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.
Fisheries
Commercial fishing for Southeast red king crab to open this fall after six years
Southeast Alaska will open to commercial fishing for red king crab this fall for the first time in six years. The crab population has seen a steady increase, according to state surveys.
State reopens king salmon sportfishing
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced Wednesday that it is opening king salmon fishing in Southeast Alaska, beginning Oct. 1.
After mining exec weighs in, Juneau Assembly holds off on boundary mine resolution
An email from Mike Satre of Hecla Greens Creek Mine prompted the resolutions referral back to committee. Satre urged the Assembly to work the issue through state and provincial levels rather than trying to invoke international treaties.
Kodiak opposes salmon cap agenda change
Kodiak is gearing up to oppose what it considers a threat to its fisheries. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game released a study last year that found a percentage of Kodiak area sockeye salmon are Cook Inlet fish. Some Cook Inlet fishermen now want to set caps for sockeye salmon in the Kodiak area.
State denies ballot initiative on salmon habitat
Alaska’s Lt. Gov. Byron Mallot has denied a proposed ballot initiative designed to offer greater protections for salmon habitat from mining or other development.
King salmon returning to Chilkat River exceed expectations, but continue on downward trend
Adult king salmon are returning to the Chilkat River at historically low numbers. The population has been decreasing over the past 10 years. In 2016, the Chilkat saw the lowest escapement estimate in about 25 years. Preliminary counts for 2017 show the downward trend is not letting up and fishing restrictions are likely to continue next year.
Pink salmon found in odd places near Homer
Pink salmon are showing up in odd places around the Homer area. Fish can be seen swimming through Beluga Slough in the middle of town, a saltwater marsh with no historical salmon returns.
Building community fish harvest monitors to create ‘change on the Kusko’
Increased control over natural resources, like fish, is a top priority for Kuskokwim tribes. One way to move in that direction is through collecting harvest data during fishing season, which helps with the difficult job of in-season management.
Marine Exchange of Alaska now operating in new waterfront headquarters
The 17-year-old non-profit maritime organization just moved into their new building in August 2017.