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UFA Update March 23, 2006 If you find this informational useful, please support UFA’s work through individual or crew/supporter membership - see our website at www.ufa-fish.org . Notes to members: UFA will be at the Senate Commerce Ocean Policy Study Committee April 6 for the first hearing on S.1195 Offshore Aquaculture Act. Alaska fishermen in HI, OR, WA, CA, and Alaska should contact your senator that serves on this committee and remind them how you feel about finfish farms in waters where you fish. Remember –DO NOT SEND POSTAL MAIL TO CONGRESS – Use a fax of a signed letter (best), call or send email. Committee roster:
http://www.congressmerge.com/onlinedb/cgi-bin/newcommittee.cgi?commcode=scommerce_ocean Find your senators:
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information Hearing announcement:
http://commerce.senate.gov/hearings/witnesslist Recent Fish Farm Stories: NPR: Feeding the World with Deep-Sea Fish Farms
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php? Norway: Seafood
Federation establishes own commission on fish farm escapes
http://www.fishupdate.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/4135/ & CONTENTS 1. Alaskan town answers La.'s SOS - Valdez donates lift to help Plaquemines 2. DEC withdraws proposed processing regulations on cleaning of fish on trips less than three days 3. Halibut Charter: BOF gives Commissioner EO authority over charter skipper & crew harvest 4. Comment Deadline March 29 on Halibut Charter GHL Environmental Assessment 5. Alaska's damaged reputation to cut cash flow, Stevens says 6. Spraying on Long Island will be a violation of our Human Rights 7. Snow crab catches double; prices creeping upward 8. Packing in pollock - Season ‘B’ well under way 9. Knapp on Crab Ratz: Selected Economic Impacts of Crab Rationalization on Kodiak 10. Bering Sea crab ratz needs readjusting Kodiak Letter by John Finley 11. Governor candidates talk fish 12. More from Comfish: ADF&G commissioner defends ratz 13. ADF&G commissioner seeks shared goals on Gulf of Alaska fisheries 14. Ir-rationalization versus birthright – Kodiak Daily Mirror Letter to the editor 15. Cargo carriers seek more fish freight availability for Kodiak 16. Feelings boil over at Kodiak pre-council meeting 17. Kodiak Task force begins to formulate local Gulf ratz position 18. NPFMC meeting April 5-11, Anchorage 20. Senate OKs bill to allow fishermen multiple permits 21. NPFA and family announce Drew Scalzi Memorial Scholarship 22. Scalzi’s Book Honors fishermen and fishermen’s memorials 23. The Alaska Commercial Fishermen’s Memorial in Juneau 24. Fish fight no day at the beach for Kenai Soldotna AC subsistence seat 25. Aleutian Fishing area closed after coral-garden issue raised 26. Rule would protect corals, seamounts 27. Comment Deadline May 8 on BSAI & GOA closure areas 28. NMFS to prepare Alaska Groundfish EIS 29. BBNA asks governor for more foreign processors 30. Governor Opens Nominations for Exporter of the Year Awards – deadline April 24 31. FAS Reports: US Seafood Exports Skyrocket in FSU with Growing Sales to Russia… 32. Alaska editorial: Pebble open-pit mine is too risky 33. Timeline and Steps To Amend Tongass Forest Plan Launched 34. USFS Wrangell Petersburg Advisory Council meets 4/21 and 5/23 35. Juneau Fish plants move to Lemon Creek 36. Massachusetts Reps introduce legislation for fishermen’s health care HR 4940 37. Alaska's greatest export 38. Wild AK Salmon burgers a hit at Burger King in Kuala Lumpur 39. Groups debate 'endangered' Puget Orca status 40. American tycoon, environmentalist stirs controversy in Chile 41. California: Point Counterpoint - Oil rigs as sanctuaries a slick idea 42. 'Oil Rigs As Sanctuaries' Idea All Wet 43. Something's fishy about "organic salmon" 44. Deal means Wal-Mart helps to save fisheries 45. Idaho Gov. Kempthorne named interior secretary 46. Gov. Applauds Interior Secretary Appointment 47. Earthjustice Statement on the Nomination of Gov. Dirk Kempthorne 48. Road development policy sparks outcry 49. House favors Snake River recharge 50. NMFS announces closures of OR & CA commercial and rec. salmon fisheries 51. States rights in food labeling fight 52. House Set to Nullify State Consumer Safety Programs Under Pressure From Corporate Food Lobby 53. Laine Welch's Fish Radio –Topics from this week 54. Woman seeks help after husband's search called off - Juneau men lost at sea 55. Coast Guard terminates fishermen's voyage for lack of immersion suit 56. Coast Guard creates Sector Juneau and Sector Anchorage 57. Schedule Your FREE 'No Fault' Commercial Fishing Vessel Dockside Safety Exam 58. Upcoming AMSEA Training and Other Events 59. Comment Request on NMFS Alaska Region Permit Family of Forms (& MMPA) 60. IPHC Notifies of Halibut Sales in 2006 and Seeks Buyers Interested in Research Fish 61. Rural Business-Cooperative Service Grants - deadline May 26 62. March 31 Deadline approaches for value-added USDA grant 63. International Symposium on Stock Enhancement and Sea Ranching, 9/18 - 21, Seattle 64. Vital Choices online: Topics from Issue 66 - 3/20/2006 1. Alaskan town answers La.'s SOS - Valdez donates lift to help clear Plaquemines waterways The fishermen of Plaquemines Parish aren’t waiting for their ships to come in. They want them out — out of the staging areas created by the U.S. Coast