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UFA Update December 21 , 2006 The UFA semi-annual winter meeting will be held January 23-25 in Juneau. Members are invited. Happy Holidays to All Alaska Fishing Families. Contents 1. UFA Names Senator Ted Stevens Man of the Year in Alaska Politics 2. Governor Palin Unveils FY08 Budgets 3. MSA: 30 years and going strong - KDM Guest Opinion by David Benton 4. MSA bill online at: 5. Senator Ted Stevens’ & Secretary of Commerce MSA Press releases 6. Daily Astorian Editorial: Congress surprises us with fisheries law 7. Federal funds may cut SE seine fleet 8. Buyout for SE Seine fishermen is possible 9. NPFMC December - Halibut Charter Motions 12/06 10. Federal fisheries managers address Halibut charter catch 11. ADN: Fight heats up over halibut catch 12. Juneau Empire My turn By Bruce Warner : No shortage of halibut, only parity 13. IPHC Staff Preliminary Catch Limit Recommendations for 2007 – 2C down 14. 2006 IPHC Halibut Landing Report No. 10 15. Fish board denies Kvichak setnetters request 16. Board of Fisheries wants Habitat Division restored 17. Both sides laud BOF decision on Bristol Bay fish refuge 18. Kodiak keeps rural status, other communities don't 19. Kodiak area retains rural subsistence rights 20. Kenai subcommittee to handle subsistence 21. Federal Subsistence Board to Meet Jan. 9-11 22. USFWS Names Probasco New Assistant Reg. Director for Subsistence Management 23. SEAS responds to Grand Jury probe with sixteen boxes of files & documents 24. Russian imports cut crab prices 25. Lucrative Bering Sea Pollock fishery cut 26. Three boroughs support conditional lifting of Bristol Bay drilling ban 27. Bristol Bay drilling is polarizing issue 28. Homer News: Pebble Mine proponent digs for support 29. Lawsuit Seeks to Shield Alaska Sea Otter 30. Fishermen fare much better in retaining crab in 2006 31. Bristol Bay setnetters say no association 32. State fish marketing board awards $7.8 million in grants 33. MSC Assessment of Alaska Salmon Fisheries Extended through October 2007 34. China seafood expo grows as South Korean show struggles 35. UAF to bulk up fisheries program, add BA degree 36. Governor Palin Retains John Katz 38. Alaska Economic Trends Dec 2006: Fish Harvesting Employment 39. Alaska Fisheries Report December 21 40. Madsen takes job with At-Sea Processors Association 41. Fishery issues land in governors' laps - ADN Comment by John Strohmeyer 42. Lobster industry protests new surimi labeling rules 43. Japan seafood maker Maruha to merge with Nichiro 44. Laine Welch's Fish Radio –Topics from this week 45. NMFS Comment deadline January 3 on MMPA List of Fisheries for 2007 46. Comment Deadline Feb 5, 2007 on BSAI Groundfish Amendment 85 allocations 47. Deadline Jan 16 for GOA Groundfish Proposed 2007 and 2008 Harvest Specifications 48. Deadline Jan 16 for comments on BSAI Groundfish 2007 & 2008 Harvest specs. 49. Deadline Feb 6 for comments on NOAA Reg. Economic Data Collection for GOA 50. NOAA Report: Effects of Climate Change on Energy Production and Use in the US 51. Nominations for the Annual Sustainable Fisheries Leadership – extended to Jan 31 52. NOAA Fisheries joins others in signing state-wide Invasive Species Agreement 53. Alaska NOAA Fisheries photographers place in national contest 54. Phil Smith retiring from NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region 55. NOAA Scientists Complete Status Review of Alaska's Cook Inlet Beluga Population 56. NOAA BSAI Crab Rationalization Program Report for 2005/2006 online 57. Deadline January 2 for Central GOA Rationalization and Rockfish Pilot Program 58. Coast Guard Random Drug Testing Rate for Covered Crewmembers 50% for 2007 59. Deadline March 30 or January 31 for Rural Business Opportunity Grant 60. USFWS seeks proposals for funding under the Private Stewardship Grants Program 61. USCG, State of AK, National Academies of Science discuss Aleutian Islands Risks 62. USCG free on-line tutorial for new Digital Selective Calling VHF 63. MMRC 2006 Field Update #5: Far From the Field 64. Alaska Sea Grant MAP Alaska Young Fishermen's Summit - January 25 and 26 65. UAF SeaGrant Marine Habitat Mapping Technology Workshop for Alaska 66. Alaska Crab Stock Enhancement and Rehabilitation: Workshop Proceedings 67. Blue king crab join their red brethren in rehab project 68. AMSEA Vessel Stability DVD helps fishermen keep afloat 69. Vital Choices Newsletter for December 21, 2006 70. Office of Subsistence Management Accepting RAC Nominations & Applications 1. UFA Names Senator Ted Stevens Man of the Year in Alaska Politics – cites passage of Magnuson Stevens reauthorization: The United Fishermen of Alaska (UFA) named Senator Ted Stevens as its “Person of the Year in Alaska Politics” for 2006. UFA credited Senator Stevens for the passage in Congress this week of the reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the law governing fisheries management in U.S. federal waters. UFA, representing 33 Alaska commercial fishing organizations, selects this award each year from among elected officials in Alaska government… Press release will be posted online at: http://www.ufa-fish.org/press/2006-04Tedstevensmanofyear2007.pdf 2. Governor Palin Unveils FY08 Budgets Governor Sarah Palin unveils her first budget as governor. It is a direct reflection