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UFA Update March 29, 2007 UFA AT-LARGE BOARD ELECTIONS- call for nominations Four at-large seats will be elected by UFA’s individual and lifetime permit holder members. Deadline for nominations is April 15, 2007. For nomination form see UFA home page at www.ufa-fish.org Contents: 1. Bristol Bay driftnetters vote for development association leadership – by April 7 2. Coast Guard to monitor 2007 Sitka Sound Sac Roe Herring Fishery 3. Kodiak Sac roe herring quotas set for ‘07 4. Fish council tables ratz action, talks halibut 5. NMFS posts Charter Halibut GHL for 2007 6. Halibut heaven: It's fresh, it's here 7. Empire editorial: First step toward peace in halibut war 8. KDM Opinion: Keep public access open to Alaska halibut 9. Homer ready to fish, but frozen harbor won't cooperate 10. Halibut bycatch poses dilemma 11. Kenai Culvert project won’t leave salmon hanging 12. Kenai Coalition takes on hydrocarbons 13. Kenai Subsistence fishery gets dipnet recommendation 14. Palin administration to move ahead with ocean ranger program 15. (March 15) Governor Submits Nominations to NPFMC (Duncan Fields, Beth Stewart) 16. ADN Highliner: Crab Skipper to freighter: Thank you for ice breakout! 17. Kodiak 600-ton capacity Travel lift construction costs down to $13.7M 18. Culprit still elusive in the whodunit of missing Kodiak crab 19. Fisherman Mark Buckley urges better care of fish to elevate prices 20. Kodiak attorney updates Exxon plaintiffs on case 21. WA’s Rep Reichert cosponsors - Exxon Bill tosses belated lifeline to spill victims 22. Exxon claim awards can benefit community – KDM opinion by Chuck McCallum 23. Exxon's Shame - Cordova’s Mike Webber unveils Exxon Shame Pole 24. NOAA Recognizes Sen. Stevens’ Efforts to Protect Fisheries 25. Murkowski and Obama Introduce Legislation to Ban the Export of Mercury 26. Bill Hogarth’s Corner – on NOAA Aquaculture bill. 27. Environmental Defense Report: To save fish, offer shares of the catch 28. Fishing cooperation between Alaska and Russia 29. International Boston Seafood Show Announces 2007 New Products Contest Winners 30. Alaska Exports to Korea Continue to Grow, Reach Record High 31. Fishermen catching thousands of Little Port Walter Chinook salmon 32. Distribution, abundance and behavior of fish stock changing 33. Coalition urges Congress to oppose open ocean aquaculture 34. DC: House Resources Oversight Hearing 3/29 on Ocean Policy Priorities in the US 35. DNR proposes coal mining regulation changes 36. Wall Street Journal: Pebble foe bankrolls opposition 37. Miners hear support for Pebble 38. Mining News: Industry opposes Alaska mining tax reform 39. Friends and foes of Pebble project make their case at ComFish 40. Bering Strait region gets first Marine Advisory Program agent 41. Sperm whale caught pilfering fish on video 42. National Geographic: Still Waters – the Global Fish Crisis 43. Court holds firm on limiting waste of fish 44. Washington nixes tax on shipping containers for now 45. New Seattle Web site links ocean-friendly menus and diners 46. MMRC Solving the Sea Lion Mystery Part 6: Steller Sea Lion Research Movie 47. Laine Welch's Fish Radio –Topics from this week 48. Comment Deadline April 27 on Groundfish Observer Program Proposed Rule 49. NMFS posts 2007 and 2008 Final Harvest Specifications for Groundfish 50. NOAA posts annual halibut management measures 51. NMFS comment deadline May 25 on Amendment 84 – salmon bycatch 52. NMFS posts final MMPA List of Fisheries for 2007 53. NMFS - MMPA Notice of Availability of Final Stock Assessment Reports 54. NPFMC Steller Mitigation Committee (SSLMC) to meet in Juneau, April 16-19 55. Board of Fisheries posts results from Statewide Finfish and Supplemental Issues 56. Board of Fisheries Committee on Upper Cook Inlet Management Plans 57. ADF&G Fishery Management Plan for the State-Waters PCod Season in Kodiak 58. USFWS posts Subsistence Fish and Shellfish regulations 59. Nominees sought for Alaska seafood award – deadline March 31 60. Proposed NEPA Collaboration Handbook – comment by May 4 61. Deadline May 17 for USDA Rural Business – Cooperative Service Energy Grants 62. Apply by June 1 for Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Advisory Committee 63. USCG notice of disestablishment of several SE Aids to Navigation 64. North Pacific Research Board posts online project browser 65. Deadline April 10 for BOF proposals for Cook Inlet, Kodiak, Chignik finfish & statewide King & Tanner crab. 1. Bristol Bay driftnetters vote for development association leadership – by April 7 Twenty-two commercial driftnet fishermen are vying for seven seats on the board of the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association, with election results to be announced in mid-April. Bob Waldrop, acting director of the association, said 1,865 ballots were mailed out in mid-February to driftnet fishermen with Bristol Bay permits. The ballots, which must be postmarked by April 7, will be tallied by an independent accounting firm in Anchorage, Waldrop said.
