Vincent-Lang confirmed, Johnstone rejected

State legislators yesterday confirmed Douglas Vincent-Lang as commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game on a vote of 58 yeas 1 nay.

Marit Carlson-Van Dort, Gerad Godfrey, and Israel Payton were confirmed without objection to the Alaska Board of Fisheries.

Karl Johnstone was rejected for the fish board on a vote of 24 yeas 33 nays.

To see how legislators voted, click here.

'A rare occurrence'

United Fishermen of Alaska hates the idea of Judge Karl Johnstone returning to the Board of Fisheries, and has submitted this pointed letter of opposition to state legislators.

UFA opposes Johnstone

In an "action alert" issued today, United Fishermen of Alaska urges its members to oppose Karl Johnstone's appointment to the state Board of Fisheries.

Johnstone, a retired Superior Court judge, served on the board from 2008 to 2015.

Now he's set to return as one of Gov. Mike Dunleavy's recently announced board appointees.

UFA, the state's flagship commercial fishing organization, said its directors met and voted to oppose Johnstone "based on his actions" during his previous time on the board.

Gov. Dunleavy appoints four to Board of Fisheries

Here's the press release.

The governor's office also provided these additional notes:

There were four seats open on the Board of Fish, two from expiring terms and two from resignation (Al Cain and Orville Huntington). Israel Payton was reappointed, Gerad Godfrey replaces Robert Ruffner, Karl Johnstone replaces Al Cain, and Marit Carlson-Van Dort replaces Orville Huntington who is now taking a seat on the Board of Game. Johnstone and Carlson-Van Dort take their seats immediately, Godfrey takes his seat July 1, and Payton will continue to serve.

Governor makes moves on fisheries leadership

Gov. Bill Walker has removed the "acting" from Sam Cotten's job title. Cotten is now commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

On another front, the Peninsula Clarion reports that Karl Johnstone, chairman of the state Board of Fisheries, has resigned.

Legislature approves Fish Board appointees

The Alaska Legislature today confirmed Gov. Sean Parnell's picks for the state Board of Fisheries, Karl Johnstone and Orville Huntington.

Most of the governor's appointees, for posts ranging from state attorney general to the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers, passed by unanimous consent.

Johnstone was among the very few names drawing an objection, meaning his appointment was put to a vote of senators and representatives meeting jointly to consider the governor's appointees.

The vote proceeded without any discussion. Here is the outcome:

Senators: 17 yea, 2 nay
Representatives: 27 yea, 11 nay

Johnstone in, Smith out on Board of Fisheries

Gov. Sean Parnell today reappointed Karl Johnstone to the Alaska Board of Fisheries. Johnstone currently is board chairman.

The governor named Orville Huntington to replace board member Mike Smith.

Here's a press release from the governor's office.