AEB Fish Blog

Tanner Crab Fishery Closes in Pavlof Bay, Jude Island in Eastern Section of South Peninsula

2012-01-25T13:44:00.004-09:00

According to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), all waters between 161 degrees W. longitude and 162 degrees W. longitude in the Eastern Section of the South Peninsula District will close to Tanner Crab fishing at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2012. Catch reports indicate the harvest will approach survey estimates of allowable Tanner crab surplus. Further harvest is not warranted in order to protect the long-term health of Tanner crab in this area.

All pots within the closed area must be unbaited and doors open at the time of the closure. Unbaited pots may be stored in the closed area in waters deeper than 25 fathoms for 72 hours. After 72 hours, all pots remaining in the closed area must be removed from the water or placed in waters shallower than 25 fathoms. Vessel operators are not required to deliver crab harvested from the closed prior to targeting Tanner crab in other areas of the Eastern Section of the South Peninsula District that remain open to Tanner crab fishing.

Western Section of South Peninsula District Tanner Crab Fishery Closes Tonight

2012-01-20T12:01:00.002-09:00

According to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, all waters of the Western Section of the South Peninsula District will close to Tanner crab fishing at 5:59 p.m. tonight (Friday, January 20, 2012). Catch reports indicate that the total harvest will approach survey estimates of allowable Tanner crab surplus. Further harvest is not warranted to protect the long-term health of Tanner crab in this area.

All pots within the closed area must be unbaited and doors open at the time of closure. Unbaited pots may be stored in the closed area in waters deeper than 25 fathoms for 72 hours. After 72 hours, all pots remaining in the closed area must be removed from the water or placed in waters shallower than 25 fathoms. Vessel operators are required to deliver crab harvested from the Western Section prior to targeting Tanner crab in the Eastern Section of the South Peninsula District.

2012 Chignik District Tanner Crab Season Delayed Again

2012-01-20T11:21:00.003-09:00

The National Weather Service (NWS) 4 a.m. 48-hour marine forecast for Area 155 on January 20th contained gale warnings. So according to the ADF&G, the Chignik Tanner crab final registration and season opening will be delayed again for 24 hours.

If the 48-hour marine weather forecast in Area 155 issued at 4 a.m. on Saturday, January 21st contains a small craft advisory, final registration and the fishery opening will again be delayed for 24 hours.

If the 48-hour marine weather forecast for Area 155 issued Saturday, January 21st does not contain a small craft advisory, final registration will begin at 12:00 noon on January 21st and the fishery will open at 12:00 noon on January 22nd.

Any action to further delay or open the fishery will be announced in a subsequent ADF&G news release by 9 a.m. on Saturday, January 21st. According to the fishery management plan for the Chignik District, season opening delays may continue on a rolling 24-hour basis until 12:00 noon on January 25th, when the season will open regardless of National Weather Service marine weather forecasts.

For additional information, please contact ADF&G in Kodiak at (907) 486-1840.

2012 Chignik District Tanner Crab Season Delayed Once Again

2012-01-18T09:50:00.001-09:00

The National Weather Service 4 a.m. 48-hour marine forecast for Area 155 today (January 18, 2012) contained a gale warning. According to ADF&G, the Chignik District Tanner crab final registration and season opening will be delayed for 24 hours.

If the 48-hour marine weather forecast in Area 155 issued at 4 a.m. on Thursday, January 19th also contains a small craft advisory, final registration and the fishery opening will again be delayed for 24 hours.

If the 48-hour marine weather forecast for Area 155 issued Thursday, January 19th does not contain a small craft advisory, final registration will begin at 12:00 noon on January 19th and the fishery will open at 12:00 noon on January 20th.

Any action to further delay or open the fishery will be announced in a subsequent ADF&G news release by 9 a.m. on Thursday, January 19th.

According to the fishery management plan for the Chignik District, season opening delays may continue on a rolling 24-hour basis until 12:00 noon on January 25, when the season will open regardless of National Weather Service marine weather forecasts.

Closure of Cold Bay and Morzhovoi Bay Tanner Crab Fishery in the Western Section of the South Peninsula District

2012-01-18T09:48:00.001-09:00

According to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), the waters of Cold Bay and Morzhovoi Bay in the western section of the South Peninsula District closed inside a line from Cape Pankof (54 degrees 39.37’ N. lat.; 163 degrees 03.49’ W. long.) to Bold Cape (55 degrees 01.26’ N. lat.; 162 degrees 15.59’ W. long.) to Tanner crab fishing at 5:59 p.m. yesterday (Tuesday, January 17, 2012). Catch reports indicated the harvest approached survey estimates of allowable Tanner crab surplus. Further harvest is not warranted to protect the long-term health of Tanner crab in this area.

All pots within the closed area must be unbaited and doors open at the time of the closure. Unbaited pots may be stored in the closed area in waters deeper than 25 fathoms for 72 hours. After 72 hours, all pots remaining in the closed area must be removed from the water or placed in waters shallower than 25 fathoms. Vessel operators are not required to deliver crab harvested from the closed area.

Fishing in the remainder of the South Peninsula District - Western Section will remain open until further notice.

2012 Chignik District Tanner Crab Season Delayed Again

2012-01-17T09:30:00.002-09:00

The National Weather Service (NWS) 4 a.m. 48-hour marine forecast for Area 155 on January 17th contained a gale warning. According to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), the Chignik District Tanner crab final registration and season opening will be delayed for 24 hours.

If the 48-hour marine weather forecast in Area 155 issued at 4 a.m. on Wednesday, January 18th also contains a small craft advisory, final registration and the fishery opening will again be delayed for 24 hours.

If the 48-hour marine forecast for Area 155 Wednesday, January 18th does not contain a small craft advisory, final registration will begin at 12:00 noon on January 18th and the fishery will open at 12:00 noon on January 19th.

Any action to further delay or open the fishery will be announced in a subsequent ADF&G news release by 9 a.m. on Wednesday, January 18th.

For additional information, please contact ADF&G in Kodiak at (907) 486-1840.

Fish Calendar of Events

2012-01-16T14:50:00.003-09:00

WASSIP 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 17, 2012 Anchorage Hilton

Federal Subsistence Board 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 17th Anchorage Egan Center

AK Marine Science Symposium 8 a.m. on Jan. 17th Anchorage Hotel Captain Cook

IPHC Jan. 24 - 27, 2012 Anchorage Hotel Captain Cook

NPFMC Jan. 30 - Feb. 7, 2012 Renaissance Hotel - Seattle

For more information, go to: http://www.aebfish.org/ or click on the headline to this posting.

Borough to Send Two AEBSD High School Students to AYFS in Juneau

2012-01-16T11:45:00.003-09:00

The Aleutians East Borough would like to send two AEBSD high school students to the Alaska Young Fishermen's Summit (AYFS) in Juneau on February 13th and 14th. Acceptance for AEB-funded travel will be competitive, based on scholastic achievement (grades), prior involvement in the fishing industry and a one-page letter of interest to attend the Summit from the student.

As part of the AEB-funded trip to the AYFS, the Borough will provide round trip travel for two studnets from the home Borough community to Juneau, overnight lodging and appropriate school district approved chaperones for the trip, including overnight in Anchorage.

AEB Consultant and Former Speaker of the Alaska State House Sam Cotten is the key-note speaker for the event. He will meet with the AEB students during their stay.

Interested students should submit a letter of interest, including a summary of fishing industry experience to the Borough Clerk/Planner, Tina Anderson, by Thursday, January 19, 2012. Letters of interest should be submitted either in person, by fax to (907) 383-3496 or by email to tanderson@aeboro.org.

More information on the Alaska Young Fishermen's Summit can be found by clicking on the headline of this blog posting or cut and paste the link below into your browser:

http://seagrant/uaf.edu/map/workshops/2012/ayfs.index.html

2012 Chignick District Tanner Crab Season Delayed

2012-01-16T10:23:00.002-09:00

The National Weather Service (NWS) 4:00 am 48-hour marine forecast for Area 155 on January 16, 2011 contained a small craft advisory. According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), the Chignik District Tanner crab final registration and season opening will be delayed for 24 hours.

If the 48-hour marine weather forecast in Area 155 issued at 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 17th also contains a small craft advisory, final registration and the fishery opening will again be delayed for 24 hours.

If the 48-hour marine weather forecast for Area 155 issued Tuesday, January 17th does not contain a small craft advisory, final registration will begin at 1:00 Noon on January 17th and the fishery will open at 12:00 Noon on January 18th.

For additional information, please contact ADF&G in Kodiak at (907) 486-1840.

2012 South Peninsula District Tanner Crab Season Final Registration Requirements

2012-01-13T13:52:00.002-09:00

South Peninsula District Tanner crab vessel tank inspection will not be required prior to the start of the 2012 South Peninsula District Tanner crab fishery, according to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G). However, all vessel operators must validate their Tanner crab vessel registration with the ADF&G prior to participating in the fishery. Vessel operators may validate registrations no earlier than 12:00 noon on Saturday, January 14, 2012 unless final registration and the season opening have been delayed due to weather.

Vessel operators may validate registrations with ADF&G staff at the harbormaster offices in Sand Point and King Cove or from other locations by fax to the ADF&G office in Kodiak beginning 12:00 noon on Saturday, January 14, 2012 unless delayed by weather. The Kodiak ADF&G fax number is (907) 486-1824.

For additional information, please contact ADF&G in Kodiak at (907) 486-1840.

Call for Proposals: Alaska Board of Fisheries

2012-01-13T12:17:00.005-09:00

Proposal Deadline - 5 p.m., Tuesday, April 10, 2012

The Alaska Board of Fisheries is accepting proposed changes to the subsistence, commercial, personal use, sport, guided sport, and guided sport ecotourism finfish regulations for the Bristol Bay, Artic-Yukon-Kuskokwim and Alaska Peninsula/Aleutian Islands management areas. Finfish includes: salmon, herring, trout, groundfish, char, burbot, northern pike, whitefish, Pacific cod, sablefish, shark, pollock, etc., but does not include halibut.

The board is accepting proposed changes to the subsistence, commercial, personal use, sport, guided sport, and guided sport ecotourism finfish provisions regulations. Examples of "statewide finfish" regulations can be found in Title 5 of the Alaska Administrative Code and include, but are not limited to, policy for the management of sustainable salmon fisheries, policy for the management of mixed stock fisheries, policy for statewide salmon escapement goals, possession of sport-caught fish, fishing by proxy, etc.

To ensure that the proposed booklets are distributed well in advance of the board meetings and the fishing season, the board has set 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2012 as the proposal deadline.

Proposals may be submitted by mail, fax or online:
Mail:
ADF&G, Boards Support Section
P.O. Box 115526
Juneau, AK 99811-5526

Fax:
(907) 465-6094

Online:http:///boardoffisheries.adfg.alaska.gov/

Proposals must be received by the 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2012 deadline at the Board Support Section office in Juneau. A postmark is NOT sufficient for timely receipt. You are encouraged to submit proposals at the earliest possible date.

Please use the Board of Fisheries proposal form, available from any office of the Boards Support Section or on our website at:
http://www.boards.adfg.state.ak.us/fishinfo/index.php.

Proposals must contain a contact telephone number and address. Please print or type the individual's name or organization's name as appropriate. A fax is acceptable and considered an original. Currently, we are unable to accept submission of proposal via email. We are working with our information technology section and hope to be able to offer this option soon.

All proposals are reviewed by the board's proposal review committee prior to publication. Language that is emotionally charged detracts frm the substance of the proposal. It may draw opposition that may not be germane to the element(s) of the proposal and may elicit nonresponsive charges from the public/board members. The proposal review committee reserves the right to edit proposals containing offensive language. Proposals published in the proposal book will be referenced with the appropriate Alaska Administrative Code citation and include a brief description of the action requested. Following publication, proposal booklets will be available to advisory committees and the public for review and comment.

Proposals received per the above "Call for Proposals" deadline will be considered by the Board of Fisheries during the October 2012 through March 2013 meeting schedule.

For more information, please contact the Alaska Board of Fisheries Executive Director at (907) 465-4110.

