UFA Update: June 5, 2018 

Dear Members,

I hope the weather has been conducive for painting, net hanging and boat work as many of you prepare for the salmon season. There’s always excitement (or mechanical induced frustration) on the docks this time year with anticipation for the first opener.  Here at UFA, this is our chance to play catch-up after a busy legislative session.  As you can see in the below update, there’s still plenty of fisheries politics to keep us on our toes and to keep you informed.

The postmark deadline for candidates in the statewide primary and general elections was last Friday, with late announcements by Mead Treadwell and Mark Begich to join in the race for Governor while Governor Walker and Lt. Gov. Mallott withdrew from the Democratic primary to run as independents in the general election in November. We are eagerly awaiting “final” primary election candidate lists. UFA will be providing legislative candidates with community fish facts to show the importance of statewide fisheries to their districts and the state, and we will continue our Vote While You Fish campaign to encourage fishermen to vote absentee or early… stay tuned and vote fish!

 

-Executive Director Frances Leach

 


 

The UFA Fall 2018 meeting will be held from September 25-27 in Anchorage…meeting location tbd.

Press Release: UFA’s Salmon Habitat Program publishes Bristol Bay Fish Stats for Pebble EIS Scoping…see items #27 – 29below for more on Pebble

UFA thanks Senator Dennis Egan for his service to Alaska and Alaska Fishermen

We have sent letters to convey the actions the UFA board took during our Spring meeting in February –   

Most are posted on our website / current issuestab.

Help support UFA today! Visit ‘Become a Member’on our website to see the various membership levels and benefits.

Support UFA Business members on our website HERE.

 


 

Contents:

Inclusion of an item does not mean that UFA endorses or agrees.


Statewide

  1. Begich and Treadwell throw their hats into Alaska Governor’s race
  2. Bristol Bay Fish Expo to host Gubernatorial debate – June 9
  3. Treaty politics fuel tension, criticism at Sitka salmon meeting
  4. ‘Alaska First’ should extend to Southeast fisheries – ADN opinion by Kate Troll
  5. AK Division of Insurance Small Group Employer Survey – deadline June 30
  6. Salmon disaster funds slowly coming to Alaska
  7. Board of Fisheries revisits & rejects controversial Tsui / Tsivat reallocation
  8. Copper River sockeye harvest still below forecast
  9. Feds Reject Requests to Block Early Gillnet Openings in lower Kuskokwim
  10. 2018 Preliminary Alaska Commercial Salmon Harvest – Blue Sheet
  11. Seafood Processing Job Fairs Draw Hundreds of Hopefuls

National

  1. NPFMC meeting – Kodiak – June 4 – 11
  2. NPFMC April newsletter… items from the April council meeting… Salmon FMP
  3. Network Analysis Reveals Hidden Patterns in Fishing Enterprises
  4. Reminder  – USCG Vessel Documentation cost $26 – beware
  1. NMFS posts IFQ loan program regulations
  2. Murkowski Works to Support Critical Nutrition Programs, Alaska’s Fisheries, and Rural Development
  3. Genetically Engineered Salmon Import Ban Intact
  4. Fight over America’s Finest vessel part of bigger processor battle
  1. NIOSH reports on overboard fishing fatalities 2000-2016 – 0 of 204 had life jackets
  2. USCG Marine safety Alert – Bollard Failures at Marine Facilities

Marketing

  1. Deadline July 23 for FY 2019 Saltonstall – Kennedy pre-proposals
  2. Sea Grant Direct Marketing Manual updated – free download
  3. ASMI Alaska Salmon Outlook and Summary Spring 2018
  4. FISH FACTOR: Salmon fishermen should see strong prices
  5. Trident, Icicle, others head to China with Alaska governor
  6. 60° North Seafoods delivers first fish to Anchorage

Environmental

  1. Pebble owner loses potential major investor
  2. Pebble files revisions to mining plan
  3. UFA posts Bristol Bay Fish Facts for Pebble EIS Scoping – comment by June 29
  4. New Book Explores Natural Resources of Bristol Bay
  5. USAG: It is long overdue that we advance the protection of our waters
  6. Alaska lawmakers call for alliance with other states on Canadian mining issues
  7. AK Climate Action Leadership Team – work group teleconferences this week
  8. My Son’s Ocean – by Linda Behnken
  9. Ocean Acidification Network E-News – May 31…
  10. Changing ocean conditions may be killing young king salmon
  11. Loving salmon, and against ‘Stand for Salmon’ initiative – Jim Jansen
  12. AK DEC Triennial review of water quality standards documents posted
  13. APDES Offshore Seafood Processor Wastewater Draft General Permit posted for comments
  14. Growing sea otter population threatening livelihoods of Alaska fishermen
  15. Aquaculture Company’s Woes in Washington State Continue
  16. BC Salmon farming industry defends record amid growing opposition
  17. ADF&G: Report an invasive

Aquaculture / Enhancement

  1. Board of Fisheries narrowly rejects “emergency” block of Valdez hatchery boost
  2. A Look Inside Ketchikan’s Deer Mountain Hatchery
  3. Alaska Salmon Fisheries Enhancement Annual Report 2017
  4. Salmon Culture Semester in Sitka – UAS 2019 program

Subsistence

  1. New Rule Adds 25 Tongass National Forest Submerged Lands Under Federal Subsistence Management
  2. Comment deadline June 29 on Federal Subsistence Fisheries proposals for 2019-2021
  3. Kuskokwim Chinook Harvest Open Only to Local Subsistence Users

Other

  1. Women in Seafood 2018 Video competition – enter by August 31
  2. New book – Kings of the Yukon – An Alaskan River Journey by Adam Weymouth
  3. Save the Dates: Bellingham Sea Feast – Sept. 21- 22, 2018
  4. Alaska Sea Grant News
  5. Upcoming AMSEA Trainings
  6. Laine Welch’s Fish Radio – Recent Items

Inclusion of an item does not mean that UFA endorses or agrees.

 


Statewide

 

  1. Begich and Treadwell throw their hats into Alaska Governor’s race

The cutoff for candidates hoping to run in the fall election was 5 p.m. And joining the list of gubernatorial hopefuls getting in just under the wire today were former U.S. Senator Mark Begich and former Lieutenant Governor Mead Treadwell. Begich and Treadwell are among 10 others hoping to unseat incumbent Governor Bill Walker, who is running as an independent…

https://www.alaskapublic.org/2018/06/01/update-begich-and-treadwell-throw-their-hats-into-alaska-governor-race/ 

Alaska Division of Elections 2018 Primary candidate list:

http://www.elections.alaska.gov/Core/candidatelistprim.php

Independent candidates do not run in the primaries and appear on the general election list:

2018 General Election list in progress:

http://www.elections.alaska.gov/Core/candidatelistgenr.php

Key Primary election dates:

  • Deadline to withdraw from primary: Monday July 2, 2018
  • Deadline for voters to register to voter or update their registration; 30 days prior to Election Day – Sunday July 22, 2018
  • Absentee In-Person, Early Vote, Electronic Transmission (for non-UOCAVA voters) begins – Monday August 6, 2018
  • 2018 Primary Absentee Early and In-Person voting begins – Monday August 6, 2018
  • Deadline to receive Absentee Ballot Applications requesting by mail ballot – Saturday August 11, 2018
  • Election Day – Tuesday August 21, 2018

…and more at: http://www.elections.alaska.gov/Core/electiondatesandhours.php

 

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  1. Bristol Bay Fish Expo to host Gubernatorial debate – June 9

The forum is for registered Fish Expo Attendees to listen to and question the Alaska Gubernatorial candidates.

