UFA Update

January 28, 2009

The next UFA Board meeting is March 3 – 5, in Juneau. 
All members are invited to attend.

Table of Contents
1. IRS posts documents for EVOS Tax Treatment
2. Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Litigation Update  January 20, 2009
3. Rep Thomas, Harris, & Gara introduce EVOS loan forgiveness legislation
4. Prefiled fisheries legislation- Thanks to Southeast Alaska Fishermen’s Alliance
5. SE Shellfish Board of Fish Decisions
6. Cook Inlet Salmon Task Force meets on fishonomics reports – Thurs 1/29 noon
7. MCA-PSPA-APA study: State seafood worth $5.8 billion
8. ADF&G Study tallies economic impact of sportfishing on Southcentral (and AK)
9. New NOAA Economic Report Finds Commercial and Recreational Fishing Generated More Than Two Million Jobs
10. Saltwater Recreational Fishermen Boon for Economy Says NOAA
11. Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission Report:
Economic Analysis of the Non-Treaty Commercial and Recreational Fisheries in Washington State (state waters), December 2008
12. USFWS 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation
13. Royal Caribbean shifts ship out of Alaska
14. Seafood industry highlights of 2008
15. Can Alaska's biggest fisheries withstand climate change?
16. MMRC: Prehistoric data helps to assess modern Pacific cod fishery
17. Governor Palin Releases Energy Guide -50% Renewable Sources by 2025  
18. Governor Announces Challenge to Beluga Listing Decision; Provides Federal Agencies with Notice of Intent to Sue
19. EPIRB Upgrade urged for boaters, fliers
20. Chitina Dip-netters sue for subsistence designation
21. Senator Begich places Juneau resident Bob King on staff for fisheries, Commerce
22. Oceans Policy Scores Victory with Senate Passage of S. 22, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 
23. Sen. Lisa Murkowski to serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee
24. Division of Investments proposes 3% minimum interest rate on Comfish loans
25. Comment by Feb 1 - 5% minimum interest rate proposed for Enhancement Loans
26. World’s oceans turning acidic faster than expected
27. New NOAA Study Shows Climate Change Largely Irreversible
28. EPA: Columbia River Basin faces continued threat from mercury, pesticides, other toxics
29. Deadline for Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council Seats Extended to February 13, 2009
30. NPFMC agenda and items for February 4-10 meeting
31. Halibut Commission Completes 2009 Annual Meeting
32. North Pacific Research Board Seeks Fishing Industry Representative – by Feb 6
33. FDA Draft Fish Consumption Report: Risk and Benefit Assessment Report and Draft Summary of Published Research
34. Processor Wrangell Seafoods files Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection
35. Yukon River salmon run faces grim predictions
36. Rahall Legislation Brings Antiquated Hardrock Mining Law into the 21st Century 
37. Footage of U.S. Airways flight 1549 emergency water landing and rescue
38. Congressman Frank calls for improvements in Vessel Monitoring System, urges Coast Guard to make technology reliable safety tool
39. Three fish found to be same
40. Gulf council to consider future of fish farms
41. You Tube: The Problem with Salmon Farms in BC
42. WWF to help found “Aquaculture Stewardship Council”
43. Russian fishing fleet faces challenges
44. Laine Welch's Fish Radio –Topics from this week
45. State says it can't declare Emmonak disaster. At least not yet.
46. Comment deadline Feb 17 on NOAA Fishery Disaster regulations
47. Comment by March 23 on NMFS notice of intent – Salmon Bycatch EA or EIS
48. NOAA Fisheries Extends Public Comment Period on Salmon Bycatch Document – Feb 23
49. NOAA Reports Northern Fur Seal Pup Decline, Lowest Birth Rate Since 1916
50. Comment deadline Feb 19 on BSAI Groundfish Amendment 90 quota transfer…
51. USCG proposed Commercial Diving Regs – comment by March 9.
52. Coast Guard to hold industry day in Kodiak Thursday 1/27
53. NOAA names six IUU fishing nations in report to Congress
54. Comment by May 14 on IUU Fishing Identification and Certification procedures
55. Comment by Mar. 16 on NOAA draft guideline on pesticide-treated wood in marine environments
56. Comment deadline Feb 27 on NOAA Climate Change Draft
57. NOAA posts correction to Elandings, recordkeeping and catch reporting
58. NMFS posts Final Rule on National Standard 1 overfishing guidelines
59. NMFS proposed rule to eliminate seabird avoidance measures in Area 4E hook & line groundfish and halibut  - comment by Feb. 17.
60. NOAA 2008 Status of U.S. Fisheries, 4th Quarter Update
61. ISER Research Matters No. 40: Enclosing the Fisheries: People, Places, and Power
62. USDA posts Final Rule on Country of Origin Labeling
63. Alaska Board Of Fisheries 2009 Call For Proposals – deadline April 10, 2009

1. IRS posts documents for EVOS Tax Treatment
The IRS has posted the documents that delineate the filing instructions for Exxon Valdez Oil Spill settlement recipients. Thanks to Senator Lisa Murkowski, the provisions for EVOS tax treatment are:
-Up to 100K of settlement may go to retirement account
-Three years income averaging
-Exempt from self-employment tax.