http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/031807/fis_2007 Bristol Bay RSDA home page: http://www.bbrsda.com/ 2. Coast Guard to monitor 2007 Sitka Sound Sac Roe Herring Fishery The Coast Guard has developed a multi-pronged approach to improve the safety of fishermen participating in the 2007 Sitka Sound Sac Roe Herring Fishery. The opener is slated to begin sometime in the next week or two, pursuant to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game's (ADF&G) assessment of herring stocks. Collisions between fishing vessels have occurred in the past during this fishery in which approximately fifty purse seiners compete in a limited area for the few hours the nets are allowed in the water. In preparation for the opener, teams of Coast Guard Fishing Vessel Examiners have deployed to Sitka to conduct free dockside safety exams to participating vessels. Examiners award decals to vessels that are able to demonstrate full compliance with federal safety regulations… http://www.uscgalaska.com/go/doc/780/151048/ 3. Kodiak Sac roe herring quotas set for ‘07 The Kodiak sac roe herring fishery opens April 15, for both purse seine gear and gillnetters. The 2007 guideline harvest level (GHL) for the island is 4,000 tons, a 7 percent increase over the 2006 GHL of 3,705 tons, Alaska Department of Fish and Game fisheries biologist Jeff Wadle said. The purse seine GHL is 2,915 tons and the gill net fleet may harvest 1,085 tons… http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=4514 4. Fish council tables ratz action, talks halibut The North Pacific Fishery Management Council meets Wednesday through April 3, at the Hilton Hotel, in Anchorage, with the advisory panel and science committee meetings already in swing Monday. Sixteen hours are devoted to charter halibut management beginning 8 a.m. today. Final action on the charterboat moratorium analysis is planned. Action on Gulf of Alaska groundfish rationalization is on hold until October at the request of Gov. Sarah Palin. The council will receive the crab rationalization 18-month review from council staff… http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=4535 &&& Halibut charter changes debated http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=6295770 & Council talks charter cap http://www.homertribune.com/article.php?aid=1434 5. NMFS posts Charter Halibut GHL for 2007 NMFS provides notice of the guideline harvest levels (GHL) for the guided sport halibut fishery (charter fishery) in the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) regulatory areas 2C and 3A.… The CEY established by the IPHC for 2007 in Areas 2C and 3A result in GHLs of 1,432,000 lb (649.5 t), and 3,650,000 lb (1,655.6 t), respectively…
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan2007 6. Halibut heaven: It's fresh, it's here Fans of fresh halibut, the wait is over. The first shipments of the season, which opened March 10, are arriving by air, van and boat from Alaska to fishmongers around the region, with more expected from other points north when storms clear and more flights can get out…
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/foodwine/2003 7. Empire editorial: First step toward peace in halibut war Alaskans have been fighting a war for far too long. It's time to come to an agreement and bring the troops home. The halibut war has been raging for more than a dozen years. Angry volleys have been fired between commercial, charter and sport fishermen. Countless hours of testimony have been heard. And still nothing has been done to settle the question of the burgeoning halibut charter fleet…
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/031807/opi_2007 & Halibut charter changes debated http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=6295770 8. KDM Opinion: Keep public access open to Alaska halibut …Any motion by the council to restrict charters must and will be challenged. The Alaskan Sport Fishing Alliance (AlaskaSportFishingAlliance.com), is preparing to appeal to “fair and equitable” clauses in federal and state statutes which mandate that no sector monopolize the fisheries. In other areas of the U.S., this has resulted in a 50/50 split between commercial and sport sectors… http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=4512 9. Homer ready to fish, but frozen harbor won't cooperate Most winters, Norm Anderson merely has to climb aboard his boat in the harbor and make sure his oil-pan heater is still keeping the engine warm before he turns over the F/V Sea Otter for a winter king fishing excursion… This year isn't much different. The Sea Otter's motor starts up fine, and Anderson is certainly ready to fish. He just can't go anywhere. The reason? "The ice is killing me," Anderson said. "I've had to cancel close to 50 trips this winter because I just can't get out of the harbor."… http://www.adn.com/front/story/8712293p-8614502c.html 10. Halibut bycatch poses dilemma Economy of communities factors into equation on what’s acceptable Throughout the debate over restricting charter-caught halibut, charter fishermen raised the same point: Why does the charter fleet get targeted when more halibut is lost through bycatch mortality? The answer has to do with management decisions for other fisheries that permit halibut bycatch as part of allowing economically important fisheries to exist…