Four candidates running for state governor in November’s election will participate in the June 9 debate at the Bristol Bay Fish Expo in Naknek. Incumbent Bill Walker, Mike Dunleavy, Mike Chenault and Scott Hawkins will answer panelist and audience questions related to the theme, “Sustainability in Rural Alaska.” Rhonda McBride of KTVA will moderate the discussion. KDLG will air the debate live.  Anyone interested in suggesting questions for the gubernatorial debate can email info@bristolbayfishexpo.com before June 8.

Bristol Bay Fish Expoprogram: https://www.bristolbayfishexpo.com/calendar/

& home page: https://www.bristolbayfishexpo.com/

 

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3.Treaty politics fuel tension, criticism at Sitka salmon meeting

Posted by Robert Woolsey, KCAW | May 22, 2018

Top officials from the Alaska Department of Fish & Game held a town-hall style meeting in Sitka this week (5-21-18) to discuss the rationale behind ongoing deep restrictions in the commercial king salmon harvest.

However, few of the 160 or more commercial trollers or processors in the room appeared satisfied with the politics. They had reservations over the state’s strategy for renegotiating the Pacific Salmon Treaty with Canada — which expires this year — and strong criticism for the man leading Alaska’s treaty team…

https://www.kcaw.org/2018/05/22/treaty-politics-fuel-tension-criticism-at-sitka-salmon-meeting/

 

&&&

Sitka Chinook Symposium May 21 – recorded audio and links to reports:

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=chinooksymposium.may2018sitka

&

Juneau Symposium April 16– Juneau empire coverage:

http://juneauempire.com/local/news/2018-04-17/what-sport-fishermen-need-know-about-king-salmon-crisis

&

ADFG Basis for 2018 Chinook Salmon Conservation Measures in Southeast Alaska

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/home/news/pressreleases/pdfs/basis_for_2018_chinook_conservation_se.pdf

 

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4.‘Alaska First’ should extend to Southeast fisheries – ADN opinion by Kate Troll

Imagine if the allocation of North Slope gas and assets were subject to a treaty with Canada and two other states. And imagine that in the process of renegotiating a 10-year renewal, the state of Alaska was caving into a federal regulation threat; one that would result in a 65 percent loss of Alaska revenue compared to previous years.

Alaskans would be outraged. In a sense, this is happening to Southeast salmon trollers as the state renegotiates the 10-year renewal of the Pacific Salmon Treaty. Few Alaskans are aware of how severely we have cut our king salmon harvest in the past 20 years to meet the treaty. Nonetheless, shouldn’t the “Alaska First” principle apply to any further reductions? One would think so…

https://www.adn.com/opinions/2018/05/30/alaska-first-should-extend-to-southeast-fisheries/

 

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5. AK Division of Insurance Small Group Employer Survey (50 or fewer employees) – deadline June 30

The Alaska Division of Insurance is surveying small businesses and non-profit organizations to identify issues and barriers to affordable health care coverage in the small group market.

We understand that the high cost of health insurance is negatively impacting employers in Alaska and we are looking for solutions.

With your help, the division will have current data to formulate realistic, effective options for improving affordability in the small group market. Thank you for your participation.

Please see online survey – deadline June 30…

https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/ins/SmallBusinessSurvey.aspx

Alaska Business magazine item: http://www.akbizmag.com/Finance/Small-Business/Small-Businesses-Input-About-Health-Insurance-Costs-Is-Requested/

 

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6. Salmon disaster funds slowly coming to Alaska

Alistair Gardiner, Kodiak Daily Mirror

Slowly but surely, the federal relief funds for the 2016 pink salmon fishery disaster are making their way to Alaska. The state is one of 11 regions across the country that will split the $220 million in appropriated funds. Once the state receives its allocation, that will be further split between the Southeast, Prince William Sound, Kodiak and the Western Gulf.

At a Kodiak Fisheries Workgroup Meeting Wednesday, lobbyist Brad Gilman gave an update on the process by which the funds are being distributed…

Exactly how much of the $220 million will be allocated to Alaska is not yet known, although Gilman said the information will be announced soon.

Kodiak Daily Mirror article (login required):

http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/news/article_63c6cc02-653a-11e8-98bc-cb99f71055a1.html

 

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7. Board of Fisheries revisits & rejects controversial Tsui / Tsivat reallocation

The BOF held an emergency meeting April 14 to revisit a proposal from the Sitka meeting that would have changed allocation without the proper notice. The original proposal was brought back to address the boundary rather than move it, and was passed by the board. We did not find this covered in online news media.

BOF Tsiu / Tsivat Rivers meeting – April 14 meeting page:

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fisheriesboard.meetinginfo&date=04-24-2018&meeting=anchorage

Background info from Situk Fly Shop on proposal 165: https://situkriver.wordpress.com/2018/03/02/tsiu-river-action/

See other Board of Fisheries action at item #44below under Aquaculture / Enhancement

 

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8. Copper River sockeye harvest still below forecast

It wasn’t for lack of trying that all the sockeyes and kings delivered to processors in Cordova during the third Copper River salmon opener once again failed to come close to the forecast.

It just wasn’t happening.

“We were expecting close to 100,000 (sockeyes) just for the third period, based on the forecast,” said Jeremy Botz, gillnet area management biologist in Cordova for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, speculating that maybe temperatures played a role.

“It’s been cool, so the run is a little later than anticipated,” he said. “At this point, it (the entire run) is starting to look smaller than anticipated.

Preliminary harvest data compiled by ADF&G included 493 deliveries to processors, with 3,140 Chinook salmon weighing an average of 15.2 pounds, 19,979 sockeyes weighing an average of 5.2 pounds, and 2,657 chum salmon averaging 7.2 pounds.

https://www.thecordovatimes.com/2018/05/31/sockeye-harvest-still-below-forecast/

 

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9. Feds Reject Requests to Block Early Gillnet Openings in lower Kuskokwim

(KYUK 5/31) The state-sanctioned 4-inch gillnet fishing opening on the Kuskokwim River will proceed as scheduled today, and so will the one next week.

Tuesday saw back-to-back meetings that could have blocked these openings, but each ended with the same result: management of the Kuskokwim will proceed as planned. The state will continue to manage the entire Kuskokwim River until the federal government takes control of the federal waters of the lower portion on June 12…

http://kyuk.org/post/feds-reject-requests-block-early-gillnet-openings-lower-kuskokwim

&&& (KYUK 5/29)

Kuskokwim Tribes Urge Feds To Take Over Lower River To Block Incidental King Harvest

 

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10.2018 Preliminary Alaska Commercial Salmon Harvest – Blue Sheet

The Blue Sheet reports cumulative salmon harvest during the commercial fishing season in thousands of fish…

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyfisherysalmon.bluesheet

 

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11.Seafood Processing Job Fairs Draw Hundreds of Hopefuls

Margie Bauman – Fishermen’s News, June 1.

Seafood processing job fairs coordinated with the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development are attracting dozens of hopefuls for labor intensive jobs, some far from home, with plenty of overtime pay.