IRS Documents:
2008 IRS Publication 525 – Taxable and Non-taxable Income
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p525.pdf  ( See page 32 for EVOS filing info)

 2008 Instructions for Schedule J – Income Averaging for Fishermen and Farmers
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040sj.pdf 

 2008 Schedule J -– Income Averaging for Fishermen and Farmers
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040sj.pdf 

2. Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Litigation Update  January 20, 2009
…Today a second application for payment of the punitive damages principal was filed with Judge Holland. This application applies to the salmon fisheries in Chignik, Cook Inlet, Kodiak, and Prince William Sound. It also includes application for payment to Natives and the Prince William Sound 1989 fund. This application requests the authority to pay 5,331 claims that were not included in the fist wave of payments made to these claim categories in December…
http://www.faegre.com/showarticle.aspx?Show=2881

Judge Holland response – decision no sooner than Feb 9.
http://community.adn.com/sites/community.adn.com/files/
Holland_order_on_second_payout.pdf

ADN Highliner Blog:
http://community.adn.com/adn/node/137023

3. Rep Thomas, Harris, & Gara introduce EVOS loan forgiveness legislation
HB 96: "An Act relating to forgiveness of interest on certain state loans secured by a lien placed on potential receipts from litigation involving claims for injury, loss, or destruction of the natural resources affected by the March 24, 1989, Exxon Valdez oil spill; and providing for an effective date."
http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=HB%20%
2096&session=26

4. Prefiled fisheries legislation- Thanks to Southeast Alaska Fishermen’s Alliance
http://www.seafa.org/?p=387

5. SE Shellfish Board of Fish Decisions
The Decisions from the shellfish meeting are as follows (Preliminary results from personal notes and not the official record)
http://www.seafa.org/?p=390

The Board of Fisheries will post the official results soon at http://www.boards.adfg.state.ak.us/fishinfo/index.php

6. Cook Inlet Salmon Task Force meets on fishonomics reports – Thurs 1/29 noon
The Joint Cook Inlet Salmon Task Force meeting  - Thursday, January 29th, starting at noon in the State Capitol, Barnes committee room 124. 
There will be a presentation from Gunnar Knapp with ISER regarding the two economic reports (Economic Impacts and Contributions of Sportfishing in Alaska, 2007 by Southwick Associates, Inc. and The Seafood Industry in Alaska's Economy by Northern Economics, Inc.) 
 They're also on the Joint Cook Inlet Salmon Task Force website:
http://housemajority.org/coms/jcis/jcis_background.php
I did not find these economic reports on the Cook Inlet Task Force site – seethe next two items & links below, plus two more studies from NOAA, and one from USFWS for comparison.

This meeting is scheduled to be telecast on Gavel to Gavel – see January 29 on the calendar at http://www.ktoo.org/gavel/schedule.cfm

7. MCA-PSPA-APA study: State seafood worth $5.8 billion
By Kate Golden | JUNEAU EMPIRE
If Alaska were a country, its 2007 seafood catch would rank ninth in the world. The total value of the fishery: $5.8 billion, according to the Marine Conservation Alliance.

On top of that, anglers in Alaska reported spending nearly $1.4 billion, according to the Department of Fish and Game.

These are tidbits from three new studies this month from the state, the feds and private-sector economists on the economic impact of fishing in Alaska and the United States.

Since their methods differ, the numbers aren't all apples-to-apples, said Dave Benton, executive director of the Marine Conservation Alliance, whose new report covers every economic impact in Alaska his economists could dig up…
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/012309/loc_
380702010.shtml

&

Marine Conservation Alliance Press Release: Alaska’s Seafood Industry: Global Stature, Local Impact. Commercial Fishing Nets Statewide Economy $5.8 billion (1/21/09)
http://www.marineconservationalliance.org/press/pr
20090121.pdf

Report: The Seafood Industry in Alaska's Economy
http://www.marineconservationalliance.org/docs/SIAE
_Jan09.pdf

Executive Summary: The Seafood Industry in Alaska's Economy
http://www.marineconservationalliance.org/docs/SIAE_
Jan2009_ES.pdf

8. ADF&G Study tallies economic impact of sportfishing on Southcentral (and AK)
http://www.adn.com/outdoors/fishing/story/657504.html

ADF&G Sport Fish Division Economic study links:
2007 Summary Report (PDF 2.9 Mb)
http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Statewide/economics/PDFs/
2007Summary.pdf  

2007 Technical Report (PDF 5.4 Mb)
http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Statewide/economics/PDFs/
pp08-01e.pdf 

Project Background & home page
http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Statewide/economics/
2007Study.cfm   

9. New NOAA Economic Report Finds Commercial and Recreational Fishing Generated More Than Two Million Jobs
January 6, 2009
U.S. commercial and recreational fishing generated more than $185 billion in sales and supported more than two million jobs in 2006, according to a new economic report released by NOAA’s Fisheries Service.

The commercial fishing industry — harvesters, seafood processors and dealers, seafood wholesalers and seafood retailers — generated $103 billion in sales, $44 billion in income and supported 1.5 million jobs in 2006, the most recent year included in the report, Fisheries Economics of the United States 2006, which covers 1997 to 2006. Recreational fishing generated $82 billion in sales, $24 billion in income, and supported 534,000 jobs in 2006.