Cold Bay's Strategic Location Ideally Suited for Transporting Live Crab to Asia

2012-01-13T11:44:00.004-09:00

By Ernie Weiss, AEB Natural Resources Director

It's an idea that's been around for quite a while, but whose time may finally have come: the transport of live crab directly from the Aleutians East Borough 'hub' port of Cold Bay to markets in China and other Asian countries.

Former Cold Bay terminal manager Monty Martin was a founding member of the Cold Bay International Airport Enhancement Committee (CIAEC) in the fall of 2009, soliciting support for the shipment of raw fish products such as king crab, cod milt, fresh salmon fillets and roe through the Cold Bay hub. The idea is far from new, but has new life, due to recent events.

Back from an official trip to China, Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Commissioner Susan Bell was featured on a recent KTUU Channel 2 news story.

"The administration is definitely increasing our visibility throughout the world, where we see opportunity for increasing our exports and building investment in Alaska, particularly adding value to our products," Bell said.

Last month, Commissioner Bell, along with Department of Transportation Commissioner Marc Luiken and other state officials, met with AEB Mayor Stanley Mack and other representatives from the Borough and crab industry. The Governor's Rural Affairs Advisor, John Moller, had set up the meeting for the attendees to discuss the potential new Asian-Alaskan seafood connections. The State of Alaska expects China to be its top export customer in 2012, overtaking Japan, which until recently, had been purchasing more of Alaska's goods than any other country.

Alaska Crab Coalition Executive Director Arni Thomson hand-carried a letter from Mayor Mack to the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) Board of Directors and shellfish committee meeting in Seattle.

"We believe the time is right and markets are ready for live crab harvested in Aleutian East Borough waters to be enjoyed worldwide," Mayor Mack said in his letter.

Additionally, Mayor Mack is looking for support from the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute in the AEB's effort to get a tarmac built to the new AEB airport terminal. State DOTPF will need to take the lead on getting an apron to the runway built.

Thomson has been working with Aleutians East Borough Natural Resources Director Ernie Weiss on the transport of live crab proposal for several months, building on previous work done by Monty Martin.

There is a heightened interest for live crab in China, Korea and other points in Asia, and there are 500 planes a week from Anchorage heading to Asia. However, this project aims not to take any business away from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, but to establish a brand new market option, making use of the location of the 10,415-foot main runway in Cold Bay (with the additional 5,125-foot crosswind runway) so critically close to the crab fishing grounds.

DOT Commissioner Luiken stated at the meeting that regulatory issues wouldn't be the biggest obstacle to the success of the project, but that success would depend on getting the interest of both the airlines and the processors. The business model needs to look at how much product will be available, and how often, to determine if the project is feasible. If needed, a customs agent should be a cost-sharing item between industry and government.

Jim Stone with the Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers told the teleconference that his group of harvesters and processors are planning on shipping live snow crab out of Dutch Harbor this January, but are expecting significant dead loss, due to the extra stop in Anchorage. The world class airfield in Cold Bay will support larger planes that can fly directly from the Aleutians East to Asia, eliminating nearly all dead loss.

Ernie Weiss will continue to work with DCCED Deputy Commissioner Curtis Thayer and Arni Thomson to facilitate the forward momentum of the initiative to ship live crab directly to China from Cold Bay.

NOAA Seeks Comment on Proposed 2012 and 2013 Harvest Specs for Groundfish in BSAI through Jan. 26th

2012-01-13T09:16:00.003-09:00

NOAA Fisheries proposes 2012 and 2013 harvest specifications, apportionments and prohibited species catch allowances for the groundfish of the Bering Sea and the Aleutian Islands management area. This action will establish harvest limits for groundfish during the 2012 and 2013 fishing years to conserve and manage the groundfish resources in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands according to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

To read more or submit a comment, click on the title of this post to go to that website.

Reminder: South Peninsula District Tanner Crab Pre-Season Stakeholders' Meeting on Jan. 13th

2012-01-11T09:23:00.004-09:00

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game will host a pre-season commercial shellfish and groundfish stakeholders' meeting this Friday, January 13, 2012 at 10 a.m. at the Borough office in Sand Point. The meeting will also be teleconferenced to the Harbor House in King Cove and the City office in False Pass. Nick Sagalkin, ADF&G Management Biologist and Kally Spalinger, ADF&G Trawl Survey Coordinator, will also dial in from Kodiak.

The purpose of this meeting is to provide commercial fishery stakeholders the opportunity to discuss the 2012 South Peninsula District Tanner crab fishery and recent changes to South Alaska Peninsula state-waters Pacific cod regulations. This meeting is open to the public and all interested parties are encouraged to attend.

For additional information, please contact Mark Stichert with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game in Kodiak at (907) 486-1853.

NPFMC Publishes February Meeting Agenda

2012-01-06T10:33:00.002-09:00

The agenda for the February 2012 North Pacific Fishery Management Council in Seattle is now available on the web. Copy the link below into your browser:
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/PDFdocuments/meetings/0212Agenda.pdf

or click on the title of this post to go directly there.

Happy New Year!

AEB Fishermen Meet with NOAA Officials to Discuss Pcod Sector Split Changes

2012-01-06T09:57:00.004-09:00

Aleutians East Borough (AEB) fishermen from King Cove, False Pass and Sand Point recently (12/28/11) met telephonically with NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Brent Pristas and Ken Hansen to discuss changes in the Pacific cod (Pcod) fishery with the implementation of the sector split beginning January 1, 2012. Also on the line were Nick Sagalkin and Mark Stichert from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The rules regarding the Federal Fisheries Permit (FFP) and License Limitation Program (LLP) are complex.

FFPs are is issued on a 3-year cycle, which started Jan. 1, 2012. Fishermen who surrender their FFP will not get it back for 3 years. They may amend the FFP as many times as needed. For example, some FFP holders may wish to amend the FFP by removing the Pcod endorsement, thereby allowing the vessel operator to turn off the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS). Pollock and Pcod are VMS fisheries, and pollock and Pcod endorsements on the FFP require the VMS to be on during those fishery openings.

To amend the FFP, the permit owner should download the form from the www.alaskafisheries.noaa.gov website and fax the completed 3-page form to the Restricted Access Management (RAM) division in Juneau. RAM will mail the permit back within 1 - 2 days.

Both the FFP and the LLP can have Pcod endorsements. Fishermen who hold an FFP, and fish in the parallel fishery (inside 3 miles) must also hold an LLP with a Pcod endorsement applicable to the adjacent federal water fishery. The reason for this rule is to limit the fishing effort and to prevent other FFP holders from moving inside 3 miles and into the local parallel fishery. Fishermen who don't hold an FFP do not need the LLP to fish in the parallel fishery. Those who hold an LLP with a Pcod endorsement do not need an FFP to fish in the parallel fishery. In fact, fishermen who wold an LLP don't need an FFP unless they are fishing for halibut or groundfish in federal waters.

Halibut and Sablefish IFQ fishermen are required to retain bycatch of Pcod less than 20%. An FFP is required in federal waters, however, a Pcod endorsement is not required for halibut and sablefish.

Jig fishermen using 5 jig machines, one line per machine, and a maximum of 30 hooks per line, do not need an FFP to fish in the parallel fishery. Fishermen who have an FFP and jig with 5 or fewer machines (as described above) in the parallel fishery, do not need an LLP. Jig vessels need an FFP to fish in waters outside of 3 miles, and vessels that carry 6 or more machines must have an LLP with a jig endorsement.

Detailed information regarding FFPs and LLPs can be found in Federal Fisheries Regulations: 50 CFR 679.4 and at 50 CFR 679.7(b).

The above information is not intended to supplement or substitute fishery regulations, but is merely an attempt by AEB staff to describe the explanations by NOAA Enforcement to AEB fishermen.

The following information regarding Western Gulf of Alaska Pacific cod and Pollock 2012 allocations is from NOAA Sustainable Fisheries in Kodiak:

Western Gulf of Alaska (WGOA) Pollock 2012 seasonal allocations:

A season 5797 tons
B season 5797 tons
C season 9338 tons
D season 9338 tons
Total: 32,070 tons

Western Gulf of Alaska (WGOA) Pacific cod 2012 sector allocations by season: Jig gear sector receives 1.5% of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) in WGOA

Jig A season: 189 tons B season: 126 tons Total: 315 tons
Hook and Line Catcher Vessel(HAL CV) A season: 145 tons B season: 145 tons Total: 290 tons
Hook and Line Catcher Processor A season: 2257 tons B season: 1843 tons Total: 4100 tons
Trawl CV A season: 5736 tons B season: 2216 tons Total: 7952 tons
Trawl CP A season: 186 tons B season: 311 tons Total: 497 tons
Pot CV / CP A season: 4100 tons B season: 3769 tons Total: 7869 tons
Total WGOA Pcod TAC 21,023 tons

Fisheries management will determine rollovers between sectors, usually in mid-November.

Day 2 of Dec. NPFMC AP meeting

2011-12-06T19:08:00.001-09:00

Crazy times at the AP. As we addressed a discussion paper on Chinook salmon bycatch, Julie Bonney testified that we 'thoughtfully' move forward with forming a stakeholder group to create a GOA groundfish Catch Share program. This agenda item was moved two days early, because of NMFS staff schedules. The AP motion, to move down the Gulf Ratz Road, passed 11- 8. I voted with the 'super 8' minority on this.In a more sane afternoon, the AP voted to recommend the Council take final action to approve Adak as a CQE community. APICDA and Akutan Hugh Pelkey also got a win from the AP, which voted to bring back the analysis for 'fish up' in areas 4A & 4B. I voted for both of these motions.For instant updates from the Hilton, listen to the Council online, or check aebfish.org, at the bottom of the page for Facebook updates...

Interim Halibut meeting

2011-12-01T11:49:00.003-09:00

The International Pacific Halibut Commission met this week to discuss recommendations for catch limits for 2012 and future research projects . This was the interim meeting; the annual meeting will occur in Anchorage, January 24 - 27. In area 3B the catch is recommended to drop 32% from 7.5 million pounds in 2011 to just over 5 million pounds in 2012. You can find the IPHC recommendations for all areas here.
One research project of note is the Ichthyophonus Prevalence Pilot Study. Ichthyophonus is a internal parasite that can be found in all visceral organs and musculature of infected hosts. It has been isolated from over 80 fish species worldwide, and effects of infection vary greatly among individual and host species. IPHC scientists don't want to speculate, but agree that the parasite COULD be a cause of the low growth of halibut in the Pacific. Initially, the parasite has been found in 26.6% of halibut in the Bering Sea, 33.8% off the Oregon coast, and an alarming 76.7% of the halibut in Prince William Sound.

AEB Gets a Win at the Board of Fish

2011-10-11T12:50:00.003-08:00

AEB fishermen got their sought-after language in the adopted Alaska Board of Fisheries motion, which will coordinate the opening of the state Pacific cod fishery with the closure of the soon-to-be implemented gear sector split federal fishery. The Board of Fish meeting began Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011. The Board took action on the South Alaska Peninsula proposals on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2011.

Proposal 21, submitted by a group of Sand Point fishermen, requested that the fishery start seven days after the closure of the federal pot cod season or March 1st, whichever is later. Proposal 22 submitted by the King Cove Advisory Committee, asked that the state season start March 15th or seven days after the federal season, whichever comes later. Before the Board of Fish meetings began, the King Cove and Sand Point fishermen groups agreed on a compromise date of March 7th as a date certain to pen the state fishery, or seven days after the closure of the federal pot cod season. The state Pacific cod season will open seven days after the federal season closes, or March 7th, whichever is later.

The Board also formalized the de facto jig allocation to 15% of the quota. The board at first turned down an amendment by Sue Jeffery to institute the 15 % allocation. However, it later became apparent that other sections of the proposed regulation referenced the jig guideline harvest level (GHL), so they needed to specify it. Until now, the regulations have only indicated the pot sector allocation at 85% in the South Alaska Peninsula Pacific cod plan.

Ernie Weiss, Sam Cotten and area fishermen Melvin Larsen, Gary Mack and Raymond Nutt were all at the meetings discussing the issues with Board members and participating in the committee and the Board process.

Highlights from the Oct. 2011 NPFMC Meeting

2011-10-11T11:44:00.003-08:00

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council met in Unalaska Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2011. In attendance for TAC were E. Larry Gromoff and Clem Tillion. Also attending: Everett Anderson with APICDA, Dave Frasier with AC/DC and Simeon Swetzof, the Mayor of St. Paul.

