UFA Update: March 11, 2016

Support UFA Business members on our website HERE.

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

UFA Fish Calendar: https://www.ufafish.org/calendar/

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

Contents:

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

Statewide

Lawmakers focus on Cook Inlet during Fish Board confirmation hearing (3/10). Deep divisions between fishermen harvesting Cook Inlet salmon again dominated discussion as lawmakers quizzed two appointees to Alaska’s Board of Fisheries during a confirmation hearing.
The Senate Resources Committee heard from board appointees Al Cain, a former Alaska Wildlife Trooper, and Soldotna conservationist Robert Ruffner.
Gov. Bill Walker appointed Ruffner to the board in 2015 but lawmakers did not confirm him…
Alaska Dispatch News – Rashah McChesney, March 10
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UFA letter of support for Robert Ruffner and Al Cain (March 8)
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Governor Bill Walker press release Feb 2, 2016
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Senate Resources Committee Confirmation Hearing (3/9)
Documents Resumes, support letters
Audio/Video

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Fishing industry: Maximize existing rates before raising taxes
Gov. Bill Walker’s fisheries tax bill is still lingering in committee as fishermen and legislators try to stave off new taxes by turning the discussion to maximizing collections at existing rates.By this point, several of the state’s largest fishing industry trade groups — including the United Fishermen of Alaska, Alaska Salmon Alliance, and the Pacific Seafood Processors Association, or PSPA — sent letters to legislators supporting the concept of fishing taxes but calling the bill too simple and too rushed to not harm the fishing industry unfairly… Alaska Journal of Commerce – DJ Summers, March 9
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Alaska Legislature Wrestles With Fisheries Taxes (Fishermen’s News 3/9)
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UFA Resolution 2015 -01 – A resolution supporting the Governor and Legisature taking action to solve the State’s fiscal crisis and achieve long-term fiscal stability (November 5, 2015)
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UFA Seafood Industry Taxes and Fees – 2015 paper

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University cuts could damage fisheries, Arctic research
A state fiscal crisis looms, and some of the Legislature’s budget cuts could send ripples into Alaska’s largest private employer and international political affairs…Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers, an industry group that represents 70 percent of all crab harvested in the North Pacific, penned a letter to both the House subcommittee and the House Finance Committee urging legislators not to cut research funding.“If the proposed subcommittee recommendation is adopted,” the letter reads, “it will seriously jeopardize UA’s continued ability to support fisheries in Alaska. Everyone in the state will suffer as a result. Commercial, recreational, and subsistence users will have fewer harvest opportunities.”

Alaska Journal of Commerce – DJ Summers, March 9

UFA Resolution 2016-01 – In support of the UAF Kodiak Seafood And Marine Science Center (KSMSC), formerly known as the Fishery Industrial Technology Center (FITC)

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UAS Fisheries students at halibut conference participate as halibut catch limits are set
Some Fisheries students have first hand experience in fishing boats … but only rarely do students get a chance to listen, interact, and even influence the outcome of official fisheries management deliberations. This was the experience of a recent Fish Tech class at the University of Alaska Southeast.Alaska Business Monthly – March 3

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My Turn: Banking on Alaska’s fishing future – Community Permit Banks
By Linda Behnken, Edward Davis, Duncan Fields and Norman Van Vactor
Juneau Empire, February 21…Loss of fishing access degrades a community’s economic opportunities, heritage, infrastructure and health. This leads to an inability to keep the value and economic benefit of Alaska’s fish resources within Alaska communities, businesses and families.Alaska must make a concerted effort to help preserve local right to fish. Some state legislators are proposing a fish permit bank that creates a way for communities to buy permits and lease them to new fishermen who otherwise could not afford them. It would offer several types of fishing permits that would be proportional and reflective of regional fisheries.By owning permits and leasing them to entry-level local fishermen year-in and year-out, permit banks work to launch young and new fishermen, create resiliency in their strategies and help them become profitable for the long term…
Juneau Empire op-ed – Feb. 21

