The Togiak herring fishery opens earlier than ever before, while in Sitka researchers hope to learn how warming ocean temps and acidification affect herring. Also, this week, some are calling it a money grab. The Dunleavy administration’s proposal to keep 100 percent of the fisheries taxes would hit fishing towns which depend on the tax especially hard. We …

  More special reporting later today, including lengthy reporting at 4:00 during All Things Considered. CLICK HERE to go to full Mueller report (redacted).   White House photo public domain, via Google.

The ferry Kennicott is back on regular scheduled visits to Kodiak following its annual repair and maintenance time in the shipyard.   M/V Kennicott on its first voyage to Kodiak following repair and maintenance in the yards. Photo courtesy Nicole Clark.

Fish tax is collected by processors and sent to state. Traditionally, half comes back to city and borough. Governor Mike Dunleavy proposes the state keep it all.   A proposal to change how the state’s fishery taxes are allocated will have big ramifications for Alaska’s coastal communities which depend on the tax to balance local budgets. Known by many as …

  This week we go to the Iliamna Lake region for public hearings on Pebble Mine. It’s a region that lacks employment opportunities, and the mine could provide good paying jobs. The governor announces his appointments for the Board of Fish. At least one of those appointments is likely to prompt heated opposition. And finally, we’ll have more on Frankenfish, …

Stephen Wallace replaces Steve Cole on bench. Wallace is a former Kodiak cop. Moves here from Bethel.   A former Kodiak resident has been appointed by Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy as the new Superior Court Judge. Stephen B. Wallace, a former Kodiak police officer, replaces Steve Cole who retired at the end of January after 10 years on the bench. …

    This week we look at salmon, tariffs, the Pebble Mine project and Exxon Valdez paper piles. Pebble CEO says they have “taken a lot of the controversy out the project. “ There’s no end in sight for fishermen and others who are collateral damage in the trade war with China. The Year of Salmon hopes that managing Pacific …

Boat capsized in Chilkat River Seven people and dog stranded on sandbar They had satellite communication and GPS device which made rapid rescue possible   Crew from Coast Guard Air Station Sitka rescues seven people and dog stranded on sandbar on Chilkat River. Photo: from C.G. press release.   Following is a press release from the Coast Guard, posted as …

  Ferry needs extra time to complete overhaul and repairs April 4-7 sailings cancelled Scheduled to resume service April 8   Passengers on ferry M/V Kennicott. Photo: Alaska Marine Highway website.   Following is a portion of a press release, posted as received. The M/V Kennicott will require extra time to complete its annual overhaul and repairs, and the vessel’s …

  ComFish Schedule Final   ComFish Alaska is a commercial fishing trade show which includes vendor booths, forums on fishing related topics, and family fun. It’s held March 28, 29, and 30 at the Kodiak Convention Center. We spoke with Sarah Phillips with the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce which hosts the event. Fishermen compete against each other during a previous …