A few Council members and other interested persons took a Trident-sponsored trip to Akutan on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011. The group toured the plant and met with some locals, including Joe Bereskin, Mayor of Akutan.

The Council dealt with the following issues:

Salmon FMP: Federal law requires the Council to have a fishery management plan (FMP) for all fish in federal waters. The current plan allows the state to manage all salmon. The council wants to maintain the status quo. There were some folks who asked the Council to get involved in Cook Inlet salmon issues. They complained that the state was letting too many fish up the Kenai River, thereby denying the commercial fishermen revenue.

Groundfish Harvest Specifications: The Council made preliminary recommendations for harvest levels in October. The groundfish plan team will meet in November after receiving the stock assessment information and will then give their recommendations to the Council. The Council will make final recommendations at the December 2011 meeting.

Crab: Pribilof blue king crab stocks are severely depleted, and the Council is required by law to come up with a rebuilding plan. The proposed plans include more restrictions on fishing in the area, although even with the proposed restrictions, the stocks are not expected to adequately rebuild. Bristol Bay red king crab quota will be about half of last year, while the opines are significantly up. Crab harvest levels are set by the State of Alaska.

Observer Program: The new, restructured obeserver program is still on schedule to begin in Jan. 2013. Vessels 40' - 60' will now get some coverage, depending on the data requirements of the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Halibut: The Council elected to wait until next year to begin efforts to reduce halibut by-catch. Council members could have lowered the prohibited species catch (PC) limits this December during the harvest specification process. Instead, they decided to consider reductions using a regulatory amendment. Bottom line reductions will not happen for 2012 and may be in place in 2013.

Adak: The Council advanced a proposal to allow Adak to become a community quota entity (ICQ). The Council may take final action in December. Allowing Adak to achieve ICQ status gives AC/DC the right to purchase 4B halibut and black cod individual fishing quota (IFQ). The Council temporarily relaxed the residency requirements of the program in order to allow Adak to attract participants interested in leasing the quota from AC/DC. Area 4B halibut IFQ "D" shares must be fished on vessels 35' or less. The Council took no action on a proposal to allow "D" share owners to "fish up" or use a larger vessel. Everett Anderson of APICDA had asked for the "fish up" opportunity. Atka residents own some "D" share halibut and wanted to use larger vessels, citing safety reasons and the fact that years ago, the Council allowed 3B "D" shares to "fish up". The Council decided to take no action and wait to see how the CQE program shakes out. Other developments that bear watching included the renewed operation of the plant in Adak and the improvements to the Atka plant.

AEB's Natural Resources Director & Fisheries Consultant Traveling to Region This Week for Meetings

2011-09-16T14:24:00.002-08:00

With so many important fisheries-related meetings coming up, the Aleutians East Borough is scheduling a teleconference at 4 p.m. on Monday, September 19, 2011 so fishermen can meet with the Borough Natural Resources team. Natural Resources Director Ernie Weiss will be in Sand Point for the meeting. AEB Fisheries Consultant Sam Cotten will be in False Pass during the meeting. Borough Clerk/Planner Tina Anderson will be setting up the teleconference to include the AEB office in Sand Point, the King Cove Harbor House, the False Pass City office and the Akutan City building. Discussion items will include:

WASSIP (Sept. 21, 22, 2011)
NPFMC (Sept. 26 - Oct. 4, 2011)
Board of Fisheries (Oct. 6 - 10, 2011)

Ernie will arrive in Sand Point at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011. He will stay until his departure the following day at 6:30 p.m. If you'd like to reach him today(Friday, Sept. 16, 2011), his office number in Anchorage is (907) 274-7557. On Sunday and Monday, the best way to reach him would be via email or cell phone. His email is eweiss@aeboro.org. His cell number is (907) 306-9395. He will visit the harbor house and the Borough office while in Sand Point.

Sam will travel to False Pass, Nelson Lagoon and Cold Bay next week (Sept. 19 - 23, 2011). He will be in Cold Bay for about 90 minutes on Monday, Sept. 19th from 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m. He'll be in False Pass from 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 19th until 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20th. Next on his itinerary is Nelson Lagoon. He will be there Tuesday morning, Sept. 20th through Friday morning, Sept. 23rd (until 11:20 a.m.). Any fishermen interested in meeting with Sam while he's visiting those communities should contact him by cell or email. His cell number is (907) 242-1197. His email is samc.er@gci.net.

Log on to aebfish.org for updates on the AEB fisheries meeting and other upcoming meetings.

Fish Council Sets 25,000 Cap on Chinook Salmon Bycatch in Gulf Pollock Fishery

2011-06-14T10:34:00.002-08:00

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council took final action over the weekend and set a 25,000 cap on Chinook salmon bycatch in the Gulf of Alaska pollock fishery. During deliberations in Nome, the Council considered a range of caps from 15,000 to 30,000.

Before reaching their decision, Council members listened to testimony from the pollock industry, requesting the least restrictive cap. They also heard testimony and received a signed letter from more than 500 fishermen and coastal Alaskans requesting that the Council choose the preferred alternative of 22,500 kings. In the end, the majority of Council members voted in favor of setting a 25,000 limit to provide fishing vessels with more cushion so they would be able to catch the allowable amount of pollock without coming up against the Chinook cap.

Commerce Announces 2011 Regional Fishery Appointments

2011-06-02T16:21:00.002-08:00

Appointments Include Returning Members Eric Olson of Alaska and John Henderschedt of Washington

The Commerce Department announced the appointment of 21 new and returning members to the eight regional fishery management councils. The appointments include Eric Olson of Alaska and John Henderschedt of Washington, who are returning to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council for another term.

Click on the title of this post or go to the link below to see the press release:

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2011/20110602_fishmanagementcouncil.html

South Unimak and Shumagin Islands June Fisheries Opens to Commercial Salmon Fishing June 7th

2011-06-01T12:20:00.003-08:00

The South Unimak and Shumagin Islands June fisheries will open to commercial salmon fishing during the follwing times and dates:

From 6 a.m. Tuesday, June 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 10
From 6 a.m. Sunday, June 12 to 10 p.m. Wednesday June 15
From 6 a.m. Friday, June 17 to 10 pm Monday, June 20
From 6 a.m. Wednesday, June 22 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 25
From 6 a.m. Monday, June 27 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, June 29

The June fishery occurs in the following districts and sections:
Unimak District
Bechevin Bay Section of the Northwestern District
Southwestern District
West and East Pavlof Bay sections of the South Central District
Shumagin Islands Section of the Southeastern District

All closed waters in the above locations will be as described in the regulation book or as adjusted by emergency order.

Subsistence permits for the Alaska Peninsula are available in the Alaska Department of Fish and Game offices in Sand Point, Cold Bay and Port Moller. Subsistence fishermen must obtain a permit and have it in their possession while harvesting salmon under subsistence guildelines.

Salmon fishery announcements will be broadcast on VHF channels 6 and 73 daily at 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and may also be obtained from ADF&G in Sand Point at (907) 383-2334.

ADF&G to Hold Preseason Fishery Stakeholder's Meeting in Sand Point, King Cove

2011-05-27T10:50:00.002-08:00

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game will be conducting a preseason fishery stakeholder's meeting at the Aleutians East Borough building in Sand Point at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 2, 2011 and at the Harbor House in King Cove at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 3, 2011. The purpose of these meetings is to provide all interested parties an opportunity to discuss the upcoming salmon season with ADF&G staff.

Topics covered will include:

2011 salmon outlook
2011 management strategy
2011 department test fisheries
New ADF&G News Release system
Other topics as time permits

To obtain further information, please contact the Sand Point Fish and Game office at (907) 383-2066.

ADF&G Provides New System for Commercial, Subsistence and Personal Use Fishery News Releases

2011-05-25T15:26:00.005-08:00

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is providing a new online system for distributing and subscribing to news releases for commercial fishery openings, closings, fishing areas, times and non-regulatory updates about specific fisheries. This system will also allow users to find announcements about subsistence fisheries and those personal use fisheries managed by the Division of Commercial Fisheries.

From now until May 30, you may preview the new system and subscribe to news releases for specific fisheries. The subscriptions will be activated with the new system on May 31.

During the preview period, there will be a limited number of news releases posted to the new system. Starting on May 31, all fishery news releases and announcements will be available in the new system and subscribers will automatically receive their news releases and announcements via email.

Click on the title of this post to get to the new system, instructions for use and subscription sign up.

News from Aleutia

2011-05-25T14:58:00.005-08:00

Aleutia's annual membership meeting will be held tomorrow (Thursday, May 26, 2011) at 7 p.m. at the Aleutians East Borough Building in Sand Point. Those in King Cove, Nelson Lagoon and False Pass can listen in and participate via telephone. Aleutia hopes to arrange for lines to be open at the King Cove Harbor House, the Nelson Lagoon Tribal Office and the False Pass City Office. Seats in Nelson Lagoon and False Pass are up for election. Those who attend in Sand Point will be able to sample Aleutia's new smoked salmon product.

Speaking of Aleutia smoked salmon, the New Sagaya retail store in Anchorage will be featuring this delicious sockeye in their stores soon. Next time you're in New Sagaya, make sure to pick up a 4-ounce package. It's a great way to support the region. Aleutia smoked salmon is now being offered at the Sand Point lounge and will soon be featured in the King Cove bar. Bill Cumberlidge is also overseeing some sales in Sand Point. Give Audrey Foster a call at (907) 383-5909 for information about the meeting or any of Aleutia's programs.

Upcoming Fishery Meetings in the Region:

2011-05-11T11:17:00.002-08:00

The SEDM charter sampling meeting will be held on May 17, 2011.

The Federal Fishery Observer Meeting will also be held on May 17, 2011.

The CFEC discussion of limited entry into the State Waters Pacific cod fishery and Alaska Peninsula crab fisheries will be held on May 18, 2011.

All meetings will begin at 2 p.m. and will be held at the Aleutians East Borough offices in Sand Point.

Dial in instructions will be posted in advance of the meeting.

BOF Deadline: May 16th - Last Day to Submit Proposals for Pacific Cod Fisheries

2011-05-11T11:09:00.003-08:00

The Alaska Board of Fisheries is extending the proposal deadline from April 8, 2011 to May 16, 2011 for Pacific cod fishery regulations for the Prince William Sound Area (Registration Area E), Cook Inlet Area (Registration Area H), Kodiak Area (Registration Area K), Chignik Area (Registration Area L) and South Alaska Peninsula Area (Registration Area M). Proposed changes would address coordination of the state-waters and all regulations dealing with Pacific cod fishing seasons with Gulf of Alaska federal sector splits scheduled for implementation in January 2012.

Proposals may be submitted by mail, fax or online. For more information, visit the link below.

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/regulations/regprocess/fisheriesboard/pdfs/2011-2012/call_supplemental462011.pdf

BOF Executive Director Retires; New Executive Director Named

2011-05-11T10:58:00.002-08:00

Jim Marcotte, the Executive Director of the Alaska Board of Fisheries, begins his retirement in just a couple of days. His last day on the job will be Friday, May 13, 2011. Marcotte has served as Executive Director for the Board of Fisheries since Jan. 4, 2006. Previously, Marcotte served as Executive Director of the Board of Game for two years before his promotion. He started with the Alaska Board Support Section in 1995.

Monica Wellard, Assistant Director for Fish & Game - Sport Fish, will soon fill his shoes as the new Executive Director for the Board of Fisheries. Wellard will take the helm on Monday, May 16, 2011.

Federal Subsistence Board Asks for Lower Gulf Salmon Bycatch

2011-05-11T10:43:00.003-08:00

The Federal Subsistence Board announced last week that it's recommending the North Pacific Fishery Management Council significantly decrease the salmon bycatch in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea pollock fisheries. The Board voted at its May 3 - 4, 2011 meeting in Anchorage to propose a hard cap of 15,000 Chinook caught as bycatch in the Gulf, and a hard cap of 50,000 chum salmon in the Bering Sea pollock fishery.