Among the dozens of workers lined up for the At-Sea Processors Association job fair in Anchorage on April 26 was Mel Bush, of Anchorage, just back from two months of processing Pacific cod for Golden Harvest at Adak, looking to see where he would be next processing seafood…

http://www.fishermensnews.com/story/2018/06/01/features/seafood-processing-job-fairs-draw-hundreds-of-hopefuls/536.html

Seafood job orientations are at 9 am Monday – Friday at the Anchorage midtown job center…

To apply for a job in the seafood industry through the Anchorage Job Center you must:

  • Attend a seafood orientation
  • Register in ALEXsys at jobs.alaska.gov
  • Provide U.S. Form I-9 identification and bring it to the orientation

http://jobs.alaska.gov/jobfairs/flyers/2018_Seafood_Orientation.pdf

Current AK Dept of Labor Job Fairs listhttp://jobs.alaska.gov/jobfairs/

Upcoming recruitments – all are at Anchorage Midtown Job Center, 3301 Eagle Street:

Westward Seafoods – June 5 & 6

Copper River Seafoods – June 12

North Pacific Seafoods – June 13 & 14

Ocean Beauty Seafoods – June 18 & 21

 

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National

 

12.NPFMC meeting – Kodiak – June 4 – 11

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council will meet the week of June 4-11, 2018 at the Best Western Convention Center in Kodiak, AK. The Agenda and Schedule are available, as well as a list of review documents and their associated posting dates. Listen online while the meeting is in session.

Submit and review comments at our eComment Portal:  comments.npfmc.org
Deadline for comments:  Friday, June 1, 2018, at 12 noon (Alaska time)

  • Receive flight discounts by booking through Alaska Airlines Discount Code: ECMZ244
  • Convention Center Wifi Password: kean2015 on Convention 1, 2, or 5
  • Harbor Room Wifi Password: Alaska18 on 02013
  • Listen online: Council meeting will be broadcast live beginning June 6, 2018

Meetings to be held during the week are:

Scientific and Statistical Committee: June 4-6, 2018 8am-5pm – Harbor Room – Best Western
Advisory Panel: June 5-8, 2018 8am-5pm – Elks Lodge
Council: June 6-11, 2018 8am-5pm – Pavilion Room – Convention Center
Fishing Families Workshop: June 4, 2018 5:15 pm-7:15 pm – Katurwik Room – Convention Center
Ecosystem Committee: June 5, 2018 9am-5pm – Stellar Room – Convention Center
Legislative Committee: June 5, 2018 8:30am-11am – Katurwik Room – Convention Center
Enforcement Committee: June 5, 2018 1pm-5pm – Katurwik Room – Convention Center
IFQ Outreach Meeting: June 5, 2018 5pm-6:30pm – Pavilion Room – Convention Center

NPFMC meeting page:

https://www.npfmc.org/upcoming-council-meetings/

 


 

13. NPFMC April newsletter… items from the April council meeting… Salmon FMP

  • Appointments and Committee Changes – Four new members were appointed to the Social Science Planning Team: Sally Bibb (NMFS Regional Office) to replace Rachel Baker; Mike Fey (AKFIN); Dr. Mike … Read More →
  • U.S. Coast Guard Changes – Captain Stephen White is undergoing a change of command and this was his last meeting as a Council member representing the United States Coast Guard. … Read More →
  • Salmon FMP – The Council reviewed proposals that stakeholders submitted in response to an October 2017 call for public comment on measures to manage the commercial salmon fisheries … Read More →
  • Scallops – The Council reviewed the 2018 Alaska weathervane scallop SAFE report that was prepared by the Scallop Plan Team. The Council set scallop ABC at 1.161 … Read More →
  • Charter Halibut Permit (CHP) Renewal – The Council took final action on an issue that would create an annual renewal process for charter halibut permits (CHPs) in IPHC Regulatory Areas 2C … Read More →
  • Mixing of Guided and Unguided Halibut – In February 2017, the Council initiated an analysis for limiting the simultaneous possession of guided halibut with unguided halibut in IPHC Areas 2C and 3A … Read More →
  • Salmon Bycatch

…and more – online at: https://www.npfmc.org/april-2018-newsletter/

 

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14. Network Analysis Reveals Hidden Patterns in Fishing Enterprises

Managing fisheries is complex business. Across the country, US Regional Fishery Management Councils track fish stock abundance, economic outcomes such as revenue, and other factors to monitor the health of fisheries and inform decisionmaking. Policies that govern catch limits, fishing seasons, and how quota are allocated to fishers are typically implemented on a single-fishery basis. But fishery participants in a region may take part in numerous fisheries, targeting multiple species, in multiple areas, and using a variety of nets, pots, and other gear to harvest their catch. This complexity is not often reflected in the design and evaluation of management policies, making it challenging to create effective approaches, even with detailed data. Addressing this challenge is critical for economically vital fisheries—like those in Alaska, where the seafood industry generates over $5.4 billion in direct annual economic output…

Using publicly available permitting data from Alaska, we illustrate cross-fishery permitting networks and show that preexisting network statistics can be useful for identifying the potential scope of policy-induced spillover impacts. We also identify clusters of similar fisheries (defined by their primary species, geography, and gear) that share a significant number of permit holders. The high degree of connectedness and clustering we see across Alaska fisheries indicates that the regional fishing sector is vulnerable to cross-fishery spillovers from network shocks, such as policy changes (e.g., implementation of catch shares) or changes in fish stock abundance…

http://www.rff.org/blog/2018/network-analysis-reveals-hidden-patterns-fishing-enterprises

 

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15. Reminder  – USCG Vessel Documentation cost $26 – beware of official looking solicitations to pay more

Marine Safety Information Bulletin #01-17

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/563cfe4fe4b0b371c8422a54/t/5908c608893fc0051ba2ff24/1493747213091/MSIB+01-17+Documentation+Certification.pdf

The real USCG vessel Documentation site: https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/1175233

“Please contact the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) at 800-799-8362, if unsure of COD’s renewal eligibility.”

 

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16. NMFS posts IFQ loan program regulations

NMFS’ Fisheries Finance Program (FFP) provides long-term financing to the commercial fishing and aquaculture industries for fishing vessels, fisheries facilities, aquaculture facilities, and certain designated individual fishing quota (IFQ). Section 302 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 included new authority to finance the purchase of harvesting rights in a fishery that is federally managed under a limited access system. Through this final rule, the FFP adds a new section to the existing FFP regulations to implement this statutory change. The net effect of this change to the regulations will be to provide additional authority for the program to lend, and providing FFP financing to additional fisheries while leaving the original IFQ authority to Fishery Management Councils to use as needed…

This final rule is effective June 25, 2018.

Federal Register May 25: https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2018-11207

NOAA Alaska Fisheries IFQ Loan program home page… currently has referral to WA office –

https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/fisheries/ifq-loans

 

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17. Murkowski Works to Support Critical Nutrition Programs, Alaska’s Fisheries, and Rural Development

Genetically Engineered Salmon Import Ban Intact

5/25 – The Senate Appropriations Committee this week approved the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Fiscal Year 2019 appropriations bill, sending it to the full U.S. Senate. The funding bill contains a number of priorities U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) secured for Alaska that will support Alaska’s vital fishing industry and farmers, address hunger, and improve water and wastewater systems in rural Alaska. These provisions include an import ban for genetically engineered (GE) salmon and support for critical food assistance programs.

