Fisheries

Some in the industry say the cost and lack of access to comprehensive health insurance is a barrier to new fishermen and an ongoing concern for those already in the business.

Last fall the MSC sustainability certification of Alaska’s commercial salmon fisheries was allowed to lapse after most of the major seafood processors that operate in the state pulled their support.

Southeast Alaska’s maritime economy provides more than a quarter of the wages paid in the region.

There will be no commercial fishing for red and blue king crab in Southeast again this year. The stocks are still in poor shape according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game which announced the closure last week.

Even with the lower escapement goals, the numbers were not met. In fact, escapements were the lowest in history.

The Philippines’ recently appointed honorary consul is trying to make the case that “Alaska” should mean “seafood” in the Philippines.