During its April meeting, the Council adopted a preliminary preferred alternative of a prohibited species catch limit of 22,500 Chinook salmon for the western and central Gulf of Alaska pollock fisheries. The Council is scheduled to take final action on king salmon bycatch in the Gulf of Alaska groundfish fishery during its June meeting in Nome. The Council will take final action on Bering Sea bycatch of chum salmon at its December meeting in Anchorage.

The Board also agreed with a federal recommendation that two subsistence suers be added to its membership. For more information, visit the links below:

http://www.thedutchharborfisherman.com/article/1118federal_subsistence_board_wants_lower_salmon

http://aprn.org/2011/05/04/subsistence-board-pushing-for-hard-limits-on-bycatch/

AK Board of Fisheries - King and Tanner Crab, and Supplemental Issues - List of Actions Taken

2011-03-26T12:07:00.003-08:00

List of Actions Taken on 3/26/11:

Proposal #89 - Motion Carried - Vote: 7 to 0 - Establish weather delay criteria for opening the Chignik District Tanner crab fishery.
Proposal #307 - Motion Carried - Vote: 7 to 0 - Reduce the minimum size for Bering Sea Tanner crab.
Proposal #308 - Motion Carried as Amended - Vote: 7 to 0 - Limit the size of subsistence crab pots from June - October.
Proposal #309 - Motion Carried - Vote: 6 to 1 - Modify Alaska Peninsula Area king and South Peninsula District Tanner crab pot limits.
Proposal #310 - No Action - Modify Alaska Peninsula Area king crab pot limits.
Proposal #315 - Motion Carried - Vote: 7 to 0 - Clarify restriction on use of sport, personal or subsistence caught shellfish by owner, operator, or employee of a lodge, charter vessel, or other enterprise that furnishes.
Proposal #316 - Motion Failed - Vote: 0 to 7 - Allow for a January 15 crab season in Cook Inlet.
Proposal #317 - Motion Failed - Vote: 0 to 7 - Amend season dates for Tanner crab.
Proposal #318 - Motion Carried - Vote: 6 to 1 - Allow a three-person gear limit for Tanner crab per vessel.
Proposal #319 - Motion Carried - Vote: 7 to 0 - Repeal personal use regulations for taking crab in the Kodiak Area.
Proposal #320 - Motion Carried - Vote: 7 to 0 - Repeal personal use regulations for taking crab in the Kodiak Area.
Proposal #333 - Motion Carried - Vote: 7 to 0 - Clarify regulation on terminating a joint operation of dual permits in the Bristol Bay.

AK Board of Fisheries - King and Tanner Crab, and Supplemental Issues - List of Actions Taken

2011-03-26T09:24:00.006-08:00

List of Actions Taken on 3/25/11

Proposal #299 - Motion Failed - In the Aleutian Islands golden king crab fishery, allow fishery to extend beyond May 15 if total allowable catch not achieved.

Proposal #300 - Motion Carried - Vote: 6 to 1 - In the Aleutian Islands golden king crab fishery, increase the biodegradable twine requirement to 90 thread.

Proposal #301 - Motion Failed - Vote: 0 to 7 - Change boundary in the Bering Sea District Tanner crab fishery.

Proposal #302 - Motion Carried - Vote: 7 to 0 - Amend onboard observer standards.

Proposal #303 - Motion Carried - Vote: 7 to 0 - Amend onboard observer standards.

Proposal #304 - Motion Carried - Vote: 7 to 0 - Modify preaseason pot storage criteria in the Eastern Aleutian District Tanner crab fishery.

Proposal #305 - No Action - Change fishing season for St. Matthew Island blue king crab fishery (withdrawn by author).

Proposal #306 - Motion Failed - Vote: 0 to 7 - Escape mechanism for king crab pots in Norton Sounds.

Proposal #311 - Motion Failed - Establish an Alaska Peninsula Community Harvest Area in the Bering Sea for king and Tanner crab, and establish community subsistence harvest permit conditions.

Proposal #312 - No Action - Modify Alaska Peninsula-Aleutian Islands king and Tanner crab subsistence bag and possession regulations to accommodate Community Harvest Permit.

Proposal #313 - No Action - Modify king and Tanner crab subsistence customary and traditional use findings for Alaska Peninsula-Aleutian Islands Area.

Proposal #314 - No Action - Modify statewide shellfish subsistence proxy methods for Community Harvest Permit.

Proposal A - Motion Carried - Vote: 5 to 2 - Steller sea lion measures in Aleutian Islands parallel Pacific cod fishery. (Proposal A was adopted as an emergency regulation by the board on January 19, 2011, and it expressed its intent to make the regulation permanent. The board scheduled public comment on the regulation at this meeting.)

BOF Meeting Scheduled March 22nd - 26th at Anchorage Hilton Hotel

2011-03-21T15:10:00.002-08:00

The Alaska Board of Fisheries (BOF) is scheduled to meet at the Anchorage Hilton Hotel March 22 - 26, 2011 to discuss king and tanner crab statewide, except Southeast/Yakutat and supplemental issues.

Click on the title of this blog post to access the BOF link to meeting information.

Reminder: Council Plans to Adopt Preliminary Preferred Alternative on Chinook Salmon Bycatch Restrictions at Next Meeting

2011-03-09T14:50:00.002-09:00

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council is scheduled to adopt a preliminary preferred alternative on chinook salmon bycatch restrictions governing the Gulf pollock trawl fleet at its next meeting (March 30 - April 5, 2011) in Anchorage. This may be the last opportunity local fishermen will have to work on the chinook bycatch measures for the Western Gulf of Alaska pollock fishery.

Last week, Aleutians East Borough Mayor Stanley Mack sent a letter to the Council, requesting that the Council take more time to develop regulations addressing chinook bycatch in the GOA pollock fishery so local fishermen, who will be most affected, can participate in the process (Click on title of this blog posting to see letter in Fish News).

Click on the links below for the Council agenda and the GOA Chinook salmon bycatch motion.

http://www.alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/npfmc/Agendas/311Agenda.pdf

http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/current_issues/bycatch/GOAchinookbycatchMotion211.pdf

2011 South Alaska Peninsula Area State-Waters P. Cod Season Opening Delayed

2011-02-24T09:06:00.002-09:00

Emergency Order Number 40GF-07-11

According to the Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), the South Alaska Peninsula Area state-waters Pacific cod season opening will be delayed for 24 hours until 12 p.m. (Noon) on Friday, Feb. 25, 2011 because of severe weather conditions. The National Weather Service (NWS) marine weather 48-hour forecast issued at 4 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011 for Area 155 contained gale warnings.

If the NWS Area 155 marine weather 48-hour forecast issued at 4 a.m., February 25, contains gale warnings, the season will be delayed for an additinal 24 hours. Season opening delays may continue on a rolling basis for 7 days beyond the initial opening date.

ADF&G will manage the 2011 South Peninsula Area state-waters Pacific cod fishery based on in-season reports from fishery participants. Reports will be taken daily, starting at 9 a.m. by Matrix dispatch (7894), phone (907) 486-1840 or email: mark.stichert@alaska.gov .

For further details, contact the Alaska Department of Fish & Game in Kodiak at (907) 486-1840.

Aleutian Islands Dist. 2011 State-Waters P. Cod GHL Announced

2011-02-09T14:00:00.007-09:00

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the guideline harvest level (GHL) for the 2011 Aleutian Islands District state-waters Pacific cod season is 15,542,430 pounds. The GHL will be apportioned so that a maximum of 70% is available prior to June 10 (A season), and 30% plus any unharvested amount from the A season is available beginning June 10 (B season). The state-waters season will take place inside state waters of the Aleutian Islands District west of 170 degrees W longitude.

GHL (pounds)

A Season prior to June 10: 10,879,701

B Season beginning on June 10: 4,662,729

Total: 15,542,430

The state-waters Pacific cod season in the Aleutian Islands District will open, as announced in a subsequent news release, four days after the closure of the initial parallel catcher-vessel trawl season for Pacific cod in the federal Bering Sea-Aleutian Islands Area. The parallel Pacific cod season is closed in the Aleutian Islands west of 170 degrees W long. during the state-waters Pacific cod season. Fishermen should note that the management plan provides for the parallel season to be opened, and the state-waters season closed, on April 1 and September 1.

The daily harvest limit of Pacific cod in the state-waters season for each vessel is 150,000 pounds round weight, with a maximum of 150,000 pounds of unprocessed Pacific cod on board the vessel at any time.

For more information, click on the headline of this blog post.

NMFS Extends Comment Period on Proposed Fishing Restrictions in Far Western Aleutian Islands

2011-01-11T12:01:00.009-09:00

Comment Period for Western Steller Sea Lions Protection Measure Rule Pushed Back 45 Days

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service is extending the comment period for the interim final rule to reduce commercial fishing for groundfish stocks in the far western Aleutian Islands. The original public comment period for the interim final rule ends tomorrow (Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011). Today, NMFS filed a notice with the Federal Register to extend the public comment period for an additional 45 days to February 28, 2011.

NMFS claims the fishing restrictions in the far western Aleutian Islands are necessary to protect food sources for endangered Steller sea lions. However, Governor Parnell and a number of commercial fishing groups say NOAA's response is too drastic and that the agency's conclusion isn't supported by the best available scientific information. The State of Alaska filed a lawsuit last month in an attempt to stop NMFS from implementing the restrictions. Earlier this month, several commercial fishing groups also filed suit.

The original comment period occurred over the holiday season, limiting the number of work days available to the public for developing a response to this action. Various stakeholders and members of the public requested more time, so NOAA's Fisheries Service filed for the extension.

For more details, click on the headline of this post to see the press release.

South AK Peninsula Area Tanner Crab & State Waters P. Cod Preseason Stakeholders' Meeting To Be Held in King Cove

2011-01-03T10:32:00.006-09:00

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game will host a preseason commercial shellfish stakeholders' meeting on Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 10 a.m. at the Harbor House in King Cove. The purpose of this meeting is to provide commercial stakeholders an opportunity to discuss the 2011 South Alaska Peninsula Area Tanner crab and state waters Pacific cod fisheries with ADF&G management staff. This meeting is open to the public and all interested parties are encouraged to attend. Sand Point residents may participate by teleconference at the Borough Building. False Pass residents may participate by teleconference at the City Office.

Topics to be covered include:

2011 Tanner crab and Pacific cod guideline harvest levels (GHLs)

Commercial shellfish and groundfish fishing regulations

ADF&G management strategies

In-season catch reporting and dockside sampling

Statewide king and Tanner crab Board of Fisheries proposals

Other shellfish or groundfish issues as time permits

For additional information, please contact March Stichert with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game in Kodiak at (907) 486-1840.

Governor Selects Cora Campbell to Serve as Commissioner for Fish & Game

2010-12-23T12:40:00.003-09:00

Governor Parnell Names Cora Campbell as Commissioner of Alaska Fish & Game.
Here is the press release below:

Dec. 22, 2010, Juneau, AK -- Governor Sean Parnell today appointed Cora Campbell as commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Campbell's name was one of two submitted for the position by the Joint Board of Fisheries and Game. Campbell has been serving as acting commissioner since December 1.

"I commend the joint board for sending me two well-qualified candidates, both whom I know and respect," Governor Parnell said. "Cora Campbell's fisheries experience and broad understanding of wildlife management make her a great fit for the agency."

As action commissioner, Campbell represented the State of Alaska on numerous bodies, including the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, which overseas commercial and sport fisheries in federal waters off Alaska. Prior to this appointment, she served as a policy advisor for wildlife, environmental conservation, natural resources, Arctic issues, climate change and fisheries in her role as special assistant to Governor Parnell.

"I'm honored to serve in this capacity, and look forward to working with agency staff and the public to sustain Alaska's world-class fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities," said Campbell.

Campbell has served two governors, and was first appointed in May 2007 as Governor Palin's fisheries policy advisor. Her responsibilities included oversight of state fisheries policies, chairing the Fisheries and Oceans subcabinets, serving on the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute Board of Directors, and coordinating activities of the agencies involved in regulation and development of the state's subsistence, personal use, sport and commercial fisheries. Campbell's responsibilities later expanded to include wildlife and other natural resource and environmental issues.

Prior to her service in the governor's office, Campbell worked in state and federal fishery and regulatory forums, served as executive director of a regional fishing association with an emphasis on economic development and cooperative research, supervised a public outreach program focusing on the federal subsistence process and served on numerous boards and committees, including the advisory panels to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and the North Pacific Research Board. She has also fished commercially for salmon, herring and crab, and managed shore operations for a diversified fishing business.

