UFA Update  

June 18 2005

Contents

1. Fishermen storm over push to halt weather report - action needed

2. Sowing the seas: U.S. should move slowly to expand fish farming

3. Fresh Or Farmed? The wrong fish

4. Seattle Times editorial: Building more fish farms is inevitable

5. NOAA - Bill Hogarth's Corner for June 2005 on US Ocean Aquaculture

6. Bush and Boxer ocean bills conflict on fish farms

7. Fish Plants Frustrated with Freight Capacity

8. Taku king fishery could pour $900K into Juneau economy

9. Area M Sockeye fleet pulls its nets to avoid Chums

10. Kodiak ADFG: Early salmon season starts slow

11. F&G takes another look at red king crab fishery

12. Seafood highlights Alaska 2004 Export Report

13. DCED flyer highlights seafood industry successes

14. Alaska Delegation Announces First Leg of Mobile Office

15. ADF&G encourages skate bycatch

16. Skate wanted: Korean importer looks for delicacy in Southeast waters

17. Craig Medred on Chitina: Blockade fails to intimidate dipnetters

18. Judge orders feds to come up with right whale proposal

19. Center for Biological Diversity sues to protect Alaska sea otters

20. MMPA Reauthorization: Administration Bill Updates Protections

21. Court lets Chignik co-op fish ... for now

22. Homer Sea Watch: Shellfish thrive in Kachemak Bay's water

23. Kenai Wild going to 2006 Winter Olympics in Italy

24. Kris Fanning: 1953-2005: Crab boat owner was 'true leader' who pushed safety

25. NW: PFMC Regulators tighten Pacific trawl fishing

26. Judge orders increased spills on Snake and upper Columbia dams

27. Albertsons threatens not to buy BC Farmed salmon if problems not addressed

28. B.C. biologist Alexandra Morton launches private prosecution over fish farm sea lice

29. BC:  DFO announces final results of 2004 sea lice research program, updates 2005

30. DFO Canada moves ahead with reform to Pacific fisheries

31. Pebble gold better left in the ground

20. USA Today: The Debate's Over - Globe is Warming

21. Fulton Fish Market is moving after almost two centuries _ to a high-tech Bronx

22. NE: Commerce department declares red tide shellfishing disaster

23. Laine Welch's Fish Radio

24. CFEC notice on permit and vessel fees regs and hearings

25. FAS reports U.S. exports of fishery products up in January-April

26. FDA HACCP Inspection and Hazards and Controls Guide Survey, by NFI

27. State Blue Ribbon Panel on CDQ Program

28. NPFMC Items from the June Council Meeting: 

29. NPFMC June Newsletter

30. June Central Bering Sea Pollock Workshop Reports  Available Online

31. Fisheries and the Environment: Ecosystem Indicators for the North Pacific

32. AFSC Final Report of NMFS Workshop on  Underwater Video Analysis

33. IPHC 2005 Halibut Landing Report No. 3, posted June 17

34. USCG Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Advisory Comm. meets (in MA) 7/18-19

35. USCG Coast Guard releases Galaxy investigation report online

36. Coast Guard helicopter crew finds missing crewman, did not survive.

37. NOAA Information Collection Call for Comments  - Observer Providers

38. NOAA Information Collection call for comments  - BSAI King and Tanner Crab

39. BSAI Amendment 79 Bycatch Proposed rule posted , comment by Aug 1.

40. NOAA launches marine mammal ecosystem survey off west coast

41. NOAA announces hatchery policy, listing determinations for 16 salmon species

42. Commerce Department Announces 2005 Ocean Fishery Council Appointments

43. Nominations open for MPA Advisory Committee; & Gulf MPA meeting July 18

44. Nominations open for IOOS agency Director

45. NMFS reopens comment period on Cook Inlet Beluga Whales Draft Conservation

46. Comment by August 1 on new Coast Guard oil-spill removal and response plans

47. Anchor Point sport halibut fishermen busted

48. Marine Mammal Research Consortium: In Search of the Ultimate Steller Diet

49. Steller Sea Lions - Boom to bust - and back?

50. Collaborative Insights-Copper River Wild, Gulkana Seafoods, AK Seafood Exchange