http://www.homernews.com/stories/031407/news_1_ The Alaska Pollock fishery is the second largest fishery by volume in the world. 11. Kenai Culvert project won’t leave salmon hanging Kenai Watershed Forum out to improve fish habitat… Reconnecting baby salmon nurseries to the ocean is the entire focus of the Kenai Watershed Forum’s stream restoration effort, which has been slowly rebuilding culverts since 2002. At the rate of one to two a year depending on funding, cost and complexity, it is a daunting task. Across the Kenai Peninsula more than 50 such culvert barriers block fish movement, according to Robert Ruffner, the forum’s executive director…
http://www.peninsulaclarion.com/stories/032507/news_03 12. Kenai Coalition takes on hydrocarbons City councils, assembly partner up to fight Kenai River pollution Local government partnered up this week seeking a solution to Kenai River hydrocarbon pollution that so far has stymied many a state agency. Representatives from the Kenai and Soldotna city councils and the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly will now take their collective ideas back to their respective governments in hopes of taking action for a local cure rather than waiting for the federal government to act, according to Ed Sleater, a Soldotna City Council member, who attended the meeting Monday night. Sleater said a consensus reached by the joint committee would send a proposal to the Alaska Board of Fisheries, which must be received by April 10, in order to be considered for action this year…
http://www.peninsulaclarion.com/stories/032907/news_ 13. Kenai Subsistence fishery gets dipnet recommendation Ninilchik tribal leaders this week dropped their push for a gillnet subsistence fishery on the Kenai and Kasilof rivers and instead won an advisory committee's blessing for a dipnet salmon fishery… http://www.adn.com/money/story/8715987p-8618408c.html 14. Palin administration to move ahead with ocean ranger program The state is moving forward with plans to place ocean rangers on board cruise ships this season, and not just when the ships are in port but while they are under way, Gov. Sarah Palin said Wednesday…
http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=18&path=A/AK_XGR_ & Bill to keep observers in port draws critics http://www.adn.com/money/story/8747900p-8649527c.html HB 164 is online at
http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session= 15. (March 15) Governor Submits Nominations to NPFMC (Duncan Fields, Beth Stewart) Governor Sarah Palin today nominated six Alaskans to fill two seats on the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC). The Governor sent the following names to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce: Duncan Fields, Jeff Stephan, Gale Vick, Beth Stewart, Nancy Munro, and Sam Cotten. http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=205 The Governor is expected to name two individuals by April 1 to be confirmed by the legislature for seats on the Alaska Board of Fisheries. Press release is expected soon, at: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php 16. ADN Highliner: Crab Skipper to freighter: Thank you for ice breakout! Just got a call from Capt. Ian Pitzman aboard the Bering Sea crab boat Jennifer A, which was trapped in dangerous sea ice last night off St. Paul Island with two other crab boats, the Tempo Sea and the Nordic Viking, as well as the processing ship Independence and the freighter Eastern Wind… http://community.adn.com/?q=adn/node/106295 We appreciate the professional journalism, and the feedback functionality in the ADN Highliner Blog…www.adn.com/highliner Other Current Highliner items include… Sunken Adak boat Exodus Explorer to be scuttled http://community.adn.com/?q=adn/node/106265 Fish farming ‘makes sense for America’ http://community.adn.com/?q=adn/node/106254 Chilean farmed salmon gets free entry to Japan, faces tax at home http://community.adn.com/?q=adn/node/106253 Thorstenson was top fish lobbyist in 2006 http://community.adn.com/?q=adn/node/106233 (Bob T is an unpaid volunteer lobbyist for UFA) Kenai processor to pay fine, fund Fish and Chips http://community.adn.com/?q=adn/node/106232 $3.4 million fine against Icicle upheld ‘Cowboys of the Sea’ joins ‘Deadliest Catch’ in race to hook TV viewers http://community.adn.com/?q=adn/node/106192 Feds charge fisherman with rockfish poaching http://community.adn.com/?q=adn/node/106190 17. Kodiak 600-ton capacity Travel lift construction costs down to $13.7M Plans for a large boat travel lift in St. Herman Harbor are gelling at a $13.7 million price tag after engineers gave the Kodiak City Council Tuesday a pared-down cost, with construction set to begin in May 2008. Kenton Braun, principal engineer for PND Engineers Inc., a firm developing the project with the Kodiak Port and Harbors Advisory Board, said if the City Council adopts its plan, then a completion date for the travel life would be in September or October of 2008. http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=4537 18. Culprit still elusive in the whodunit of missing Kodiak crab Twenty-five years later, there are still no conclusive answers as to why Kodiak's king crab stocks crashed … A quarter of a century after the demise of Kodiak's once lucrative king crab fishery, University of Alaska Fairbanks researcher Bill Bechtol is still uncertain whether it was overfishing or several other factors that led to disappearance of the kings…
