecutive terms, while Long has served only one term.

A Walker spokeswoman tells Deckboss that while Long has done a good job and was considered for reappointment, the administration elected to go in a different direction with Laukitis.

Therefore be it resolved...

Here's a resolution signed by quite a few fishing, processing and hatchery players urging the Legislature and governor to "carefully analyze the cumulative impact of any additional taxes and fees levied on the seafood industry."

The resolution also opposes the 12.5 fisheries royalty proposed under Senate Bill 198.