Correction – UFA currently has 34 group members, not 40.
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CFEC Report: M. Gho, K. Iverson. and C. Farrington. 2015. CFEC Report 15-3N-EXEC Executive Summary, Changes in the Distribution of Alaska’s Commercial Fisheries Entry Permits, 1975 – 2014.
http://www.cfec.state.ak.us/RESEARCH/15-3N/15-3N.htm
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Sea Grant January Fishing Access seminar:
https://seagrant.uaf.edu/map/workshops/2016/fishing-access/index.php
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HB 366 bill tracking and text

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

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ComFish to Focus on Fishery Challenges
ComFish 2016, the annual conference set for March 31 through April 2 in Kodiak, Alaska, has an agenda packed with updates on the challenges of commercial fisheries. The annual gathering, which also includes a trade show, is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce at Kodiak, which is ranked third among all the nation’s fishing ports for landings.A panel discussion on the first day of ComFish will share its latest findings on the aging of the fleet research, declining access of Alaskans to commercial fishing in Alaska, and innovative ideas on how to reverse the trend…Fishermen’s News March 9 Comfish Kodiak – March 31 – April 2…Alaska’s Largest Commercial Fishery Trade Show

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Alaska Board of Fisheries Statewide Finfish and Supplemental Issues – March 8–11, 2016.
Agenda, road map, AC comments, back up documents, and record comments… online at:
Board of Fisheries Statewide Finfish Meeting Info
(Meeting results should be posted soon)

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Fish board responds to changes in Chignik
Area M wasn’t the only fishery up for discussion at the Board of Fisheries meeting in Anchorage last month. Chignik fishermen frustrated with a fishery that’s no longer as productive or profitable as it used to be also went to the board looking for some help…KDLG –Molly Dischner, March 4For Board of Fisheries Area M Meeting Summary see…
BOF Alaska Peninsula / Aleutian Island / Chignik Finfish meeting page

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National

Governor nominates Buck Laukitis & Theresa Peterson to NPFMC
March 9, 2016 JUNEAU – Governor Bill Walker submitted his nominations for two seats on the North Pacific Fishery Management Council this week. In accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976, Governor Walker submitted a primary nominee and two alternate nominees for each Alaska seat expiring on August 10, 2016.The Governor selected Theresa Peterson of Kodiak and Michael “Buck” Laukitis of Homer as his primary nominees for the two vacant council seats. Eric Olson of Anchorage, Paul Gronholdt of Sand Point, Linda Behnken of Sitka, and Art Nelson of Anchorage were also recommended as the Governor’s alternate nominees…Governor Walker press release (March 9)

Alaska Journal of Commerce

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NPFMC Meeting Materials for April 4-12 Meeting, Anchorage Hilton
Agenda and Schedule
A2. SSC Report Feb2016_final.pdf AP minutes Feb2016 FINAL.pdf
B1 NPFCtestimonyMarch2016-2-1.pdf
C3 SeaShare PSDP Ltr 2015_Jan2016.pdf
C4 BS Chinook_NOAA-TM-AFSC-310.pdf
C4 GOA Chinook_NOAA-TM-AFSC-311.pdf
C4 Chum_BSGOA_2014NOAA-TM-AFSC-314.pdf
C8 IPHC comments-NPFMC Framework 2016.pdf NPFMC home page

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USCG Postpones New Survival Craft Requirement Changes
The President signed the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 which includes language that amended the out-of-water survival craft requirements previously amended in the 2010 Auth Act which was scheduled to go into affect February 27, 2016.Life Floats and Buoyant Apparatus will be allowed to continue to be Coast Guard Approved. No changes to the survival craft carriage requirements will take effect as was previously being communicated to the fishing industry…View latest guidance MSIB 04-16.