A lifelong Alaskan originally from Petersburg, Campbell graduated from Pacific Lutheran University. She will be based in Juneau.

NOAA Extends Public Comment Timeline

2010-08-26T10:08:00.002-08:00

NPFMC Recommends Less Restrictive RPA for Western, Central Aleutian Islands

NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced this week that the agency is extending the public comment period for the draft 2010 Groundfish Biological Opinion (BiOp) until 5 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time on September 3, 2010. The original comment deadline was Friday, August 27, 2010. NMFS received numerous requests to extend the timeline, so the agency pushed the comment deadline back by one week.

In the draft opinion, NMFS proposed closing the Atka mackerel and Pacific Cod fisheries in the Western Aleutian Islands and restricting the Atka mackerel and Pacific cod fisheries in the Central Aleutian Islands (Areas 541 and 542). The agency was criticized by the fishing industry for what many said were shortcomings, such as stating as if they were fact, conclusions that have a very high degree of uncertainty associated with them.

Some from the fishing industry expressed concern that widespread closures would result in a large displacement of fishing to the Bering Sea. Currently, some fishermen from Sand Point’s fishing fleet, the largest in the Aleutians East Borough, go to Adak to fish, which spreads out the fleet. However, if NMFS’s recommendations were approved, those restrictive proposals would force them to fish locally, increasing competition.

Last week (Sept. 16 - 20, 2010) the North Pacific Fishery Management Council held a special meeting to review the BiOp. As a result, the Council unanimously passed a motion recommending that NMFS consider another reasonable and prudent alternative (RPA) with less restrictive fishery closures in the Western and Central Aleutian Islands. The Council outlined this RPA in its News & Notes August 2010 Newsletter. The Council’s proposed modified protections would protect Steller sea lion rookeries from competition from fishing in the areas and times needed, but would still allow a portion of the Atka mackerel fishery to continue in the Western Aleutians. The modifications would also allow the cod fishery to continue largely as-is.

The Council recommended a 2-year sunset provision for the mitigation measures. The measures could potentially either be renewed or replaced with another set of measures prior to the sunset date. NOAA plans to consider recommendations from the Council and the public when it develops the final 2010 Groundfish Biological Opinion. NMFS will present the final reasonable and prudent alternative at its October 2010 meeting. The agency will also present an updated analysis of fishery impacts associated with any revisions to the implemented RPA. The final BiOp and rulemaking to implement the management measures in the final RPA is scheduled to be completed by January 2011. For more details, visit the links below.

NMFS Releases Draft 2010 Biological Opinion: Greatest concern - Area 543 - Western and Central Aleutians

2010-08-02T12:38:00.022-08:00

NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has released the long-awaited draft 2010 Groundfish Biological Opinion. It is available online (see link below). The North Pacific Fishery Management Council plans to discuss it during the August 16 - 19, 2010 special meeting at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage.

The agency found jeopardy in the western and central Aleutian Islands reporting areas. The document includes a Reasonable and Prudent Alternative, a portion of which includes:

• Area 543: closure of the Atka mackerel and Pacific cod fishery.

• Area 542: 3-mile closure at Kanaga Island/Ship Rock for groundfish;
10-mile closure from critical habitat for fixed gear Pacific cod from January 1 to June 10; 20-mile closure from critical habitat for trawl cod year-round; no fishing in the area for Pacific cod between Nov. 1 - Dec. 31 by anyone.
20-mile closure from critical habitat year-round for Atka mackerel; Atka mackerel total allowable catch set at 47 %; eliminate HLA platoon system; change Atka mackerel seasons from January 20 - June 10 for A season and June 10 - November 1 for B season.

• Area 541: 10-mile closure for Pacific cod year round; 10 - 20-mile closure for fixed gear Pacific cod from January 1 - June 10; 10 - 20-mile closure for Pacific cod by trawl gear between June 10 - November 1; prohibit all Pacific cod harvest between November 1 - December 31.

Info on Port Moller Test Fishery Indicies Available on ADF&G Website

2010-06-30T10:26:00.005-08:00

AEB Fish Blog recently received a question from Linda Ralston who asked whether there is a Website containing curent information about the Port Moller test fishery indicies. AEB Fish Blog contacted ADF&G Area Management Biologist Bob Murphy in Port Moller. He said the Website to go to is:

http://csfish.adfg.state.ak.us/mariner/brbcatch/brbsummary.php or click on the headline/title of this blog, and that will take you to the Website. There is a Port Moller link beneath the title: Bristol Bay Inseason Salmon Reports on the right side. It contains daily and cumulative indicies. Any other questions regarding the Port Moller fishery indicies should be directed to:

Bob Murphy
ADF&G Area Management Biologist
Port Moller, AK
Phone: (907) 375-2716
email: robert.murphy@alaska.gov

Thank you for your question, Linda.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Reappoints Sam Cotten to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council

2010-06-24T10:00:00.005-08:00

NOAA announced yesterday (June 23, 2010) that the U.S. Commerce Secretary has reappointed Sam Cotten to the North Pacific Fishery Management Coucil. Sam’s current term was scheduled to expire in August of this year. He has served three years on the Council. Sam is also the AEB’s fisheries consultant.

Three months ago, Governor Parnell forwarded his nominations for consideration by the Commerce Secretary. Those nominations to fill the Council’s Alaska seats were Duncan Fields of Kodiak and James Hubbard of Seward. The governor nominated Sam as an alternate. Afterwards, several cities and tribal councils and many individuals from the region wrote letters of support for Sam and sent them to Commerce Secretary Gary Locke.

Altogether, Locke announced the appointments of 19 new and returning members to the eight regional fishery management councils. In addition to Sam’s appointment, Locke also appointed Duncan Fields, who will serve another three-year term on the North Pacific Fishery Management Council.

“The individuals selected for the councils are keenly qualified for these important positions,” said Eric Schwaab, NOAA Assistant Administrator for NOAA’s Fisheries Service, in a press release. “They are the experts -- fishermen and scientists, leaders in their regions -- who will help us achieve sustainable fisheries and maintain vibrant fishing communities.”

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional councils established by the 1976 Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act (later renamed the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) to oversee management of the nation’s marine fisheries. The Council has jurisdiction over 900,000 square miles of ocean, from three to 200 miles off Alaska’s shores. Its primary responsibility is to manage pollock, cod, halibut, sole and other groundfish.

Area M Commercial Fishermen Volunteer To Sit Out First Opening of June Salmon Fishery

2010-06-07T19:38:00.009-08:00

Seiners Recognize Concerns Surrounding
Chum Runs in A-Y-K

Sand Point, AK – June 7, 2010 – The purse seine fleet in Sand Point and King Cove has decided to stand down this week during the first sockeye salmon opening for 2010 in Area M. The Area M fishery is located around Alaska’s Eastern Aleutian Islands and Western Peninsula on the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea. The first opening began today at 6 a.m. (June 7, 2010) and ends at 10 p.m. on June 10, 2010.

Chum salmon is a controversial issue. Although existing data indicates that the chum salmon catch during the Area M fishery has only a small impact on A-Y-K (Arctic Yukon Kuskokwim) chums, many residents living in the A-Y-K believe otherwise.

During two separate meetings late last week, Area M fishermen debated what action they might take in response to A-Y-K chum concerns. Seine vessel captains gathered in Sand Point City Council Chambers and at the harbor house in King Cove last Thursday and Friday evening while they hashed out their options for several hours. Their final decision was based on high amounts of chum caught during the subsistence harvest. Giving up fishing time after a long winter is a difficult decision.

“My husband is sitting on the beach right now,” said Sand Point resident Tina Anderson, “and that’s lost income to my family.”

However, the Area M fleet has learned that as long as A-Y-K residents and the Alaska Board of Fisheries believe Area M’s fishery is having a serious impact on their runs, the fleet in the Aleutians East region is under great political scrutiny.

“Area M seiners recognize the concerns of residents living in the A-Y-K (Arctic Yukon Kuskokwim region) who believe we’re catching high numbers of chums,” said Glen Gardner, Jr., a seiner and the Mayor of the City of Sand Point. “We view our stand down as a positive gesture of solidarity.”

“We’re all fishermen who feed our families and make our living in Alaska waters,” said Sand Point seiner Robin Larsen. “Our fleets are also primarily Alaska Natives. We are sympathetic to the plight of families in the A-Y-K.”

For decades, Area M fishermen have been plagued by accusations that they are affecting commercial and subsistence chum salmon runs in the A-Y-K. In 2001, the Alaska Board of Fisheries implemented severe restrictions which nearly bankrupted the entire Area M fishing fleet. The fishermen lost nearly 70 percent of their fishing time. However, scientific evidence shows that the Area M sockeye salmon fishery has very little impact on the chum salmon stock.

“Area M fishermen have been managed with chum caps, windows and other restrictions,” said Sand Point seiner and resident Dick Jacobsen. “Our fishery was very nearly destroyed.”

Impacts were so severe that by 2002, the Aleutians East region’s poverty rates skyrocketed. Fishermen lost their boats and permits. In 2004, the Board of Fisheries lifted the restrictions to pre-2001 levels after finding no evidence that previous chum salmon fishing restrictions made any improvement in chum runs in the A-Y-K.

“Local fishermen still fear they may lose the time they got back,” said Sand Point resident and fisherman Melvin Larsen. “So we’re trying to be proactive about this controversial issue.”

“We are active supporters of the scientific effort to genetically identify the stocks of chum present in our fishery,” said Raymond Koso, Jr. “That effort is currently under way. But until that work is done, any conclusions are just speculation at best.”

“We can’t do anything about the chum runs in the A-Y-K,” Mayor Gardner added. “But what we can do is show support for our neighbors to the northwest by standing down during the first run of the salmon season.”

For more information, visit http://www.aleutianseast.org/ .

ADF&G To Conduct Test Sockeye Salmon Fishery in the SEDM

2010-06-02T11:33:00.003-08:00

Bids Due June 11 for Charter Set Gillnet
Fishing Vessels for Test Fishery

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is soliciting bids to charter up to three set gillnet fishing vessels to conduct test fishing in the Southeastern District Mainland (SEDM) on June 16, June 21, July 7 and July 13, 2010. Additional test fishing may be required as determined by the Department.

The test fishery will be used to evaluate the genetic stock composition of sockeye salmon in the SEDM. Test fishing will be conducted at three locations determined by the Department, including: East Stepovak, near Swedania Point, and only during the month of June, the Northwest Stepovak Section. All fish caught and revenue generated from the sale of those fish will become the property of the State of Alaska. Interested bidders must have prior experience set gillnetting in this area, provide all necessary equipment and be willing to fish a full complement of gear. A Department employee will be aboard the charter vessels while fishing to monitor and sample the catch.

The Request for Quotation (RFQ) format for the 2010 test fishery will be based on a percentage of the catch value, not to exceed 80% of the value. Bids should be based on a percentage of the value of the catch. The contract will be awarded to the bidders with the lowest percentage of the total value of the catch. Bids for greater than 80% of the value of the catch, will be rejected. Bids must be received at the Fish and Game office in Sand Point prior to 5:00 p.m., Friday, June 11, 2010.

Page 1 of the RFQ form may be faxed to the Sand Point office at (907) 383-2606. Please call the Sand Point Area Manager at (907) 383-2066 after faxing to verify receipt of your bid.

Learn more about the SEDM Genetic Stock Identification 2012 - 2012 by clicking on this link.

ADF&G Announces Commercial Salmon June Fishery Dates in South Unimak and the Shumagin Islands

2010-06-02T11:17:00.004-08:00

According to a press release from the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, the South Unimak and Shumagin Islands June fisheries will open to commercial fishing during the following times and dates:

6 a.m. Mon., June 7, 2010 until 10 p.m. Thurs., June 10, 2010
6 a.m. Sat., June 12, 2010 until 10 p.m. Tues., June 15, 2010
6 a.m. Thurs., June 17, 2010 until 10 p.m. Sun., June 20, 2010
6 a.m. Tues., June 22, 2010 until 10 p.m., Fri., June 25, 2010
6 a.m. Sun., June 27, 2010 until 10 p.m., Tues., June 29, 2010

The June fishery occurs in the following districts and sections:

Unimak District
Bechevin Bay Section of the Northwestern District
Southwestern District
West and East Pavlof Bay sections of the South Central District
Shumagin Islands Section of the Southeastern District

All closed waters in the above locations will be as described in the regulation book or as adjusted by emergency order.

