Fisheries

Maggie Wall/KMXT A new report shows that Alaska seafood now tops the list of favorite protein items at restaurants around the country. The massive Northern Edge military exercise begins May 1, and the Navy finalizes its plans for training in the northern Gulf of Alaska. Kelp could be the next big seafood product. And yet another giant squid has turned …

Maggie Wall/KMXT For nearly two weeks beginning May 1, the U.S. Navy plans a training exercise in the Gulf of Alaska that will use a number of heavy metal laden explosives. The timing and location of the navy’s portion of this year’s Northern Edge 2017 has many fishermen concerned about the possible effects on the fisheries. Let’s start by using …

Maggie Wall/KMXT High ranking Navy brass were in Kodiak during ComFish Alaska to review options tor the navy training exercise scheduled to begin in the Gulf of Alaska the first week of May. Many salmon fishermen and local communities are opposing both the scheduling and location of the exercise. Fishermen and local governments from around the gulf have expressed concerns …

Maggie Wall/KMXT The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly is being asked to sign on with a number of other coastal communities in opposing the proposed Navy and Military training known as Northern Edge. Emily Stolarcyk of the Eyak Preservation Council will be in town to present the assembly with more information about the trainings and possible impacts on salmon. Stolarcyk says …

Maggie Wall/KMXT Coming up this week, Sitka Sound sac roe herring fishermen scoop up nearly half the year’s quota in two short openers. Alaska salmon permit holders are wondering how proposed Navy training in the Gulf of Alaska will affect salmon. If you’re a permit holder, expect a letter in the mail asking for your help to change the date …

Maggie Wall/KMXT Coming up this week’s Alaska Fisheries Report… In Juneau, legislators debate the merits of raising the fuel tax. A measure would require skippers to collect taxes from their crew and send it to the State Revenue Department. And the Senate Resources Committee hears from several Alaskans nominated for the Board of Fish. Meanwhile, on the other side of …

Coming up this week, the Sitka Tribe would like to see changes to how herring are managed, part of The Blob, let’s call it “Blob Jr.,” had some significant effects on Kachemak Bay, and how Fish and Game is coping with ongoing budget cuts in the face of the state’s fiscal situation. We had vital contributions this week from KCAW’s …

The Joint Kodiak Fishery Work Group met Monday (Feb. 27) morning to review and vote on approving a letter to be sent to the Alaska Board of Fisheries regarding an intercept fishery study. It’s a letter the group plans to deliver at the Fish Board meeting currently underway in Anchorage. All four members present, co-Chair Larry LeDoux, fellow borough assemblymen …

Coming up this week, biologist are optimistic about Lower Cook Inlet’s salmon prospects this summer; meanwhile, the board of fish is meeting in Anchorage to address Upper Cook Inlet finfish issues, also known as “The Fish Wars.” A couple of legislators are trying to remove a gag order on Board of Fish members when a conflict of interest comes before …

The Kodiak Joint Fisheries Working Group held a two-plus hour meeting Thursday morning to hear several reports, including one about a possible intercept fishery around Kodiak of Upper Cook Inlet salmon. A genetic study indicating such an intercept was presented at the Alaska Board of Fisheries meeting in Kodiak this winter, and will be presented again at the board’s Cook …