FishSafeWest.info

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USCG Alternative Safety Compliance Meeting – Kodiak March 30
I would like to extend an invitation to all fishing industry professionals, vessel owners and operators to discuss Alternate Safety Compliance Programs at the Near Island NMFS Lab on Wednesday 30 March @ 9:15
(Agenda not found on web – contact Scott Wilwert, CGD17 Fishing Vessel Safety Coordinator – Anthony.S.Wilwert@uscg.mil or (907) 463-2810

Related documents:
ASCP_Update_2016.pdf
Pacific_Area_Skeleton_PlanREvg_3_4.docFishsafewest.info – Alternate Compliance Safety Program page
Also see Comfish Kodiak announcement at number 6 above

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Comment deadline March 21 on CDQ small scale groundfish hook & line vessels 32 to 46 feetThe North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 109 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP) to the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) for review. If approved, Amendment 109 would amend the FMP to support increased participation in local small-scale groundfish fisheries managed under the Western Alaska Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program. Specifically, Amendment 109 would amend the description of observer coverage requirements in the FMP to allow catcher vessels less than or equal to 46 feet (ft) (14.0 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using hook-and-line gear to be placed in the partial observer coverage category when groundfish CDQ fishing. In addition, Amendment 109 would exempt operators of registered catcher vessels greater than 32 ft (9.8 m) LOA and less than or equal to 46 ft LOA using hook-and-line gear from the requirement to obtain and carry a License Limitation Program (LLP) license when conducting groundfish CDQ fishing. Amendment 109 also would update descriptive information about the CDQ Program in the FMP and make several editorial revisions. The objective of Amendment 109 is to facilitate increased participation by residents of CDQ communities in the groundfish CDQ fisheries in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI), and to support economic development in western Alaska. This action would benefit the six CDQ groups and the operators of local small hook-and-line catcher vessels that the CDQ groups authorize to participate in the groundfish CDQ fisheries by reducing the costs of participating in those fisheries…Submit comments on or before March 21, 2016…
Federal Register January 21, 2016:

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NOAA 5-Year Review for Southern Resident Killer Whales ESA listing – Comment by April 25We, NMFS, announce a 5-year review of Southern Resident killer whales (Orcinus orca) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). The purpose of these reviews is to ensure that the listing classification of a species is accurate. The 5-year review will be based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review; therefore, we request submission of any such information on Southern Resident killer whales that has become available since their original listing as endangered in November 2005 or since the previous 5-year review completed in 2011. Based on the results of this 5-year review, we will make the requisite determination under the ESA…To allow us adequate time to conduct this review, we must receive your information no later than April 25, 2016. However, we will continue to accept new information about any listed species at any time…
Federal Register January 26

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Advances in the Stock Assessment and Fisheries Evaluation–(SAFE) Economic Status ReportEach year the Economics and Social Sciences Research (ESSR) program documents and evaluate the economic status of the North Pacific groundfish fisheries. The results of this analysis are compiled into an economic chapter of the Stock Assessment and Fisheries Evaluation Report. The Economic SAFE gives managers and stakeholders recent estimates of economic variables in the fisheries. These data are compiled and distributed not only to inform management decisions but also to provide stakeholders and the public access to data on North Pacific fisheries. As the needs of management and stakeholders evolve, so should the Economic SAFE evolve to meet these changing demands…NOAA Fisheries SAFE report page

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NMFS ESA Recovery Program Review meeting – April 19, Silver Spring MD
We, NMFS, announce a public meeting of a review of our recovery program under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). The purpose of the review is to ensure that recovery program priorities and implementation are aligned with resources and mission mandates; enhance and align strategic management of NMFS regulatory programs; and provide transparency in the operation of NMFS recovery program…The meeting will be held Tuesday April 19, 2016, through Thursday April 21, 2016, at 9 a.m… at the NOAA Science Center, 1301 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MDFederal Register Notice March 4
NMFS ESA Recovery program home page

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USCG Reminds Mariners to Respond to Communication Attempts-Ch16.
The U.S. Coast Guard in the Alaska region reminds commercial fishing vessel operators to standby VHF-FM channel 16 and respond when hailed…USCG aircrafts conduct routine patrols throughout the region for safety and law enforcement missions. All mariners should be alert and recognize when an aircraft is attempting to communicate. The Coast Guard will always attempt to hail vessels on VHF-FM channel 16. If unable to establish communication on channel 16, an aircraft will make low passes, flash lights, or use a loudhailer to gain vessel operator’s attention.NOAA Enforcement Notice

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Marketing

Alaska Pollock Labeling Faces New Requirements (has to be from Alaska)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has updated its Seafood List to reflect a change for fish labeled as “Alaska Pollock.”As mandated by Congress in the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations, only Gadus chalcogrammus caught in Alaskan waters or the exclusive economic zone (as defined in section 3 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) adjacent to Alaska can be called Alaskan “Pollock” or Alaska “Pollock.”Previously, pollock harvested outside Alaskan waters or the exclusive economic zone were allowed to be labeled as “Alaska Pollock.” These fish can now be labeled only as “Pollock.”