51. Fishlines, the in-house newsletter of the Alaska Sea Grant College Program, UAF

52. ADF&G Management Plan for the Lynn Canal (District 15) Drift Gillnet Fishery

53. ADF&G 2005 Preliminary Alaska Commercial Salmon Catches - updated weekly

54. Conference June 20: The Role of Aquaculture in Meeting Global Seafood Demand

55. Board of Fisheries Tentative Meeting Schedule for 2005 - 2006

56. SMIS Salmon Market Bulletin for June 2005:

57. Alaska Salmon Price Report for Jan - April 2005


1. Laine Welch: Fishermen storm over push to halt weather report

The National Weather Service is under attack by a Pennsylvania senator and it could limit the radio and other reports that mariners and pilots count on for their safety.

http://www.adn.com/money/industries/fishing/story/6594994p-6478842c.html

Webform for emailing your Senators:

http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/
senators_cfm.cfm 


2. Sowing the seas: U.S. should move slowly to expand fish farming

A (Eugene, Oregon) Register-Guard Editorial  

Fish farming has great potential for putting seafood on American dinner tables and boosting the economy. But the Bush administration should put its proposal to massively expand the practice into dry dock until the government develops regulations necessary to protect wild fish stocks, coastal waters and shorelines from disease, pollution and other threats posed by aquaculture.

http://www.registerguard.com/news/2005/06/13/
ed.edit.fishfarms.phn.0613.html


3. Fresh Or Farmed? The wrong fish

There are good and bad reports about fish farming along coastal waters. Projects around Puget Sound have been pursued in limited fashion, which offers hope science will maintain a balance…

The administration, however, treats such opportunities as an invitation to forgo even the slightest environmental common sense. The fish-farming legislation sent to Congress contains no new ecological protections, leaving it to the secretary of commerce to draft any rules (if the administration deems it necessary)…

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/228021_oceaned.asp


4. Seattle Times editorial: Building more fish farms is inevitable

The problems associated with fish farming should not dissuade our (Washington state) delegation from supporting the Bush administration's aquaculture bill…

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/editorialsopinion/
2002324023_fished10.html


5. NOAA - Bill Hogarth's Corner for June 2005 on US Ocean Aquaculture

On June 7, NOAA Fisheries Service sent Congress a bill asking for authority to permit fish farms offshore, in federal marine waters. The bill has been introduced in Congress and is currently undergoing amendments. For this month's Bill's Corner, I'd like to share with you an op-ed that Vice Admiral Lautenbacher, the head of NOAA, submitted to newspapers throughout the country about this aquaculture bill. I ask for your support of this legislation.

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/features/billscorner/index.htm


6. Bush and Boxer ocean bills conflict on fish farms

The national media are predicting the Bush and Boxer bills could conflict over aquaculture-fish farms.

Environmentalists and some commercial fishing groups support the Boxer bill, while the Bush bill is opposed by both groups.

http://www.advocate-news.com/Stories/0,1413,95~3977~2924034,00.html


7. Fish Plants Frustrated with Freight Capacity

Airline company can't keep up with Southeast's bumper harvest…

In Southeast Alaska, seafood processors and Alaska Airlines are struggling to get a bumper crop of fresh fish to Lower 48 markets this year.

http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/061405/sta_
 20050614019.shtml


8. Taku king fishery could pour $900K into Juneau economy

The first commercial harvest of Taku River king salmon in 30 years is shaping up to be a rousing success, state biologists and fishermen said this week.