“The importance of health and safety cannot be understated. I’m proud this funding bill prioritizes the importance of supporting local economics, public health, and local agriculture. Through this bill, grants will allow institutions to continue agricultural innovations to feed and support Alaskans and help farmers grow more crops. These investments not only help increase Alaskans’ food security by initiatives to ensure families, including students, don’t go hungry, but we also prioritize nutrition. We also continue to protect wild salmon and consumers, by ensuring that GE salmon or “Frankenfish” cannot be sold until the FDA publishes final labeling guidelines.” said Senator Murkowski…

Senator Murkowski press release 5/25:

https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-works-to-support-critical-nutrition-programs-alaskas-fisheries-and-rural-development

FDA Aquabounty genetically modified salmon page: https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/GeneticEngineering/GeneticallyEngineeredAnimals/ucm280853.htm

 

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18. Fight over America’s Finest vessel part of bigger processor battle

By: Jim Paulin, For the Journal, 5/23

UNALASKA — The mothershippers are fighting with the groundfish shoreplants in a politicized Bering Sea commercial fishing tussle reaching all the way to Washington, D.C.

The battle over Pacific cod pits the factory trawlers of the Amendment 80 fleet against Alaska shoreplants and local governments.

And in February, it pitted two local governments against each other. A delegation of municipal and business leaders from Anacortes, Wash., traveled to the Aleutian Islands to ask the Unalaska City Council to reverse itself but didn’t change anybody’s mind.

The brand spanking new factory trawler America’s Finest remains stranded in an Anacortes, Wash., shipyard, unable to fish in the United States because it hasn’t received a waiver from the Jones Act.

The ship was built with too much foreign steel in its hull, a Jones Act violation, and it may be sold at a loss, probably to Russia. The Jones Act, which is intended to protect American ship-building and jobs, allows for no more than 1.5 percent foreign steel in a vessel. The America’s Finest has 7.5 percent.

The visitors from Washington state asked the Unalaska City Council to stop asking the U.S. Congress to prohibit the stranded factory trawler from buying cod at sea in a practice known as mothershipping.

Earlier, Unalaska Mayor Frank Kelty sent the Alaska congressional delegation a letter urging “sideboard” restrictions on offshore cod deliveries from catcher vessels attached to any Jones Act waiver.

Now, the state-of-the-art $74 million flatfish factory trawler commissioned by the company Fishermen’s Finest can’t fish in the U.S., unless it gets a waiver.

If the vessel can’t fish in the U.S., the fishing company won’t pay, leaving the shipyard with a huge loss and major negative impacts on the Anacortes economy, especially the 375 “family wage” welder and other skilled jobs in Anacortes…

http://www.alaskajournal.com/2018-05-23/fight-over-americas-finest-vessel-part-bigger-processor-battle#.WxWPpPkvzcs

 

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19. NIOSH reports on overboard fishing fatalities 2000-2016  – 0 of 204 had life jackets

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) analyzed data on unintentional fatal falls overboard in the US commercial fishing industry to identify gaps in the use of prevention strategies. NIOSH researchers examined each fall overboard to determine the circumstances of the fall, including worker activity, primary cause, and contributing factors. Recovery attempts were also considered, noting any use of survival or rescue equipment and administration of medical treatment.

During 2000-2016, 204 commercial fishermen died from unintentionally falling overboard. The study found that fatalities occurred most frequently on the East Coast (30%), followed by the Gulf of Mexico (29%), Alaska (25%), and the West Coast (13%). The remaining five deaths occurred off Hawaii. The type of fishing operations with the highest number of fall overboard deaths were: Gulf of Mexico shrimp (34), East Coast lobster (18), Alaska salmon drift gillnet (16), and East Coast scallop (10).

Many falls occurred while crewmembers were working on deck with fishing gear, including 35 falls while setting gear and 20 falls while hauling gear onboard. Thirty-four falls also occurred while crewmembers were on deck while off duty. The leading causes of falls were losing balance (32%), tripping or slipping (32%), and becoming entangled in gear (21%). The most commonly identified contributing factors included working alone (49%), alcohol and/or drug involvement (18%), and inclement weather (12%).

None of the victims wore a personal flotation device (PFD) when they died.

CDC/NIOSH Science Blog: Fatal falls Overboard in Commercial Fishing:

https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2018/04/26/falls-overboard/

CDC/NIOSH study:

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6716a2.htm?s_cid=mm6716a2_e

 

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20. USCG Marine safety Alert – Bollard Failures at Marine Facilities

Don’t Let Your Vessel Get Underway Unexpectedly! Recently, there have been a number of shore side marine bollard failures whereby moored vessels were cast adrift. In some cases this resulted in damage to the involved vessel as well as other nearby vessels and shore side structures. Thankfully, there were no related injuries or deaths.

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO%20Documents/5p/CG-5PC/INV/Alerts/0618.pdf?ver=2018-05-30-135040-633

 

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Marketing

 

21.Deadline July 23 for FY 2019 Saltonstall – Kennedy pre-proposals

NOAA Fisheries is pleased to announce the 2019 Saltonstall-Kennedy (S-K) Grant competition is currently open.

This year’s solicitation consists of two separate submission processes. All interested applicants must submit a 2 page Pre-Proposal to the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) posted at www.Grants.gov found here.  Applicants interested in submitting a full application after the pre-proposal review process must submit the full application through www.grants.gov.

Please note that under this one Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) there are two (2) competition links…

The goal of the S-K program is to fund projects that address the needs of fishing communities, optimize economic benefits by building and maintaining sustainable fisheries, and increase other opportunities to keep working waterfronts viable. The FY19 solicitation seeks applications that fall into one of three priorities:

  • Promotion, Development, and Marketing
  • Marine Aquaculture
  • Support of Science that Maximizes Fishing Opportunities, Revenue and Jobs in U.S. Fisheries While Ensuring the Long-Term Sustainability of Marine Resources

 

Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity FY2019:

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/funding-and-financial-services/saltonstall-kennedy-grant-program-notice-funding-opportunity-fy2019

SK home page: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/mb/financial_services/skhome.htm

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22.Sea Grant Direct Marketing Manual updated – free download

The 5th edition of the Fishermen’s Direct Marketing Manual is packed with updated information on branding, product placement, social media and emerging products for fishermen who sell their catch directly to buyers. First published in the 1990s, the manual has become a trusted, go-to resource for hundreds of fishermen-entrepreneurs. This new edition also has sections on accounting, insurance, digital marketing and commerce, and working with custom processors.

The Fishermen’s Direct Marketing Manual helps readers think through the myriad of issues so they can decide whether this business model is right for them. The manual also takes them to the next step and provides much of what one needs to know to launch a new business or fine tune an existing one…

To order in print or download for free see:

https://seagrant.uaf.edu/bookstore/pubs/MAB-71.html

 

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23.ASMI Alaska Salmon Outlook and Summary Spring 2018

Pink  Keta  Coho Sockeye King

… online at https://www.alaskaseafood.org/spring-2018-outlook-and-summary/

 

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24. FISH FACTOR: Salmon fishermen should see strong prices

By: Laine Welch…Fish Factor/For the Journal, 05/30

Forces are aligned for a nice payday for Alaska’s salmon fishermen.

