The Sitka Sound sac roe herring fishery is in full swing. In less than a week, the fleet has caught over half of its quota. And while most crew members work on the water, spotter pilots fish for herring from the sky.
Fisheries
Fish and Game says crab counts were low this season, fishermen totally disagree
The Bering Sea Bairdi crab fishery stayed closed this year, for the first time in four years. State biologists decided there were too few crab to safely harvest, but fishermen are questioning that decision.
Commercial long-line seasons to open on time
Commercial longliners in Alaska can go fishing March 11 after all. The National Marine Fisheries Service announced March 3 that the start date for halibut and black cod fishing will be March 11. March 11 is the halibut fishing start date approved by the International Pacific Halibut Commission back in January. The National Marine Fisheries Service typically…
Low salmon projections cancel popular Southeast spring king derby
Juneau’s Spring King Salmon Derby won’t happen this year, because there aren’t enough fish. State biologists predict chinook returns will be low this year.
King salmon sport fishing in Upper Copper River closed this season
The Department of Fish and Game announced Tuesday, March 7, that all king salmon sport fisheries in the Upper Copper River drainage will be closed for the season because of declining salmon returns.
Young leaders help shape Arctic policy at Model Arctic Council
Proposals drafted by last spring’s Model Arctic Council may be considered by the real Arctic Council when they meet in Alaska starting this week.
Kuskokwim salmon management group wants earlier meeting with state managers on summer king run
There may be fewer king salmon on the Kuskokwim River this summer than hoped, and some residents want to meet with state biologists now to figure out how best to manage both expectations and the fishery.
Ocean acidification in Southeast, tribal network seeks regional impact
Ocean acidification has been big news lately. Experts have spoken about the possible consequences for shellfish and the critters that eat them but, its actual impact in Southeast Alaska is not known. Southeast Alaska Tribal Ocean Research, a network of 15 Southeast tribes, hopes to answer that question.
Tribe’s Herring Committee drafts proposals to protect subsistence
The Sitka Tribe of Alaska’s Herring Committee is recommending a pair of proposals to reserve more areas for subsistence and to cut the commercial harvest by half.
Ask the Energy Desk: Are plastic bag bans better for the environment?
Bans on plastic grocery bags have been cropping up across Alaska’s remote communities. Cordova’s ban went into effect last year. But so far, the larger cities in the state have yet to adopt one.