of the governor’s commitment to spend less, save more, and live within the state’s means by controlling government growth… Gov’s Press release: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=31 Find ADF&G & other departments’ budgets online at http://www.gov.state.ak.us/omb/08_OMB/budget/index.htm 3. MSA: 30 years and going strong - KDM Guest Opinion by David Benton Many Alaskans this month are celebrating the 30th anniversary of a piece of legislation that profoundly and positively affects our state. We now have another reason to celebrate. Passage of the Magnuson Stevens Act in December 1976 created a billion-dollar industry in Alaska that has provided jobs and economic vitality to our coastal communities, and fostered stewardship of our marine resources… http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=4160 4. MSA bill online at: 2007 Reauthorization of Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act - enrolled version of MSA, HR 5946: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/index.htm#msa 5. Senator Ted Stevens’ MSA Press release: http://stevens.senate.gov/pr_detailed.cfm?prid=446 & Secretary of
Commerce MSA Press release:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/mediacenter/docs/ We were not successful in our work with CFA and other fishing groups to obtain fishermen’s health care provisions in Magnuson. UFA will continue to work for this with our delegation and in Alaska. Senator Murkowski’s assignment to the Senate Health Committee is one bright spot in this long term effort… http://murkowski.senate.gov/pressapp/record.cfm?id=266952 6. Daily Astorian Editorial: Congress surprises us with fisheries law Is it too late? Ocean fish will no longer be treated like an infinite resource. But has this sea change in American law come too late? Amazing was the correct word to describe congressional action revamping the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. In a Congress that broke new ground in irrelevance and sheer laziness, this was like a lousy movie with an unexpectedly interesting ending…
http://www.dailyastorian.info/main.asp?SectionID= 7. Federal funds may cut SE seine fleet $25 million provided to buy fishing permits Federal money could reduce the commercial fishing fleet in Southeast Alaska next year. The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act, which received final approval in Congress on Dec. 9, provides up to $25 million to purchase commercial fishing permits from purse seine fishermen. Buyback proponents hope to retire up to half of the 415 existing limited-entry permits to improve the economics for permit-holders who want to keep fishing. Work has begun on a plan that permit holders would have to approve in a vote. "We'd really pushing very hard for implementation before the 2007 salmon season," said Rob Zuanich of the Purse Seine Vessel Owners Association. "By June of next year would be our hope."… Two-thirds of the fishermen casting votes would have to approve a plan for it to take effect…
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/122006/sta_ 8. Buyout for SE Seine fishermen is possible Southeast Alaska seine-boat salmon fishermen might buy out some of their ranks and trim the size of the fleet using money Congress approved last week. "This is a huge deal for my guys," said Bob Thorstenson Jr., a Juneau seiner who is helping organize the buyout… http://www.adn.com/money/story/8491490p-8385101c.html 9. NPFMC December - Halibut Charter Motions 12/06 Area 2C GHL Alts:
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/current_issues/halibut_ Moratorium:
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/current_issues/halibut_ Permanent Solution:
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/current_issues/halibut_ NPFMC DECEMBER 2006 Newsletter: http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/newsletters/NEWS1206.pdf NPFMC Home page – see other items from December at right side bar: http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/ 10. Federal fisheries managers address Halibut charter catch Federal fisheries managers, responding to concerns over rapidly rising halibut harvests by Alaska's charter boat owners, have agreed to dialogue with the International Pacific Halibut Commission over how to resolve the issue…
http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/121706/hom 11. ADN: Fight heats up over halibut catch The fight between commercial halibut fishermen and charter boat operators is heating up again with commercial fishermen pushing for limits on charter boat catches… http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/ap_alaska/story/8473411p-8367305c.html 12. Juneau Empire My turn By Bruce Warner : No shortage of halibut, only parity Why is only 15 percent of halibut allocation is awarded to sport fishery? Both Alaska halibut and Alaska oil are public resources. Alaska halibut, like Alaska oil, is owned by the people of Alaska… Bruce Warner is a resident of Homer. (He is also a charter guide)
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/121906/opi_ 13. IPHC Staff Preliminary Catch Limit Recommendations for 2007 – 2C down Table 1. IPHC staff recommended catch limits for 2007, by IPHC regulatory area (million lbs, net weight). The 2006 fishery catch limits are included for comparison.
