The Western Mariner was towing an Alaska Marine Lines barge in Neva Strait early on the morning of March 21 when a steering failure caused the two vessels to collide, pushing the tugboat onto the shore.
Fisheries
An epic forecast for Bristol Bay salmon has industry leaders worried it will be too much to handle
Biologists are forecasting another massive run of sockeye salmon in Bristol Bay this summer, raising questions in commercial fishing circles about whether the industry will be able to keep up.
Board of Fish bans spearfishing for sockeye at Sitka’s Redoubt Lake Falls
Proponents of the ban argued that spearfishing was inefficient, dangerous and disruptive to schooling sockeye — and likely illegal in any case.
Work on Neva Strait spill continues after tugboat is refloated and towed to Sitka
According to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, a light diesel sheen remained in the area where the boat was grounded.
Homer fisherman appointed to Board of Fish
He says he’s interested in making sure residents of coastal communities have the resources to participate in local commercial fishing.
Seafood safety advisory issued following diesel spill in Neva Strait
The state is advising against harvesting herring eggs in some areas where fuel has been seen.
Board of Fish moves Southeast’s commercial pot shrimp fishery from fall to spring
Fishery managers supported the change because of its potential to boost shrimp numbers.
Sac roe herring fishery opens as first spawn is seen in Sitka Sound
The Sitka Sound sac roe herring fishery opened on Saturday along Kruzof Island and continued Sunday in Hayward Strait.
Subsistence harvesters, seiners react to fuel spill north of Sitka
Subsistence harvesters are trying to figure out how the diesel spill could affect their harvest season, which typically happens a little later in the spring.
Board votes to continue conservation measures for weak Southeast Alaska king salmon stocks
Some stocks are forecast to be at their lowest levels on record this year and others have rebounded a little under fishery closures.