Guard for the approximately 1,400 commercial fishing vessels disabled by Hurricane Katrina… http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/2458612.html Senator Murkowski Visits New Orleans and Surrounding Region Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski traveled to Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana to speak at a ceremony to dedicate the arrival and installation of a 16-ton marine travel lift donated by the City of Valdez… http://murkowski.senate.gov/pressapp/record.cfm?id=252625 AFIRM Home Page to donate to this cause: www.akgulfhelp.org 2. DEC withdraws proposed processing regulations on cleaning of fish on trips less than three days UFA met with DEC during our board meeting earlier this month, and submitted written comment opposing the proposed seafood processing regulations. We are aware of many members and other fishermen who also commented and thank you for the team effort. The proposed regulation change to 18 AAC 34.005 (g), regarding three day trip length threshold on cleaning of fish, have been dropped according to DEC officials.
This is not yet posted, but information on other provisions of the proposed processing regulations may be posted in the future at: http://www.dec.state.ak.us/eh/fss/seafood/seafood.htm 3. Halibut Charter: BOF gives Commissioner EO authority over charter skipper & crew harvest Proposal 400 passed Board of Fish today (Thursday 3/23/2006) with the following language 5AAC 75.003 Emergency Order Authority (4) The Alaska Board of Fisheries recognizes that harvest regulations may need to be modified to attain guideline harvest levels/allocations, or to address conservation concerns within the salt water guided fisheries in various areas of the state. If the commissioner determines that the regulations must be modified to attain the salt water guided fishery guideline harvest level/allocation, or to address conservation concerns, the commissioner may establish, by emergency order, that sport fishing guides and sport fishing guide crew members working on a charter vessel in marine waters may not retain fish or certain species of fish while clients are on board the vessel and/or the maximum number of fishing lines that may be fished from a vessel engaged in sport fishing charter activities in marine waters is equal to the number of paying clients on board the vessel. 5AAC 75.995 Sport fishing guide crew member means a person who, for compensation or with intent to receive compensation for services during a day, provides assistance to clients or a licensed sport fishing guide aboard a sport fish charter vessel. UFA supported this proposal, with preference to its original form which would have enacted prohibition on charter skipper & crew lines. 4. Comment Deadline March 29 on Halibut Charter GHL Environmental Assessment See
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/current_issues/halibut Any comments on the EA, the should be sent to: Ms Stephanie Madsen, Chair, NPFMC, 605 West 4th Ave., Ste. 306 Anchorage AK 99501 or fax (907) 271- 2817 Comments must be received on or before 5 pm March 29. 5. Alaska's damaged reputation to cut cash flow, Stevens says EARMARKING: Senator warns process is under attack, state matching funds will be needed. Alaska's battered image means state lawmakers must loosen their purse strings if they want congressional aid to move the state's big projects forward, U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens told the Alaska Legislature on Wednesday…
http://www.adn.com/news/government/legislature/story/ The House Fish and Game Budget Subcommittee, and House Resources, so far have only agreed to a fraction of the Governor’s request for Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, and also are far shy of what is needed to maintain ADF&G. A $1M contribution by the genral fund to ASMI for international marketing would be matched by $2M in federal funds but the current House budget invests only half that much. UFA supports the Governors proposed budget increments for ADF&G and ASMI and we need your help to get this done. Contact your legislator today! 6. Spraying on Long Island will be a violation of our Human Rights By Carrie James Long Island is the backyard and food pantry for Hydaburg, and for many others in the area, including Ketchikan. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) just gave a permit to Klukwan, Inc. to aerially spray herbicides on Long Island. Every tribe in the Southeast is against aerial spraying…
http://www.sitnews.us/0306Viewpoints/032306_ “United Fishermen of Alaska opposes aerial pesticide or herbicide spraying of forest lands that involve public access or that occur within 1000 feet of anadromous waters. Further UFA supports mandatory notification of all affected public and management agencies within the proposed operational area, and that whenever possible alternate methodologies such as hand thinning be used”… UFA Board of Directors, April 2005 7. Snow crab catches double; prices creeping upward Catches of snow crab have doubled recently in pots being pulled from the Bering Sea, and prices are also creeping upward. Alaska's snow crab fishery (opilio Tanners, or opies) opened last October in the Bering Sea, under the rules of the new "rationalized" management plan. The new plan gives quota shares of Bering Sea king and Tanner crab to harvesters