http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/032507/hom_2007 19. Fisherman Mark Buckley urges better care of fish to elevate prices To commercial fisherman and researcher Mark Buckley, the answer to better quality and better prices for Bristol Bay's huge run of sockeye salmon can be summed up in two words: switch gear. “Getting rid of the gillnets is my solution to the Bristol Bay problem,” said Buckley, a Kodiak resident who holds a Bristol Bay commercial fishing permit. “Allow the fishermen who want to to move to different kinds of gear.” Buckley, who has done extensive research on keeping fish alive longer in net pens to bring a higher quality end product to market, said state fisheries laws should be rewritten to allow commercial harvesters the option of switching gear types…
http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/032507/hom_2007 20. Kodiak attorney updates Exxon plaintiffs on case Kodiak plaintiffs in the Exxon Valdez oil spill lawsuit filed a motion before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals objecting to Exxon’s request for a 15-judge hearing contesting the settlement. Plaintiff attorney Matt Jamin said the likelihood of such a hearing is less than 50 percent… Jamin said Monday, following a meeting Saturday with claimants at a ComFish forum for another claims update, he is not certain how long it will take before a decision is made on Exxon’s request. However, depending on further motions in court, Jamin said, a final decision is possible by the end of 2007 or mid-2008. In Jamin’s latest motion, he has requested the amount of the settlement be reinstated to $5 billion… Jamin said Kodiak recipients could be developing retirement plans and ways to avoid paying large income tax amounts. http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=4513 21. WA’s Rep Reichert cosponsors - Exxon Bill tosses belated lifeline to spill victims …U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Auburn, wants Exxon, one of the most profitable companies in the world, to pay up the more than $2 billion in punitive damages that a jury awarded the victims in 1994… This year, he is co-sponsoring a bill to limit federal taxes on damage payments to the victims, some 5,270 of whom are from Washington state. The bill's other sponsors are Alaska's all-Republican team, Sen. Ted Stevens, Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Rep. Don Young. The bill would allow fishermen to take their payments -- if they get paid -- and put the full amount allowable before taxes into IRAs and 401(k)s retroactively to 1994. And it would allow the victims to use income averaging, thereby avoiding taxes on a "windfall." "It's not much of a windfall if it takes 18 years to get, and Exxon's still refusing to pay up," Reichert said. The bill is in the Ways and Means Committee in the House.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/20036 UFA and the Alaska delegation are seeking to pass the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Tax Treatment Act. Please encourage your senators and congressional representative to co-sponsor support this legislation. Previous Updates Items: Congressman Young introduces Exxon settlement tax treatment bill in House http://donyoung.house.gov/PressRelease.aspx?NewsID=1749 & Murkowski and Stevens introduce tax legislation to assist Exxon Valdez oil spill plaintiffs http://murkowski.senate.gov/pressapp/record.cfm?id=269181 22. Exxon claim awards can benefit community – KDM opinion by Chuck McCallum …In other words, this punitive damage award could benefit not only individual plaintiffs, but entire communities in the oiled region. To maximize benefits to your community, tribe or corporation, one needs to understand a little history and plan ahead… http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=4515 23. Exxon's Shame - Cordova’s Mike Webber unveils Exxon Shame Pole Alaskan wood carver Mike Webber unveiled his "Shame Pole" this past Friday in Cordova to mark the 18th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, which devastated the area and ruined lucrative herring and salmon fisheries… Topping the pole is the upside-down face of former longtime Exxon CEO Lee Raymond, sporting a Pinocchio-like nose…
http://news.yahoo.com/s/thenation/20070327/cm_the 24. NOAA Recognizes Sen. Stevens’ Efforts to Protect Fisheries and Promote Coastal Conservation Senator Vows to Fight Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported Fishing… The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) yesterday recognized the efforts of Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) to protect the nation’s fisheries and promote coastal awareness and conservation. Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, the head of NOAA, praised Senator Stevens for his leadership and support of important oceans and coastal legislation as Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee last year. Lautenbacher specifically recognized the reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and the passage of bills to establish tsunami warning centers and to clean up marine debris that Congress approved last year.
