'Significant structural deterioration'

Here's the latest situation report on the F/V Masonic grounding southeast of Sitka. It's not looking good for salvage of the old halibut schooner.

Watch those demerit points!

The Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission is recommending legislation "expanding the current demerit point system so that it applies to all types of commercial fisheries, not just salmon."

More details here.

Masonic update

The halibut schooner Masonic aground in Southeast Alaska. Here's a situation report from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. USCG Air Station Sitka photo

'Mayday, vessel Masonic going down'

The U.S. Coast Guard says it rescued five people from a life raft early today after they abandoned their fishing vessel southeast of Sitka.

The Coast Guard identified the vessel involved as the Masonic, homeported in Sitka.

We haven't confirmed it, but this vessel presumably is the famed wooden halibut schooner Masonic, built in 1930.

The five survivors were taken to Sitka uninjured, the Coast Guard said.

At 2:33 a.m., Coast Guard watchstanders monitoring Channel 16 heard a distress call: "Mayday, vessel Masonic going down."

The life raft was found on the north side of Coronation Island, with all five people aboard wearing survival suits.

"The life raft was tied off to the stern of the grounded fishing vessel," the Coast Guard said.

Copper River to open May 16

Here's the announcement.

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.

Togiak herring fishery opens

Here's the announcement.