“The report documents clearly that managing fisheries sustainably is good for the environment and the economy,” said Jim Balsiger, NOAA acting assistant administrator for NOAA’s Fisheries Service. “Fishing helps create a substantial number of jobs around the nation.”
Press release:
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090105
_nmfseconomics.html

NOAA Report: Fisheries Economics of the United States 2006
http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/st5/publication/index.html

10. Saltwater Recreational Fishermen Boon for Economy Says NOAA
The Economic Contribution of Marine Angler Expenditures in the United States 2006 is available online at http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/st5/publication
/marine_angler.html 

NOAA press release:
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090112
_fishstudy.html

Alaska tables:
http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/st5/publication/AnglerExpend
itureReport/NorthPacific_AK_Tables.pdf

This NOAA study is useful for comparison to groundtruth the work behind ADF&G’s sport study.  If NOAA says Alaska Marine Sport fishing expenditures in 2006 were $499M and ADF&G Sportfish division says 2007 statewide sportfishing expenditures were 1.4 Billion, are we to expect that non-marine sport fishing is makes up 64% of sportfish expenditures?  Both studies include real estate and used cars for sport fishing.

11. Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission Report:
Economic Analysis of the Non-Treaty Commercial and Recreational Fisheries in Washington State (state waters), December 2008

Home page:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/econ_analysis

Final Report:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/meetings/2009/01/jan
1009_04_econ_fnl_corrected.pdf

12. USFWS 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation...http://library.fws.gov/nat_survey2006_final.pdf

13. Royal Caribbean shifts ship out of Alaska
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A decision by Royal Caribbean Cruises to shift a ship from Alaska to another destination has state tourism officials calling for steps to stay competitive.
John Binkley, president of the Alaska Cruise Association, says the redeployment of the Serenade of the Seas will mean a $55 million loss in revenue and a reduction of 42,000 visitors…
Binkley says it would be appropriate to make adjustments to the 2006 cruise ship initiative that created a $50 per passenger head tax and wastewater dumping regulations that industry officials say are too stringent.
http://ap.alaskajournal.com/stories/state/ak/20090127/
382216441.shtml

14. Seafood industry highlights of 2008
By Laine Welch | Capital City Weekly
Commercial fishing in Alaska remains a vibrant industry that each year provides more than half our nation's wild caught seafood. Alaska's fishery resources are the envy of other countries around the world, and its management programs are regarded as a model for sustainability. The seafood industry also provides more jobs than the oil/gas, mining, agriculture, forestry and tourism industries combined. Here is a sampler of some seafood industry highlights from 2008, in no particular order or priority:
http://www.capitalcityweekly.com/stories/010709/bus_
374813792.shtml

15. Can Alaska's biggest fisheries withstand climate change?
ADN Opinion by UAF professor emeritus Thomas Royer
Are we witnessing the collapse of Alaska's great fisheries?
The sharp decreases of Bering Sea pollock stocks (Daily News, Nov. 14, 2008) raise the question of whether Alaska's sustainable fisheries are a myth…
What steps are necessary to assure sustainable fisheries for future generations of Alaskans?
First we must measure our current fish populations accurately. We cannot effectively manage the fisheries if we do not know their numbers.
Second we must improve our measurements of the changes in the ocean climate that are taking place in Alaska waters. This will help determine how those changes influence our fish stocks…
http://www.adn.com/opinion/compass/story/665876.html

16. MMRC: Prehistoric data helps to assess modern Pacific cod fishery
The Aleut word for Pacific cod translates to “the fish that stops”. A recent study using prehistoric palaeoecological data provides clues to the origins of this word, as well as insights into natural cycles that cod have experienced for thousands of years. The bones recovered from middens also provide a basis for evaluating the effects of modern day fisheries on the size of Pacific cod in the Gulf of Alaska…
http://www.marinemammal.org/2009/maschner.php

Marine Mammal Research Consortium home page: http://www.marinemammal.org/

17. Governor Palin Releases Energy Guide -50% Renewable Sources by 2025  
Governor Palin Releases Energy Guide Goal: 50 Percent of Electricity Generation from Renewable Sources by 2025 January 16, 2009, Anchorage, Alaska – Governor Sarah Palin today praised energy coordinator Steve Haagenson and the Alaska Energy Authority for the release of their comprehensive guide to energy in Alaska. The guide, Alaska Energy - - A First Step Toward Energy Independence, identifies energy options for communities across the state…
http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1605

18. Governor Announces Challenge to Beluga Listing Decision; Provides Federal Agencies with Notice of Intent to Sue
January 14, 2009, Anchorage, Alaska - Governor Sarah Palin announced today that the State of Alaska filed a notice of intent to file a lawsuit challenging the federal government’s decision to list beluga whales in Cook Inlet as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
“The State of Alaska has worked cooperatively with the federal government to protect and conserve beluga whales in Cook Inlet,” said Governor Palin. “This listing decision didn’t take those efforts into account as required by law.”
http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1602

19. EPIRB Upgrade urged for boaters, fliers
The Coast Guard is urging boaters and fliers to obtain digital emergency beacons to help rescuers find them if trouble strikes.

Beginning Feb. 1, the Coast Guard will only receive distress alerts from 406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons or EPIRBs. The devices work by transmitting signals to satellites. The equipment will help rescuers pinpoint locations more effectively than analog distress signals, which have been more commonly used.

For information on EPIRBs and the switch over from analog signals to digital signals, please visit http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/ .