http://www.iphc.washington.edu/halcom/newsrel/2006/ 14. 2006 IPHC Halibut Landing Report No. 10
http://www.iphc.washington.edu/halcom/newsrel/2006/ 15. Fish board denies Kvichak setnetters request The Kvichak setnetters in Bristol Bay had hoped the Board of Fish would let them fish earlier in the season, instead of waiting for the enough salmon to escape up the river. But the board refused to change the management regime on the Kvichak… http://www.ktva.com/alaska/ci_4847216 16. Board of Fisheries wants Habitat Division restored The state fisheries board wants Gov. Sarah Palin to add another item to her growing list of scratched-out Murkowski actions… http://www.adn.com/money/story/8499768p-8393086c.html 17. Both sides laud BOF decision on Bristol Bay fish refuge The state Board of Fisheries decided Monday to hold off on a proposal to form a fisheries refuge in Bristol Bay drainages in and around the massive Pebble gold, copper and molybdenum deposit. Instead, the seven-member board voted unanimously to create a panel to evaluate whether protections for fisheries in Bristol Bay need to be beefed up. Anti- and pro-Pebble forces were both quick to claim victory in the board's decision at its Dillingham meeting… http://www.adn.com/money/story/8486281p-8380034c.html 18. Kodiak keeps rural status, other communities don't A federal board retained the rural status of Kodiak but residents in several other areas of Alaska did not fare as well in retaining a right to subsistence hunt and fish under federal law… http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/ap_alaska/story/8492378p-8385981c.html Federal Subsistence Board final rule on Rural determinations is online at http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/news.cfm?gnr=1 (See December 14) 19. Kodiak area retains rural subsistence rights In a unanimous decision, the Federal Subsistence Board ruled this morning that Kodiak city and the surrounding road system will maintain rural status for subsistence hunting and fishing purposes… http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=4131 20. Kenai subcommittee to handle subsistence Having rejected a call to create a new subsistence advisory council for the Kenai Peninsula, the federal subsistence program is creating a subcommittee to represent the area's interests… http://www.adn.com/money/industries/fishing/story/8486326p-8380074c.html See Federal Subsistence Board December 11 Press release at: http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/news.cfm?gnr=1 &&& Deadline Jan 5 for Comments on proposed changes to Federal subsistence fisheries regulations for the Kenai Peninsula - - See November 22 news release at: http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/news.cfm?gnr=1 21. Federal Subsistence Board to Meet Jan. 9-11 The Federal Subsistence Board will meet Jan. 9-11 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the Egan Civic and Convention Center, 555 W. 5th Ave., Anchorage. The meeting may conclude early, depending upon when the Board completes its work. The Board will consider proposals to change Federal subsistence fisheries regulations for the 2007-2008 regulatory year. In addition, the Board will consider funding for subsistence-related research and monitoring projects for 2007 under the Fisheries Resource Monitoring Program. See January 9-11 meeting notice at http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/deadline.cfm 22. USFWS Names Probasco New Assistant Regional Director for Subsistence Management Peter Probasco has been approved as the Assistant Regional Director-Subsistence Management, replacing Tom Boyd, who recently retired. Prior to joining the Fish and Wildlife Service, Mr. Probasco worked for 22 years with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, beginning as a fishery biologist and, over time, advancing into positions of increased responsibility, culminating in his appointment as a Regional Supervisor based in Kodiak. In that capacity, he was responsible for all commercial, subsistence, and personal use fisheries for the Western Gulf of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, as well as the shellfish fisheries of the Bering Sea. This is expected to be posted online at USFWS FSB website at: http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/news.cfm?gnr=1 23. SEAS responds to Grand Jury probe with sixteen boxes of files & documents http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/ap_alaska/story/8482257p-8375928c.html