A rough estimate shows the Taku king gillnet harvest could pump as much as $900,000 into Juneau's economy, said Eric Norman, plant manager of Taku Smokeries/Fisheries.

http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/061705/loc_
20050617018.shtml


9. Area M Sockeye fleet pulls its nets to avoid Chums

Goodwill move; skippers halt fishing when too many chums are caught

Commercial fishermen in far-flung ports along the Alaska Peninsula had a chance to net lucrative hauls of sockeye salmon this week -- but didn't.

Instead, 24 boat captains working the seas around the Shumagin Islands quit fishing and headed to port after they saw too many chum salmon, which mix with the more valuable sockeye, entering their seine nets.

http://www.adn.com/money/industries/fishing/story/
6594995p-6478843c.html


10. Kodiak ADFG: Early salmon season starts slow

Although the official salmon season started over a week ago, one would hardly know it by looking at St. Herman Harbor. Seiners and tender boats alike are still lined up along the docks as captains eagerly wait for the perfect run of salmon…

http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=1590


11. F&G takes another look at red king crab fishery

Fishermen were outraged last fall when the department shut them down

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game plans a third-party review of its Southeast Alaska red king crab stock survey this summer to help resolve an impasse with fishermen who criticized the last one…

http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/061505/sta_
20050615002.shtml


12. Seafood highlights Alaska 2004 Export Report

Seafood continues to be the driving force behind international export growth in Alaska, accounting for 53% of all sales. In 2004, fish exports increased 21%, an impressive $289 million more than the previous year for a total of nearly $1.7 billion. This eclipses the year end totals for the last decade and is one billion dollars, or two and a half times, more than the $697 million in seafood exported from Alaska in 1998.

http://www.gov.state.ak.us/trade/products/seafood_
export2004.php#graph


13. DCED flyer highlights seafood industry successes

The Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development has put

together a flier regarding the seafood industry in Alaska. 

http://www.gov.state.ak.us/pdf/SeafoodSuccess.pdf


14. Alaska Delegation Announces First Leg of Mobile Office

Beginning June 20, the Alaska Congressional Delegation will be continuing its annual Mobile Office tour to meet constituents and help Alaskans handle federal issues.

Alaska Sens. Ted Stevens and Lisa Murkowski will have staff visiting towns across the State where the Delegation does not have permanent offices. The first leg of the Mobile Office tour begins next week when Congressional staff will hold office hours in Cordova, Copper Center, Glennallen, Valdez and Sitka.

For dates and locations see:

http://murkowski.senate.gov/pressapp/record.cfm?id=238863


15. ADF&G encourages skate bycatch

Tory O'Connell, Groundfish Project Leader, Alaska Department of Fish and Game conveys support for skate bycatch use…and full utilization of skates by-caught in existing fisheries…

http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/061505/let_
20050615013.shtml


16. Skate wanted: Korean importer looks for delicacy in Southeast waters

A Korean seafood importer visited Southeast Alaska last week, looking into the market for skate, a flat fish that is eaten raw in his country…

http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/061405/sta_
20050614022.shtml


17. Craig Medred on Chitina: Blockade fails to intimidate dipnetters

http://www.adn.com/outdoors/story/6599075p-6483113c.html


18. Judge orders feds to come up with right whale proposal

A judge has ordered a federal agency to come up with its proposal for providing critical habitat protection for North Pacific right whales, considered the world's most endangered whales.

The strongly worded decision was issued late Tuesday by U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco. It orders the National Marine Fisheries Service to come up with its critical habitat proposal for the whales in four months, or explain why not.

Most of the U.S. population of North Pacific right whales summer in one area of Alaska's Bering Sea. There are believed to be fewer than 100 whales…

http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/061605/
sta_20050616011.shtml

Court Decision: http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/swcbd/
species/right/rightwhaleorder.PDF

CBD Press release: http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/swcbd/press/
right6-15-05.html


19. Center for Biological Diversity sues to protect Alaska sea otters

Environmentalists have sued the U.S. Interior Department for taking too long to put Alaska sea otters on the threatened species list…

http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/science/06/07/alaska.
otters.reut/index.html?section=cnn_latest

Kenai Peninsula Clarion:

http://ap.peninsulaclarion.com/pstories/state/ak/20050602/
3073645.shtml


20. MMPA Reauthorization: Administration Bill Updates Protections For Marine Mammals

NOAA Joins Administration Partners in Resubmitting Marine Mammal Protection Act Reauthorization Bill.