Subsistence permits for the Alaska Peninsula are available in the Alaska Department of Fish & Game offices in Sand Point, Cold Bay and Port Moller. Subsistence fishermen must obtain a permit and have it in their possession while harvesting salmon under subsistence guidelines.

Statistical charts and harvest strategies are available at the Sand Point, Cold Bay and Port Moller Fish & Game offices. News releases and commercial salmon fishing regulations can be found on the ADF&G website at www.cf.adfg.state.ak.us . Salmon fishery announcements will be broadcast on VHF channels 6 and 73 daily at 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. and may also be obtained from ADF&G in Sand Point at (907) 383-2334 (383-ADFG).

Senators Call for 3-Year Moratorium on Discharge Permits for Commercial Vessels

2010-05-26T15:33:00.001-08:00

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) have introduced a bipartisan bill (S.3372) this month that extends the current moratorium on permit requirements for commercial and charter fishing vessels and other commercial vessels under 79 feet long. The legislation calls for a three-year extension of the moratorium on permits for discharges under the Clean Water Act.

The current two-year moratorium is scheduled to expire on July 31, 2010. The Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) and the Coast Guard were instructed to conduct a study to examine the effects of discharges incidental to the normal operation of such vessels. The senators say the results of the study have not been fully analyzed, and it will be nearly impossible for the EPA to issue the permits by July 31. That would put the vessels in violation of the Clean Water Act for any kind of incidental discharge. The senators say more time is needed to evaluate the study before determining whether these discharges need to be regulated.

Click on the title of this blog post to read more in the press release.

ADF&G To Hold Pre-Season Fishery Stakeholders' Meeting in Sand Point and King Cove

2010-05-25T10:28:00.003-08:00

Below is a press release from the Alaska Department of Fish & Game:

SAND POINT COMMERCIAL SALMON FISHERY ANNOUNCEMENT # 01

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game will be conducting a preseason fishery stakeholder's meeting at the Aleutians East Borough building in Sand Point at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 2 and at the Harbor House in King Cove at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, June 3. The purpose of these meetings is to provide all interested parties an opportunity to discuss the upcoming salmon season with ADF&G staff.

Topics covered will include:

* 2010 regulatory changes
* 2010 salmon outlook
* 2010 management strategy
* 2010 department test fisheries
* Other topics as time permits

To obtain further information, please contact the Sand Point Fish and
Game office at (907) 383-2066.

NPFMC Meets June 9 - 15, 2010 in Sitka

2010-05-25T10:23:00.002-08:00

Major Issues Include Chum Bycatch, Rockfish Catch Share Program

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) is scheduled to meet June 9 - 15, 2010 in Sitka at Centennial Hall. The Council plans to review a discussion paper on the Bering Sea Aleutian Islands (BSAI) chum salmon bycatch issue and finalize alternatives for analysis. The Council will also get an update on chum and Chinook salmon genetics research and sampling design.

Other major issues include the Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program, the Amendment 80 Program and the Gulf of Alaska Pacific cod sideboards for crab vessels. The Council plans to take final action on the rockfish catch share program. The NPFMC is also expected to take final action on the amendment for lost vessel replacement (Amendment 80 Program). In addition, there will be an initial review of an analysis for the Gulf of Alaska Pacific cod sideboards for crab vessels. Currently, some crab boats are restricted from fishing for cod in the western Gulf. A proposal was put forth to allow these boats to fish in the fall if it appeared that the federal B season cod was not likely to be harvested. However, there may be little interest in this proposal now because of the Pacific cod sector split that was approved late last year. For more information, click on the title of this post to read the draft agenda.

NPFMC Meets April 6 - 13, 2010 in Anchorage

2010-04-05T09:26:00.007-08:00

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (NPFMC's) Advisory Panel (AP) and the Scientific Statistical Committee (SSC) are meeting today, April 6, 2010, at the Anchorage Hilton Hotel. The Council will begin meetings on Thursday, April 8, 2010 and plans to wrap up on April 13, 2010. Major issues include:

• Final action on groundfish annual catch limit requirements.
• Bering Sea Crab Rationalization Program:
Emergency exemptions from regionalization - stakeholder proposals.
Final action on western Aleutian Islands golden king crab regional delivery.
Crab management:
Preliminary review of Bering Sea Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Crab Annual Catch Limit Analysis and BSAI Snow/Tanner crab rebuilding plans.
• Preliminary Review of Pribilof blue king crab rebuilding plan.
• Groundfish issues:
Initial review: analysis for controlling Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Tanner crab bycatch.
Review discussion paper on GOA Chinook Salmon Bycatch.
Receive Amendment 80 Coop. report - Action as necessary.
• GOA Rockfish Program: Initial review of analysis for Central GOA limited access rockfish program.

For more information, click on the title of this post for a link to the agenda, or point your browser to: http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/Agendas/410agenda.pdf.

Gov. Parnell Announces Appointments to Alaska Board of Fisheries

2010-04-01T13:12:00.003-08:00

Governor Sean Parnell reappointed Claud "Vince" Webster to the Alaska Board of Fisheries yesterday. He also appointed Thomas G. Kluberton of Talkeetna to a seat on the board. The remaining vacancy, created after Janet Woods stepped down, will be filled within 30 days, as required by law. For more information, read the press release below from the Governor's Web page.

April 1, 2010, Juneau, Alaska - Governor Sean Parnell yesterday reappointed Claude “Vince” Webster of King Salmon and appointed Thomas G. Kluberton of Talkeetna to the state Board of Fisheries.

The seven-member Board of Fisheries is responsible for conservation and development of the state’s fishery resources by setting seasons, bag limits, methods and means for the state’s subsistence, commercial, sport, guided sport, and personal use fisheries. The board sets fishery management policy, and makes the allocation decisions which the Department of Fish and Game must carry out through its management of fishery resources. Appointees are subject to legislative confirmation.

Webster is finishing his first term on the Board of Fisheries, and is the current board chair. He is a set gillnetter in the Kvichak district in Bristol Bay, and a drift gillnet fisherman in the Naknek district. Webster is also an engineering equipment operator for the National Park Service, and previously worked as facilities and maintenance director for the Lake & Peninsula Borough School District.

Kluberton is the innkeeper at Fireweed Station Inn near Talkeetna. He served as a member of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly from 2006-09, and served on the borough mayor’s Blue Ribbon Sportsman’s Committee during that time. Kluberton was co-owner of K&K Service & Rental, and director of market research for Netsys Technologies Inc. He also worked as an information systems and management consultant for the State of Alaska.

The remaining vacancy on the Board of Fisheries, created by the resignation of Janet Woods on March 26, 2010, will be filled within 30 days as required by statute.
###

State Pacific Cod Season Closes Tonight

2010-03-23T14:44:00.002-08:00

The state Pacific cod season closes tonight, March 23, 2010, at 11:59 p.m. in the Western Gulf of Alaska.

Alaska Board of Fisheries Releases Results from Statewide Finfish, Supplemental Issues, Subsistence Finding Standards and Chitina Dipnet Fishery

2010-03-23T08:47:00.004-08:00

The Alaska Board of Fisheries has released results from the recent meeting in Anchorage on Statewide Finfish, Supplemental Issues, Subsistence Finding Standards, and the Chitina Dipnet Fishery. The meeting took place March 16 - 21, 2010 at the Hilton Hotel, Anchorage.

Results:

NA 164 Revise unlawful possession of subsistence finfish regulations.
NA 165 Delay opening personal use fishery until escapement goal is met.
F 166 Eliminate requirement of having a sport fishing license to fish in personal use fisheries.
C/A 167 Modify definition of mechanical jigging machine. (Amended to clarify lures or baited hooks could be used and that mechanical jigging machines may not be fished unattached to the vessel.)
F 168 Repeal the 58-foot length limit on salmon seine vessels in Alaska.
F 169 Amend criteria for the allocation of fishery resources.
NA 170 Clarify regulations establishing escapement goals.
NA 171 Clarify escapement goals and establish ranges.
C/A 172 Provide definition for escapement goal threshold. (Amended to provide specific regulatory language.)
C/A 173 Amend management plan for parallel groundfish fisheries. (Amended to provide specific regulatory language.)
F 174 Amend lawful gear for groundfish.
F 175 Establish statewide bag limit for sablefish.
C/A 176 Increase bag limit for spiny dogfish. (Amended to specify a bag and possession limit of five fish, with no annual limit.)
F 177 Establish statewide bag limit for thornyhead rockfish.
C 178 Clarify emergency order authority.
F 179 Clarify emergency order authority.
C/A 180 Define electric fishing reels. (Substitute language amended back to original language, it maximum of 15 pounds, not including attached power cord.)
NA 181 Clarify definition of fishing rod and electric reel.
F 182 Prohibit use of electric reels.
NA 183 Prohibit use of electric reels.
C/A 184 Prohibit use of felt sole wading boots. (Adopted with a statewide effective date of January 1, 2012)
C 185 Clarify definition of underwater spear.
NA 186 Allow the use of underwater spear.
F 187 Allow the use of bait by disabled anglers.
C 188 Modify sport fishing regulations for halibut.
NA 189 Require a client-guide agreement for each client on a sport fishing charter trip.
F 190 Allow crew members to retain fish when clients are onboard.
F 191 Define official time for sport fisheries.
F 192 Establish a definition of artificial fly.
C/A 195 Close summer commercial Dungeness crab fishery in Southeast Alaska District 2. (Set a season date from 12:00 noon October 1 through 11:59 p.m. February 28 for District 2.)
C 196 Adjust the total allowable catch for the Bering Sea C. opilio Tanner crab commercial fishery.
T 197 Reduce the minimum size limit for Tanner crab in the Bering Sea commercial fishery. (Tabled to March 2011 meeting.)
C 198 Remove the minimum total allowable catch in the Saint Matthew Island blue king crab fishery.
C 200 Adopt subsistence finding standards.
F 201 Find a customary and traditional use of salmon stocks in the Chitina Subdistrict of the Copper River and establish amounts necessary for subsistence.

Other actions:
The board denied a petition for emergency action on Slikok Creek Chinook salmon submitted by the Kenai Area Fisherman’s Association.
The board denied a request to hold a public hearing on Upper Cook Inlet Finfish proposals in October 2010 four months prior to the scheduled regulatory meeting.
The board approved a delegation of authority for regulation amendments to coordinate with federal fishery regulations and to correct an error in regulations that occurred after the 2005 King and Tanner crab meeting.
The board approved a draft letter to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (council) on pending actions related to Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) crab. The letter specifically addresses annual catch limits, rebuilding plans, and bycatch considerations.

The board scheduled a regulatory meeting for October 2011 to address Pacific cod fisheries in the Prince William Sound Area (Registration Area E), Cook Inlet Area (Registration Area H), Kodiak Area (Registration Area K), Chignik Area (Registration Area L), and South Alaska Peninsula Area (Registration Area M). Specific dates for the meeting are to be set during the October 2010 worksession in order to consider changes is state regulations in light of federal Gulf of Alaska sector splits. The board approved a draft call for proposals and set a proposal deadline of April 8, 2011. The board also decided to send a letter to the Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association asking for an update on its cost recovery fishery.

C = Carried; C/A = Carried as amended; F = Failed; NA = No action; T = Tabled; T/A = Tabled as amended

SSL BiOp Delayed Again

2010-03-22T10:44:00.003-08:00

The latest word is that the National Marine Fisheries Service's draft biological opinion (BiOp) on Steller Sea Lions is being delayed again. The draft opinion was orignally scheduled for release on March 1, 2010. Then it was added to the agenda for the April 6- 14, 2010 North Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting. However, the latest word is it won't be ready for the April meeting. Findings on the status of the engangered species could impact fishing regulations around Alaska. So far, a revised date has not been released. Stay tuned for the latest on this issue!

Deadline for Board of Fisheries Proposals is April 9th

2010-03-19T12:03:00.004-08:00

The Alaska Board of Fisheries (BOF) has posted a deadline for proposals on its Web site. Proposals are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 9, 2010. Only 21 days remain.