http://stevens.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction= 25. Murkowski and Obama Introduce Legislation to Ban the Export Of Mercury In an effort to protect Alaska’s wild fish stocks, Senator Lisa Murkowski today joined Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) to introduce legislation to ban the export of elemental mercury, a neurotoxin that can harm fetuses and young children if it continues to accumulate in the environment. The Mercury Market Minimization Act would prohibit the export of Mercury from the United States starting in 2010 in order to reduce its frequently uncontrolled use in developing nations. The European Union has already taken similar steps to ban the export of Mercury… http://murkowski.senate.gov/pressapp/record.cfm?id=270725 26. Bill Hogarth’s Corner – on NOAA Aquaculture bill. Dear Constituents, I am pleased to announce that we've sent the National Offshore Aquaculture Act of 2007 to Congress and asked members to move quickly to pass the legislation. We've strengthened the bill since 2005 based on your feedback to an earlier draft, and we look forward to your support and continued involvement as we work with Congress to enact the bill, as we develop an Environmental Impact Statement, and as we eventually begin the rulemaking and permitting processes. http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/features/billscorner/index.htm ADN Highliner blog story: http://community.adn.com/?q=adn/node/106254 27. Environmental Defense Report: To save fish, offer shares of the catch You can buy a share of a race horse, a luxury jet and of course a corporation. Now a new study indicates that offering shares of fisheries creates a safer, more profitable and environmentally sound way to fish. The study by Environmental Defense released on Wednesday comes as the world's fisheries are under extreme pressure. A 2006 study in the journal Science predicted the world's fish and seafood populations will collapse by 2048 if current trends in overfishing and habitat destruction continue…
http://uk.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUKN2723 Environmental Defense home page with full report and more: http://www.environmentaldefense.org/page.cfm?tagid=1166 28. Fishing cooperation between Alaska and Russia Representatives from Alaska and Russia are meeting to decide the best ways to share the fish in the Bering Sea. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council invited nine fisheries experts from Russia to Alaska to discuss enforcement, regulatory and management issues of the fish in the North Pacific Ocean. http://www.ktva.com/topstory/ci_5536295 29. International Boston Seafood Show Announces 2007 New Products Contest Winners Winners are Alaska Symphony of Seafood Winners Diamond Lodge Smokehouse’s Cold Smoked Halibut and Trident Seafoods’ Tataki Sockeye Salmon… The International Boston Seafood Show announced the winners of their 2007 New Products Competition and Showcase over the weekend. The 70 entries in the competition were narrowed down to 10 finalists prior to the Boston Seafood Show which were then reviewed by a panel of the expert judges. Three of the 10 finalists were Alaska Symphony of Seafood winners including Diamond Lodge Smokehouse’s Cold Smoked Halibut, Trident Seafoods’ Tataki Sockeye Salmon and Hartley’s NW Seafoods’ Wild Alaskan Halibut with Fire Roasted Vegetables and Capers… http://fis.com/fis/techno/newtechno.asp?id=23670&l=e&ndb=1 30. Alaska Exports to Korea Continue to Grow, Reach Record High In 2006, Alaska’s worldwide exports reached an all-time high of $4 billion, a 12.6% increase over the previous year. Helping Alaska to reach this important milestone was the continuing steady growth of exports from Alaska to Korea, the state’s long-time, second- largest trading partner. For 2006, shipments from Alaska to Korea totaled $726 million, a new record, increasing by just over 6% from 2005. Approximately half of these exports were seafood, followed by minerals, fertilizers, forest products and energy… http://www.wtcak.org/TradePrograms/KC.pdf 31. Fishermen catching thousands of Little Port Walter Chinook salmon NOAA Fisheries scientists at Little Port Walter Marine Station in Southeast Alaska are discovering ways to enhance salmon populations without harming wild stocks and--at the same time--adding salmon to local catches. … "While the main purpose of various projects is to improve scientific understanding of how best to use stocking techniques in hatchery programs that minimize adverse impacts on wild stocks, an added bonus of this research is the contributions made to local fisheries."… http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/newsreleases/2007/chinook.htm 32. Distribution, abundance and behavior of fish stock changing By Laine Welch Global warming is changing the distribution, abundance and behavior of important fish stocks, and it is occurring faster at northern latitudes. In recent years, fishermen and researchers have reported that Bering Sea boats must search farther north for pollock, and snow crab stocks are also on a steady march to colder waters… http://www.sitnews.us/LaineWelch/031907_fish_factor.html 33. Coalition urges Congress to oppose open ocean aquaculture A coalition of environmental, fishing and consumer groups is calling on Congress to oppose open ocean aquaculture. A proposed bill on open water aquaculture was introduced to the general public yesterday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in a Washington DC briefing. According to the coalition, if finalised, the bill would permit millions of fish to be raised in large commercial cages off America's coasts. It says this could be detrimental to oceans, wild fish, and people. "For the past several years, scientists, fishermen and conservation groups have been focused on healthy oceans and the need for strong leadership in developing sustainable marine conservation policies," said Wenonah Hauter, Executive Director of Food & Water Watch. "Unfortunately, NOAA is putting all this at risk by promoting industrial fish farming off our coasts."