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/outdoors/6231695.html

&
The Future of Search and Rescue – EPIRB upgrade reminder
http://www.military.com/news/article/coast-guard-news/
the-future-of-search-and-rescue.html?col=1186032366581

20. Chitina Dip-netters sue for subsistence designation
FAIRBANKS — Frustrated by inaction from the state Board of Fisheries, the Chitina Dipnetters Association is taking its case to court.
The Fairbanks-based association, with financial support from the Alaska Outdoor Council, has filed a lawsuit against the state Board of Fisheries and Alaska Department of Fish and Game to get the Chitina dip net fishery on the Copper River designated as a subsistence, rather than personal use, fishery.
The fish board has rejected proposals to switch dip-netters from personal use to subsistence three times in the last five years, most recently at a meeting last month in Cordova.
“This is our last resort,” Mark Hem of the Chitina Dipnetters Association said of the lawsuit, which was filed in Fairbanks Superior Court on Jan. 9.
http://newsminer.com/news/2009/jan/24/dip-netters
-sue-subsistence-designation/

The lawsuit is online courtesy of Alaska Outdoor Council at http://www.alaskaoutdoorcouncil.org/pdfs/Complaint-%20Chitina%20Fishery%20Jan.%202009.pdf

21. Senator Begich places Juneau resident Bob King on staff for fisheries, Commerce
JUNEAU -Sen. Mark Begich has hired Juneau resident Bob King as a member of his staff for fisheries, Coast Guard, Arctic policy and other issues under the jurisdiction of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee…
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/012509/reg_381346494.shtml

Senator Mark Begich home page:
http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/senators/one_item_and
_teasers/begich.htm

22. Oceans Policy Scores Victory with Senate Passage of S. 22, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ocean conservation and research scored a major victory today
with the passage of S. 22, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009.  The act includes five bills, originally introduced in the 110th Congress under the leadership of Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), that increase our knowledge of oceans and coastal areas, provide policymakers with important data, and protect our oceans from the effects of climate change…
Senate Commerce press release:
http://commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Press
Releases.Detail&PressRelease_id=fd59a30b-a5b5-4ef1-a825-041
303589e7f&Month=1&Year=2009

23. Sen. Lisa Murkowski to serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Republican leadership announced today that U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, has been appointed to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
“I am deeply gratified to be appointed to the Senate Appropriations Committee, a panel that will allow me to continue to fight for the needs of Alaska, particularly as I gain seniority,” Murkowski said…
http://murkowski.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Press
Office.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=ff439d08-a417-3d62-81
83-b19d70b60508&Region_id=&Issue_id=

24. Division of Investments proposes 3% minimum interest rate on Comfish loans

The Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development proposes to adopt regulation changes in Title 3 of the Alaska Administrative Code, dealing with Commercial Fishing Loans, including the following:
(1) 3 AAC 80.055(k) is proposed to be changed as follows:
Establish a minimum interest rate of three percent a year, before credits, on commercial fishing loans.
…The comments must be received no later than 4:00pm on February 9, 2009.

Public Notice:
http://notes5.state.ak.us/pn/pubnotic.nsf/cc52605f7c156e7a
8925672a0060a91b/2871c80cc807af2e89257537006ba0c5
?OpenDocument

Proposed Commercial Fishing Regulation Changes
http://www.dced.state.ak.us/investments/pdf/CommFishRegs.pdf

25. Comment by Feb 1 - 5% minimum interest rate proposed for Enhancement Loans …(1) 3 AAC 81.055(e) is proposed to be changed as follows:
Establish a minimum interest rate of five percent a year on fisheries enhancement loans.
…comments must be received no later than 4:00pm on February 9, 2009.

Public Notice:
http://notes5.state.ak.us/pn/pubnotic.nsf/cc52605f7c156e7a8925
672a0060a91b/501f4cfd50409de189257537006a404d?Open
Document

Proposed Fisheries Enhancement Regulation Changes
http://www.dced.state.ak.us/investments/pdf/FERegs.pdf

Division of Investments home page: http://www.dced.state.ak.us/investments/index.cfml

26. World’s oceans turning acidic faster than expected
Acidification caused by carbon emissions could bring some oceans to a tipping point.
Parts of the world’s oceans appear to be acidifying far faster than scientists have expected.
The culprit: rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere pumped into the air from cars, power plants, and industries.
The Southern Ocean represents one of the most high-profile examples. There, scientists estimate that the ocean could reach a biologically important tipping point in wintertime by 2030, at least 20 years earlier than scientists projected only three years ago. Among the vulnerable: a tiny form of sea snail that serves as food for a wide range of fish.
Similar trends are appearing in more temperate waters, say researchers.
The studies suggest the CO2-emission targets being considered for a new global warming treaty are likely to be inadequate to prevent significant, long-lasting changes in some ocean basins
http://features.csmonitor.com/environment/2008/12/18/world%
E2%80%99s-oceans-turning-acidic-faster-than-expected/

27. New NOAA Study Shows Climate Change Largely Irreversible
A new scientific study led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reaches a powerful conclusion about the climate change caused by future increases of carbon dioxide:  to a large extent, there’s no going back…
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090126
_climate.html

28. EPA: Columbia River Basin faces continued threat from mercury, pesticides, other toxics
EPA Report seen as “call to action” for governments, tribes and the public

(Seattle, Wash. – January 15, 2009) The first comprehensive look at toxic contamination throughout the Columbia River Basin has been released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Issued today, the Columbia River Basin State of the River Report for Toxics compiles currently available data about four widespread contaminants in the Basin and identifies the risks they pose to people, fish, and wildlife.