This change is effective immediately.

For more information on the FDA’s regulation of seafood:

www.fda.gov/seafood
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Guidance for Industry: The Seafood List – FDA’s Guide to Acceptable Market Names for Seafood Sold in Interstate Commerce

FDA Announcement
http://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm482493.htm

Side note reminder: snapper is not an acceptable name for the hundreds of varieties of rockfish (sebastes), even though it is the most accepted common name among fishermen and anglers up and down the coast. When Oceana derides the industry annually about seafood fraud, they note snapper is the fish most often sold “fraudulently”, notwithstanding the fact that we all order snapper in west coast restaurants with full knowledge and confidence that it’s local rockfish, not red snapper from thousands of miles away.

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WA Rep. DelBene Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Put U.S. Seafood in School Lunches
Feb 25, 2016,
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today introduced bipartisan legislation to require fish products purchased for federally subsidized school lunches be domestically harvested…DelBene serves on the House Agriculture Committee, which has part jurisdiction over the National School Lunch program. Reps. Don Young (R-AK), Jim McDermott (D-WA), Adam Smith (D-WA), Rick Larsen (D-WA), Jamie Herrera Beutler (R-WA), Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Denny Heck (D-WA) joined DelBene in introducing H.R. 4617, which has a companion measure (S. 2529) in the Senate from Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)…https://delbene.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delbene-introduces-bipartisan-bill-put-us-seafood-school-lunches

H.R.4617 bill tracking on Congress.gov

Pdf of H.R 4617

S.2529 bill tracking

Pdf of S.2529

UFA support for S.2529 and HR.4617 for Fish in School Lunch programs (March 8, 2016)

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New Oceana Report Highlights Success and Value in Seafood Traceability (3/7)
Industry Pioneers Stress Importance of Full-Chain Traceability for Businesses and Consumers..
…Oceana released a new report titled Fish Stories, showing the success and value in seafood traceability. The report, which highlights how seafood traceability benefits more than 15 companies interviewed along the supply chain – from fishermen and distributors to grocery stores and restaurants – was released at Seafood Expo North America in Boston…Business Wire March 7 Full Report & Brochure

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Shaping the MSC program – Open for input through April 30Be part of our movement to address important sustainability challenges. This website offers you the opportunity to help transform the sustainability of the world’s seafood market. You can find out which program improvements we are making, how they are progressing — and participate…https://improvements.msc.org/home-page

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Next-Generation Sustainability Guidance Released for Seafood Industry
The Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions Saturday released the first update since 2008 to a resource used by 80 percent of the North American grocery and institutional foodservice markets. The updated Common Vision for Sustainable Seafood addresses the next generation of issues affecting sustainable seafood including social issues like human rights violations and labor exploitation and verifying sustainability by tracing products back through the supply chain.“A decade ago, business leaders reached out to the NGO community for guidance on seafood sustainability” said Caroline Tippett, Director of Seafood Engagement for World Wildlife Fund. “Today, they are reaching out for new recommendations on deepening those sustainable sourcing commitments, addressing social welfare issues, and improving supply chain traceability.”…Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions

Updated Common Vision for Sustainable Seafood – full document

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FAO Ecolabelling Guidelines–Assessment of US Fishery Management SystemNOAA Fisheries announced the publication of a peer-reviewed self-assessment that shows the standards of the United States fishery management system under the Magnuson-Stevens Act more than meet the criteria of the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization’s ecolabelling guidelines. These same guidelines serve as a basis for many consumer seafood certification and ranking schemes. The assessment demonstrates that the U.S. fisheries management system is particularly strong when considering responsiveness and science-based criteria. Beyond the biological and ecosystem criteria, the assessment also pointed out that the U.S. system incorporates the social and economic components of fisheries essential for effective long-term stewardship…NOAA Fisheries announcement (January 28)

