The timing of two of the appointments — along with the COVID-19 emergency — makes it possible that the appointees could set policy for Alaska’s commercial, sport and subsistence fisheries without first being confirmed by lawmakers.
Fisheries
$500 million in federal help now available for fishermen hurt by trade war
Thousands of U.S. fishermen could be eligible for a new program designed to help fishermen hurt by the tariff on seafood.
Petersburg to request salmon disaster declaration
A combination of low prices and low returns has the summer of 2020 shaping up to be one of the worst in decades.
Pink salmon could prosper in warmer Arctic, new study finds
A new study bolster reports by Alaska subsistence fishermen that the species’ numbers have been increasing as the Arctic warms at more than double the rate of the rest of the globe.
High winds beached a 150-foot seafood processing barge in Bristol Bay
The 150-foot vessel belongs to Northline Seafoods and is worth $7 million. It was beached near Ekuk, a fishing community south of Dillingham.
Pandemic creates turbulent waters for Alaska’s growing oyster industry
“Everything is so unknown,” said Meta Mesdag, the owner of Salty Lady Seafood Co.
On campuses closed by COVID-19, seafood workers trade freedom for paychecks
In Petersburg, workers were restricted closed campuses — they were only allowed to go between the plant, dorms and cafeteria. Some workers said they felt resigned to it. Others said it felt like jail.
Skipper safe after boat grounds, burns in Sitka Sound
The Coast Guard credits LaDuke with making all the right moves after the Saami got into trouble.
Southeast’s pink salmon catch could be lowest in 44 years
Fish and Game said 2020 is ‘definitely a historic, very poor pink salmon harvest.’
U.S. investigates ‘unprofessional interactions’ after Russian military confronts Bering Sea fishermen
The altercation interrupted fishing for several boats, and some fishing industry players say they’re worried about continuing impacts from the exercises.