The four contaminants are:
Mercury
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its breakdown products
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants.

 “This is troubling news,” said EPA’s Miller. “Today’s Report shows that toxics are found throughout the Basin at levels that could harm people, fish, and wildlife. Federal, tribal, state, and local efforts have reduced levels of some toxics such as PCBs and DDTs, but in many areas, they continue to pose an unacceptable risk. Tackling this problem will require a coordinated effort by all levels of government, Tribes, interest groups and the public.”…
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d96f984dfb3ff7718525
735900400c29/1195a5a05cbeaa968525753f00648b22!Open
Document

29. Deadline for Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council Seats Extended to February 13, 2009
See January 7 Press release at http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/news.cfml

30. NPFMC agenda and items for February 4-10 meeting

Draft Agenda: http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/Agendas/
209agenda.pdf

Items for the February mtg:

Trawl Sweep Modifications
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/misc_pub/trawlsweep209.pdf

 BSAI Parallel Waters Pcod fishery
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/current_issues/pcod/
ParallelwatersEA209.pdf

 AI Pcod processing sideboard discussion paper
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/current_issues/pcod/
EAIpcodSB209.pdf

 AM80 coop formation criteria (AM 93)
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/analyses/BSAI93_209.pdf

 Crab:  Emergency exemptions from regional landings
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/current_issues/crab/emerg
_regionalExemption209.pdf

 GOA Pcod crab sideboard exemptions
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/current_issues/pcod/GOAp
codCrabexempt209.pdf

 GOA AFA cv sideboards
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/current_issues/pcod/GOA
_AFA_SB_109.pdf

 Arctic FMP http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/current_issues/
Arctic/ArcticFMP109.pdf

EA/RIR/IRFA 1/09
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/current_issues/Arctic
/ArcticEA109.pdf

For these and more see NPFMC home page: http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/

31. Halibut Commission Completes 2009 Annual Meeting
The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) completed its Eighty-fifth Annual Meeting in Vancouver, B.C., with Dr. Laura J. Richards of Nanaimo, B.C. presiding as Chair. The Commission is recommending to the governments of Canada and the United States catch limits for 2009 totaling 54,080,000 pounds, a 10.4% decrease from the 2008 catch limit of 60,400,000 pounds…
Meeting results are posted online at:
http://www.iphc.washington.edu/halcom/newsrel/2009/
nr20090120.htm

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

32. North Pacific Research Board Seeks Fishing Industry Representative – by Feb 6
The Board is seeking nominations for this fishing industry seat. Self-nominations are acceptable also.  Nominations and resumes must be sent by email to the Board’s Executive Director, Clarence Pautzke, at cpautzke@nprb.org  by 5 p.m. Alaska Time, February 6, 2009.
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/NPRBnominations109.pdf

NPRB home page: http://www.nprb.org/

33. FDA Draft Fish Consumption Report: Risk and Benefit Assessment Report and Draft Summary of Published Research - Report of Quantitative Risk and Benefit Assessment of Consumption of Commercial Fish, Focusing on Fetal Neurodevelopment Effects (Measured by Verbal Development in Children) and on Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke in the General Population
and
Summary of Published Research on the Beneficial Effects of Fish Consumption and Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Certain Neurodevelopmental and Cardiovascular Endpoints
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/mehg109.html

34. Processor Wrangell Seafoods files Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection
Wrangell Seafoods, a processor of Southeast Alaska seafoods in Wrangell, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Anchorage, acknowledging millions of dollars in debts…
http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/012309/loc_
20090123003.shtml

35. Yukon River salmon run faces grim predictions
FAIRBANKS — Alaska fish managers are telling villagers along the Yukon River to brace for another poor king salmon run this year and are fishing for ideas on how to get more fish across the Canadian border…
http://newsminer.com/news/2009/jan/25/yukon-river-salmon
-run-faces-grim-predictions/

36. Rahall Legislation Brings Antiquated Hardrock Mining Law into the 21st Century  Washington D.C.(1/27) - Nearly 137 years to the day after the U.S. House of Representatives began debate on what became the Mining Law of 1872, House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) today reintroduced legislation to reform the antiquated law that has allowed large corporations to extract hardrock minerals from publicly-owned federal lands in the West with no royalties paid to the American people.

"Given our current economic crisis and the empty state of our national Treasury, it is ludicrous to be allowing this outmoded law to continue to exempt these lucrative mining activities from paying a fair return to the American people," Rahall said.  "Nobody in their right mind would allow timber, oil, gas, coal or copper to be cut, drilled for, or mined on lands they own without receiving a payment in return for the disposition of their resources.  And neither should the United States."…
http://resourcescommittee.house.gov/index.php?option=com_
content&task=view&id=444&Itemid=27

37. Footage of U.S. Airways flight 1549 emergency water landing and rescue
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3S5LWz5Hrg
Not fishing, but a remarkable piece of history caught on USCG video