http://www.adn.com/news/politics/fbi/story/8482093p-8375673c.html 24. Russian imports cut crab prices Alaska crabbers say they are stunned by scale of downturn The Costco king-crab legs are thick and meaty. But the real lure is the price: At $10.99 per pound, they are a quick sell to holiday-season shoppers… The crabs on display at Costco, though, are price-cutting Russian offerings from the distant Barents Sea, where a Soviet-era experiment to transplant the king crabs has turned into a booming 21st-century harvest… As the season now ends, the final price is expected to be at least 40 percent below the price paid to vessel owners during the 2002 market peak. This also means less money for the crew members, who work marathon hours through the fall storms to bring in the catch. "There's no question that the influx of Russian crab had damaged the market," said Greg White, who has represented crabbers in negotiations with processors. "This has caused some hardship."
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/121806/sta_2006 25. Lucrative Bering Sea Pollock fishery cut The quota will drop 6 percent in the state's largest harvest. Seafood companies will be making fewer fish sticks and less imitation crab from Alaska catches next season due to a cut in the Bering Sea walleye pollock catch limit… http://www.adn.com/money/industries/fishing/story/8486297p-8380050c.html 26. Three boroughs support conditional lifting of Bristol Bay drilling ban Three local governments bordering on the North Aleutian Basin say they want to lift a presidential moratorium on oil and gas development in the 8,700-square-mile area, but it's no mandate to go ahead and drill… The Aleutians East, Bristol Bay and Lake and Peninsula boroughs formally requested Dec. 5 that President George W. Bush lift the presidential moratorium on drilling in the North Aleutian Basin, only so studies can determine if petroleum development and commercial fishing can co-exist.
http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/121706/hom_2006 27. Bristol Bay drilling is polarizing issue Rural Alaska leaders and fishermen are jockeying for President Bush's attention over the possible lifting of a moratorium on drilling in Bristol Bay and a portion of the Bering Sea… Not that they speak with one voice… http://www.adn.com/money/industries/oil/story/8484550p-8378249c.html 28. Homer News: Pebble Mine proponent digs for support “We’re asking for your support for a fair hearing on our project,” Magee said. The vice-president of public affairs for Northern Dynasty Mines in Vancouver, B.C., Magee presented the latest version of a pitch he and other representatives have made to elected officials, chambers of commerce or anyone willing to listen. The basics have been laid out before: at the Pebble prospect near Iliamna on lower Cook Inlet, Northern Dynasty has been exploring a rich deposit of copper, gold and molybdenum, and proposes to build a world-class mine. How that would be done Northern Dynasty doesn’t yet know, Magee said…
http://www.homernews.com/stories/121306/news_1a 29. Lawsuit Seeks to Shield Alaska Sea Otter A conservation group, alarmed at a decrease in the number of sea otters in southwest Alaska, filed a lawsuit in federal court on Tuesday to try to compel the government to designate critical habitat to help the endangered species recover. The lawsuit, filed by the Arizona-based Center for Biological Diversity, argues that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service missed an Aug. 9 deadline for the designation under the Endangered Species Act. If granted, the designation means that federal agencies must ensure activities in certain areas do not harm the species… http://www.kfmb.com/stories/story.74332.html 30. Fishermen fare much better in retaining crab in 2006 Alaska crab harvesters wrapping up their second season in a privatized fishery say they are honoring a commitment to retail all legal-sized king crab in the Bristol Bay fishery. To avoid future quota cuts and to protect the crab resource, Bering Sea crabbers signed pledges to retain all legal king crab this year, and reports are they have honored that agreement, said Arni Thomson, executive director of the Alaska Crab Coalition…
http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/121706/hom_2006 31. Bristol Bay setnetters say no association Bristol BayÕs setnet permit holders have decided to just say no to joining forces with the driftnet fleet in a regional seafood development organization dedicated to obtaining better prices for fishermen.