and processors and extends the length of the seasons to months instead of days, which has been the case in recent years. http://www.sitnews.us/LaineWelch/031106_fish_factor.html 8. Packing in pollock - Season ‘B’ well under way The pollock “B” season is in full swing and going well, say fishermen and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) officials. Only a few hundred tons of pollock remained in Area 630 around Kodiak for the “B” season, therefore NMFS kept that area closed. In Area 620 on the south side of Kodiak, 15,000 tons can be harvested. NMFS fisheries biologist Tom Pearson said, “When fishing is going fairly well, (fishermen) often catch in the neighborhood of 1,000 tons a day, so we might see the fishery last for about two weeks, until March 25.” … http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=2818 9. Gunnar Knapp on Crab Ratz: Selected Economic Impacts of Crab Rationalization on Kodiak: Preliminary Results. Presentation at ComFish Alaska 2006, Kodiak, Alaska, March 2006. (For best viewing, I recommend that you right-click the link to the pdf version of this presentation shown below, save it to your computer, and then open the file on your computer. Some internet browsers have problems opening the file directly, which is what happens if you double-click on the file) . To download pdf version (1.3 megabytes) see http://www.iser.uaa.alaska.edu/iser/people/knapp/ 10. Bering Sea crab ratz needs readjusting Kodiak Letter by John Finley Article published on Tuesday, March 14th, 2006 Candidates for governor need to know that before we move forward on any more “rationalization” schemes we must correct the inequities written into Bering Sea crab ratz. … http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=2804 11. Governor candidates talk fish There’s one thing the five candidates for the state’s highest office agree on: They do not support groundfish rationalization. But they found less in common on other issues that surfaced during their Thursday debate at ComFish, a highlight of the trade show being held in Kodiak… http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=2827 12. More from Comfish: ADF&G commissioner defends ratz Gulf of Alaska groundfish rationalization is not being fast-tracked, McKie Campbell, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, said at Thursday’s Borough Assembly meeting. “‘Rush’ and ‘fast track’ are not terms that make any sense with the council,” he said… http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=2829 13. ADF&G commissioner seeks shared goals on Gulf of Alaska fisheries Kodiak Daily Mirror Guest Opinion by McKie CAMPBELL In recent months, the Kodiak Daily Mirror has had a steady stream of articles and letters regarding the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and the Gulf fisheries. I strongly agree with those who have urged everyone to pay attention to what is happening at council meetings… http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=2813 14. Ir-rationalization versus birthright – Kodiak Daily Mirror Letter to the editor By Phillip J. Rastopsoff Gulf of Alaska groundfish privatization must stop now. I keep hearing all this talk about rationalization and I ask: What’s rational about privatizing a public resource and handing it out to a small group of fisherman who have already earned profits on their past catches? My people have been here for at least 10,000 years and no one has ever thought to own the fish before they’re ever caught… http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=2833 15. Cargo carriers seek more fish freight availability for Kodiak Major cargo carriers, both in the air and on the sea, are attempting to provide more freight space for the fishing industry in Kodiak. During ComFish Friday, seafood movers briefed Kodiak fishery freight handlers on upcoming efforts to get more fish to market. Shannon Joseph, Alaska Airlines cargo manager of seafood and perishables, said the air carrier began March 11 providing two flights a day to meet demands during the coming spring and summer. One flight leaves Kodiak for Anchorage at 7:30 a.m., with another flight leaving at 4: 30 p.m. .. http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=2847 16. Feelings boil over at Kodiak pre-council meeting Curses and tears punctuated the North Pacific Fishery Management Council advisory panel pre-council meeting Monday at Kodiak College… Fishermen and other residents wanted not only their concerns heard, but solutions sought by council member Doug Hoedel, who chaired the meeting, and panel members Duncan Fields, Matt Moir, Al Burch and Bob Gunderson. Several attendees asked that the Gulf groundfish rationalization process be stopped in its tracks. “I think people want to take a break from the process so they can get it right,” said fishermen Alexus Kwachka. “There’s no trust in the process.” http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=2843 17. Kodiak Task force begins to formulate local Gulf ratz position A task force of fishing industry stakeholders met Wednesday in the first of a series of meetings aimed at crafting a unified city and borough position on the North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Gulf rationalization plan. The 17-member task force included representatives from a variety of interests including processors, conservation groups, boat owners, crewmen and skippers from each of the four groundfish gear types. Their goal was to work toward consensus regarding what is best for the Kodiak community and groundfish fishery stakeholders in light of forthcoming rationalization of Gulf groundfish species… http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=2859 18. NPFMC meeting April 5-11, Anchorage Federal Register Notice:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800 Agenda: http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/Agendas/406Agenda.pdf Items from the agenda are available online at the NPFMC home page: http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/ 19. BOF Salmon Industry Restructuring Panel posts draft recommendations