… The bill’s major amendments would strengthen initiatives to reduce marine mammal bycatch, clarify the definition of marine mammal harassment for the regulated community and the public, and enhance the Act’s enforcement capabilities.

http://www.publicaffairs.noaa.gov/releases2005/jun05/
noaa05-078.html


21. Court lets Chignik co-op fish ... for now

A controversial salmon fishery got under way at Chignik June 5, salvaged by an Alaska Supreme Court decision to stay final judgment in litigation challenging a cooperative fishing effort…

http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/061205/hom_
20050612002.shtml


22. Homer Sea Watch: Shellfish thrive in Kachemak Bay's water

By Will Smith , School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences - University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)

http://www.homernews.com/stories/061605/
seawatch_0616sea001.shtml


23. Kenai Wild going to 2006 Winter Olympics in Italy

Cook Inlet Salmon Brand Inc. is sponsoring Kasilof resident Jay Hakkinen, a biathlon athlete who has qualified to compete in the Olympics.

"He's our local boy that's going to the Olympics," said Sylvia Beaudoin, executive director of CISB, the company shepherding the Kenai Wild brand and also a Kasilof resident. "He's one of the best in the entire world."

http://ap.peninsulaclarion.com/pstories/state/ak/20050609/
3089645.shtml


24. Kris Fanning: 1953-2005: Crab boat owner was 'true leader' who pushed safety

Kris Fanning, a fisherman and longtime Seattle crab boat owner who was instrumental in pushing for changes to make the fishing industry safer, died Monday of an apparent heart attack. He was 52.

Fanning, friends and family said, had just finished setting nets near Port Moller, Alaska, when he collapsed.

"People are shocked," said Arni Thomson, executive director of the Seattle-based Alaska Crab Coalition, who has known Fanning for nearly 20 years. "It's just a huge loss.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/228115_fanningobit11.html


25. NW: PFMC Regulators tighten Pacific trawl fishing

Federal fishery regulators voted to impose a permanent ban on trawl fishing in nearly 300,000 square miles of Pacific waters off the West Coast, a move hailed by environmentalists as a landmark in marine conservation…

http://www.adn.com/money/story/6615801p-6500725c.html


26. Judge orders increased spills on Snake and upper Columbia dams

U.S. District Judge James Redden ordered federal officials on Friday to substantially increase the volume of water spilled through the four Snake River dams and McNary Dam on the Columbia River to make it easier for juvenile salmon to make it out to the sea…

http://159.54.227.3/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050611/
NEWS/506110309


27. Albertsons threatens not to buy BC Farmed salmon if problems not addressed

One of the country's major retailers is threatening not to buy farmed salmon from British Columbia. Albertsons says it will go elsewhere for salmon if B.C. fish farmers don't deal with environmental problems caused by their open net operations. KPLU environment reporter Steve Krueger has the story. (audio link)

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kplu/news.newsmain?
action=article&ARTICLE_ID=778591

Save our Skeena Salmon web page: Click on Map in right side of title bar

http://www.saveourskeenasalmon.org/


28. B.C. biologist Alexandra Morton launches private prosecution over fish farm sea lice

A B.C. biologist has started a private prosecution against a Central Coast fish farm and the federal and provincial governments alleging they're allowing sea lice to infect wild salmon.

