A likely victory for trollers

A U.S. magistrate judge is recommending denial of a motion to close the commercial troll salmon fishery in the federal waters off Southeast Alaska.

Feds fight troll fishery shutdown

As we reported last month, the Wild Fish Conservancy is seeking an injunction to block the summer Chinook salmon fishery in federal waters off Southeast Alaska. The environmental organization says the fishery poses a starvation threat to endangered Southern Resident killer whales.

Now the National Marine Fisheries Service is vigorously opposing the motion for injunction. In its 34-page filing, the agency argues that closing the fishery would have only a "very small effect" on the availability of prey for killer whales.

Injunction sought against troll fishery

Wild Fish Conservancy is seeking an injunction to block the summer Chinook salmon fishery in federal waters off Southeast Alaska. The environmental organization says the fishery poses a starvation threat to endangered Southern Resident killer whales.

Here is a response from the Alaska Trollers Association.

Limited entry stands for halibut charter boats

A Washington, D.C., judge has denied a motion for a preliminary injunction against new federal regulations limiting the number of halibut charter boats in Southeast and Southcentral Alaska (Areas 2C and 3A).

The judge's order was entered today.

Here's the background on this.

Update on halibut charter lawsuit

Reliable sources tell me a Washington, D.C., federal judge today declined to grant Southeast Alaska halibut charter boat operators an injunction to block the one-fish bag limit set to take effect tomorrow.

More details as soon as I can snag them.