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Fish Farm and Environmental

Murkowski Lifts Hold on FDA Commissioner Nominee
Senator Receives Assurances from FDA on GE Salmon Labeling RequirementsWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced that she is lifting her hold on the confirmation of Dr. Robert Califf, the nominee to be Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Murkowski announced she intended to block his nomination in November of 2015 after the FDA’s approval of genetically engineered (GE) salmon for human consumption.“I placed my hold on Dr. Califf’s nomination until my concerns regarding labeling guidelines for GE salmon had been resolved. Since then, I have been working closely with the FDA to develop labeling guidelines, and I have received the assurances I need that the FDA is taking this matter seriously,” said Murkowski. “Today I am officially lifting my hold on Dr. Robert Califf, and I look forward to working with him in the future for the health and well-being of Alaskans.”

Senator Murkowski press release (Feb 11)

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Murkowski Introduces Updated Legislation to Require Labeling of GE Salmon …U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) continued her fight against “Frankenfish” by introducing legislation to mandate labeling of genetically engineered (GE) salmon. The Genetically Engineered Salmon Labeling Act, co-sponsored by Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), changes the acceptable market name for any salmon that is genetically engineered to include the words “genetically engineered” or “GE.” The bill also requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure a third-party scientific review of the FDA’s environmental assessment of AquaAdvantage salmon, focusing in particular on the effects that GE salmon could have upon wild stocks and ecosystems. Congressman Don Young (R-AK) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.“We have had success in in the fight against Frankenfish, but I won’t let up until it is mandatory to make clear to consumers whether they are purchasing Frankenfish or the wild, healthy, sustainably-caught, delicious real thing,” said Murkowski…
Senator Murkowski press release (March 3)

Senate Version – bill tracking: S.738

Bill text

House version: H.R.4713

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DNR Comment deadline March 18 on water management policies
DNR Public Notice: Notice of Public Scoping for Possible Updates and Revisions of DNR Regulations Under Administrative Order 266 – Notice of Public Scoping for Possible Updates and Revisions of DNR Regulations – 11 AAC 93,Water Management (February 10)
Public Notice: 11 AAC 93, Water Management (PDF)
Existing Regulations (PDF)

Peninsula Clarion – Elizabeth Earl, March 8
&&Homer News Sea Watch. Change in state water regulations under review (3/10).

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DNR Notice of Public Scoping for Possible Updates and Revisions – Mining Rights
11 AAC 86, Mining Rights – Notice of Public Scoping for Possible Updates and Revisions of DNR Regulations (March 11)Scoping Notice (PDF)Existing Regulations (PDF)

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USCG – Notice of Establishment of Dispersant Preauthorization Area in Alaska
Summary: On behalf of the Alaska Regional Response Team (ARRT), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) announces establishment of a more inclusive, comprehensive, and conservative dispersant use policy that includes a preauthorization area and an enhanced protocol for use of chemical dispersant during responses to spills of crude oil in certain waters offshore of Alaska. Federal regulations covering certain vessel response plans require development of defined dispersant response capabilities when such vessels are operating in waters where dispersant use preauthorization agreements exist…This document includes, among other things, an updated protocol for use and monitoring of chemical dispersants in undesignated areas on a case-by-case basis and a preauthorization plan for use and monitoring of chemical dispersants on spills from tank vessels carrying crude oil as cargo during non-innocent passage through certain areas north and south of the Aleutian Island chain and the northern Gulf of Alaska. The Dispersant Use Plan for Alaska may be found at www.alaskarrt.org…Federal Register February 9