There is no backlog from last season in cold storages, a lower harvest forecast is boosting demand, prices for competing farmed salmon have remained high all year, and a devalued U.S. dollar makes Alaska salmon more appealing to foreign customers.

“Over the past year the dollar has weakened 11 percent against the euro, 9 percent against the British pound, 5 percent against the Japanese yen, and 7 percent against the Chinese yuan. That makes Alaska salmon and other seafood more affordable to those top overseas customers,” said Garrett Evridge, a fisheries analyst at the McDowell Group.

Last year Alaska seafood exports set records in terms of volume and value: 1.1 billion metric tons valued at $3.45 billion. Alaska salmon accounted for 22 percent of the volume and 36 percent of the value.

On the home front, the weaker dollar will make imports from Chile, the largest farmed salmon importer to the U.S. followed by Norway, more expensive. That also will apply to imports of competing wild salmon from Canada where — if it materializes — a big sockeye run is predicted at nearby British Columbia…

http://www.alaskajournal.com/2018-05-30/fish-factor-salmon-fishermen-should-see-strong-prices

 

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25.Trident, Icicle, others head to China with Alaska governor

By Undercurrent News May 22, 2018

Trident Seafoods, Icicle Seafoods, Copper River Seafoods and Kachemak Bay Seafoods are among the 25 companies in China as part of a trade mission led by Bill Walker, the state’s governor, the Anchorage Daily News reports…

https://www.undercurrentnews.com/2018/05/22/trident-icicle-others-head-to-china-with-alaska-governor/

&&

Governor launches trade mission to China with Alaska businesses

https://www.adn.com/business-economy/2018/05/21/governor-launches-trade-mission-to-china-with-more-than-35-alaska-businesses/

 

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26. 60° North Seafoods delivers first fish to Anchorage

Cordova times – June 4:

While the first Copper River salmon hit markets and tables in Seattle on May 18, the first fish arrived in Anchorage on time for dinner on the day of the first opener, thanks to processing newcomer 60° North Seafoods…

“First fish is a celebration of the start of Alaska’s wild salmon season,” explained John Derek Wiese, co-owner of 60° North. “It does get to be a race with processors and markets to be the actual first fish to market, but it’s mostly for fun and bragging rights.”

Wiese spoke highly of the first fish celebration in Seattle and Alaska Airlines’ media red carpet event, crediting them as probably unmatchable promotion for their industry.

Getting the salmon to Anchorage for dinner before the fleet had returned was a collaborative effort between 60° North, 10th & M Seafoods, Regal Air, and Ridgeline Aviation.

“We wanted this first fish to go to Alaska because this is an Alaska based company and fisherman owned,” co-owner Rich Wheeler said. “Alaskans are just excited about the start of their salmon season as everyone,” Wiese added…

https://www.thecordovatimes.com/2018/06/01/60-north-seafoods-delivers-first-fish-to-anchorage/

 

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Environmental

 

27.  Pebble owner loses potential major investor

By: Elwood Brehmer, Alaska Journal of Commerce, 5/25

The company spearheading the Pebble mine is again long on mineral prospects but short on cash after another major potential funder turned away from the project, according to a release from Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.

Vancouver-based Northern Dynasty Minerals, the sole parent company to Pebble Limited Partnership, issued a statement early May 25 acknowledging that its framework investment agreement with First Quantum Minerals has been terminated…

http://www.alaskajournal.com/2018-05-25/pebble-owner-loses-potential-major-investor#.WxWPAPkvzcs

 


 

28. Pebble files revisions to mining plan

By: Elwood Brehmer, Alaska Journal of Commerce 05/30/2018

Pebble Limited Partnership has made changes to its mine plan that would slow its mining rate but increase its ore processing while potentially lessening the project’s environmental impact, according to a document filed with the Corps of Engineers May 11.

The Corps published the five-page overview of the plan changes on the project EIS website May 21.

The revisions would cut the peak mining rate from 90 million tons of ore per year to 75 million tons; at the same time the milling rate would grow from 160,000 tons per day in the original plan submitted to the Corps to 180,000 tons per day.

Pebble had planned to stockpile up to 330 million tons of low-grade ore mined during the first 14 years for processing in the latter years of the initial 20-year mine.

The mining-milling adjustments mean the project would now mine roughly 1.5 billion tons of material — with about 200 million tons of that being waste rock — up from the original plan of 1.2 billion tons. From that, annual production should increase by about 10 percent to 660,000 tons of copper-gold concentrate and 16,500 tons of molybdenum concentrate.

Advertisement

Mining more material means the pit dimensions “will increase slightly” from the 6,500 feet long; 5,500 feet wide and up to 1,750 feet deep mine contemplated in the plan submitted in December, according to the five-page summary of the changes. The specific changes to the pit dimensions are not detailed.

The onsite power plant will also need to grow from 230 megawatts to 270 megawatts of capacity to accommodate the increased mill throughput, according to Pebble.

By not storing the potential acid-generating low-grade ore Pebble will not have to treat runoff water from the stockpile, the document notes…

Pebble project update: https://pebbleprojecteis.com/files/05_11_2018_Pebble_Project_Updates_to_Proposed_Project.pdf

Pebble EIS project overview: https://pebbleprojecteis.com/overview/projectoverview

AK Journal story:

http://www.alaskajournal.com/2018-05-30/pebble-files-revisions-mining-plan#.WxWMdPkvzcs

 


 

29. UFA posts  Bristol Bay Fish Facts for Pebble EIS Scoping – comment by June 29

Permit holders from 46 US States and crew from ever state, and Alaskans from 97 communities fish commercially in Bristol Bay, with over $200 million fishing income and over $45 million processor wages.

Press release: https://www.ufafish.org/press-release-ufas-salmon-habitat-program-publishes-bristol-bay-fish-stats-for-pebble-eis-scoping/

Pebble project EIS home page: http://pebbleprojecteis.com/

Scoping Document – with info on the NEPA process, how to comment, and considerations for commenting: http://pebbleprojecteis.com/files/Department%20of%20the%20Army%20Permit%20Application%20POA-2017-271,%20Scoping%20Package.pdf

UFA’s Salmon Habitat Information Program (SHIP) Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/UFAAlaskaSalmonHabitat/ 

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30. New Book Explores Natural Resources of Bristol Bay

A new natural resources book on Bristol Bay, supported by the Bristol Bay Partnership, explores in depth the diversity of the region’s ecosystem and its role as habitat for the world’s largest run of wild sockeye salmon.
“Bristol Bay Alaska: Natural Resources of the Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems,” edited by fisheries biologist Carol Ann Woody, compiles the work of numerous scientists and researchers with years of boots on experience in the Bristol Bay watershed, and their concerns over how climate change, ocean acidification and mineral development threaten the diversity of this ecosystem…

http://fnonlinenews.blogspot.com/2018/05/new-book-explores-natural-resources-of.html

…$97.50 at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Bristol-Bay-Alaska-Terrestrial-Ecosystems/dp/1604271035

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31. It is long overdue that we advance the protection of our waters

By Cynthia Wallesz, United Southeast Alaska Gillnetters

Last month, something fishermen, tribes, scientists and concerned Alaskans have long worked for came to pass — the U.S. State Department met with Global Affairs Canada to discuss the threats B.C. mining poses to the transboundary Taku, Stikine and Unuk Rivers, which produce the majority of Southeast’s wild salmon.