http://www.boards.adfg.state.ak.us/fishinfo/sirp/meetinfo 20. Senate OKs bill to allow fishermen multiple permits The Alaska Senate voted 17-2 Monday to allow commercial salmon fishermen holding two permits to obtain additional fishing privileges from the state Board of Fisheries. But the bill - which would allow fishermen to apply for more time, gear and area to fish - is on hold while Senate Minority Leader Johnny Ellis, D-Anchorage, is reconsidering his vote…
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/032106/sta_ Reconsideration was
not taken up 3/23 so this bill needs to pass concurrence with the House on
changes made in the Senate. UFA Supports HB 251 to allow affected fishermen
to make their case at the Board of Fisheries for any additional privileges
to be considered for fishermen owning multiple permits ina fishery, as the
board has done for boats fishing with two permit holders on board in the
Bristol Bay fishery. For complete info see:
http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session= HB 251 is a followup to UFA’s work to allow fishermen to have options for reducing effort in their fisheries, through their own voluntary and regional means, going back to our pivotal 2001 Salmon Restructuring Meeting in Petersburg. We salute the memory of Homer Representative Drew Scalzi for his efforts. 21. NPFA and family announce Drew Scalzi Memorial Scholarship The North Pacific Fisheries Association and the family of Drew Scalzi, who died July 21, 2005, have announced the Drew Scalzi Memorial Maritime Scho-larship. The purpose of the $1,000 scholarship is to nurture young adults pursuing careers in the maritime field or who are from fishing families…
http://www.homernews.com/stories/031506/news_ 22. Scalzi’s Book Honors fishermen and fishermen’s memorials While undergoing medical treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Drew Scalzi couldn’t sleep. Instead, he wrote “Seafarer’s Memorial — A Tribute to the Living and the Lost.” Although the disease claimed Scalzi’s life in July, he lives on through his book, which was just released by Wizard Works of Anchor Point. The 60 pages between the book’s covers, complete with photos, call to mind the memorial’s story and the names of many individuals whose vision brought the memorial, found on the Homer Spit, to life…
http://www.peninsulaclarion.com/stories/032306/news_ 23. The Alaska Commercial Fishermen’s Memorial in Juneau announces that applications for engraving names of commercial fishermen and women on the Memorial are now available. The Memorial must receive applications and full payment by April 10, 2006. The names will be engraved on the Memorial just before this year's Blessing of the Fleet and Dedication of Names, which will be on Saturday May 6, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. For more information, call Bruce Weyhrauch at 907-463-5566. or Tom Gemmell at 907-523-0731 or tomgemmellmca@ak.net 24. Fish fight no day at the beach for Kenai Soldotna AC subsistence seat Subsistence advocate may resign over inability to advance inlet setnet issue… The recent creation of a subsistence seat on the Kenai-Soldotna Alaska Department of Fish and Game Advisory Committee was followed by an outpouring of public support for a proposal to reopen beaches to personal-use setnet fishing. But early efforts have been hampered by unresponsive officials, said Tim O’Brien, who was voted to fill the advisory committee’s subsistence seat in February. Frustrated with the lack of public official attention needed to advance a proposal to reopen beaches, O’Brien said he plans to resign from his subsistence seat on the advisory committee…
http://www.peninsulaclarion.com/stories/031406/news_ 25. Aleutian Fishing area closed after coral-garden issue raised State of Alaska officials opened new ocean waters off the remote Aleutian Islands for commercial fishing this week, only to immediately shut them down because they learned they are home to rare coral gardens that may be essential for some fish species…
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/ 26. Rule would protect corals, seamounts Some fishing in Southeast Alaska also would close The National Marine Fisheries Service announced Wednesday a proposed trawling closure to protect coral under nearly 300,000 square nautical mile of Alaska waters. The proposed rule, published in the Federal Register on Wednesday, comes from a recommendation the North Pacific Fishery Management Council made in February 2005. NMFS will take public comments on the proposed regulations until May 8 and expects the rule to be finalized by August, said Jon Kurland, assistant regional administrator for habitat conservation…
