The Haines Borough is preparing for a dramatic reduction in raw fish tax revenue as a result of OBI Seafoods’ decision not to process salmon at its Excursion Inlet plant.
Fisheries
Management of Kuskokwim king salmon uncertain after Dunleavy order
State and federal fishery managers are waiting on more information to determine which government entity will have the authority to manage king salmon on the lower Kuskokwim River this summer.
Big sockeye runs and struggling kings leave Bristol Bay managers with a complicated balancing act
In the Nushagak District, managing harvest is tough because chinook and sockeye runs overlap, so when the sockeye harvests increase, so does incidental chinook bycatch.
Sitka herring fishery opens for first time in 2 years
Even with a more relaxed fishery, there was one accident on the water over the weekend when a seine boat capsized during Saturday’s opener.
With fishing slowed by pandemic, Bering Sea crabbers push for extended season
A group of Bering Sea crabbers say they want more time to catch their quota before the state shuts down their season next week.
State data shows 2020 Southeast salmon harvest was among worst on record
Fish and Game doesn’t have an answer for the almost 60% drop in salmon harvest between 2019 and 2020.
Fish and Game expects smaller fleet and lower daily harvests in Sitka sac roe herring fishery
Fish and Game conducted aerial surveys through the weekend, with schools of herring spotted near Bieli Rock and Vitskari Rocks. The fishery went on two-hour notice Saturday at 8 a.m.
‘Herring Protectors’ gather at Sitka’s courthouse as commercial fishery gears up
The group advocates for herring and subsistence harvesters, and calls into question the state’s management of the commercial herring fishery.
Gillnetters will get first shot at record-forecast of Togiak herring
The Alaska Department of Fish & Game projects a biomass of 236,700 tons — the highest forecast since 1993, when the state started to use its current forecasting method.
Gas shortage on St. Paul Island causing days-long detours for crab boats
The remote island of 375 residents has been expecting its fuel barge for more than two months, but it hasn’t arrived.