http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/120306/hom_2006 BBRSDA home page: http://www.bbrsda.com/ 32. State fish marketing board awards $7.8 million in grants Sharing $7.8 million, four major seafood processors, along with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, Copper River Seafoods, Taco Loco Products and Arctic Paws are the top 2006 winners in 2006 grants from the Alaska Fisheries Marketing Board. Winners of the 76 grants, all of which must be partly matched by recipients, were advised in late October and November that they had won. A complete list of the grant winners is available at www.alaskafisheriesboard.org . AK Journal of
Commerce article:
http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/121006/hom_2006 33. MSC Assessment of Alaska Salmon Fisheries Extended through October 2007 The MSC process for independently re-assessing the commercial salmon fisheries in Alaska is being extended. The assessment is being extended to allow for the time that was necessary to collect and evaluate additional information and still complete the necessary process required under the MSC program. This time extension will continue through 31 October 2007. The
http://www.msc.org/assets/docs/Alaska_Salmon/Advisory_ 34. China seafood expo grows as South Korean show struggles Like most of the rest of
the seafood-producing world, Alaska's leading fishmongers flocked to the
China Fisheries and Seafood Exposition Nov. 1-3, but then all ignored the
Busan International Seafood and Fisheries Exposition in South Korea less
than two weeks later…
http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/121706/hom_2006 35. UAF to bulk up fisheries program, add BA degree The University of Alaska Fairbanks is completing the payment of a $5 million grant from the Rasmuson Foundation to redesign the school's fisheries program. The money will be distributed over the next six years to the university's School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences as it hires new faculty and staff and adds a new degree program, according to UAF Chancellor Steve Jones. The school plans to add a fisheries minor and a Bachelor of Arts degree to the Bachelor of Science degree it already offers…
http://www.adn.com/money/industries/fishing/story/8503 36. Governor Palin Retains John Katz Governor Sarah Palin announced today that she will retain John Katz as Director of State and Federal Relations and Special Counsel to the Governor in Washington, D.C. “John is an institution in our nation’s capital,” said Governor Palin. “He has assisted a multitude of Alaska’s Governors in the formation of policy and strategy on federal issues and I look forward to the continued relationship. I personally have great respect for John, and deeply appreciate his efforts and willingness to stay on and assist me during this important time for Alaska.”… http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=35 38. Alaska Economic Trends Dec 2006: Fish Harvesting Employment Fisheries play an economic role in Alaska similar to that of wheat farming in North Dakota or corn production in Iowa. The latest National Marine Fisheries Service release reported that over 55 percent of the total U.S. fisheries harvest by volume was taken in Alaska waters. That production translated into nearly one-third of the total U.S. harvest by value. Dutch Harbor/ Unalaska ranked first among U.S. ports interms of volume, more than doubling runner-up Reedville, Va. These are impressive numbers for a state whose population amounts to only two tenths of one percent of the nation’s total… http://labor.state.ak.us/trends/dec06.pdf AK DOL Economic Trends home page: http://labor.state.ak.us/trends/ 39. Alaska Fisheries Report December 21 -Stephanie Madsen takes job at At-Sea Processors -Ed Schoenfeld on BC fish farms -Seafood industry holidays http://www.kmxt.org/?q=node/1500 40. Madsen takes job with At-Sea Processors Association The chairwoman of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council has a new job. Stephanie Madsen will be executive director of the At-sea Processors Association starting Januaru 1st. She is leaving her job as vice president of the Pacific Seafood Processors Association, where she has worked since 1999. Madsen replaces Kevin Duffy, who had been executive director of the association since January 2005. http://www.ktva.com/alaska/ci_4847808 41. Fishery issues land in governors' laps - ADN Comment by John Strohmeyer Gov. Sarah Palin must be flooded by now with advice to follow and pitfalls to avoid as she takes over the state's highest political office. A gas line contract and a balanced budget are the biggest issues out front, but she ought to be warned about the heat that almost certainly will be placed on her to get involved in the fisheries…
http://www.adn.com/opinion/comment/strohmeyer/story/ 42. Lobster industry protests new surimi labeling rules Maine lobster promoters are protesting new labeling rules that allow surimi producers to drop the word "imitation" from their labels…