In legal action filed on Tuesday, Alexandra Morton claims the Heritage Salmon company is illegally discharging sea lice from its farm in the Broughton Archipelago. Morton said both governments need to be included in her legal action…

http://www.macleans.ca/topstories/news/shownews.
jsp?content=n060799A


29. BC:  DFO announces final results of 2004 sea lice research program and provides update on 2005 program

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) today provided final results from its 2004 study of sea lice on juvenile pink and chum salmon in the Broughton Archipelago area near the north end of Vancouver Island.  The Department also provided an update on preliminary observations from 2005 monitoring to date.

"Sea lice is one of many factors, including commercial fishing, climate change, predation and habitat destruction, that influence wild salmon populations."

http://www-comm.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pages/release/p-releas/2005/nr043_e.htm


30. DFO Canada moves ahead with reform to Pacific fisheries

Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today introduced new measures to advance his agenda for reform of Pacific fisheries by committing $5.2 million to strengthen enforcement, implement new catch monitoring programs and improve scientific research.

http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/newsrel/2005/hq-ac64_e.htm


31. Pebble gold better left in the ground

The Pebble mine appears to be a world-class mining prospect, and potentially a world-class environmental disturbance. Estimates are that it contains $10 billion in gold and $15 billion in copper and will, if developed, create a significant number of jobs. The problem, though, is that this mine is going to create a massive open pit nestled between two national parks…

http://www.adn.com/opinion/guest_columns/story/
6602574p-6486792c.html


20. USA Today: The Debate's Over - Globe is Warming

Don't look now, but the ground has shifted on global warming. After decades of debate over whether the planet is heating and, if so, whose fault it is, divergent groups are joining hands with little fanfare to deal with a problem they say people can no longer avoid… 

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2005-06-12-global-warming-cover_x.htm?POE=NEWISVA


21. Fulton Fish Market is moving after almost two centuries _ to a high-tech Bronx

"It'll be 400,000 square feet of fresh seafood  - the largest fish market in the Western Hemisphere," says George Maroulis, manager of the South Bronx venue…

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--fultonflight0611jun11,0,5475431.story?coll=ny-region-apnewyork


22. NE: Commerce department declares red tide shellfishing disaster

The U.S. Department of Commerce declared a disaster in the Massachusetts shellfish fishery Thursday due to the red tide outbreak off the coast, making the state eligible for funds to study the problem…

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/
2005/06/16/commerce_department_declares_red_
tide_shellfishing_disaster/  

NOAA Closure Notice: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/
edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/05-12030.htm


23. Laine Welch's Fish Radio

This weeks topics:

Friday 6/17/05 Web based business Vital Choice is booming for former BBay fisherman

Thursday 6/16/05 East coast company wants to source fish from AK fisheries

Wednesday 6/15/05 Southeast Dungeness season opens today; markets look good

Tuesday 6/14//05 Kenai Wild goes to 2005 Olympics/Italy; Update on waterless shipping

Monday 6/13/05 Value of pinks, chums increases: Ak Peninsula seine top earner

http://www.marineconservationalliance.org/fishradio.htm

& see Laine Welch's Fish Factor at http://www.kinyradio.com/fishfactor.html


24. CFEC notice on permit and vessel fees regs and hearings

CFEC is proposing changes to miscellaneous regulations including changes to permit fees based on  SB 93.  A handout with 2006 permits fees based on the proposed regulations will be available by the end of July.

Comments to Susan Haymes at Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission, 8800 Glacier Highway, Suite 109, Juneau, AK 99801-8079 or by email: susan_haymes@cfec.state.ak.us. The comments must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 1, 2005.

Oral or written comments may also be submitted at hearings to be held on August 9 and August 17, 2005in the Conference Room of the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission, 8800 Glacier Highway, Suite 109 Juneau, Alaska.