U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, Rep. Don Young, Gov. Bill Walker and Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott have been instrumental in getting transboundary mining on the agenda for this year’s annual U.S.-Canada bilateral meeting, held in Washington, D.C. on April 26. Sullivan and Mallott traveled to Ottawa in February and, among other things, requested B.C. clean up the abandoned Tulsequah Chief mine, which has been actively polluting northern Southeast Alaska’s most productive salmon system, the Taku, for some 60 years. Recently, Murkowski set aside money in the federal appropriations bill to repair a vital Unuk River stream gauge and to enable USGS crews to gather data on the river this season.

To our elected officials and U.S. leaders we have four requests for the next bilateral meeting this October in Ottawa…

http://juneauempire.com/opinion/2018-05-28/it-long-overdue-we-advance-protection-our-waters

 

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32. Alaska lawmakers call for alliance with other states on Canadian mining issues

Juneau Empire 5/28: 10 legislators call for partnership as Montana, Washington deal with pollution from Canadian mines..

A group of Alaska lawmakers wants to team up with Montana and other U.S.-Canada border states in a push to protect Southeast watersheds they say are threatened by rapid Canadian mining development.

In a letter dated April 20 and released Friday, 10 lawmakers ask Gov. Bill Walker to work with other U.S. states and the State Department to further protections for Southeast’s salmon-bearing rivers. Canadian mining development, they say, has continued to put the region’s fishing and tourism industries in peril…

http://juneauempire.com/news/state/2018-05-28/alaska-lawmakers-call-alliance-other-states-canadian-mining-issues

Look for an update soon from the June 1 Transboundary mines meeting at

Lt. Governor Mallott’s Transboundary mines page: https://ltgov.alaska.gov/services/transboundary-relations/

 

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33. AK Climate Action Leadership Team – work group teleconferences this week

From the CALT newsletter June 5:

Since releasing their draft climate policy on May 3, the CALT has formed five policy statement working groups (corresponding to the five main policy statements in the document). Each group is reviewing and revising one of the five policy statements in the draft climate policy, including the related goals and objectives. These five groups will also develop implementation actions for each policy statement, incorporating feedback from public comment and listening sessions.

The CALT has also convened three ad hoc working groups on education and workforce development, communications and outreach, and federal engagement. These groups are working on strengthening these components of the climate policy.

The five policy team and working group teleconferences are open to public observation. Meeting information is posted via the Alaska Public Notice system (search for “climate”) and on the CALT website – keep an eye out for updates.

In addition to previous listening sessions in Fairbanks, Kotzebue, and Sitka, several CALT members are hosting upcoming sessions in Kodiak (June 7), Juneau (June 14), and Anchorage (June 21). The CALT is also hosting a teleconference-only listening session for those who cannot attend the in-person sessions. The teleconference will be held from 12:00 – 2:00 PM (AKST) on Wednesday, June 6. Details are available here

Schedules & info:

http://climatechange.gov.alaska.gov/meetings-future-work-plans/

&&& Governor’s Climate Action team’s draft policy posted for comments

JUNEAU – Governor Bill Walker and Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott’s Climate Action for Alaska Leadership Team has released a draft climate policy, and recommended action to address climate change. Members of the public are encouraged to review the draft and submit comments by June 4.

Governor Walker press release (May 9):

https://gov.alaska.gov/newsroom/2018/05/draft-climate-policy-needs-feedback-from-alaskans/

Climate Action for Alaska Leadership Team home page:

http://climatechange.gov.alaska.gov/

 

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34. My Son’s Ocean – by Linda Behnken

My son has fished with me since he was five months old. He was not much help then, but he was on the boat that first summer of his life and every summer since, toughing out his share of seasickness and gradually changing from a liability to an asset…

As a mother and lifelong commercial fisherman, I share his frustration. Our generation is leaving a frightening legacy to our kids: accelerating climate change and spiraling impacts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the ocean…

So, what can we do? First, commit to addressing climate change. Even slowing down the rate of change in the ocean and atmosphere will help; reversing the trend would be even better.

Support Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s ocean acidification bill and Sen. Dan Sullivan’s marine plastics bill and urge them to turn research into meaningful action. Second, urge your members of Congress to stand strong in support of conservation standards within the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the most important legislation for federal fisheries, and to hold all harvesters to sustainable annual catch limits. Our ocean is productive but not limitless; all harvest needs to be monitored, accounted for and held to sustainable levels. What we catch today will determine what is left for tomorrow.

Third, and closer to home — support Alaska’s transition to a carbon neutral future…

http://juneauempire.com/opinion/2018-06-04/my-son-s-ocean

 


 

35. Ocean Acidification Network E-News – May 31

Ask a scientist: Does ocean acidification influence Harmful Algal Blooms?

Want to see a cool graph? Data from state ferry illuminates seasonal trends in OA

Meet Stephen Payton –Super sampler from Soldotna

New ocean acidification page for fishermen… Visit the page

Ocean Acidification Information Exchange promotes dialogue across the country

Last week’s webinar now available “OA in Alaska: Ecosystems & Economies” with Jessica Cross…Access the recorded webinar

 

View the OA E-News online at:

https://mailchi.mp/aoos/oa-and-harmful-algal-blooms-state-ferry-illuminates-seasonal-trends-and-meet-stephen-payton-l1p9kueeyr?e=bfb82dab1a

 

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36. Changing ocean conditions may be killing young king salmon

By Robert Woolsey, KCAW  – May 29

Alaska’s fisheries managers suspect changing ocean temperatures are affecting the food supply for juvenile chinook, and the young fish are dying within 3 months of entering salt water…

Ed Jones is the chinook salmon research coordinator for the department. He painted a fairly bleak picture of salmon survival — from the very first moment that 2-year old king smolt enter saltwater.

“That is by far the biggest driver in this period of poor production,” he said. “They’re dying at sea. All the information suggests that these fish are dying in their first couple of months at sea. It’s anecdotal in some cases, and in other cases you combine some of the work that’s done on the Yukon with what we’re doing, and it’s basically pinned it down to their first three months at sea that we’re losing 99-percent of our smolt to marine mortality. So yes, fisheries, seals, killer whales are all added factors, but the biggest driver is Mother Nature right now.”…

https://www.kcaw.org/2018/05/29/changing-ocean-conditions-may-be-killing-young-king-salmon/

 

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37. Loving salmon, and against ‘Stand for Salmon’ initiative

AK Journal of Commerce op-ed by Jim Jansen, chairman of Lynden, Inc.

I love salmon, but I care deeply about Alaska too. That’s why I oppose the salmon initiative…

http://www.alaskajournal.com/2018-05-22/guest-commentary-loving-salmon-and-against-%E2%80%98stand-salmon%E2%80%99-initiative#.WxXGl_kvzcs

 

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38. AK DEC Triennial review of water quality standards documents posted

Every three years, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) conducts a comprehensive review of the Water Quality Standards (WQS) in 18 AAC 70. This is known as a “Triennial Review.” The Triennial Review process helps to keep the pollution limits for Alaska’s waters up to date by integrating the latest science, technology, policy, and federal requirements into how the State regulates water quality. ADEC held a public comment period regarding the Triennial Review and potential topics for inclusion between November 1st and December 31st, 2017.

ADEC has posted the final 2018-2020 Triennial Review Issue Summary, a response to comments summary, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency submission letter online at http://dec.alaska.gov/water/water-quality/triennial-review/.