http://ap.peninsulaclarion.com/pstories/state/ak/20061213 43. Japan seafood maker Maruha to merge with Nichiro Japanese seafood supplier Maruha Group Inc. said on Monday it will merge with smaller rival Nichiro Corp. via a share swap, sending the whole seafood sector higher on expectations of a further shakeout. Industry leader Maruha, which will be the surviving company in the merger, said the swap ratio has not been decided, and that the new entity, Maruha Nichiro Holdings Inc, will be established on Oct. 1, 2007… http://asia.news.yahoo.com/061211/3/2u76w.html 44. Laine Welch's Fish Radio –Topics from this week Thursday 12/21/06 UAF expands fisheries degree programs; ASMI offers retail diploma Wednesday 12/20/06 Per capita #s late; value of farmed salmon imports tops $1B; early roe herring #s Tuesday 12/19/06 Halibut proposals to IPHC include reduced bag limits, delay of opening date to mid March Monday 12/18/06 Surimi name change aims to attract new seafood fans Friday 12/15/06 Young Fishermen's Summit aims to help future fishermen face complex challenges Online at http://www.marineconservationalliance.org/fishradio.htm & also see Laine Welch's Fish Factor at http://www.kinyradio.com/fishfactor.html 45. NMFS Comment deadline January 3 on MMPA List of Fisheries for 2007 The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is publishing its proposed List of Fisheries (LOF) for 2007, as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The proposed LOF for 2007 reflects new information on interactions between commercial fisheries and marine mammals. NMFS must categorize each commercial fishery on the LOF into one of three categories under the MMPA based upon the level of serious injury and mortality of marine mammals that occurs incidental to each fishery. The categorization of a fishery in the LOF determines whether participants in that fishery are subject to certain provisions of the MMPA, such as registration, observer coverage, and take reduction plan requirements. DATES: Comments must be received by January 3, 2007…
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/ 46. Comment Deadline Feb 5, 2007 on BSAI Groundfish Amendment 85 allocations The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 85 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP) to NMFS for review. If approved, Amendment 85 would revise the current Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI) Pacific cod allocations of total allowable catch (TAC) among various harvest sectors, modify the management of Pacific cod incidental catch in other non-target fisheries, eliminate the groundfish reserve for Pacific cod, increase the percentage of the BSAI Pacific cod TAC apportioned to the Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program, and add a new appendix to the FMP that summarizes the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005. DATES: Comments on Amendment 85 must be received on or before February 5, 2007.
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/ 47. Deadline Jan 16 for GOA Groundfish Proposed 2007 and 2008 Harvest Specifications NMFS proposes 2007 and 2008 harvest specifications, reserves and apportionments, and Pacific halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) limits for the groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to establish harvest limits for groundfish during the 2007 and 2008 fishing years and to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP)…
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/ 48. Deadline Jan 16 for comments on BSAI Groundfish 2007 & 2008 Harvest specs. NMFS proposes 2007 and 2008 harvest specifications and prohibited species catch (PSC) allowances for the groundfish fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to establish harvest limits for groundfish during the 2007 and 2008 fishing years and to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP)… DATES: Comments must be received by January 16, 2007.
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/ 49. Deadline Feb 6 for Comments on NOAA Regional Economic Data Collection Program for Gulf Coast Alaska Much of the data required for regional economic analysis associated with Gulf Coast Alaska fisheries are either unavailable or unreliable. The accurate fishery-level data on employment, labor income, and expenditures in the Gulf Coast Alaska fishery and related industries are not currently available but are needed to estimate the effects of fisheries on the economy of Gulf Coast Alaska. In this survey effort, data on these important regional economic variables will be collected and used to develop models that will provide more reliable estimates and significantly improve policy-makers' ability to assess policy effects on fishery-dependent communities in Gulf Coast Alaska. The survey will be a one-time survey… DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before February 6, 2007.
