Now that the Trump administration has removed a major roadblock, Alaskans can expect a lot more action at the state level.
Fisheries
Kodiak’s sea cucumber fishery a dive into dangerous, but prosperous market
Sea cucumbers sell for high prices on the Asian market and are valued for more than taste. According to some, they have cancer fighting properties and could boost fertility, among their other possible benefits. It’s common for people overseas to buy dried sea cucumber, according to one diver. Sometimes as a base for soup.
Judge overrules state, says salmon initiative can go forward
A controversial ballot initiative intended to protect salmon habitat has cleared a major hurdle, setting up what could be an intense political fight.
Coastal researchers, fishermen worried about more frequent low oxygen zones
Scientists in Oregon and Washington are noticing a disruptive ocean phenomenon is becoming more frequent and extreme. It involves a suffocating ribbon of low oxygen seawater over our continental shelf. The technical term is hypoxia, sometimes called “dead zones.”
Pebble shows first glance at its new mine plans
Pebble CEO Tom Collier began the roll out of Pebble Mine’s new design early Thursday morning in Anchorage. The company is focusing on a much smaller footprint in the Pebble West deposit only.
Statewide fish donations go toward hurricane recovery
Washington-based nonprofit SeaShare, which works with seafood companies to donate fish to those in need, is partnering with food bank network Feeding America on the disaster relief
for hurricanes Harvey and Irma, according to a news release.
Judge weighs whether ballot initiative favors salmon over mining, oil
At a hearing Tuesday in Anchorage, the key question was this: does the ballot initiative give the state enough wiggle room to consider projects like the proposed Pebble Mine or Susitna Dam even if they impact salmon streams?
Petersburg assembly OKs BC mining resolution
Petersburg’s borough Assembly Monday passed a resolution seeking enforceable protections against pollution from mines in British Columbia on rivers that flow into Southeast Alaska. Meanwhile, Alaska’s lieutenant governor said he is raising the issue with both provincial and federal governments. https://kfsk-org.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/02MINERESPSGweb.mp3 The group Salmon Beyond Borders is asking municipal governments in Southeast Alaska this year…
Southeast economy down, with a few bright spots
The loss of state jobs is hitting Southeast Alaska hard. And tourism has overtaken fishing as the region’s largest private industry, according to a new report.
Kodiak art project encourages salmon discussion
The first cohort of Alaska Salmon Fellows is wrapping up its pilot year with final projects. The program brings together different innovators in the state, from policy makers to artists, and prompts them to start discussions about the salmon industry.