http://www.fishfarmermagazine.com/news/fullstory.php/ 34. DC: House Resources Oversight Hearing 3/29 on Ocean Policy Priorities in the US The House Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans, led by Del. Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-GU), will hold an oversight hearing on ocean policy priorities in the United States. When: Thursday, March 29, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. Where: Room 1324 Longworth House Office Building (see webcast info below) Witnesses: Admiral James D. Watkins, Co-chair, Joint Ocean Commission Initiative Honorable Leon Panetta, Co-chair, Joint Ocean Commission Initiative Mary M. Glackin, Assistant Administrator for Program Planning and Integration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce The hearing will be webcast live on the Committee’s web site at http://resourcescommittee.house.gov . House Resources web announcement:
http://resourcescommittee.house.gov/hearings/hearing 35. DNR proposes coal mining regulation changes The Department of Natural Resources proposes to adopt regulation changes in Title 11, of the Alaska Administrative Code, dealing with the Alaska Surface Coal Mining Program. DNR proposes to amend existing sections and adopt new sections in Title 11, Chapter 90 including the following areas of coal mining regulation: · permit application requirements, including water quality analysis methods, and the description of hydrology and geology · measures for fish and wildlife protection · the process for petitions to designate areas unsuitable for mining and to terminate such designations · the determination of underground mining effects on drinking water sources and implementation of measures to protect drinking water sources and more… For more information or a copy of the proposed regulation changes, go to http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/mlw/hottopics/ , or write to the Director's Office, Division of Mining, Land and Water, Department of Natural Resources, Attention Joseph Joyner, 550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1070, Anchorage, Alaska 99501-3579; or call 907-269-8511. DNR Public Notice:
http://notes5.state.ak.us/pn/pubnotic.nsf/cc52605f7c1 36. Wall Street Journal: Pebble foe bankrolls opposition Soaring in his private plane above the pristine tundra here two years ago, Robert B. Gillam experienced a conversion: The money manager and pro-business Republican became an impassioned conservationist… http://www.adn.com/money/industries/mining/story/8742680p-8644439c.html 37. Miners hear support for Pebble Former House Speaker and mining advocate Gail Phillips called attacks on the Pebble Mine near Bristol Bay "so unfair that I think it is un-American and un-Alaskan."
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/032607/loc_2007 38. Mining News: Industry opposes Alaska mining tax reform Pebble controversy is raising public awareness of mining taxes; Rep. Seaton says legislative action could stave off ballot initiative Should the mining industry’s tax rate in Alaska be compared with that of the much larger oil and gas industry, because they both deal with non-renewable resources, or is it fairer to align mining with industries like fishing and tourism, which generate comparable amounts of revenue? That’s one of the questions raised by Rep. Paul Seaton’s bill in the Legislature, House Bill 156, which would reform mining taxes for the first time in decades. http://www.petroleumnews.com/pnads/437015138.shtml 39. Friends and foes of Pebble project make their case at ComFish To folks like 27-year-old Lindsey Bloom of Juneau, a second-generation Bristol Bay salmon permit holder, the long-term livelihood of that commercial fishery is an obvious choice over any economic benefits to be accrued from mining… Tony Gregorio, a seasoned commercial fishermen from Chignik, was there to argue that the mine and Bristol Bay fisheries could potentially co-exist. “If they do it responsibly, I don't see any problem,” Gregorio said. Gregorio was one of five Bristol Bay stakeholders whose expenses for the Kodiak meeting were paid by Northern Dynasty, along with a $200 honorarium for their time away from home, a spokeswoman for the mining company said.
http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/032507/hom_2007 40. Bering Strait region gets first Marine Advisory Program agent Fisheries development, subsistence, climate change among issues facing region "Having Heidi in Nome gives the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program the ability to have a strong presence in the Bering Strait region," said Paula Cullenberg, leader of the MAP program in Anchorage. "There are issues facing Alaskans in this area related to subsistence and commercial fisheries, marine safety, and even concerns about the impacts of climate change. It is a beautiful part of the state with many opportunities to work with the region's communities."
http://www.sitnews.us/0307news/031407/031407_ 41. Sperm whale caught pilfering fish on video Fishermen and scientists have known for at least two decades that the whales were snatching small numbers of fish from miles of longline in the world's largest black cod fishery. But last spring was the first time they actually caught one of the wily leviathans in the act… The National Geographic Society, which helped pay for the video equipment, has exclusive rights to the video and has no immediate plans to air it…
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/032907/sta_2007 42. National Geographic: Still Waters – the Global Fish Crisis http://www7.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0704/feature1/ 43. Court holds firm on limiting waste of fish A federal district court in Washington, D.C., has blocked efforts by bottom trawl vessel owners to overturn rules limiting the amount of fish they can discard in pursuit of more valuable harvests. The summary judgment order issued by U.S. District Court Judge James Robertson March 20 halted efforts by two Washington state bottom trawling companies to overturn a federal regulation scheduled to take effect in 2008.