For additional information regarding state water quality standards please go to http://dec.alaska.gov/water/water-quality/standards/.

 

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39. APDES Offshore Seafood Processor Wastewater Draft General Permit posted for comments

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation is in the process of developing an Alaska Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (APDES) permit…

Review Period: 05/16/2018 to 07/02/2018

Permit documents can be accessed from the ADEC Wastewater Discharge Authorization Program website(http://dec.alaska.gov/water/wastewater.aspx) under the Public Notice section…

Documents:

Draft Permit

Draft Fact Sheet

Appendices

Attachments

Public Notice

 

DEC Wastewater home page: http://dec.alaska.gov/water/wastewater/

 

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40. Growing sea otter population threatening livelihoods of Alaska fishermen

By Madelyn Kearns, Seafood Source – May 31, 2018

Alaska fishermen have a shell to pick with some unlikely opponents – Northern sea otters.

According to a recent news report from The Associated Press, Northern sea otters have made an impressive comeback from the days when they were being hunted to near extinction along Alaska’s Panhandle.

However, the now-thriving sea otter community – which dines on several prized species such as red sea urchins, geoduck clams, sea cucumbers, and Dungeness crab – are beginning to threaten the livelihoods of 200 southeast Alaska fishermen and the USD 10 million (EUR 8.5 million) industry they serve, according to Phil Doherty, head of the Southeast Alaska Regional Dive Fisheries Association.

As the sea otters have spread and colonized around Alaska’s southeastern region, fishermen have seen their harvests shrink, Doherty told AP. For example, divers who once harvested an annual six million pounds (2.7 million kilograms) of red sea urchins, now face a quota of less than one million pounds (454,000 kilograms), he said.

“We’ve seen a multimillion-dollar fishery in sea urchins pretty much go away,” Doherty said.

Sea otters, which can grow up to 100 pounds (45 kilograms), typically eat the equivalent of a quarter of their weight each day, the AP reported. Jeremy Leighton of Ketchikan, who dives for sea urchins, knows this well. While Leighton is discerning about the sea urchins he harvests – ideal specimens are 3.5 to 4.5 inches (9-11.4 centimeters) in diameter, he told AP – sea otters that discover the diver’s frequented beds are far less particular, leaving maybe a handful of urchins in their wake.

“That’s when you know you’re in trouble,” Leighton said.

https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/supply-trade/growing-sea-otter-population-threatens-alaska-fishermen

 

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41. Aquaculture Company’s Woes in Washington State Continue

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) recently rejected Cooke Aquaculture’s request to move 800,000 Atlantic salmon into Puget Sound net pens. WDFW cited two reasons for denying the permit.

– The Atlantic salmon that would have been transported to the Puget Sound net pens tested positive for a form of the fish virus PRV (piscine orthoreovirus) that occurs at the Iceland hatchery where the company sources salmon eggs. That form of PRV is not known to occur in Puget Sound, so WDFW classifies it as “exotic” in Washington.

– Cooke proposed to place fish into pens that have not been emptied for at least 30 days after the most recent harvest of adult fish, which would contradict the company’s own management plan.

This is not the first setback for Cooke with regards to salmon farming in Washington State.

https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=cb505c2a-1c5f-496b-a3ad-40535288b13c

 

&&&

 

WA sport fishers: Wild Fish Conservancy wants to sample your Atlantic salmon

If you catch an escaped Atlantic, send an email to info@wildfishconservancy.org

with the subject ‘Angler Caught Atlantic salmon’ or call their office at (425) 788-1167.

 


 

42.BC Salmon farming industry defends record amid growing opposition

VANCOUVER—Amid mounting opposition to the presence of open net-pen fish farms along British Columbia’s coast, some First Nations and industry representatives are defending the farming practices they say provide stable jobs and food for consumers.

The BC Salmon Farmers Association held a news conference on Friday to draw attention to the partnerships the industry has formed with some First Nations, and to make the case that protests of net-pen fish farming are unfounded…

https://www.thestar.com/vancouver/2018/06/01/salmon-farming-industry-defends-record-amid-growing-opposition.html

 

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43.ADF&G: Report an invasive

The Invasive species program at the Department of Fish and Game wants to hear from you if you catch an escaped Atlantic salmon of other invasive species…

Online: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=invasivespeciesreporter.main

by Phone – Call the Invasive Species Hotline: 1-877-INVASIV (1-877-468-2748)

by Email – send to dfg.dsf.InvasiveSpecies@alaska.gov

or Contact Tammy Davis, Invasive Species Program coordinator at (907) 465-6183

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=invasive.report

 

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Enhancement / Aquaculture / Mariculture

 

44.Board of Fisheries narrowly rejects “emergency” block of Valdez hatchery boost

On May 14 the Board of Fisheries turned down an emergency petition from sport groups to block an increased pink salmon production from Valdez Fisheries Development Association that had been approved in the rigorous Regional Planning Team (RPT) process.

In this we learned many individual in the state including journalists and board members are not familiar with the RPT process by which hatchery plans are closely scrutinized for potential interference with natural runs before being approved.

BOF May 14 meeting page: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fisheriesboard.meetinginfo&date=05-14-2018&meeting=tele

ADFG Regional Planning Teampage: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishingHatcheriesPlanning.regional

Alaska sport fishing groups fight boost to hatchery production

Sam Friedman, Fairbanks News-Miner

FAIRBANKS — Sport fishing groups are trying again to stop a Valdez hatchery from boosting pink salmon production this year.

http://www.newsminer.com/news/local_news/alaska-sport-fishing-groups-fight-boost-to-hatchery-production/article_e6ef0d16-5c06-11e8-b949-dbe155e70f12.html

 

&&& previous meeting:

Fish board takes on hatchery issues

By Elizabeth Earl, Peninsula Clarion, March 14.

After a number of people voiced concerns about the state’s salmon hatcheries, the Board of Fisheries has decided to dedicate a committee to learn more about them.

http://peninsulaclarion.com/news/local/state/2018-03-14/fish-board-takes-hatchery-issues

 

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45. A Look Inside Ketchikan’s Deer Mountain Hatchery

By BILLY SINGLETON, Ketchikan Daily News

KETCHIKAN, Alaska (AP) — Nestled along the Ketchikan Creek next to City Park is a small building that produces more than 500,000 king salmon per year.

Run by a two-person team, Deer Mountain Hatchery is the Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association’s only hatchery dedicated solely to king salmon.

In the culmination of the hatchery’s biggest project of the year, 400,000 of those kings were transported by boat two weeks ago to upper Carroll Inlet, where they will be released into the ocean in mid-May.

Looking at the life cycle of these fish says a lot about what the hatchery does.

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/alaska/articles/2018-06-02/a-look-inside-ketchikans-deer-mountain-hatchery

 

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46. Alaska Salmon Fisheries Enhancement Annual Report 2017

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/FedAidPDFs/RIR.5J.2018.02.pdf

& for other years see: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishingHatcheriesOtherInfo.reports

 

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47. Salmon Culture Semester in Sitka – UAS 2019 program

If you are a student interested in fish culture, hatchery management, or Pacific salmon enhancement, we invite you to round out your studies with a field-based program in beautiful Sitka, Alaska! Join us for a semester of intensive experiential learning in the Spring of 2019 (January 14 – May 3) for the Salmon Culture Semester program, run through the University of Alaska Southeast’s Fisheries Technology program.