CFEC Notice: http://www.cfec.state.ak.us/notices/NO_2005_0519.htm

Proposed Regulation & Fees:

http://www.cfec.state.ak.us/pregs/PR_2005_0519
_Miscellaneous.pdf


25. FAS reports U.S. exports of fishery products up in January-April

U.S. exports of fishery products were valued at $1.27 billion in the first four months of 2005, up 6 percent, or about $69 million, compared with the same period last year.  Higher exports of surimi (up $48 million), pollock (up $27 million), squid (up $19.7 million), mackerel (up $8.6 million), scallops (up $6.6 million), canned salmon (up $5.1 million), lobster (up $4.3 million), and oysters (up $3.7 million) were the major reasons for the overall increase to date.  However, categories with decreased exports included other fishery products (down $15.3 million), crab (down $9.3 million), sea urchin (down $8.7 million), and cod (down $7.1 million).

Among the factoids found with a search on Alaska:

- Germany has emerged as a growing market for sockeye and coho, as well as salmon roe from Alaska…

- retail promotions of wild Alaska salmon have helped develop new markets in the EU…

 - Anchorage, Alaska was the leading export port with $1.51 billion…

 - Alaska pollock is the single most important groundfish species that the United States exports to Germany and the one with the greatest growth potential.

http://www.fas.usda.gov/ffpd/Fish-Circular/Market_News/market.html#U.S.%20EXPORTS%20OF
%20FISHERY%20PRODUCTS%20UP%20IN%20JANUARY-APRIL


26. FDA HACCP Inspection and Hazards and Controls Guide Survey, by NFI

2005 begins the tenth year of the mandatory Seafood HACCP inspection program enforced by the US Food and Drug Administration. 

FDA has stated that it has begun to review the "Fish and Fisheries Products Hazards and Controls Guidance" 3rd edition (known as the "Guide") which is used for reference by both seafood industry HACCP coordinators and FDA inspectors to establish and verify HACCP plans.  NFI plans to comment on the Guide prior to release of the next edition.

http://seafood.ucdavis.edu/haccp/committee/nfi.htm


27. State Blue Ribbon Panel on CDQ Program

Background Information and tables from June 16 meeting:

http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/current_issues/CDQ/
NMFS_CDQ_605.pdf


28. NPFMC Items from the June Council Meeting: 

•  GOA Rationalization Community Provisions (suite of options): http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/current_issues/groundfish
/GOACommProv605.pdf, Motion: http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/current_issues/groundfish
/GOACommMotion605.pdf

•  Pcod Allocations:

Motion: http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/current_issues/motions/
pcod605.pdf

Alternatives: http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/current_issues/motions/
PcodOptions605.pdf 

•  BSAI Amendment 80 Council motion, elements and options

http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/current_issues/bycatch/
AM80Components605.pdf

•  GOA Rockfish Pilot Program Elements and Options

http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/current_issues/
groundfish/Rockfish605.pdf

•  BSAI Salmon bycatch motion

http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/current_issues/
bycatch/Salmon605.pdf


29. NPFMC June Newsletter

http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/newsletters/NEWS605.pdf

NPFMC Home Page: http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/


30. June Central Bering Sea Pollock Workshop Reports  Available Online

Reports from the Central Bering Sea Pollock Workshop on Acceptable Harvest Level and Stock Identification held  6-9 June 2005 in Seattle, Washington are available online in pdf format…

 http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/refm/cbs/Seattle_workshop_05.htm

AK Fisheries Science Center home page:  http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/


31. Fisheries and the Environment: Ecosystem Indicators for the North Pacific and their implications for Stock Assessment…Proceedings of the First Annual Meeting of the NMFS Ecological Indicators Research Program, posted by ASFC…   (103ppg)

http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/Publications/ProcRpt/PR%
202005-04.pdf


32. AFSC Final Report of NMFS Workshop on  Underwater Video Analysis

Final report of National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Advanced Sampling Technology Working Group workshop held in August 2004 on underwater video photography in  providing quantitative data for assessment of fish stocks and evaluation of essential fish habitat. (PDF; 756KB)

http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/Publications/misc_pdf/NMFS%
20FSPO-68.pdf