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/ 50. NOAA Report: Effects of Climate Change on Energy Production and Use in the United States NOAA U.S. Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Product Draft Report 4.5 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration publishes this notice to announce the availability of the draft Report for one of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) Synthesis and Assessment Products for public comment. This draft Report addresses the following CCSP Topic:Product 4.5 Effects of Climate Change on Energy Production and Use in the United States After consideration of comments received on the draft Report, the final Report along with the comments received will be published on the CCSP web site. DATES: Comments must be received by February 1, 2007. Report: http://www.climatescience.gov/Library/sap/sap4-5/default.php Federal Register Notice
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800 51. Nominations for the Annual Sustainable Fisheries Leadership – extended to Jan 31 NOAA has established the Sustainable Fisheries Leadership Awards Program to recognize outstanding performances, achievements and leadership by industries, organizations and individuals who promote best stewardship practices for the sustainable use of living marine resources and ecosystems, and who have fostered change and inspired a stewardship ethic within their community. This notice extends the deadline for nominations for the second annual Sustainable Fisheries Leadership Awards from January 8 to January 31, 2007…
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/ 52. NOAA Fisheries joins others in signing state-wide Invasive Species Agreement NOAA Fisheries representatives recently signed a state-wide agreement to minimize invasive species impacts in Alaska. Five state agencies, nine other federal agencies and six non-governmental organizations have also signed the agreement. A European green crab is held up to view. Photo courtesy of Washington Department of Fish and Game The agreement addresses management of any invasive species, including terrestrial, freshwater and marine plants and animals, throughout Alaska… http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/newsreleases/invasive122006.htm 53. Alaska NOAA Fisheries photographers place in national contest Photographers from NOAA Fisheries offices in Juneau made a strong showing in a national photographic contest helping mark the 200th Anniversary of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA's leader, Vice Admiral Conrad Lautenbacher, announced contest winners yesterday. NOAA photographers entered about 2,000 photos in the contest nationwide. http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/newsreleases/photos122006.htm 54. Phil Smith retiring from NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region Phil Smith, who helped pioneer and still leads the Restricted Access Management Program of NOAA Fisheries' Alaska Region, is retiring December 22, 2006… http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/newsreleases/philsmith.htm 55. NOAA Scientists Complete Status Review of Alaska's Cook Inlet Beluga Population The National Marine Mammal Laboratory, part of NOAA's Alaska Fisheries Science Center, recently completed a status review and extinction risk assessment for the Cook Inlet beluga whale population. "We expected the Cook Inlet beluga population to start growing at two to six percent per year when unregulated hunting stopped in 1999," said Dr. Doug DeMaster, Administrator of the Alaska Fisheries Science Center. "That hasn't happened. A population viability analysis indicates that the likelihood of this population going extinct within the next 100 years is significant unless factors determining the population's growth and survival are altered." http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/newsreleases/belugareview2006.htm 56. NOAA BSAI Crab Rationalization Program Report for 2005/2006 online This Crab Rationalization Program Report for Crab Fishing Year 2005/06 provides a summary of the first-year of Alaska’s Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab Rationalization Program (Program). The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) requested this report on program activities, which includes: application/appeals processing, quota issuance and distribution, arbitration, harvesting, processing, quota transfers, cost recovery fees, reporting, compliance monitoring, safety, community protection measures, and other program features…
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/crab/ NMFS Alaska home page: http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/ 57. Deadline January 2 for Central GOA Rationalization and Rockfish Pilot Program NMFS Central GOA Rationalization and Rockfish Pilot Program home page: http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/goarat/default.htm Application form online http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/goarat/default.htm NOAA Final Rule for
Rockfish Pilot Program - Federal Register Nov 20:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/ Final Rule pdf file: http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/frules/71fr67210.pdf 58. Coast Guard Random Drug Testing Rate for Covered Crewmembers 50% for 2007 The Coast Guard has set
the calendar year 2007 minimum random The minimum random drug testing rate is effective January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007. Marine employers must submit their 2006 Management Information System (MIS) reports no later than March 15, 2007…
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/ 59. Deadline March 30 or January 31 for Rural Business Opportunity Grant 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) 2007, to be competitively awarded. For multi-State projects, grant funds of up to $150,000 will be available on a competitive basis. The awards are being capped due to limited funding. This notice is being issued prior to passage of a final appropriations bill… The deadline for the receipt of non-earmarked applications in the Rural Development State Office is March 30, 2007… If the RBOG appropriation provides earmarks for Native American, Empowerment Zones, Enterprise Communities, and Rural Economic Area Partnerships, then those applications must be received in the Rural Development State Office by January 31, 2007.