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/032306/sta_ Press release: NOAA Fisheries requests comments on Essential Fish Habitat proposed rule http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/newsreleases/efh032106.htm 27. Comment Deadline May 8 on BSAI & GOA closure areas NMFS issues a proposed rule that would implement Amendments 78 and 65 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI), Amendments 73 and 65 to the FMP for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), Amendments 16 and 12 to the FMP for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs, Amendments 7 and 9 to the FMP for the Scallop Fishery Off Alaska, and Amendments 7 and 8 to the FMP for Salmon Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone off the Coast of Alaska. These amendments, if approved, would revise the FMPs by identifying and describing essential fish habitat (EFH), designating habitat areas of particular concern (HAPCs), and including measures to minimize to the extent practicable adverse effects on EFH. This action is necessary to update the descriptions of EFH in the FMPs based on the best available scientific information and to protect those areas that have important habitat features for the sustainability of managed fish stocks. Written comments must be received by May 8, 2006. Federal Register Notice:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800 28. NMFS to prepare Alaska Groundfish EIS NMFS announces its intent to prepare the Alaska Groundfish Harvest Specifications Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) and the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) groundfish fisheries. The scope of the EIS will be to determine the impacts to the human environment resulting from setting groundfish harvest specifications. NMFS will hold a public scoping meeting and accept written comments from the public to determine the issues of concern and the appropriate range of management alternatives to be addressed in the EIS. DATES: Written comments must be received by May 15, 2006. A scoping meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 4, 2006, from 7 to 9 p.m., Alaska local time.
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/
& Pacific Coast
Groundfish Fishery EIS Federal Register Notice:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/ 29. BBNA asks governor for more foreign processors The Bristol Bay Native Association is asking Governor Murkowski to issue processing permits to foreign processors in Bristol Bay. Robyn Samuelson with the Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation brought the issue to BBNA's annual meeting. He says additional processors are needed to provide a competitive market in the Bay… http://www.ktva.com/local/ci_3613787 30. Governor Opens Nominations for Exporter of the Year Awards – deadline April 24 Governor Frank H. Murkowski announced the opening of nominations for the Governor’s Exporter of the Year Awards. These annual awards honor Alaska companies that made important contributions to the state’s economy through their international sales and operations in 2005… Awards may be given in the categories of goods, services and small businesses. Individuals or companies may nominate others or themselves. Nominations are due April 24… http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=2257 31. FAS Reports: U.S. Seafood Exports Skyrocket in FSU with Growing Sales to Russia, Ukraine & Georgia Seafood sales are on the rise in the Former Soviet Union (FSU) and exporters of U.S. salmon, whiting/hake and mackerel have benefited from this trend…
http://www.fas.usda.gov/ffpd/U.S.%20%20Seafood%20 32. Alaska editorial: Pebble open-pit mine is too risky Here's why the proposed Pebble gold and copper mine is an unacceptable threat to Alaska's most productive and economically valuable fishery watershed: Nowhere in the world has an open-pit mine of this type managed to operate in such an ecologically and economically important area without inflicting significant harm, either during active mining or after mining has ceased…
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/032306/opi_ 33. Timeline and Steps To Amend Tongass Forest Plan Launched Ketchikan, Alaska - The timeline and steps needed to amend the Tongass forest plan in response to a 2005 federal appeals court decision was outlined yesterday by Tongass National Forest Supervisor Forrest Cole in an address to the Southeast Conference meeting in Juneau, Alaska.
http://www.sitnews.us/0306news/032206/032206_ 34. USFS Wrangell Petersburg Advisory Council meets 4/21 and 5/23 … The purpose of these meetings is to review, discuss and potentially recommend for funding proposals received pursuant to Title II, Public Law 106-393, H.R. 2389, the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, also called the ``Payments to States'' Act. Public testimony regarding the proposals will also be taken…
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan2006 35. Juneau Fish plants move to Lemon Creek Two Juneau salmon processing plants are migrating to new homes at Lemon Creek this winter. Northern Keta, a caviar producer, and the Alaska Seafood Co., which produces shelf-ready smoked salmon and jerky, are waiting out Juneau's recent cold spell to finish building the new plants..