33. IPHC 2005 Halibut Landing Report No. 3, posted June 17

http://www.iphc.washington.edu/halcom/newsrel/2005/
nr20050617.htm

IPHC home page: http://www.iphc.washington.edu/halcom/Default.htm


34. USCG Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Advisory Committee meets July 18-19 in New Bedford, Massachusetts

Requests to make oral presentations should reach the Coast Guard on or before July 11, 2005. Written material for distribution at the meeting should reach the Coast Guard on or before July 11, 2005. Requests to have a copy of your material distributed to each member of the committee should reach the Coast Guard on or before July 4, 2005.

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/
edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/05-11848.htm


35. USCG Coast Guard releases Galaxy investigation report online

Investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion, fire, and sinking of the uninspected fish processing vessel GALAXY:

Part 1:

http://www.uscgalaska.com/external/index.cfm?cid=780&
fuseaction=EXTERNAL.docview&documentID=76177

Part 2:

http://www.uscgalaska.com/external/index.cfm?cid=780&
fuseaction=EXTERNAL.docview&documentID=76178


36. Coast Guard helicopter crew finds missing crewman, did not survive.

Coast Guard crews searched for a missing crew member, reported overboard, near King Salmon Tuesday afternoon.

http://www.piersystem.com/external/index.cfm?cid=780&
fuseaction=EXTERNAL.docview&documentID=76664


37. NOAA Information Collection Call for Comments  - Observer Providers

Deadline August 12, 2005.

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800
/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/05-11602.htm


38. NOAA Information Collection call for comments  - BSAI King and Tanner Crab

Deadline August 12, 2005.

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800
/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/05-11604.htm


39. BSAI Amendment 79 Bycatch Proposed rule posted , comment by Aug 1.

NMFS issues a proposed rule to implement Amendment 79 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP). This action is necessary to reduce bycatch and improve utilization of groundfish harvested by catcher/processor trawl vessels in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Island management area (BSAI) that are not listed American Fisheries Act (AFA)

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800
/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/05-11918.htm


40. NOAA launches marine mammal ecosystem survey off west coast

Emphasis Placed on National Marine Sanctuaries

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration today announced the beginning of a research effort to identify and count marine mammals and seabirds along the west coast of the United States while also investigating the ocean ecosystem…

http://www.publicaffairs.noaa.gov/releases2005/jun05/
noaa05-r117.html


41. NOAA announces hatchery policy, listing determinations for 16 salmon species

NOAA Fisheries today issued its final policy for considering hatchery fish in making Endangered Species Act listing determinations. The agency also made a final listing decision for 16 salmon populations, while deferring eleven others for six months for further scientific review. NOAA is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration…

http://www.publicaffairs.noaa.gov/releases2005/jun05/
noaa05-r120.html


42. Commerce Department Announces 2005 Ocean Fishery Council Appointments

The Commerce Department today announced the appointment of 22 members to the eight regional fishery management councils. The councils, established by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, prepare fishery management plans for marine fish stocks in their respective geographical areas of responsibility. The management plans are submitted for review by the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service and approved by the Secretary of Commerce…

Eric Olson and Milton J. Bundy are appointed to NPFMC.

http://www.publicaffairs.noaa.gov/releases2005/jun05/
noaa05-079.html


43. Nominations open for MPA Advisory Committee; & Gulf MPA meeting July 18

The Department of Commerce is seeking nominations for membership on the Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee…

Nominations should be sent to: Lauren Wenzel, Marine Protected Areas Center, NOAA, N/ORM, 1305 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/
edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/05-11937.htm

&&&&

The Gulf of Mexico Region Public Dialogue on MPAs will be held July 18, 2005, 6:30-9 p.m. in New Orleans, Louisiana….

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/
edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/05-11936.htm


44. Nominations open for IOOS agency Director

Applications for the position of Director, Ocean.US are invited. Ocean.US was created by the National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP) to coordinate the development of an operational integrated and sustained ocean observing system (IOOS).