Find dispersant plan at Alaska Regional Response Team documents page

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DNR offers Kasilof options for Kasilof dipnetter impacts
As the personal use fishery at the Kasilof River grows, the locals and the land managers are debating the best way to accommodate use without damaging the estuary or causing too much trouble for the neighbors.The Alaska Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Mining, Land and Water is working on plans to develop a parking area and public facilities on the north side of the Kasilof River, targeted mostly at the dipnet fishery on the river from June through August. Excessive traffic, visitors parking on the wetlands and dunes and cars obstructing the roads have caused consternation among the residents. The Division of Mining, Land and Water wants to put in a beach access, parking areas, dune fencing and spaces for portable toilets for the fishery.Peninsula Clarion – Elizabeth Earl, March 9

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Comment extended to April 1 on DNR Southcentral AK State Lands Oil & Gas
Southcentral Alaska Oil & Gas Preliminary Determination of State Lands Subject to Oil & Gas Exploration Licensing – Southcentral Alaska Region..Comment extended – deadline April 1http://dog.dnr.alaska.gov/AboutUs/Documents/PublicNotices/SouthcentralPrelimDeterminationPubCommentExtension.pdf

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Aquaculture & Enhancement

Shellfish farming becomes million-dollar industry in Alaska
Alaska’s mariculture industry has passed some milestones and is getting set to head into the weeds.
Aquatic farming was approved by Alaska lawmakers in 1988 and topped $1 million in shellfish sales for the first time in 2014.“This is the highest sales we’ve had since the inception of the program, which is pretty exciting,” said Cynthia Pring-Ham, director of mariculture for the state Department of Fish and Game, adding that shellfish production increased 27 percent…Laine Welch, January 8, 2016

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Salmon eggs are on the move in southeast Alaska
KETCHIKAN, Alaska (AP) – Millions of eggs and salmon fry are being shuffled around southern Southeast as the local hatchery association prepares for the rest of 2016.The Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association flew 1.5 million coho eggs to Neets Bay and Burnett Inlet, two of its remote sites, on Feb. 10.Coho eggs traveled first from the Whitman Lake Hatchery to Neets Bay by floatplane. A second batch was transported from Neets Bay to Burnett Inlet to work around the latter hatchery’s release schedule.

While the eggs are fragile when they’re first collected, they form a tough skin once the eye of the developing salmon is visible as a small black bead inside the egg…

http://www.newsminer.com/business/salmon-eggs-are-on-the-move-in-southeast-alaska/article_3a2b1216-d803-11e5-aa43-73af9a2c44cf.html

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Fish & Wildlife Service Final Decision on Karluk Lake Nutrient EnrichmentThe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge today released its Environmental Assessment and announced its final decision regarding a special use permit request by the Kodiak Regional Aquaculture Association (KRAA) to conduct nutrient enrichment in the Karluk Lake watershed. The Service evaluated KRAA’s proposal and selected the Current Management (No Action) Alternative as the best way to conserve the abundance of natural salmonid populations and their habitat for continued human and wildlife use.

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Subsistence

Federal Subsistence Board votes to improve Alaska relations with new MOU
By Joaqlin Estus, KNBA – Anchorage | January 14, 2016
The Federal Subsistence Board voted Tuesday to work to re-establish better relations with the state of Alaska.A federal-state memorandum of understanding, or MOU, on subsistence expired last year over differences on data sharing, day-to-day operations, and other issues.The agencies that make up the Federal Subsistence Board agreed last year to disagree with the state of Alaska on subsistence management. Federal laws dictate protection of wildlife and preservation of natural conditions and processes in national parks and wildlife refuges. Meanwhile, the Palin and Parnell administrations had embraced an “intensive management” approach that involves manipulating habitat and killing predators to increase harvestable prey.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regional director Geoff Haskett told other board members the time is right to work on a new MOU…

http://www.alaskapublic.org/2016/01/19/federal-subsistence-board-to-seek-agreement-with-state/

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Angoon mayor unsatisfied with state response to tainted subsistence seal
By Elizabeth Jenkins, KTOO – Juneau | March 3, 2016Hawk Inlet is healthy according to state officials. That’s the message Angoon received about three weeks after concerns were raised about high levels of mercury found in a subsistence seal. But Angoon’s mayor doesn’t feel comforted by the report.In the 20-page document, the state agencies say they appreciate the “citizen science” used to determine the seal had high levels of mercury.