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/031906/loc_ 36. Massachusetts Reps introduce legislation for fishermen’s health care HR 4940 Representatives Barney Frank and John Tierney have introduced legislation that includes funding for fishermen's health care. If the legislation is passed, fishermen from around the country will have the opportunity to research and plan, implement, and run health care coverage programs in their communities. The fishermen's health care language is referenced in H.R. 4940 from the Second Session of the 109th Congress. Please see H.R. 4940, Section 4(e), "Fishing Industry Health Care Coverage Demonstration Program"… http://www.heads-up.net/topics/article.cfm?articleID=6367&topicID=1 Fishing Partnership Health Plan (Massachusetts): http://www.mass-fish.org/favorite.htm To see the legislation, see http://thomas.loc.gov/ - select search by bill number and enter hr 4940. See section 4 for health care provisions. 37. Alaska's greatest export Alaska produces 90 to 95 percent of the U.S. harvest of wild salmon - and about half of the nation's entire commercial seafood catch along its 34,000-mile coastline, said Laura Flemming, communications director of the Juneau-based Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute. 'Alaska is the model for the world - it is the most regulated state for sustaining wild salmon stocks. It has high yields of harvestable fish because it controls how much fishermen can catch and when… http://pasadenastarnews.com/entertainment/ci_3622767 38. Wild AK Salmon burgers a hit at Burger King in Kuala Lumpur FOLLOWING the success of its lamb sandwich, Burger King has come up with the Wild Alaskan Salmon Burger as its next promotional item. Khaled showing the newly introduced Wild Alaskan Salmon burgers at the Burger King headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. The burger, with a flame-grilled salmon fillet, mayonnaise and iceberg lettuce sandwiched between toasted sesame buns, is available at Burger King outlets nationwide (Kuala Lumpur) from now till May 15.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/3/17/ 39. Groups debate 'endangered' Puget Orca status Farming and industry groups in Washington state sued to remove Puget Sound's several dozen killer whales from the endangered species list, saying the designation will result in unnecessary water and land-use restrictions. The listing, issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service in November, will result in "needless" restrictions on the state's farms, especially those near rivers inhabited by salmon -- the orcas' prime food source -- the groups wrote in the federal lawsuit filed Monday. "Farmers could face fines and even imprisonment for the most basic farm practices should such actions allegedly disturb salmon," the lawsuit reads… http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/23/AR2006032300511.html 40. American tycoon, environmentalist stirs controversy in Chile From his house deep in the wilds of Chilean Patagonia, former U.S. business tycoon Douglas Tompkins enjoys views of soaring granite cliffs and pristine waters seemingly untouched by human development. He's fighting to keep these wild lands wild, and has taken on everyone from Chile's military to multinational companies… Most recently, Tompkins has led a campaign against Chile's salmon-farming industry because it pollutes the ocean and has opposed a plan by Spanish energy company Endesa to build four hydroelectric dams on two Patagonian rivers. Tompkins moved to Chile in 1991, bought more than 740,000 acres of wilderness south of the city of Puerto Montt and formed a conservation area dubbed Pumalin Park, roughly the size of Yosemite National Park…
http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/ This story ran in over thirty major newspapers coast to coast. 41. California: Point Counterpoint on Rigs to Reefs Oil rigs as sanctuaries a slick idea JUST saying the words "oil platform" is sure to illicit a strong response from most Californians. But now a study has been released indicating that the unsightly behemoths might inadvertently provide some benefits to the environment. According to marine biologist Milton Love of the University of California, Santa Barbara, Central Coast rigs provide a safe haven for fish that have been overfished elsewhere. Not surprisingly, oil companies are embracing the research. They hope they can convince the federal government to drop its requirement that the platforms be removed after they're decommissioned. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it may consider letting the structures remain, but wants to gather more information before making a decision… http://www.insidebayarea.com/argus/oped/ci_3611768 & 42. 'Oil Rigs As Sanctuaries' Idea All Wet THE MARCH 17 editorial "Oil rigs as sanctuaries a slick idea," which promoted oil rigs as a safe harbor for marine wildlife, unfortunately missed the irony of its title. The oil companies have
been slickly promoting this misguided idea for years, funding their own
studies and supporting bills that would allow them to slip out of their
responsibility to clean up after themselves, and leave the mess and costs
for regular Californians to bear…
http://afjournal.yellowbrix.com/pages/afjournal/Story.nsp 43. Something's fishy about "organic salmon" Well, that label does stand for at least one thing: increased profit margins. More (123)...I've been thinking about OFPA and its two offspring NOP and NOSB, its distant cousin IFOAM, not to mention NOAWG and the AATF Interim Final Report. And I've been thinking a lot about fish mongering… So how does this relate to "organic salmon"? Well, farmed fish can be a problem because of ecological and health concerns. The populations of many wild fish are crashing like the stock market on Black Tuesday. And then there's the well-publicized presence of accumulated toxins at the top of the piscatory food chain--that's your tuna and swordfish and salmon. Worried consumers are a marvelous marketing opportunity. Enter, flopping slightly, the organic salmon. If only there were such a thing….