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800
/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/05-11980.htm


45. NMFS reopens comment period on Cook Inlet Beluga Whales Draft Conservation Plan

-new deadline June 27

NMFS is reopening the comment period for the draft conservation plan for Cook Inlet beluga whales. The initial comment period ended May 16, 2005. The draft conservation plan is intended to promote the conservation and recovery of these whales so they are no

longer considered depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

DATES: Written comments and information must be received by June 27,

2005.

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800
/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/05-10668.htm


46. Comment by August 1 on new Coast Guard oil-spill removal and response plans

The Coast Guard proposes changes to its requirements for oil-spill removal equipment under tank vessel response plans and MTR facility response plans (33 CFR 154 and 33 CFR 155). These changes would increase the available spill removal equipment required for tank vessels and MTR facilities, add requirements for new response technologies, and clarify methods and procedures for responding to oil spills in coastal waters…

DATES: Comments and related material must reach the Docket Management Facility on or before August 1, 2005.

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/
edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/05-10972.htm


47. Anchor Point sport halibut fishermen busted

Three sport fishermen were recently caught near Anchor Point with halibut in excess of the daily limit aboard their boat. They forfeited the illegal fish and must pay fines totaling $900.

http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/newsreleases/anchorpoint061505.htm


48. Marine Mammal Research Consortium: In Search of the Ultimate Steller Diet

Scientists have long suspected that the more than 80% decline in Steller sea lion numbers over the past 30 years has been related to concurrent changes in their prey base. Specifically, the Nutritional Stress hypothesis proposes that the sea lions' preferred prey has been replaced by an abundance of less-nutritious prey. While sea lions might be getting enough fish to satisfy their hunger, they may not be getting the nutrients required to forage, reproduce, or remain healthy. However, establishing a physiological link between Steller sea lion diets and health is key to determining whether this theory has merit… http://www.marinemammal.org/2005/composition.php

MMRC Home Page: http://www.marinemammal.org/


49. Steller Sea Lions - Boom to bust - and back?

Alaska Seas and Coasts: posted by AK Seagrant

http://www.uaf.edu/seagrant/Pubs_Videos/seasandcoasts/
issues/ak-seas-and-coasts-0505.pdf


50. Collaborative Insights profiles Copper River Wild, Gulkana Seafoods, AK Seafood Exchange

http://www.imakenews.com/networkdirect/


51. Fishlines, the in-house newsletter of the Alaska Sea Grant College Program, UAF

June 2005 issue of Fishlines is at…

http://www.uaf.edu/seagrant/Fishlines/2005/jun05.html


52. ADF&G Management Plan for the Lynn Canal (District 15) Drift Gillnet Fishery 2005

http://www.cf.adfg.state.ak.us/region1/pdfs/salmon/
fmr05-39.pdf


53. ADF&G 2005 Preliminary Alaska Commercial Salmon Catches - updated weekly

http://csfish.adfg.state.ak.us/BlueSheets/BLUEWebReport.php


54. Conference June 20, Seattle: The Role of Aquaculture in Meeting Global Seafood Demand

http://www.sma.washington.edu/news/index.html

Bell Harbor International Conference Center, 2211Alaskan Way, Pier 66 Seattle, Washington.. A $25 registration fee will be collected at the door; this will cover the continental breakfast, buffet lunch, and reception.


55. Board of Fisheries Tentative Meeting Schedule for 2005 - 2006

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


56. SMIS Salmon Market Bulletin for June 2005:

http://www.alaskaseafood.org/fishingprocessing/0605smb.pdf

SMIS Homepage: http://www.alaskaseafood.org/fishingprocessing/bulletin.htm


57. Alaska Salmon Price Report for Jan - April 2005

http://www.tax.state.ak.us/programs/fisheries/reports/
ASPRsummary-060705.pdf