Sitka has developed a reputation as a stronghold for aquaculture within the state. There are three hatcheries in the region: the Sheldon Jackson Hatchery works in partnership with the Sitka Sound Science Center, and the Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association of Sitka runs Medvejie Hatchery and the Sawmill Creek Hatchery. Medvejie is home to the most successful Chinook program in the Southeast region. In the Salmon Culture Semester, you will have the opportunity to work with UAS faculty and with our local industry partners, learning about Pacific salmon enhancement in the classroom and in the field. In the program, you’ll learn about the history and policies of Alaskan salmon culture, skiff handling and small engine maintenance techniques, and everything in between.

Program home page: http://salmonculturesemester.alaska.edu/

Info on applying – deadline October 15: http://salmonculturesemester.alaska.edu/interested.html

 

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Subsistence

 

48. New Rule Adds 25 Tongass National Forest Submerged Lands Under Federal Subsistence Management

(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska – The Secretaries of the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and the Interior published the final rule for the Federal Subsistence Management Regulations for the Tongass National Forest Submerged Lands on May 23, 2018…

…the final rule adds these submerged parcels to the subsistence regulations to ensure compliance with the Court order:

Southeastern Alaska (Detailed location descriptions are available in Federal Register – May 23, 2018, click here PDF:

(A) Makhnati Island Area: Land and waters beginning at the southern point of Fruit Island

Tongass National Forest:

(A) Beacon Point, Frederick Sound, and Kupreanof Island
(B) Bushy Island and Snow Passage
(C) Cape Strait, Frederick Sound, and Kupreanof Island
(D) Point Colpoys and Sumner Strait
(E) Vank Island and Stikine Strait
(F) High Point, and Woronkofski Island, Alaska
(G) Key Reef and Clarence Strait
(H) Low Point and Zarembo Island
(I) McNamara Point and Zarembo Island, Alaska
(J) Mountain Point and Wrangell Narrows, Alaska
(K) Angle Point, Revillagigedo Channel, and Bold Island
(L) Cape Chacon, Dixon Entrance, and Prince of Wales Island
(M) Lewis Reef and Tongass Narrows
(N) Lyman Point and Clarence Strait
(O) Narrow Point, Clarence Strait, and Prince of Wales Island
(P) Niblack Point, Cleveland Peninsula, and Clarence Strait
(Q) Rosa Reef and Tongass Narrows
(R) Ship Island and Clarence Strait
(S) Spire Island Reef and Revillagigedo Channel
(T) Surprise Point and Nakat Inlet
(U) Caamano Point, Cleveland Peninsula, and Clarence Strait
(V) Meyers Chuck and Clarence Strait
(W) Round Island and Cordova Bay
(X) Mary Island
(Y) Tree Point

This rule becomes effective on June 22, 2018.

SitNews item: http://www.sitnews.us/0518News/052918/052918_fed_subsistence_tongass.html

Federal Register notice 5/23: https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2018-10938

 

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49. Comment deadline June 29 on Federal Subsistence Fisheries proposals for 2019-2021

Proposal book: https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/2019-2021_fisheries_proposal_book_05_18_18_web_0.pdf

Comment instructions:

https://www.doi.gov/subsistence/proposal/current

Alaska Federal Subsistence Management fisheries page for regulations, proposals, updates etc:

https://www.doi.gov/subsistence/fisheries

 

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50. Kuskokwim Chinook Harvest Open Only to Local Subsistence Users

Chinook salmon in the Kuskokwim River drainage can only be harvested by federally qualified subsistence users this year. As in previous years, the special action was approved by the Federal Subsistence Board in Anchorage earlier this month.

Ken Stahlnecker, refuge manager for Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, explained the rule essentially means that “the fishery will be closed to folks who are not local, rural residents of the Kuskokwim River area.”

Since 2010, king returns to the Kuskokwim have been some of the lowest on record. Stahlnecker said population cycles are natural, but the fishery is overdue for a rebound…

http://www.knom.org/wp/blog/2018/05/30/kuskokwim-chinook-harvest-open-only-to-local-subsistence-users/

 

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Other

 

51. Women in Seafood 2018 Video competition – enter by August 31

Help us to make visible the invisible

One seafood worker in two is a woman. They are essential contributors to the industry but remain invisible. In compliance with its objective to raise awareness on the contribution of women in the seafood industry and to promote young female professionals, the International Association for Women in the Seafood Industry (WSI) launches the second edition of the “women in seafood” video competition, with the technical support of MATIS, Iceland.

Share with us in a short films (<4mn) what you have observed or experienced as a woman involved in the seafood industry (fishing, seafood farming, processing, trading, managing and all related activities, including teaching/ training).

Rules of the contest & how to enter

International Association for Women in the Seafood Industry (WSI):

https://wsi-asso.org/2018-video-competition/

 

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52. New book – Kings of the Yukon – An Alaskan River Journey by Adam Weymouth

The Yukon River is almost 2,000 miles long, flowing through Canada and Alaska to the Bering Sea. Setting out to explore one of the most ruggedly beautiful and remote regions of North America, Adam Weymouth journeyed by canoe on a four-month odyssey through this untrammelled wilderness, encountering the people who have lived there for generations. The Yukon’s inhabitants have long depended on the king salmon who each year migrate the entire river to reach their spawning grounds. Now the salmon numbers have dwindled, and the encroachment of the modern world has changed the way of life on the Yukon, perhaps for ever…

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/295832/kings-of-the-yukon/

 

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53.Save the Dates: Bellingham Sea Feast – Sept. 21- 22, 2018

Bellingham, WA… Eat. Play. Explore… And eat some more!

Deadlines vary but some are coming soon – see info and signup for vendors, FisherPoets, Salmon BBQ championship & more at

http://www.bellinghamseafeast.com/enter-salmon-bbq-championship

 

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54. Alaska Sea Grant News

Alaskan receives Digital Coast fellowshipJune 4, 2018

Study focuses on salmon resilienceMay 25, 2018

Sea Grant fellow hired by fishery councilMay 25, 2018

Is big always better? Maybe notMay 23, 2018

…And more items are online at https://alaskaseagrant.org/

 

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55. Upcoming AMSEA Trainings

Marine Safety Instructor Training, September 24 – 29, 2018, Sitka, Alaska

June 8, 2018, Naknek – Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor

June 16, 2018, Naknek – Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor

June 19 & 20, 2018 – Hidden Falls – Cold-Water Safety & Survival – CLOSED ENROLLMENT

June 29, 2018 – Sitka, Alaska – Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor

June 30, 2018 – Sitka, Alaska – First Aid & CPR/AED…

and more including lower 48 states – see right side bar on the AMSEA home page at http://www.amsea.org/

 

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56. Laine Welch’s Fish Radio – Recent Items
Lab studies show impacts of acidic oceans on key Alaska species

Tough start for Alaska salmon season; Fishing updates

Did The Blob bite into Copper River reds? Low catches called “absolutely unprecedented”

Bristol Bay Fish Expo in one week! Surprises in store for Gov debate? Submit questions!

 

These items and more, online athttp://www.alaskafishradio.com/

 

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Compiled by staff of United Fishermen of Alaska
ufa@ufa-fish.org
PO Box 20229
Juneau AK 99802
(907) 586-2820