http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/032107/hom_2007 Court Ruling online courtesy of Anchorage Daily News: http://www.adn.com/static/includes/highliner/HGopinion.pdf Earthjustice Press Release:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20070321/pl_usnw/court 44. Washington nixes tax on shipping containers for now Gov. Sarah Palin on Wednesday signed a resolution opposing a Washington state tax on shipping containers, even though the legislature in Olympia had already changed its mind and its proposed legislation… Rep. Bill Thomas, R-Haines, had introduced the resolution early last month to protest the Washington proposal, which many referred to as "a tax on all Alaskans."…
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/032907/loc_2007 45. New Seattle Web site links ocean-friendly menus and diners Say you're in Fremont, and you have a taste for seafood. But you wonder: How can I fill my belly without helping empty the ocean?... All that information is instantly available on a new Web site put together by a group of University of Washington students. Titled Seattle's Sustainable Seafood, the site, courses.washington.edu/seafood/, aims to connect Earth-friendly eaters with Seattle restaurants serving local seafood caught in ways that maintain fish populations over time…
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/308845_seafood 46. MMRC Solving the Sea Lion Mystery Part 6: Steller Sea Lion Research Movie How is it that an animal that was once so abundant and so magnificent has disappeared in such a short period of time? Solving this mystery requires an integrated research program that involves laboratory, captive and field studies. Join Dr. Andrew Trites as he shows how researchers are bringing all three approaches together to solve this puzzle once and for all. http://www.marinemammal.org/2007/hazy_problem.php 47. Laine Welch's Fish Radio –Topics from this week Thursday 3/29/07 Bristol Bay salmon fishermen score reality TV show Wednesday 3/28/07 AK snow crab winding down; buyers watching April 1 start of Canadian fishery Tuesday 3/27/07 Nat'l Geographic "puts a face on fish': Sen. Ted Stevens aims to end illegal high seas fishing Monday 3/26/07 Seafood corn dogs, 'rocket pops' draw raves Friday 3/23/07 Waterless shipping means huge savings for seafood industry; Inventor wants to meet AK producers Online at http://www.marineconservationalliance.org/fishradio.htm & also see Laine Welch's Fish Factor at http://www.kinyradio.com/fishfactor.html 48. Comment Deadline April 27 on Groundfish Observer Program Proposed Rule NMFS issues a proposed rule to amend regulations supporting the North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program (Observer Program). This action is necessary to revise requirements for the facilitation of observer data transmission and improve inseason support for observers. The proposed rule would promote the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area and the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMPs). DATES: Written comments must be received by April 27, 2007…
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/ 49. NMFS posts 2007 and 2008 Final Harvest Specifications for Groundfish NMFS announces 2007 and 2008 final harvest specifications, reserves and apportionments thereof, Pacific halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) limits, and associated management measures for the groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA)…
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/ 50. NOAA posts annual halibut management measures The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA (AA), on behalf of the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC), publishes annual management measures promulgated as regulations by the IPHC and approved by the Secretary of State governing the Pacific halibut fishery. The AA also announces modifications to the Catch Sharing Plan (CSP) for Area 2A (waters off the U.S. West Coast) and implementing regulations for 2007, and announces approval of the Area 2A CSP… …The United States is unable to accept the IPHC's reduction in the daily bag limit for halibut caught from sport charter vessels in Areas 3A and 2C. These regulatory decisions are more appropriately handled through the development and implementation of regulations by domestic fisheries management agencies… Federal register Notice:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/ 51. NMFS comment deadline May 25 on Amendment 84 – salmon bycatch The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 84 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP). If approved, Amendment 84 would exempt vessels participating in an inter-cooperative agreement (ICA) to reduce salmon bycatch from Chinook and chum salmon savings area closures, and exempt vessels participating in non-pollock trawl fisheries from the chum salmon savings area…
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/ 52. NMFS posts final MMPA List of Fisheries for 2007 The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is publishing its final List of Fisheries (LOF) for 2007, as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)… 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…
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/ 53. NMFS - MMPA Notice of Availability of Final Stock Assessment Reports As required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS has incorporated public comments into revisions of marine mammal stock assessment reports (SARs). These reports for 2006 are now final and available to the public…
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/ 54. NPFMC Steller Mitigation Committee (SSLMC) to meet in Juneau, April 16-19 The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Steller Sea Lion Mitigation Committee (SSLMC) will meet in Juneau, AK. DATES: The meeting will be held on April 16-17, 2007, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Proposal Scoring Subcommittee will meet on April 16 and the full Committee will meet April 17-19, 2007. ADDRESSES: The meetings will be held at the National Marine Fisheries Service, 709 W 9th Avenue, Regional Administrator's Conference Room, Juneau, AK. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Wilson, North Pacific Fishery Management Council; telephone: (907) 271-2809.