http://www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/Content?oid= 44. Deal means Wal-Mart helps to save fisheries …You've probably seen news items about the current problems in the world's oceans, including the decline of fisheries. Today, roughly 70% of ocean fisheries are exploited to the max or over-exploited. By buying only from the "good" fisheries, Wal-Mart is using the power of the market to help ensure that the good guys are rewarded and the bad guys are avoided…
http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060319 45. Idaho Gov. Kempthorne named interior secretary President Bush picked Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne on Thursday to be his new interior secretary, selecting a pro-development Western Republican to push for more oil and gas drilling from the Gulf of Mexico to Alaska's North Slope. Kempthorne, 54, would replace departing Secretary Gale Norton if confirmed by the Senate, and he would take over managing areas as diverse as the Grand Canyon and the Gettysburg battlefield. Norton announced her resignation last week after five years of running a department that manages one-fifth of the nation's land… Kempthorne was part of a four-state salmon recovery effort, working with Indian tribes and the Northwest Power Planning Council to try to help the endangered fish without removing dams or curtailing hydroelectric power output…
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/6420AP_Interior_ 46. Gov. Applauds Interior Secretary Appointment http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=2249 47. Earthjustice Statement on the Nomination of Gov. Dirk Kempthorne Bad choice to head Department of Interior "As Governor, Kempthorne led the charge to strip protection from 60 million acres of America's last wild forests and he's consistently fought against protection for wildlife like grizzly bears and salmon in his home state of Idaho. He's openly hostile to America's natural areas and wildlife – which puts him outside the mainstream of what people want to see for their children and their future… http://www.earthjustice.org/news/display.html?ID=1131 & Media Matters: NPR's Shogren ignored environmentalists' concerns over Kempthorne's nomination as interior secretary http://mediamatters.org/items/200603210008 48. Road development policy sparks outcry Interior Secretary Gale Norton has issued a new federal land policy that environmentalists say will allow states and local governments to build hundreds of roads across national parks and refuges in Alaska and elsewhere in the West… http://www.adn.com/news/politics/story/7558261p-7469761c.html 49. House favors Snake River recharge BOISE n Water could soon flow through Magic Valley canals, trickle down through the area’s desert soils and replenish the depleted aquifer. It’s called recharge, and everyone agrees that the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer is in need of it. But, like with all things relating to water, the parties involved can’t strike a deal to get it done. On Friday, lawmakers in the House moved one step closer to a legislative solution n one that Idaho Power officials say will result in higher rates to its customers…
http://www.magicvalley.com/articles/2006/03/18/news_ 50. NMFS announces closures of OR & CA commercial and recreational salmon fisheries NMFS announces the
closure of several commercial and recreational fisheries in areas extending
from Cape Falcon, OR, to Point Sur, CA by inseason action. The recently
developed preseason forecast for Klamath River fall Chinook (KRFC) is low
such that the expected return in 2006 is significantly less than the 35,000
natural spawner escapement floor established in the Pacific Coast Salmon
Fishery Management Plan (FMP)...
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800 51. States rights in food labeling fight The U.S. Senate should oppose a bill that would override state food safety and labeling rules in favor of federal standards. States should be able to impose tougher standards and have the ability to react quickly to food safety concerns… http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-1/114312903820130.xml&coll=6 UFA worked with Alaska’s delegation to attain wild and farmed differentiation in USDA Country of Origin Labeling for seafood, and supported the Alaska legislature in Alaska labeling for farmed fish. This consumer information is under attack in the Farm Bill 2007 process. Support UFA to help us look out for your interest – no matter where or how you fish this is important! & 52. House Set to
Nullify State Consumer Safety Programs Under Pressure From Corporate Food
Lobby…
http://newswire.ascribe.org/cgi-bin/behold.pl?ascribeid=20060308.083729&time=09%2046 53. Laine Welch's Fish Radio –Topics from this week Thursday 3/23/06 Gulf Ratz: ADF&G's McKie Campbell comments Wednesday 3/22/06 Bird flu scare: US gov't says stockpile canned tuna. Ouch! Tuesday 3/21/06 Kodiak fishing families rally against Gulf ratz Friday 3/17//06 Fishermen have more superstitions than the Irish See: http://www.marineconservationalliance.org/fishradio.htm & also see Laine Welch's Fish Factor Radio at http://www.kinyradio.com/fishfactor.html 54. Woman seeks help after husband's search called off - Juneau men lost at sea While frantically calling state and federal officials for help in resuming a search for her missing husband, Jennifer Nebert said she received a call from the Coast Guard Monday to tell her the search would remain suspended.
