Fields family charged after extensive investigation into salmon setnet activity at Kodiak

Here's a press release from the Alaska State Troopers.

More disaster relief

The feds today announced disaster determinations for two more Alaska fisheries — the 2023 Upper Cook Inlet eastside setnet salmon fishery and the 2022 Chignik salmon fishery.

Disaster relief for Cook Inlet

Federal officials today announced disaster determinations for the 2021 and 2022 Upper Cook Inlet eastside setnet salmon fisheries.

More BBRSDA news

The election closes today for salmon setnetters voting on whether to join the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association.

We're told, however, that it might be some days or even weeks before the mail-in ballots are counted and we have results.

Anyone care to predict the outcome?

Cook Inlet setnet buyback in the spotlight

The Senate Resources Committee tomorrow will consider Senate Bill 82 to establish a buyback program for eastside Cook Inlet setnet permits.

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, is the sponsor. Here's his sponsor statement.

"The purpose of this legislation is to reduce the number of commercial setnet permits on the east side of the Cook Inlet, thereby improving profitability for remaining setnet permit holders and reducing king salmon harvest in the eastside setnet fishery," an Alaska Department of Game fiscal note says.

The hearing is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m.

Juneau watch

State Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, has introduced Senate Bill 82 to establish a buyback program for eastside Cook Inlet setnet permits.

A loss for Cook Inlet setnetters

A judge this week denied a bid to force the state to reopen the eastside Cook Inlet salmon setnet fishery.

More on the proposed Cook Inlet setnet buyback

A nonprofit, the Eastside Consolidation Association, is pushing for a buyback of Cook Inlet salmon setnet fishing permits.

Here's a presentation the group made to Alaska legislators, who are considering buyback legislation in the form of Senate Bill 90.

Cook Inlet setnet buyback proposed

State Sen. Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, today introduced Senate Bill 90, which would establish a buyback program to reduce the number of eastside Cook Inlet commercial setnetters.

Cook Inlet permit buyback proposed

State Sen. Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, has introduced legislation to establish a buyback program for eastside Cook Inlet setnet permits.

Some of the most interesting details of the proposal are on Page 5 of the bill.

Ban setnetters?

A group called the Alaska Fisheries Conservation Alliance wants to let voters decide whether to ban commercial setnets near the state's main population centers. Here's a press release.

Teen on four-wheeler hits setnet cable, dies

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Clam Gulch
Type: Fatality
On 7/20/13 at about 1242 hours, troopers responded to a report of a single-vehicle collision on Clam Gulch Beach in Clam Gulch. Central and Ninilchik EMS responded to the scene with troopers and located Peter J. Janke, 15, of Clam Gulch, deceased after he struck a setnet cable anchored into the bluff while riding a four-wheeler. Next of kin was notified. Janke's remains have been sent to the state medical examiner for autopsy. Investigation is ongoing.