38. Congressman Frank calls for improvements in Vessel Monitoring System, urges Coast Guard to make technology reliable safety tool
Congressman Barney Frank today urged the Coast Guard to improve the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) technology, used to track commercial fishing boats, in order to improve safety within the fishing industry.  In a letter he sent today to Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen, Frank urged the agency to “begin the process of determining whatever improvements are necessary to enable VMS technology to be used reliably for safety, and to take the necessary steps to implement those changes as soon as possible.”
http://www.house.gov/frank/fishing011409.html
&
Coast Guard to conduct underwater investigation of Patriot sinking
http://www.wickedlocal.com/manchester/news/x1278520128
/Coast-Guard-to-conduct-underwater-investigation-of-Patriot  
&
Coast Guard investigates second boat in Patriot sinking
http://www.eagletribune.com/punews/local_story_009010424.html

39. Three fish found to be same
Smithsonian Ichthyologist Dave Johnson Helps Solve Deep-Sea Mystery
For decades scientists have known about three different fishes called tapetails, bignose fishes and whalefishes. A team of scientists, including Smithsonian ichthyologist Dave Johnson, however, have recently discovered that they are actually all part of the same family. The team’s findings are being published in the journal Biology Letters by the Royal Society in London today.
http://media-newswire.com/release_1084923.html

40. Gulf council to consider future of fish farms
Monday, January 26, 2009 By KATHERINE SAYREStaff Reporter
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is scheduled this week to consider opening federal waters to commercial offshore fish farms.
The proposal creates a permitting process for aquaculturists to develop large-scale fish farms, raising only native species in underwater cages. Officials have said it would likely require as much as $10 million to launch an aquaculture operation in the Gulf.
Fish such as snappers and groupers could be raised in underwater pens. Shrimp are excluded from the plan.
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/metro.ssf?/base/news
/1232964908173200.xml&coll=3

Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council home page: http://www.gulfcouncil.org/

41. You Tube: The Problem with Salmon Farms in BC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTYhQAN9BW0

42. WWF to help found “Aquaculture Stewardship Council”
Comprehensive certification for sustainable aquaculture came closer to fruition today with an announcement by WWF that it would co-found the Aquaculture Stewardship Council to take eventual possession of the global standards for responsible seafood farming currently being developed by the WWF-supported Aquaculture Dialogue roundtables…
http://www.panda.org/news_facts/newsroom/?155121/WWF-
plans-next-phase-for-sustainable-aquaculture-standards

43. Russian fishing fleet faces challenges
VLADIVOSTOK- Russia's fishing industry is currently experiencing several serious challenges. These include an obsolete fleet, confusing regulations, lack of processing facilities, and dwindling fisheries…
http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/012309/fis_
20090123008.shtml

44. Laine Welch's Fish Radio –Topics from this week
Wednesday 1/28/09   ‘Uncertain’ sums up halibut market
Tuesday 1/27/09   Salmon at KFC, lawsuit over color additives, MSC 2,000 products
Monday 1/126/09   Begich chooses Bob King as fisheries advisor
Friday 1/23/09   Report for policy makers on the importance of AK seafood industry
Thursday 1/22/09   Bio-fuels from algae, sea grass; eels and electricity
Listen Online at: http://www.marineconservationalliance.org/fishradio.htm
& also see Laine Welch's Fish Factor at http://www.kinyradio.com/fishfactor.html

45. State says it can't declare Emmonak disaster. At least not yet.
http://community.adn.com/adn/node/137242
&
Tundra Drums: Emmonak donations ‘a miracle’ of caring
http://www.thetundradrums.com/news/show/4615
&
Fuel vouchers suggested for villages
http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/rural/story/666500.html

46. Comment deadline Feb 17 on NOAA Fishery Disaster regulations
…NMFS (on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce) proposes regulations to govern the requests for determinations of fishery resource disasters as a basis for acquiring potential disaster assistance. The regulations would establish definitions, and characteristics of commercial fishery failures, fishery resource disasters, serious disruptions affecting future production, and harm incurred by fishermen, as well as requirements for initiating a review by NMFS, and the administrative process it will follow in processing such applications. The intended result of these procedures and requirements is to clarify and interpret the fishery disaster assistance provisions of the MSA and the IFA through rulemaking and thereby ensure consistency and facilitate the processing of requests…

DATES: Comments must be submitted in writing on or before February 17,
2009.
Federal Register Notice:
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-810.htm

NOAA press release: http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009
/20090115_disaster.html

47. Comment by March 23 on NMFS notice of intent – Salmon Bycatch EA or EIS
NMFS, in consultation with the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, announces its intent to prepare either an Environmental Assessment (EA) or an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on measures to minimize non-Chinook salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.  The proposed action would replace the current Chum Salmon Savings Area in the Bering Sea, and the specific exemption to the area closure, with new regulatory closures, salmon bycatch limits, or a combination of both. The scope of the EA or EIS will be to determine the impacts to the human environment resulting from the measures to minimize non-Chinook salmon bycatch. NMFS will accept written comments from the public to determine the issues of concern and the appropriate range of alternatives for analysis…

DATES: Written comments must be received by March 23, 2009.