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/ For more information contact the Alaska USDA Rural Development office at: 800 West Evergreen, Suite 201, Palmer, AK 99645-6539, (907) 761-7705/TDD (907) 761-8905. 60. USFWS seeks proposals for funding under the Private Stewardship Grants Program The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking proposals for conservation projects to benefit imperiled species on private lands through its Private Stewardship Grants Program. This program provides federal grants on a competitive basis to individuals and groups engaged in voluntary conservation efforts on private lands that help federally listed endangered or threatened species as well as proposed, candidate and other at-risk species.
http://www.fws.gov/news/NewsReleases/showNews.cfm USFWS Alaska Grant Programs home page: http://alaska.fws.gov/grant_calendar.htm 61. USCG, State of Alaska, National Academies of Science discuss Aleutian Islands Risks ANCHORAGE, Alaska - On November 29, the U.S. Coast Guard and the State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) met in Washington D.C. with the National Academies of Science Marine Board to discuss plans to develop a comprehensive risk assessment for the Aleutian Islands. The Marine Board agreed to develop a framework for a multi-stage risk assessment of maritime transportation in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Archipelago. http://www.uscgalaska.com/go/doc/780/139339/ 62. USCG free on-line tutorial for new Digital Selective Calling VHF SEATTLE - The Boat U.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water has launched www.BoatUS.com/MMSI , a new on-line tutorial available for anyone interested in learning about the latest advances in marine radio communication… http://www.d13publicaffairs.com/go/doc/21/139516/ 63. MMRC 2006 Field Update #5: Far From the Field Researcher Pamela Lestenkof spent the summer at her home in the remote Pribilof Islands, where she studied the foraging behavior of the island's fur seal population. http://www.marinemammal.org/2006/nfs_5.php Marine Mammal Research Consortium home page: http://www.marinemammal.org/ 64. Alaska Sea Grant MAP Alaska Young Fishermen's Summit - January 25 and 26, 2007 Alaska’s fishing future depends on our young fishermen. As our established commercial fishing fleet “grays” and retires from the fishing business, the next generation will take up the burden of supporting much of our coastal economy with their commercial fishing businesses… http://seagrant.uaf.edu/map/workshops/2007/ayfs/index.html UFA supports the Young Fishermen’s Summit. 65. UAF SeaGrant Marine Habitat Mapping Technology Workshop for Alaska Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage, Alaska, April 2–4, 2007 http://seagrant.uaf.edu/conferences/2007/benthic/index.html 66. Alaska Crab Stock Enhancement and Rehabilitation: Workshop Proceedings While several Alaska crab stocks are healthy and sustain lucrative commercial fisheries, Kodiak red king crab and Pribilof blue king crab stocks have remained depressed, and fishing seasons for these stocks have been closed. Calls to develop a king crab hatchery system to jump-start stock recovery have waxed and waned since the 1990s. At the March 2006 Kodiak workshop entitled Alaska Crab Stock Enhancement and Rehabilitation, scientists, managers, and commercial crab fishermen heard from an array of international experts who led crab research and enhancement efforts. Speakers explained their programs and the lessons learned during talks focused on the challenges and potential of crab enhancement in Alaska. Experts also discussed social and economic issues posed by crab enhancement and heard perspectives from commercial crab fishermen, seafood processors, and industry associations… $10 at Alaska Sea Grant bookstore…online at http://seagrant.uaf.edu/bookstore/pubs/AK-SG-06-04.html 67. Blue king crab join their red brethren in rehab project Blue king crab harvested from the Bering Sea in the Pribilof Islands in late November will play a key role in a long-term recovery plan for the once lucrative fishery, whose populations plummeted in the early 1980s. The 15 egg-bearing females, plus 13 additional males and non-egg bearing females join 15 female egg-bearing Kodiak red king crab collected in July in another long-term effort to restore local king crab populations in the Kodiak area. The crab are currently housed at the Seward Marine Center, a research facility in Seward operated by the University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.
http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/121006/fis_2006 68. AMSEA Vessel Stability DVD helps fishermen keep afloat A new AMSEA DVD has been released, which underlines the importance of understanding and following stability guidelines for vessels…
http://www.fishupdate.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/6091 AMSEA online store: http://www.amsea.org/products.html 69. Vital Choices Newsletter for December 21, 2006 Organic Dried Fruits The Calories We Quaff Can End Up on our Waistlines Extra-Dark Chocolate Seen to Fight Chronic Fatigue Recipe: Salmon with Lentils http://www.vitalchoice.com/newsletter_index2.cfm 70. Office of Subsistence Management Accepting RAC Nominations & Applications For an application or additional information, please contact Ann Wilkinson at the Office of Subsistence Management at (800) 478-1456 or (907) 786-3676. |
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