BOF is accepting proposed changes to the subsistence, commercial, personal use, sport, guided sport, and guided sport ecotourism finfish provisions regulations for the Cook Inlet, Kodiak and Chignik finfish management areas. Finfish includes: salmon, herring, trout, groundfish, char, burbot, northern pike, whitefish, etc.

In addition, the board is accepting proposed changes to the subsistence, commercial, personal use, sport, guided sport, and guided sport ecotourism king and Tanner crab shellfish regulations for all areas of the state (except Southeast and Yakutat areas). This includes regional king and Tanner crab management areas. For more information, click on the title of this post for a link to the BOF announcement.

Alaska Board of Fisheries Takes up Statewide Finfish Proposals in Anchorage

2010-03-16T16:35:00.003-08:00

Starting today (March 16 - 21, 2010), the Alaska Board of Fisheries will focus on 32 statewide finfish proposals, supplemental issues, subsistence finding standards and the Chitina dipnet fishery. Two of the proposals may be of interest to fishermen in Area M:

• 168: Repeal length limit on salmon seine vessels in Alaska
• 174: Amend lawful gear for groundfish

Proposal #168 would repeal the 58-foot limit on the length of vessels in the salmon purse seine fishery. Proposal sponsor Darrell Kapp said because the current law doesn’t limit capacity increases, some fishermen add width and depth as a way to increase vessel capacity for the fishery. Kapp added that even with a bulbous bow, fishermen consumer more fuel than necessary, and the current length restriction produces inefficient vessels.

Proposal #174, sponsored by Aleutians East Borough Mayor and fisherman Stanley Mack, would expand the state waters Pacific cod fishery to include gillnet fishing for small boat fishing. This fishery would be modeled after the Norwegian fishery. Each vessel would be restricted to a total of 200 fathoms of gear.

To listen to the BOF's Live Audio Feed, point your browser to:
http://www.boards.adfg.state.ak.us/fishinfo/index.php

ADF&G Announces Weather Delay for South Alaska Peninsula State-Waters Pacific Cod Opening

2010-02-26T15:22:00.004-09:00

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has announced that the South Alaska Peninsula state-waters Pacific cod opening has been delayed until noon tomorrow (Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010), weather-permitting. ADF&G’s Westward Region said it’s possible the weather may cause another delay. Fish and Game will post another update between 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010. The National Weather Service will issue its marine weather 48-hour forecast at 4:00 a.m. tomorrow.

During the 2007 Board of Fisheries meeting, a weather-delay provision for the South Alaska Peninsula state-waters Pacific cod fishery was adopted into regulation. The regulation states that if the National Weather Service marine weather forecast for Area 155 calls for gale warnings (35 knots), the opening will be delayed for 24 hours.

To avoid any confusion, the forecast must contain a gale warning, not a small craft advisory, for a delay to occur.

If you'd like to post a comment on AEB Fish Blog, here's how to do it:

Click on "Comment" below the latest post. A box will appear for you to type in your remarks. Then click on "Comment As". Choose "Name/URL" (or choose "anonymous", and you're done). If you've chosen to type in your name, go to the next step. For "URL", type in: www.aleutianseast.org or another Web site that you're affiliated with.

That's all there is to it.

Post your Comments

2010-02-25T17:15:00.005-09:00

If you'd like to post a comment on AEB Fish Blog, here's how to do it:

Click on "Comment" below the latest post. A box will appear for you to type in your remarks. Then click on "Comment As". Choose "Name/URL" (or choose "anonymous", and you're done). If you've chosen to type in your name, go to the next step. For "URL", type in: www.aleutianseast.org or another Web site that you're affiliated with.

That's all there is to it.

Alaska Board of Fisheries wraps up deliberations on AK Peninsula/Aleutian Islands Finfish Proposals

2010-02-07T10:05:00.007-09:00

The Alaska Board of Fisheries (BOF) wrapped up deliberations on Committee D's proposals (Alaska Peninsula/Aleutian Islands finfish proposals) this afternoon (Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010). Committee D was the last of four committees. Altogether, the BOF considered 65 proposals during its deliberation Feb. 2 - 7, 2010 at the Egan Civic & Convention Center in Anchorage. For the results and a brief summary of each of the proposals, scroll down to earlier posts in this blog. To listen to archived recordings of the meeting, go to KSDP Sand Point Radio. Click on the title of this post or copy and paste this link into your browser: http://apradio.org/ .

BOF - Committee D - Proposal Results & Brief Summary - AK Peninsula/Aleutian Islands finfish

2010-02-07T08:53:00.002-09:00

#163 Passed. Vote: 6 to 0. Proposed by ADF&G. Simplify bag and possession limits for king salmon in Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian Islands Area.

#29 No Action. (Based on fail vote on #30). Proposed by Roland Briggs. Allow Area T permit in Alaska Peninsula Area, Jan. 1 - Dec. 31.

#30 Failed. Vote: 1 to 4. Yes vote: Johnstone. Proposed by Roland Briggs. Allow Area T permit in Alaska Peninsula Area, Jan. 1 - Dec. 31

#145 No Action. (Based on #146 passing). Proposed by Lower Bristol Bay AC. Amend the weekly opening and closing times in Inner Port Heiden and Ilnik sections.

#146 Passed. Vote: 6 to 0. Proposed by Roland Briggs. Amend the weekly opening and closing times in Cinder River Section.

#147 Failed. Vote: 0 to 6. Proposed by Ray Johnson and Brian Hartman. Restrict openings in Northern District unless local escapement goals are met.

#148 Failed. Vote: 0 to 6. Proposed by Ray Johnson and Brian Hartman. Institute windows in Northern District.

#149 Failed. Vote: 0 to 6. Proposed by Kurt Johnson. Modify the management of Ilnik Section.

#150 No Action. (Based on failure vote of #151). Proposed by Kurt Johnson. Close Outer Port Heiden Section to gillnet fishing from June 20 to July 15.

#151 Failed. Vote: 3 to 3. Proposed by Lower Bristol Bay AC. Close Outer Port Heiden Section.

#152 Failed. Vote: 0 to 6. Proposed by Roland Briggs. Modify Northern District Fisheries Management Plan.

#153 No Action. Proposed by Sand Point AC. Allow purse seine gear inside Ilnik Lagoon.

#154 Failed. Vote: 0 to 6. Proposed by Ray Johnson and Brian Hartman. Change the gear mesh depth to 45 meshes in Northern District.

#155 No Action. Proposed by Roland Briggs. Allow set gillnet gear in Outer Port Heiden Section.

#156 Passed as Amended. Vote: 6 to 0. Proposed by Roland Briggs. Change seaward gillnet distance in Cinder River, Port Heiden, and Ilnik sections.

#157 Passed. 6 to 0. Proposed by Concerned Area M Fishermen. Change the angle of the boundary line in Outer Port Heiden Section.

Board of Fisheries Plans to Deliberate Committee D's Proposals Tomorrow

2010-02-06T17:18:00.001-09:00

The BOF plans to take up Committee D's proposals starting at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010. They're hoping to wrap up by noon.

Committee B Proposals - Results & Brief Summary - BOF - AK Peninsula/Aleutian Islands finfish

2010-02-06T17:03:00.005-09:00

#160 No Action. Proposed by Edgan Smith. Modify the length of seine webbing used as a lead for set gillnet gear from 10 fathoms to 50 fathoms.

#161 No Action. Proposed by Sand Point AC. Modify the length of seine webbing used as a lead for set gillnet gear from 10 fathoms to 50 fathoms.

#162 Passed. Vote: 6 to 0. Proposed by John A. Foster. Modify the length of seine webbing used as a lead for set gillnet gear from 10 fathoms to 25 fathoms.

#115 No Action. Proposed by Concerned Area M Fishermen. Require participation in a chum pool.

#116 Failed. Vote: 0 to 5. Proposed by Kurt Johnson. Reinstate the 8.3 percent allocation of the pre-season Bristol Bay sockeye salmon forecast. Board member Webster abstained from voting because of a conflict.

#117 No Action. Proposed by Concerned Area M Fishermen. Modify the depth of drift and set gillnet gear.

#118 Failed. Vote: 0 to 6. Proposed by Concerned Area M Fishermen. Modify the Post-June Salmon Management Plan fishing schedule.

#119 No Action. Proposed by Melvin R. Larsen. Modify the Post-June Salmon Management Plan fishing schedule.

#120 No Action. Proposed by King Cove AC. Modify the Post-June Salmon Management Plan fishing schedule.

#121 No Action. Proposed by Danny Cumberlidge. Modify the Post-June Salmon Management Plan fishing schedule.

#122 Failed. Vote: 0 to 6. Proposed by AK Pen. Coastal Fishermen Assn. Modify the Post-June Salmon Management Plan fishing schedule.

#123 No Action. Proposed by Dale Pedersen. Modify the Post-June Salmon Management Plan fishing schedule.

#124 No Action. Proposed by Sand Point AC. Address current commercial salmon fishing opportunity.

#125 Failed. Vote 3 to 3. Proposed by Sand Point AC. Allow commercial salmon fishing in all terminal areas.

#126 No Action. Proposed by Melvin R. Larsen. Extend the existing terminal areas.

#127 Failed. Vote: 0 to 6. Proposed by Jack Berntsen. Repeal the immature salmon test fishery or increase the threshold.

#128 No Action. Proposed by Melvin R. Larsen. Allow the seine fishery based on a ratio of the number of immature salmon caught.

#129 Passed. Proposed by Sand Point AC. Extend the commercial salmon fishing season.

#130 Failed. Proposed by Concerned Area M Fishermen. Modify the depth of drift and set gillnet gear.

#131 Passed as Amended. Proposed by Patrick Brown. Allow for the use of gillnets with mesh size less than five and one-quarter inches.

BOF - Committee C - Proposal Results

2010-02-06T14:13:00.003-09:00

Proposal #
#158 Passed as amended. Vote: 6 to 0. Proposed by Daniel F. Veerhusen. Change the Dutch Harbor food and bait herring set gillnet allocation. RC 73, pg. 4.

#159 Passed as amended. Vote: 6 to 0. Proposed by Daniel F. Veerhusen. Allow seine gear in the Adak herring fishery. RC 73.

#132 No action. Proposed by Jim Smith. Allow harvest opportunity in SEDM.

#133 Failed. Vote: 3 to 3. Proposed by Jack R. Foster Jr. Establish a schedule in SEDM of 72-hour fishing periods. Yes votes: Morris, Delo, Jensen. No votes: Brown, Johnston, Webster.

#134 No action. (Based on #133.) Proposed by Sand Point AC. Modify the percentage of sockeye salmon caught in SEDM.

#135 No action. Proposed by Alaska Peninsula Coastal fishermen’s Assn. Modify the SEDM allocation criteria.

#136 No action. Proposed by Sand Point AC. Modify the level of sockeye salmon harvest ensured to Chignik Management Area.

#137 No Action. Proposed by John A. Foster. Modify the allocation to allow incremental fishing time in SEDM.

#138 No action. Proposed by Sand Point AC. Allow concurrent fishing periods in SEDM and Chignik areas.

#139 Passed. Vote: 6 to 0. Proposed by ADF&G. Modify the description of closed waters in Grub Gulch.

#140 Failed. Vote: 0 to 6. Proposed by BOF. Repeal the closed waters near Kupreanof Point.

#141 No action. (Based on #140). Proposed by Jack Bernsten. Open Kupreanof Area to fishing for both Area M and Chignik fishermen on alternating schedules.

#142 Passed. Vote: 4 to 2. Proposed by Jim Smith. Open the waters of Dorenoi Bay to commercial salmon fishing from June 1 to June 25. No votes: Brown, Johnston.

#143 No action. (Based on #142). Proposed by Sand Point AC. Open the waters of Dorenoi Bay to commercial salmon fishing before July 25.

#144 Failed. Vote: 0 to 6. Proposed by Sand Point AC. Modify the description of all closed waters in Stepovak Bay.

BOF Committee A Proposal Results

2010-02-06T08:50:00.011-09:00

Proposal #

#101 Passed as amended - Vote: 6 to 0 - ADF&G Proposal - Cleans up boundary language. RC 71, pg. 3&4.