Federal register Notice
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-125.htm

NPFMC Salmon Bycatch page: http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/current_issues/bycatch/bycatch.htm

48. NOAA Fisheries Extends Public Comment Period on Salmon Bycatch Document – Feb 23
NOAA Fisheries is extending the comment period on a draft environmental impact statement that proposes methods of reducing the number of Chinook salmon accidentally caught by Bering Sea pollock fishermen.
“Based on numerous fishing industry requests, we are extending the comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement on Bering Sea Chinook Salmon Bycatch Management through February 23, 2009,” said Acting Alaska Regional Administrator Doug Mecum. “We want to give the public additional time for comment without delaying the North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s plan to take final action at its April 2009 meeting.” …
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/newsreleases/2009/bycatcheis011209.htm

NOAA Fisheries draft document on Chinook salmon bycatch –
http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/bycatch/  

49. NOAA Reports Northern Fur Seal Pup Decline, Lowest Birth Rate Since 1916
Researchers at the National Marine Mammal Laboratory of NOAA’s Alaska Fisheries Science Center have marked another decline in northern fur seal pup births in the Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea, where most of the world’s population of northern fur seals gather in the summer to rest and breed…
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/newsreleases/2009/furseals011509.htm

50. Comment deadline Feb 19 on BSAI Groundfish Amendment 90 quota transfer…
NMFS proposes regulations implementing Amendment 90 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area and Amendment 78 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska. This proposed regulation would amend the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Amendment 80 Program and the Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program to allow post-delivery  transfers of cooperative quota to cover overages. This action is necessary to mitigate potential overages, reduce enforcement costs, and provide for more precise total allowable catch management…
Comments must be received no later than February 19, 2009…
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E8-31365.htm

51. USCG proposed Commercial Diving Regs – comment by March 9.
The Coast Guard proposes to amend the commercial diving regulations. We request public comment on industry standards and current practices that might be incorporated in our regulations or accepted as regulatory equivalents; the use of third-party auditing;
new requirements for compliance documentation; the adoption of recommendations made following the investigation of a 1996 fatality; and possible additional regulatory revisions. This rulemaking will promote the enhancement of maritime safety which is a strategic goal of the Coast Guard... comment on or before March 9, 2009…
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E8-31415.htm

52. Coast Guard to hold industry day in Kodiak Thursday 1/27
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Coast Guard Sector Anchorage will hold an industry day conference Thursday (1/29) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kodiak Fisherman's Hall.

"I want to make us available to address questions and concerns from the industry in an open forum where others with the same questions can hear and benefit from the answers provided," said Capt. Mark Hamilton, commander Coast Guard Sector Anchorage.

Specific areas of interest are:
-- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
-- Facility Security
-- Area Maritime Security Committees

For complete agenda and information see: http://www.uscgalaska.com/go/doc/780/250465/

53. NOAA names six IUU fishing nations in report to Congress
NOAA today (1/13) submitted the first ever report to Congress identifying nations – France, Italy, Libya, Panama, the People's Republic of China, and Tunisia – whose fishing vessels were engaged in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in 2007 or 2008.
This opens the way for continued consultations between the U.S. government and officials of each of the six nations to encourage them to take corrective action to stop IUU fishing by their vessels.
“Illegal fishing is a global problem that is depleting fish stocks and hurting the economies of nations and the livelihoods of people who depend on sustainable fishing,” said Dr. Jim Balsiger, NOAA acting assistant administrator for NOAA’s Fisheries Service. “Our report is part of stepped up efforts called for by Congress to work with other nations to stop illegal fishing on shared fish stocks.”…
NOAA Press release: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/msa2007/docs/press_release.pdf

Report to Congress:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/msa2007/docs/biennial_report011309.pdf

MSA International Provisions home page:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/msa2007/intlprovisions.html

54. Comment by May 14 on IUU Fishing Identification and Certification procedures
NMFS proposes to implement identification and certification procedures to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities and bycatch of protected living marine resources (PLMRs) pursuant to the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium
Protection Act (Moratorium Protection Act). The objective of these procedures is to promote the sustainability of transboundary and shared fishery stocks and to enhance the conservation and recovery of PLMRs.
The proposed rule is intended to implement existing U.S. statutory authorities to address noncompliance with international fisheries management and conservation agreements and encourage the use of bycatch reduction methods in international fisheries that are comparable to methods used by U.S. fishermen. NMFS is seeking public comment on these procedures and on the sources and types of information to be considered in these procedures.
DATES: Written comments must be received no later than 5 p.m. Eastern time on May 14, 2009…
Federal Register Notice:
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-609.htm

NOAA Fisheries IUU Fishing home page:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ia/challenges/iuu.htm

55. Comment by Mar. 16 on NOAA draft guideline on pesticide-treated wood in marine environments
NMFS is providing this notice in order to allow other agencies and the public an opportunity to review and provide comments on a draft guideline document regarding the use of pesticide-treated wood products in aquatic environments. The intent of the guidelines is to aid NMFS personnel conducting Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act)
Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) consultations in making consistent determinations regarding projects proposing to use pesticide-treated wood products in habitats utilized by NOAA trust resources. The guidelines attempt to convey a summary of information that should be considered when examining the effects determinations made by the action agency, and to direct personnel to documents containing more detailed information when needed. NMFS is requesting comment on the draft guideline document before it is finalized…
DATES: Public comments must be received on or before 5 p.m., Pacific standard time March 16, 2009.

