From October through the end of December, winter trollers had caught only around 5,500 king salmon. That’s almost 2,000 fewer kings than last winter’s catch during the same time period.
Fisheries
As carbon emissions increase, salmon may lose crucial sense of smell
A researcher at the University of Washington said this study is a concern for all salmon from the Pacific Northwest to Alaska — particularly for populations that are currently struggling.
Gov. shutdown won’t affect federal fishery openings
The partial federal government shutdown has left some Alaska fishermen and others wondering whether federal fisheries set to start in January will open on time. The National Marine Fisheries Service has been affected by the shutdown and many employees aren’t there to answer phones, leaving some with more questions than answers.
Government shutdown, if it continues, could cost Alaska’s lucrative Bering Sea fisheries
Even if the shutdown persists, the federal government will still open the Bering Sea fisheries as scheduled. But the government requires inspections of things like scales and monitoring equipment. Those inspections won’t happen until the government reopens.
New Alaska wildlife managers could revive old fights over federal protections, bear- and wolf-killing
Dunleavy’s administration is likely to shift the complex dynamics between the different entities and interests involved in Alaska’s fish and wildlife politics – from the state and federal governments to tribes, hunting organizations and fishing groups.
What does the Dunleavy administration mean for the proposed Pebble Mine?
Officially, Gov. Mike Dunleavy is not taking a position on the mine, unlike his predecessor, Gov. Bill Walker, who opposed it. But the new governor is already making moves that have encouraged the mine’s backers and worried its opponents.
The farm bill’s untold story: What did Congress do for fish sticks?
Even though it’s considered a “Product of U.S.A,” Jim Gilmore of the At-sea Processors Association said up to half of the pollock served in schools now is from Russia. Thanks to the new farm bill, that might change.
Sitka Tribe of Alaska sues state, claiming mismanagement of herring fishery
“People don’t want trees in their freezer. It’s all about putting eggs in their freezers, not branches,” said STA Resource Protection Director Jeff Feldpausch. “This is looking grim. This is really grim.”
Dutch Harbor remains nation’s top port for 21st consecutive year
According to an annual NOAA Fisheries report released Thursday, the Port of Dutch Harbor led the nation with 769 million pounds of seafood landed in 2017, worth $173 million.
New warm ocean Blob could affect Southeast winter weather, fisheries
Sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Alaska are averaging four degrees Fahrenheit warmer than normal. That isn’t as hot or doesn’t extend quite as deep as the original Blob. At least not yet.