#102 Passed - Vote: 6 to 0 - ADF&G Proposal: Cleans up regs.

#103 Passed as amended - Vote: 5 to 1 - King Cove A. C. Proposal - Under 58’ - cod fishery. RC 71, Pg. 7 (No vote: Jensen).

#104 Failed - Vote: 3 to 3 - Sand Point AC Proposal - Under 58’ year round cod & pollock. Yes votes: Brown, Johnston, Webster.

#105 Failed - Vote: 0 to 6 - Sand Point AC Proposal - Exclude longline gear from P. cod fishery.

#106 Failed - Vote: 0 to 6 - Dale Petersen’s Proposal- gear limits year round in the cod fishery.

#107 Failed - Vote: 0 to 6 - AK Pen. Coastal Fisheries Assn. Proposal - Parallel fisheries.

#108 Failed - Vote: 0 to 6- Sand Point AC Proposal - 50 % P. cod quota in state waters.

#109 No Action - (based on action taken on #108). King Cove AC Proposal - 50 % P. cod quota in state waters.

#110 Failed - Vote: 3 to 3 - King Cove AC Proposal - 7-day stand down for Bering Sea cod boats. Yes votes: Morris, Brown, Delo.

#111 Passed as amended - Vote: 6 to 0 - Unalaska/Dutch Harbor AC Proposal - Close part of Unalaska Bay to trawl gear. RC 68. Map: RC 85.

#112 Passed - Vote: 6 to 0 - ADF&G Proposal - BSAI - groundfish pot storage requirements.

#113 Passed as amended - Vote: 6 to 0 - ADF&G Proposal - Aleutian Islands cod management. RC 71, pg. 24.

#114 Passed as amended - Vote 6 to 0 - Daniel T. Gunn’s Proposal - Allow pot vessels 100 feet or less in the B Season after Sept. 15th in the Aleutian Islands. RC 71, pg. 26.

First Three Committees Wrap up; Committee D is winding Down

2010-02-04T16:46:00.004-09:00

Committees A, B and C wrapped up their work on several Alaska Peninsula/Aleutian Island finfish proposals this afternoon during the Board of Fisheries meetings. Committee D is winding down, and should finish up early this evening. The minutes from all the committees are expected to be available tomorrow morning. (Friday, Feb. 6, 2010.) When the Board goes back into session at 8 a.m. tomorrow, they will begin streaming (broadcasting) the proceedings live.

Fishermen and Organizations Sign Up for Committees - BOF - Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian Islands - Proposals

2010-02-04T13:23:00.004-09:00

Committee A - South Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian Islands Groundfish

Board committee members: Brown (chair), Morris, Delo

(14 Proposals)

Frank Kelty Dutch/UnAK AC
Grant Newton King Cove AC
Kenny Down Freezer Longline Co.
Patrick Burns Blue North Fisheries
David Polushkin K-Bay Fisheries Assoc.
Kris Norosz Icicle Seafoods
Dan Gunn Self
Lloyd Johnessen Self
Melanie Rotter Self
Dan Martin Northern Victor Coop.
Mike Sharrah/Rick Koss ACDC
Carol Foster Self
Bert Ashley F/V Goldrush
Dick Jacobson Sand Point / Aleut Corp.
Brent Paine UCBA Trawlers

Committee B : Salmon Gear Requirements, June and Post June Fishery
Board committee members: Jensen (chair), Woods, Johnstone
(20 Proposals)

Grant Newton King Cove AC
Don Bumps Chiguak AC
Virgil Umphenour Fairbanks AC
Dan Dunway Nush AC
Abe Williams Naknek AC
Jack Fagerstrom N. Norton AC
Melvin Larsen Area M Seine
Gene Sandone Lower Yukon
Art Nelson
Mike Kurtz Area M Seine
Tim Andrew Kusko
Mike Smith Upper Yukon/Interior
Mike Sloan Norton
Tom Wooding Area M Driftnetter
Dale Schwartzmiller Processor
Robert Hayano BB
Pat Martin Area M Driftnetter
Ben Mobeck Area M Setnetter
John Foster Area M Setnetter
Johnathan Forsling Togiak Seafoods
Rachel Allen Chignik
Chuck McCallum Lake and Peninsula

Committee C: Herring and Salmon
Board committee members: Delo (chair), Jensen, Woods
(15 Proposals)

Frank Kelty UnAK/Dutch AC
Abe Williams Nak/Kvi AC
Don Bumpus Chignik AC
Dan Dunaway Nushagak AC
Virgil Umphenour Fairbanks AC
John Foster Sand Point AC
Dean Anderson Self and other for Prop 140 Seiner
Chuck McCallum Lake and Peninsula
Mark Wagener Area M Set
Tony Gregorio Self Chignik
Wally Hinderer Self Chignik
Ken Wilson Self
Mike Kurtz Self Sand Point
Rachel Allen Self Chignik
Ben Allen Self Chignik
Dan Veerhusen Self 158-159 author
Paul Gronholdt Self Sand Point
Melvin Larsen Self Sand Point
Duane Kapp Self Setneter
Rod Campbell USFWS/OSM Fed. Rep
Drew Sparlin Self Setnet S.P.
Patrick Brown Self Area M Setnet
David Osterback Sand Point Seiner

Committee D : Salmon: Sportfish and North Peninsula Management
Board committee members: Morris (chair), Johnstone, Brown
(16 Proposals)

Ralph Zimin BBDGN NAK/KVI AC
Roland Briggs Ugashik
Johnathon Forsling Village Togiak
Art Woinowsky Ugashik DGN
Fred Marinkovich AIFMA DGN
Brian Hartman Nelson Lagoon S&DGN
Mark Briski Peter Pan/Pt. Moller
Kurt Johnson BB DGN Nak/Kvi
Victoria Briggs Ugashik Processor
Theo Chesley Nelson Lagoon DGN
Brad Barr CAMF SGN
Fritz Johnson BB DGN
Robin Samuelson BBEDC/BB DGN
Frank Woods Port Heiden DGN
Pat Martin CAMF DGN
Tom Wooding APFC DGN
Ane Williams Nak/Kvi AC

BOF Committees Will Meet at 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 4th

2010-02-03T16:43:00.001-09:00

BOF Committees are scheduled to meet at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010.

Listen to Yesterday's Archived Audio of BOF Testimony on KSDP

2010-02-03T13:58:00.004-09:00

Missed yesterday's testimony from the Board of Fisheries meeting in Anchorage? Not to worry. Click on the title of this post or cut and paste this Web site address:
http://apradio.org/listen-to-ak-board-of-fisheries-from-tues-feb-2nd-2010/
to listen to the archived meeting audio. KSDP uploaded an MP3 of it and posted it on their Web site. Today's testimony/hearing will be available tonight. Go to KSDP's Web site to listen to it: http://apradio.org .

BOF Testimony Winding Down; Committee Meetings Expected to Begin This Afternoon

2010-02-03T10:22:00.004-09:00

Testimony at the Alaska Board of Fisheries (BOF) is winding down. The Board is listening to testimony on proposals concerning the Alaska Peninsula/Aleutian Islands. So far, 100 people have testified. Committee meetings are expected to begin later this afternoon.

Listen to Board of Fisheries Live Audio Feed - Alaska Peninsula/Aleutian Islands Finfish

2010-02-02T13:54:00.007-09:00

Unable to attend the Alaska Board of Fisheries (BOF) meeting this week focusing on the Alaska Peninsula/Aleutian Islands Finfish? Even if you couldn't make it to the the Egan Center in Anchorage for the Feb. 2 - 6, 2010 meeting, you don't have to miss out. You can follow the proceedings by going to the Board's Web site and listening to the live audio feed. Click on the title of this blog post or copy and paste this Web site address into your browser:

http://www.boards.adfg.state.ak.us/fishinfo/index.php

Then look for the title, Live Audio. Click on the link below ("Alaska Peninsula/Aleutian Islands Finfish").

Tentative Agenda - BOF - AK Peninsula/Aleutian Islands Finfish

2010-02-02T13:38:00.003-09:00

Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010:
Opening Business
Staff Reports
Afternoon: Public and Advisory Committee oral testimony

Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010:
Morning: Continue Public Testimony starting at 8 a.m.
Afternoon: Continue Public Testimony
Organize for Board Committees and Public Panels
Committee Work (Committee A concurrent with Committee B)
Committee A - South Alaska Peninsula Groundfish
Committee B - Salmon: Gear Requirements, June and Post-June Fishery

Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010:
Morning: Committee Work continued (Committee C concurrent with Committee D)
Committee C - Herring and Salmon
Committee D - Salmon: Sportfish and North Peninsula Management

Afternoon: Continue committee work as needed

Friday, Feb. 5, 2010:
Morning: Board committee report preparation and distribution to the public

Afternoon: Board deliberations

Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010 - 8:30 a.m.
Morning: Continue Board deliberations

Afternoon: Continue Board deliberations
Miscellaneous business, including Petitions, Findings, Resolutions, Letters, Other

Adjourn

Deadline to Sign up for BOF Testimony: Wed., Feb. 3 at 9 a.m.

2010-02-02T11:16:00.003-09:00

The Alaska Board of Fisheries began presenting staff reports on the Alaska Peninsula/Aleutian Islands Finfish at the Egan Civic & Convention Center in Anchorage today. Those wishing to testify must sign up before 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010.

ADF&G Posts Staff Comments on AK Peninsula - Aleutian Islands Proposals

2010-01-29T14:37:00.005-09:00

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has posted staff comments on the Alaska Peninsula - Aleutian Islands Management Proposals. The proposals will be considered Feb. 2 - 6, 2010 during the Alaska Board of Fisheries meeting at the Egan Civic & Convention Center in Anchorage. The Board will listen to testimony on the proposals. To view ADF&G staff comments, click on the title of this blog post or cut and paste this link below into your browser.

http://www.boards.adfg.state.ak.us/fishinfo/meetinfo/2009-2010/ak-peninsula/staff_comments_2010akpenin.pdf

IPHC Sets Catch Limits for 2010

2010-01-29T12:30:00.000-09:00

This morning, the International Pacific Halibut Commission set catch limits for the 2010 season:

Area 2A — 810,000 pounds
Area 2B — 7.5 million pounds
Area 2C — 4.4 million pounds
Area 3A — 19.99 million pounds
Area 3B — 9.9 million pounds
Area 4A — 2.33 million pounds
Area 4B — 2.16 million pounds
Area 4CDE — 3.58 million pounds

TOTAL — 50.67 million pounds

Reminder: BOF to Hear Testimony on Proposals Affecting Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian Islands

2010-01-29T09:13:00.005-09:00

The Aleutians East Borough (AEB) would like to remind Area M fishermen that the Alaska Board of Fisheries (BOF) is scheduled to hear testimony on multiple proposals impacting the Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian Islands finfish. The public hearing will take place Feb. 2 - 6, 2010 at the Egan Civic & Convention Center.

The AEB is renting space at the Egan (Space #14, lower level) for fishermen to gather and seek advice from the Borough's fish experts (AEB Resource Director Beth Stewart and Borough Fisheries Consultant Sam Cotten) on testimony that will be presented to the BOF.

Those unable to attend the hearing in Anchorage can listen to audio from the BOF public hearing. It will be streamed live via the Board's Web site: http://www.boards.adfg.state.ak.us/fishinfo/index.php .

AEB Seeks Fishermen to Testify at Alaska Board of Fisheries Meeting Feb. 2 - 6, 2010

2010-01-19T10:26:00.010-09:00

The Aleutians East Borough is seeking fishermen to testify at the Alaska Board of Fisheries (BOF) meeting in Anchorage scheduled for Feb. 2 - 6, 2010 at the Egan Civic & Convention Center. The BOF will hear testimony on multiple proposals concerning the Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian Islands Finfish Proposals.

The proposals include:

* Possible changes to the Kupreanof Line (Proposal # 141)
* The lack of fishing time with the Southeastern District Mainland (SEDM) (Proposals # 132 - 138).
* Possible restrictions to openings in the Northern District to allow more fishing in Nelson Lagoon.

Fishermen interested in testifying at the Alaska Board of Fisheries should contact:
Tina Anderson, AEB Clerk/Planner
Toll free: (888) 383-2699