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/031406/loc_ & Search for missing fishermen will resume
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/031706/sta_ 55. Coast Guard terminates fishermen's voyage for lack of immersion suit Coast Guard boarding team members from the cutter Anacapa terminated the voyage of a 38-foot fishing boat near Sitka Sound today. The boarding team found no immersion suit type Personal Flotation Device (PFD) aboard the 38-foot Flatlander. The two crewmembers are required to return to port, aquire the PFDs and receive a dockside Coast Guard boarding before they will be allowed to get underway. Coast Guard Members aboard the cutter Anacapa are escorting the crew of the Flatlander to Sitka… http://www.uscgalaska.com/go/doc/780/113004/ 56. Coast Guard creates Sector Juneau and Sector Anchorage The Coast Guard has established Sector commands by integrating Groups, Marine Safety Offices, Vessel Traffic Services, and, in some cases, Air Stations, to more effectively manage our operational environment… http://www.uscgalaska.com/go/doc/780/112965/ 57. Schedule Your FREE 'No Fault' Commercial Fishing Vessel Dockside Safety Exam USCG Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety launches fishsafe.info website: 58. Upcoming AMSEA Training and Other Events Marine Safety Instructor Training Six-day Course, Sitka and 18-Hour Survival Equipment, Procedures and Drills Course or 10-Hour Onboard Drill Instructor Course to be held at locations throughout coastal Alaska http://www.amsea.org/schedule.html 59. Comment Request on NMFS Alaska Region Permit Family of Forms (& MMPA) Fishermen and processors wishing to participate in regulated fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone off the coast of Alaska must obtain a Federal Fisheries Permit, a Federal Processor Permit, or an Exempted Fisheries Permit. The application information is used to identify participants in the fishery, aid enforcement of fishery regulations, and analyze activity within the fisheries… DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before May 15, 2006.
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800 &&& Federal Register Notice: Comment Request on Reporting Requirements for Commercial Fisheries Authorization Under Section 118 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800 60. IPHC Notifies Industry of Halibut Sales in 2006 and Seeks Buyers Interested in IPHC Research Fish The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) will be conducting research operations off Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and Alaska during 2006 and will be selling halibut caught during the operations to offset costs associated with conducting the research programs. This news release is intended to notify the industry of IPHC sales plans and seeks offers for fish sales arrangements from interested buyers…
http://www.iphc.washington.edu/halcom/newsrel/2006 61. Rural Business-Cooperative Service Grants - deadline May 26 The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), an Agency within the Rural Development mission area, announces the availability of grants of up to $50,000 per application from the Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG) program for fiscal year (FY) 2006, to be competitively awarded. For multi-State projects, grant funds of up to $150,000 will be available on a competitive basis. DATES: The deadline for the receipt of applications in the Rural Development State Office is May 26, 2006.
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800 62. March 31 Deadline approaches for value-added USDA grant The application filing deadline nears for eligible producers seeking grants under the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Value-Added Producer Grant program (VAPG). Almost $19.5 million is available nationwide this year to support the development of renewable energy projects and value-added agricultural business ventures. All applications must be received in the Rural Development state office in Palmer no later than March 31. http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=2812 USDA Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) home page: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm 63. 3rd International Symposium on Stock Enhancement and Sea Ranching, 9/18 - 21, Seattle The United States will host the Third International Symposium on Stock Enhancement and Sea Ranching, September 18 - 21, 2006, in Seattle, WA. Conference themes include: restocking and stock enhancement systems and their role in fisheries management; institutional and socio-economic issues; release strategies; Interactions between wild and released stocks; biological insights from hatchery releases; and arenas of progress. The deadline for papers is April 15. For more information, go to: http://www.searanching.org/ 64. Vital Choices online: Topics from Issue 66 3/20/2006 Fish Oil for Hot Flashes? Feeling Anxious? Fish and Fish Oil May Help Mediterranean Halibut and Vegetables; Broiled Wild Salmon with Miso Glaze http://www.vitalchoice.com/newsletter_index2.cfm
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