The letter cautions children, the elderly and pregnant woman against eating certain parts of of an older seal, like the liver. For everyone else, the department recommends limiting consumption. Other traditional foods, it says, are safe to eat.

But Angoon’s Mayor Albert Howard said he doesn’t feel heard by the agencies, and the information isn’t practical.

“When you spend 40-something dollars for gas in Angoon to go hunting, you’re going to make the most of it,” Albert said. “If you see one seal and it happens to be the older one, that’s a risk people are taking and no one’s going to eat only 4 ounces of seal meat.”

KTOO Elizabeth Jenkins- March 3

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Federal Subsistence Board endorses Fisheries Resource Monitoring Plan
The Federal Subsistence Board has unanimously endorsed a $1.8 million Fisheries Resource Monitoring Plan for 2016 and awaits concurrence from the Office of Subsistence Management, Assistant Regional Director, Eugene Peltola, Jr. The plan includes 22 (12 Stock, Status and Trend and 10 Harvest Monitoring and Traditional Ecological Knowledge) projects…https://www.doi.gov/subsistence/federal-subsistence-board-endorses-fisheries-resource-monitoring-plan

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Deadline April 1 for Federal Subsistence fish and shellfish proposals
The Federal Subsistence Board is accepting proposals through April 1, 2016 to change Federal regulations for the subsistence harvest of fish and shellfish on Federal public lands for the 2017-2019 regulatory years (April 1, 2017 – March 31, 2019).The Board will consider proposals to change Federal fishing seasons, harvest limits, methods of harvest, and customary and traditional use determinations. The Board will also accept proposals for individual customary and traditional use determinations from residents of national park and national monument resident zone communities, or those who already hold a Section 13.440 subsistence use permit…FSB notice March 3

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Comment deadline April 12 on NPS Proposed Rule on nonedible fish & wildlife parts for handicrafts
The National Park Service proposes to allow qualified subsistence users to collect and use nonedible fish and wildlife parts and plant materials for the creation and subsequent disposition (use, barter, or sale) of handicrafts. The rule would also (1) clarify that collecting or possessing living wildlife is generally prohibited and (2) limit the types of bait that may be used to take bears for subsistence uses…Comments must be received … on April 12, 2016…Federal Register January 13, 2016: https://federalregister.gov/a/2015-33144

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USFWS sets new Native American policy
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or FWS), announce that we have established a new Native American policy, which will replace the 1994 policy at 510 FW 1 in the Fish and Wildlife Service Manual. The purpose of the policy is to carry out the United States’ trust responsibility to Indian tribes by establishing a framework on which to base our continued interactions with federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native Corporations. The policy recognizes the sovereignty of federally recognized tribes; states that the Service will work on a government-to-government basis with tribal governments; and includes guidance on co-management, access to and use of cultural resources, capacity development, law enforcement, and education…This Native American policy is available at http://www.fws.gov/policy/510fw1.htmlFederal Register notice January 27, 2016: https://federalregister.gov/a/2016-01615

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Other

Seeing Freezing Spray and Icing on your Vessel? NOAA Wants to Hear from you!
Brochure: http://media.wix.com/ugd/b66831_ae7910bfd8a046298a507cf29e66aa4c.pdf

Online reporting form

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AMSEA Upcoming classesAMSEA home page & upcoming classes schedule: http://www.amsea.org/

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Laine Welch’s Fish Radio – Recent Items
Permit values plummet for Alaska salmonWinter Chinook troll fishery closed in Southeast AKGov. Walker selects two Alaskans for NPFMC seats

Retail rules sockeye salmon prices

Kodiak wants a community, self-pay ice house and crane; Hearing set for 3/15

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

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

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Compiled by staff of United Fishermen of Alaska
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Statewide

National

Marketing

Fish Farm & Environmental

Aquaculture / Enhancement

Subsistence

Other

Statewide

National

Marketing

Fish Farm and Environmental

Aquaculture & Enhancement

Subsistence

Other