The state is working on distributing roughly $56 million in relief funds to those affected by the 2016 Gulf of Alaska pink salmon season disaster.
Fisheries
Pointing at Pebble, EPA leader looks to rein in agency’s veto power
The proposal would eliminate EPA’s ability to preemptively or retroactively veto permits for waste discharge in waterways, restricting the agency’s ability to step in and regulate large projects. Under the Obama administration, EPA used its authority under Section 404(c) of the Clean Water Act to propose restrictions on the Pebble Mine.
Fearing another Chinook cut, Sitka’s troll fleet calls on President Trump
Over 200 fishermen and supporters gathered at Eliason Harbor on Sunday with signs and voice raised, appealing to President Donald Trump to get involved with Pacific Salmon Treaty negotiations.
Tribes, communities monitor ocean acidification in near-shore waters
Southeast tribes are joining in research efforts to monitor ocean acidification in the waters closest to shore. This coincides with data coming in from a ferry that for the past six months has been taking measurements along its regular route from Bellingham, Washington, to Juneau.
Kodiak-based Coast Guard intercepts illegal Chinese fishing vessel
An illegal fishing vessel was intercepted off the coast of Japan with 80 tons of chum salmon and one ton of squid onboard.
Southcentral king salmon sport fishing closures continue
Sport fishing for king salmon is looking bleak in Southcentral after recent closures announced by the Department of Fish and Game.
Sport anglers can catch, keep kings in Juneau
Daily bag and possession limit is two king salmon of any size in the hatchery terminal areas of Lena Cove, Auke Bay, Fritz Cove, and the northern half of Gastineau Channel down to the bridge.Outside the hatchery areas the limit is one fish.
Murkowski, Young respond to Chinese tariff on American seafood imports
Alaska’s economy could suffer as a result of China’s 25 percent tariff on American seafood imports and that worries U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski. In a written statement, Murkowski urges President Donald Trump to reach a trade policy with China that protects the export market.
Central Southeast king salmon following forecasts
For good and for bad, king salmon runs around Petersburg are coming in as forecast so far this year. Anglers have only been allowed to keep chinook salmon in a limited few areas with hatchery kings for the first part of this month.
Kake to reuse historic cannery for tourism
The Organized Village of Kake is working to turn its historic cannery into a tourist destination. The tribal government already has worked to save the buildings in the complex, so the next step is to bring the buildings up to code so the community can use them.