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/ NPFMC Home page & March Meeting Materials: http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/ 55. Board of Fisheries posts results from Statewide Finfish and Supplemental Issues March 9 - 13, 2007, Anchorage - PRELIMINARY SUMMARY OF ACTIONS
http://www.boards.adfg.state.ak.us/fishinfo/meetsum/ 56. Board of Fisheries Committee on Upper Cook Inlet Management Plans At the Alaska Board of Fisheries worksession in October 2006, The Board established a committee to examine the numerous Upper Cook Inlet salmon management plans, in preparation for the regular in-cycle UCI Board meeting during the winter of 2007/2008. The committee developed a final draft of its issues paper for submission to the full Board for it’s consideration at the Board’s March 2007 meeting. The issues paper identifies specific problem areas with aspects of Upper Cook Inlet salmon management plans. This draft is based on input from the Department of Fish and Game and from comments received from the public (see comments below). The final issues paper should be helpful groups and individuals submitting proposals for changing Cook Inlet fishing regulations by the April 10, 2007 deadline. For draft issues paper and comments received, see: http://www.boards.adfg.state.ak.us/fishinfo/uciissues.php 57. ADF&G Fishery Management Plan for the State-Waters Pacific Cod Season in Kodiak Registration Area K, 2007, Fishery Management Report No. 07-10, Anchorage. Sagalkin, N. 2007…http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/FedAidPDFs/fmr07-10.pdf Other ADF&G Recently Posted Reports Online: -Norton Sound Winter Red King Crab Studies, 2006 -Anvik River Sonar Chum Salmon Escapement Study, 2003 -Kogrukluk River weir salmon studies, 2005 -Salmon age and sex composition and mean lengths for the Yukon River Area, 2004. -Evaluation of the Southeastern Alaska geoduck (Panopea abrupta) stock assessment methodologies. Online at: http://www.cf.adfg.state.ak.us/geninfo/pubs/pubs_recent.php 58. USFWS posts Subsistence Fish and Shellfish regulations Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska, Subpart C and Subpart D--2007-08 Subsistence Taking of Fish and Shellfish Regulations… This final rule establishes regulations for seasons, harvest limits, methods, and means related to taking of fish and shellfish for subsistence uses during the 2007-08 regulatory year…
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/ 59. Nominees sought for Alaska seafood award – deadline March 31 Nominees are being sought for an award from Alaska Quality Seafood. March 31st is the nomination deadline for the Best Practices and Innovations in Seafood Award. Those eligible include retailers, fishermen, processors, carriers and technology manufacturers. http://www.ktva.com/alaska/ci_5497876 60. Proposed NEPA Collaboration Handbook – comment by May 4 The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) used an interagency work group to develop a handbook to help NEPA practitioners improve the effectiveness of their NEPA processes through collaboration. The handbook focuses on collaboration in the context of the NEPA process, outlines general principles, presents useful steps, and provides information on methods of collaboration. CEQ invites comments on the proposed handbook, ``Collaboration in NEPA--A Handbook for NEPA Practitioners,'' that is available from CEQ directly or at http://www.NEPA.gov in the Current Developments section.
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/ 61. Deadline May 17 for USDA Rural Business – Cooperative Service Energy Grants Rural Business--Cooperative Service (RBS), an Agency within USDA Rural Development, announces it is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2007 to purchase renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements for agriculture producers and rural small businesses in eligible rural areas. Funding will be available in the form of grants, guaranteed loans, and combined guaranteed loans and grant applications. For renewable energy systems, the minimum grant request is $2,500 and the maximum is $500,000. For energy efficiency improvements, the minimum grant request is $1,500 and the maximum is $250,000. Contact Dean Stewart, USDA Rural Development, 800 West Evergreen, Suite 201, Palmer, AK 99645-6539, (907) 761-7722.
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/ 62. Apply by June 1 for Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Advisory Committee The Department of Homeland Security is requesting individuals who are interested in serving on the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Advisory Committee (CFIVSAC) to apply for appointment to those seats vacated. Applications for membership should reach the Coast Guard on or before June 1, 2007. You may request an application form by writing to Commandant (CG–3PCV–3), U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second Street, SW., Room 1116, Washington, DC 20593–0001; by calling 202–372–1248; or via fax: 202–372– 1917 &/or 202-372-1918. Send your application in written form to the above street address… http://www.fishsafe.info/acvacancies.htm 63. USCG notice of disestablishment of several SE Aids to Navigation The U.S. Coast Guard plans to disestablish several aids to navigation in southeast Alaska. Before we finalize the paperwork, we would like to receive your input on whether you use these aids to navigation and whether you support or do not support the disestablishment. The following aids to navigation are slated to be removed: a. Deer Harbor Entrance Bell Buoy 1 (LLNR 1060) b. Tebenkof Bay Daybeacon 3 (LLNR 23500) c. Tebenkof Bay Light 1 (LLNR 23495) d. Sullivan Island Daybeacon 2 (LLNR 23875) e. Star Rock Bell Buoy (LLNR 1045) f. Hood Bay Entrance Lighted Buoy 2 (LLNR 23995) g. Hood Bay Buoy 1 (LLNR 24000) If you have any feedback on this proposal, please e-mail your comments to LTJG David Wohlers at david.c.wohlers@uscg.mil 64. North Pacific Research Board posts online project browser Find NPRB projects with keyword, locality, text search & more… at 65. Deadline April 10 for BOF proposals for Cook Inlet, Kodiak, Chignik finfish & statewide King & Tanner crab.
http://notes5.state.ak.us/pn/pubnotic.nsf/cc52605f7c156e7 BOF Home Page: |