Federal Register Notice: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-369.htm

56. Comment deadline Feb 27 on NOAA Climate Change Draft
Second Public Review Draft of the Unified Synthesis Product Global Climate Change in the United States…

Alaska Regional Climate Impacts:
“Coastal storms increase risks to villages and fishing fleets…
“Displacement of marine species will affect key fisheries…
Alaska report:
http://downloads.climatescience.gov/sap/usp/prd2/
usp-prd-Alaska-Region.pdf

Federal Register Notice: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-371.htm

Home page for full draft report:
http://www.climatescience.gov/Library/sap/usp/second-public
-review-draft/default.php

57. NOAA posts correction to Elandings, recordkeeping and catch reporting
Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crab Fisheries; Groundfish Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Individual Fishing Quota Program; Western Alaska Community Development Quota Program; Recordkeeping and Reporting; Permits; Correction…
This action corrects the regulatory text of a final rule published on December 15, 2008 (73 FR 76136). Among its measures, the final rule will implement new recordkeeping and reporting requirements; a new electronic groundfish catch reporting system, the Interagency Electronic Reporting System, and its data entry component, eLandings…
DATES: Effective January 14, 2009.
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-489.htm

Previous December 15, 2008 Federal Register Notice: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-29625.htm

58. NMFS posts Final Rule on National Standard 1 overfishing guidelines
This final action amends the guidelines for National Standard 1 (NS1) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). This action is necessary to provide guidance on how to comply with new annual catch limit (ACL) and accountability measure (AM) requirements for ending overfishing of fisheries managed by Federal fishery management plans (FMPs). It also clarifies the relationship between ACLs, acceptable biological catch (ABC), maximum sustainable yield (MSY), optimum yield (OY), and other applicable reference points. This action is necessary to facilitate compliance with requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Act to end and prevent overfishing, rebuild overfished stocks and achieve OY…

DATES: Effective February 17, 2009.
Federal register Notice: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-636.htm

MSA Catch Limits home page:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/msa2007/catchlimits.htm

NOAA press release: http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/
20090115_endoverfishing.html

59. NMFS proposed rule to eliminate seabird avoidance measures in Area 4E hook & line groundfish and halibut  - comment by Feb. 17.
NMFS issues a proposed rule that would revise the seabird avoidance requirements for the hook-and-line groundfish and halibut fisheries in International Pacific Halibut Commission Area 4E. The proposed rule would eliminate seabird avoidance requirements for hook-and-line vessels less than or equal to 55 ft (16.8 m) length overall in portions of Area 4E in the eastern Bering Sea. This action is necessary to revise seabird avoidance measures based on the latest scientific information and to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens and associated costs…

DATES: Written comments must be received by February 17, 2009.
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-974.htm

60. NOAA 2008 Status of U.S. Fisheries, 4th Quarter Update.  Changes:  Norton Sound red king crab, Southern Bering Sea tanner crab, roughefye rockfish BSAI, rex sole GOA

Fish Stock Sustainability Index (FSSI) and Summary of Stock Determination Changes:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/domes_fish/StatusoFisheries/
2008/4thQuarter/Q4_2008_FSSI_Summary_Changes.pdf

FSSI and non-FSSI Stocks
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/domes_fish/StatusoFisheries/
2008/4thQuarter/Summary_FSSI_Stocks.pdf

Non Federal Stocks
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/domes_fish/StatusoFisheries/2008
/4thQuarter/Q4_2008_NonFederalStocks.pdf

NOAA Status of U.S. Fisheries home page: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/s
fa/statusoffisheries/SOSmain.htm

61. ISER Research Matters No. 40: Enclosing the Fisheries: People, Places, and Power
A new book, Enclosing the Fisheries: People, Places, and Power, published by the American Fisheries Society, describes those effects in a series of papers drawing on research in coastal communities in Alaska, British Columbia, Iceland, and New Zealand. The book is a record of the social processes and consequences of privatization in fisheries, ranging from simple limits on entry to transferable individual quotas. It attempts to give a voice to people displaced from the fisheries as a result of consolidation of ownership, fewer jobs and less income, prohibitive entry costs, and loss of fishing rights for small communities.

Marie Lowe, assistant professor of anthropology at ISER, and Courtney Carothers, assistant professor of fisheries at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, co-edited the book and contributed chapters on issues fishing communities in Alaska face under restricted-access systems.

The book has a cover price of $35 and is available from the American Fisheries Society at http://www.afsbooks.org/54068p.html . If you have questions, get in touch with Marie Lowe by e-mail or phone (or 907-786-6534).

62. USDA posts Final Rule on Country of Origin Labeling
USDA Press release: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7
_0_A/7_0_1OB/.cmd/ad/.ar/sa.retrievecontent/.c/6_2_1UH/.ce/7
_2_5JM/.p/5_2_4TQ/.d/1/_th/J_2_9D/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?PC_7
_2_5JM_contentid=2009%2F01%2F0006.xml&PC_7_2_5JM_par
entnav=LATEST_RELEASES&PC_7_2_5JM_navid=NEWS_RELEASE
#7_2_5JM

Federal Register Notice:
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-600.htm

USDA AMS COOL home page
http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?
template=TemplateM&navID=CountryofOriginLabeling&rightNav1
=CountryofOriginLabeling&topNav=&leftNav=CommodityAreas&p
age=CountryOfOriginLabeling&acct=cntryoforgnlbl

Cooked, smoked, canned seafoods are still exempt from mandatory COO, but at least we retained the “wild or farmed” labeling. We thank those of you who responded with letters asking that these also be covered and to continue to include wild and farmed labeling of seafood.

63. Alaska Board Of Fisheries 2009 Call For Proposals – deadline April 10, 2009
http://notes5.state.ak.us/pn/pubnotic.nsf/cc52605f7c156e7a892
5672a0060a91b/1f99857e437cd888892574f0005bf4b9?Open
Document

BOF announcement: