Blog.HaulingGear.com Archive (8-2008 to 3-2014)

We've gone 24/7 live!!!!

2014-03-19T06:38:00.003-08:00

On March 19, 2014 HaulingGear enabled 24/7 live comfish newsfeeds on our front page at www.HaulingGear.com! Enjoy!

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#03-18-2014 - ComFish News Roundup

2014-03-18T10:25:00.000-08:00

New halibut season arrives just in time in BC as freezers nearly empty
SEAFOOD.COM NEWS [Victoria Times Colonist] By Carla Wilson - March 18, 2014
This year's halibut season is starting up just in time. "The freezers were all cleared out. The frozen market got really short, starting in November-December," said Cody Smith, who works in import, export and wholesale sales at Albion Fisheries in Victoria. "The cupboards were bare going into the fresh season." Halibut - the world's largest flatfish - is perennially popular. It is a white fish, with a firm texture and a mild flavour. "People who don't like fishy tasting fish will eat halibut," Smith said. "I think it is also a sign of spring in the Pacific Northwest because people are able to start.... http://seafood.com/Story.aspx?story=920790&topic=59807

EPA Extends Response Deadline on Pebble Mine Impacts
POSTED: 05:04 PM AKDT Mar 17, 2014
JUNEAU - A federal agency is providing more time for the state and the group behind the proposed Pebble Mine to provide information showing development at the site would not result in "unacceptable" environmental impacts. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has initiated a process that could lead to it prohibiting or.... http://www.ktuu.com/news/news/epa-extends-response-deadline-on-pebble-mine-impacts/25026144

Fisheries Work Group Takes Up Gulf Trawl Bycatch
Mar 17, 2014
Brianna Gibbs/KMXT
The Kodiak Fisheries Work Group will hold a meeting tonight and discuss Gulf of Alaska Trawl Bycatch Management issues. Assemblywoman Chris Lynch said the goal of the meeting will be to draft recommendations for the North Pacific Fishery Management Council's April meeting on bycatch management, specifically recommendations that will... http://www.kmxt.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5614

Agenda > http://www.kmxt.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5618

NOAA to discuss West Coast shellfish ban with Chinese officials in Beijing March 21st
SEAFOOD.COM NEWS [Northwest Public Radio] by Ashley Ahearn - March 18, 2014
China banned shellfish imports from most of the West Coast in December over concerns about contamination. The move has cost the shellfish industry in Washington hundreds... http://seafood.com/Story.aspx?story=920786&topic=59804

Time for 'Deadliest Catch' to go home
Erik Velsko
March 17, 2014
Almost everyone interested in the commercial fishing industry is now familiar with Discovery Channel’s hit reality series "Deadliest Catch." The show is entertaining, the cinematography is superb, the characters are portrayed as both villainous and heroic and it’s filmed in one of the most brutal environments in the world. To average Americans sitting in front of their televisions, "Deadliest Catch" is an interesting documentary in a historically ignored industry. However, there.... http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/20140317/time-deadliest-catch-go-home

Nissui quickly squelches rumor it might sell Gorton's
SEAFOOD.COM NEWS [Gloucester Times] By Sean Horgan - March 18, 2014
Nippon Suisan Kaisha, the Japanese parent company of Gorton’s, has moved quickly to squelch speculation from a Toronto-based analyst that it might be looking to divest itself of the iconic Gloucester fish processor. The Octagon Capital analyst, Robert Gibson, wrote in a Feb. 7 report that continued losses in Nippon Suisan Kaisha’s (also known as Nissui) U.S. fish processing operations might prompt the Japanese international... http://seafood.com/Story.aspx?story=920780&topic=59808

Boston (home of AquaBounty): Fish traceability is seafood expo focus
By Doug Fraser
March 18, 2014
BOSTON — Nestled in a booth among displays of high-tech conveyer belts and gleaming ice makers, Braddock Spears sat at a table in an exhibitor's booth, looking much like one of the fishing industry power players that flocked to the Seafood Expo North America at the state convention center. But his company, the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, is an Internet-based nonprofit organization helping seafood dealers and major buyers buy from well-managed fisheries from all over the globe. Spears said the presence of organizations like his at the largest seafood and processing show in the Western Hemisphere reflects a growing reality that good fishing practices have... http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20140318/NEWS/403180311/-1/NEWS01

Finland’s hydropower consumers asked to shell out extra to help salmon and trout
YLE NewsEye on the Arctic
March 17, 2014
Hydroelectric power may be a greener option than some alternatives, but it does sometimes block the natural paths of salmon and trout. Fish ladders can help, and Finnish electricity consumers are now being asked to contribute to the costs of their installation and maintenance. The hydroelectric plant in Åminnefors, in western Uusimaa, blocks salmon and sea trout from reaching their breeding grounds in the Mustionjoki river. They would need fish ladders to help... http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/20140317/finland-s-hydropower-consumers-asked-shell-out-extra-help-salmon-and-trout

Bethel: GCI 3G scheduled for mid to late April http://t.co/T3SYc6BtEF
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 18, 2014

A look inside @Globalstar ’s plan to build an exclusive nationwide Wi-Fi network — Tech News and Analysis http://t.co/45WciESnp3
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 18, 2014

Vibrant red aurora borealis above the birch tree forest in Fairbanks, Alaska pic.twitter.com/4dQTEYKPuU
— Earth Pictures (@EarthPicsx) March 17, 2014

We already know #Alaska is cold in the winter. Turns out it's pretty darn beautiful, too http://t.co/daz6jrcNLx pic.twitter.com/6CHxr0IFHQ
— CNN Travel (@CNNTravel) March 17, 2014

Pilots complain that glare from the world’s biggest solar power plant is blinding them http://t.co/WqtyNltfiB #FinalFix #MissedApproach
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 18, 2014

#Putin is said to be creating a Black Sea barrier. Get details: http://t.co/3oIrhmQK4a #blacksea #ocean #boat #boating
— Nobeltec (@Nobeltec) March 18, 2014

AndroidWear : Time-stamp 0:21 "I just got a jelly fish warning." https://t.co/wikH1z9X7t #InternetOfThings
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 18, 2014

@Android Wear details 4 the Geeks (and us @HaulingGear) http://t.co/rVhNFJ6owz #ProximityMatters #Mobile #GPS #AssistedGPS #WiredWheelhouse
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 18, 2014

Life Saving That’s SPOT On with Globalstar http://t.co/QGB9zrgPEC
— Globalstar (@Globalstar) March 18, 2014

USCGC SPAR cruises through Womens Bay near Kodiak USCGC SPAR cruises through Womens Bay near Kodiak pic.twitter.com/x9GyvzWuuo
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 18, 2014

SITKA SOUND SAC ROE HERRING FISHERY ANNOUNCEMENT (2-hour notice effective 8:00 a.m., Thursday, March 20, 2014)

2014-03-17T18:06:00.002-08:00

#03-17-2014 - ComFish News Roundup - ♧LuckOfTheIrish

2014-03-17T11:10:00.004-08:00

Alaska processors have successful pollock roe auction, with 86% higher volume and stable price
SEAFOOD.COM NEWS by John Sackton - March 17, 2014
Reports from Seattle were of a very good pollock roe auction that will boost the results for Alaska pollock roe companies this year. Overall, over 7200 tons was... http://seafood.com/Story.aspx?story=920629&topic=59765

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Is America Ready For Genetically Modified Fish? FDA Considers AquAdvantage Salmon
By Matthew Mientka | Mar 16, 2014 03:31 PM EDT
Though most Americans remain wary of genetically modified (GM) foods, U.S. regulators may soon approve a GM fish product known as the AquAdvantage salmon — or “Frankenfish” by critics. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Margaret Hamburg said.... http://www.medicaldaily.com/america-ready-genetically-modified-fish-fda-considers-aquadvantage-salmon-271340

GE SALMON CO. FIRES BACK AT MURKOWSKI: AquaBounty Technologies, the Massachusetts company that is seeking FDA approval for a genetically-engineered strain of salmon, is taking issue with several remarks made by Murkowski last week. In a back-and-forth during an oversight hearing to.... http://www.politico.com/morningagriculture/0314/morningagriculture13315.html

Kodiak: KMXT will broadcast fisheries meeting live Monday night
Saturday, 15 March 2014
KMXT will be broadcasting and streaming the Kodiak Fisheries Work Group meeting live from the Assembly Chambers Monday night from 6pm until it's conclusion around 10pm. We will.... http://www.kmxt.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5613

Fleet of underwater gliders could improve global weather forecasts
BY STEVE DENT @STEVETDENT MARCH 17TH, 2014 AT 7:34AM ET
While our entire climate model is based on the world's ocean currents, there's a surprising lack of detailed measurements in that area. Researchers from Rutgers and elsewhere want to rectify that with the Challenger Glider Mission, which will see the launch 16 unpowered, autonomous submarines later this month. As with.... http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/17/rutgers-challenger-glider-submarine-mission/

http://www.climatecentral.org/news/oceans-stand-to-deliver-abundant-carbon-free-energy-17185

Fisheries wiped out by Japan's tsunami seek ways to revive struggling industry
Published March 14, 2014 Associated Press
TONI, JAPAN – When the tsunami smashed the seafood processing factory where Shoichi Sato was working, he lost his job but eventually found a new life. Three years later, Sato is among the businessmen helping to bring back the fishing industry, long a mainstay livelihood for coastal towns along Japan's northeastern coast. Sato's company, Kamaishi Hikari Foods, employs only 25 people but supports hundreds more who sell their catches of octopus, squid, salmon and mackerel for processing right at the water's edge. In Toni, whose entire port was wrecked by the tsunami, it's about the only..... http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/03/14/fisheries-wiped-out-by-japan-tsunami-seek-ways-to-revive-struggling-industry/

Red snapper fairness
Thursday, 13 March 2014
This week a series of public hearings began on proposed Amendment 28, which would reallocate a greater share of Gulf of Mexico red snapper to recreational fishermen. Commercial fishermen and others who support the gulf seafood industry are encouraged to attend a.... http://www.nationalfisherman.com/blogs/coastlines/3143-red-snapper-fairness

STONINGTON
Originally published in Island Ad-Vantages, March 13, 2014
Lobster landings net $47 million for port of Stonington
by Faith DeAmbrose
Preliminary data released by the Maine Dept. of Marine Resources on March 1 show another banner year for the Port of Stonington in 2013, and an increase in the boat price for lobster was the primary driving force. With 17,378,069 pounds of live lobster landed, the total ex-vessel value (average boat price) was recorded at $47,454,463, an increase of more than $3 million from 2012 figures. The totals could be subject to.... http://islandadvantages.com/news/2014/mar/13/lobster-landings-net-47-million-for-port-of-stonin/

The District 3 sampler was able to get samples from Maurelle Island, Little Steamboat, and Steamboat. The... http://t.co/CpkiE6xRDn
— S.A.R.D.F.A. Alaska (@sardfa) March 17, 2014

What does coastal intelligence look like? This graphic shows you! http://t.co/IhbFKqL48Q #Data4Coasts pic.twitter.com/gpyYSYfNbX
— NOAA's Ocean Service (@noaaocean) March 17, 2014

Watch the premiere#AlaskaFishWars on Nat Geo next with @CaptSutherland @Capt_TaylorE @fvnorthcrow @NightsEdgeAK pic.twitter.com/cAC6nSQM75
— Capt.Dino Sutherland (@CaptSutherland) March 17, 2014

What a great day @bostonseafood! If you haven't stopped by our booth yet (2725) come say hi to the Copper River fleet! #sena14
— Copper River Salmon (@CopperRiverWild) March 16, 2014

#SENA14 Fishermen's Finest well represented http://t.co/8GCRrGUb1w by #Alaska Seafood Coop & @ASMIAkSeafood pic.twitter.com/Hup3tkWeZg
— Fishermen's Finest (@FishFinest) March 17, 2014

Word from @bostonseafood show floor is a strong interest from retailers for seafood marketing materials; info on sustainability #sena14
— Michael Ramsingh (@MichaelRamsingh) March 17, 2014

High Liner, King & Prince take home 2014 Seafood Excellence Awards @bostonseafood @HighLinerCanada @KPseafood #sena14
— Seafood.com News (@SeafoodcomNews) March 16, 2014

Keith Decker accepts @SeaShare Doner of the Year award @bostonseafood free coverage @SeafoodcomNews #sensa14 pic.twitter.com/PviSWYWq0N
— Seafood.com News (@SeafoodcomNews) March 16, 2014

Solar storm over Frederick Sound http://t.co/R0H0gPteMs
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 17, 2014

Are we in a 'golden age' for Alaska literature? (“snowmachine” v. “snowmobile”) http://t.co/pQczxzk80l
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 17, 2014

@Twitter CEO Costolo to make first China visit | Reuters http://t.co/pDA7afZQfH #Mobile #SupplyChain #Freedom
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 17, 2014

Why meteorologists can't wear green on #StPatricksDay @foxandfriends #betterwithfriends pic.twitter.com/60tPm11srR
— Maria Molina (@FoxMariaMolina) March 17, 2014

Let love and friendship reign! Our doodle for St. Patrick's Day features a traditional Irish Claddagh ring. pic.twitter.com/pRmaK5GYLI
— A Googler (@google) March 17, 2014

Sad thing about St. Patrick's Day is that so many of my people's traditional foods are awful. Tho fresh seafood in Ireland=awesome.
— Brian Faughnan (@BrianFaughnan) March 17, 2014

♧ - 3-17-2014
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 17, 2014

#03-16-2014 - ComFish News Roundup

2014-03-16T09:17:00.000-08:00

4:16 PM SAT MARCH 15, 2014
Alaska House Agrees to Extend and Expand a Salmon Product Tax Credit
By MIKE MASON
Legislation passed the Alaska House of Representatives Friday that expands a popular tax credit to include herring. House Bill 204 expands the Salmon Product Development Tax Credit to include herring with the goal of allowing seafood companies to further diversify their product forms. The bill's prime sponsor is Representative Alan Austerman. He believes the herring.... http://kdlg.org/post/alaska-house-agrees-extend-and-expand-salmon-product-tax-credit

Trident sets new packaging, big expansion of frozen retail line with 9 new items

SEAFOOD.COM NEWS [SCOM] March 15, 2014
Seattle-based Trident Seafoods is coming to Boston with its line of frozen retail products with new red-hot graphics and nine new items. The frozen entrees are designed to please, health-conscious consumers who.... http://seafood.com/Story.aspx?story=920593&topic=59735

Seafood industry invests in research and training at the Kodiak Center
March 15, 2014
(SitNews) - Alaska’s seafood industry has invested in the search for new uses of pollock byproducts and the development of a seafood processing quality-control training program. The work will be done at the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center, the state’s only research processing plant. Faculty at KSMSC will receive more than $350,000 from the Pollock Conservation Cooperative Research Center, a consortium of fishing companies that operate.... http://www.sitnews.us/0314News/031514/031514_kodiak_center.html

Fish Factor
Move towards ‘head to tails’ usages for fish
By LAINE WELCH
March 15, 2014
(SitNews) - Co-products is the big new buzz word in the seafood industry as more companies move towards ‘head to tails’ usages for fish. “For instance, the oils we are producing now from pollock livers has become so valuable in capsules and other human nutraceutical products, it makes no sense to call the livers a “byproduct” of the fillets or surimi. All of it is important in the puzzle of how to maximize the value of each fish caught,” said Alex Oliveira, a food.... http://www.sitnews.us/LaineWelch/031514_fish_factor.html

Marine invasive species get bioblitzed in Ketchikan
By DEBORAH MERCY
March 15, 2014
(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - Non-native marine species are showing up along the Alaska coastline. While their numbers are small compared to California, where more than 200 marine invasive species are listed, there is reason for concern. So researchers who track the newcomers have enlisted volunteer reinforcements - the people who live along the coast. As marine traffic increases, areas such as Ketchikan and Sitka are becoming home to unwanted marine species. In 2010, the tunicate Didemnum vexillum, also know as D. vex or rock vomit, was discovered near Sitka. It interferes with... http://www.sitnews.us/0314News/031514/031514_marine_invasive.html

Judge orders Oregon hatchery to release fewer fish
By GOSIA WOZNIACKA-Associated Press
Friday, March 14, 2014
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A judge has ordered federal fish managers in Oregon to release fewer young salmon into the Sandy River this year to ensure that hatchery fish don’t harm wild fish - but has left other hatchery operations intact. Federal Judge Ancer Haggerty ordered Friday that the National Marine Fisheries Service allow releases of no more than 200,000 coho smolts into the Sandy this year - 100,000 fewer than planned. But the judge did not order a complete temporary shutdown of hatchery.... http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/mar/14/judge-orders-oregon-hatchery-to-release-fewer-fish/

Salmon outlook takes sharp turn for the better
Tom Stienstra
Published 5:42 pm, Saturday, March 15, 2014
In just a few days last week, the outlook for salmon off the Bay Area coast upgraded from a doomsday scenario to a new dawn. The reversal of fortune is in time for this year's California opener April 5, and the impact will be felt for years. The biggest news is that 12 million juvenile salmon scheduled to be set free in the next month from Coleman National Fish Hatchery in Shasta County will instead be trucked to the bay and released in pulses from submerged..... http://www.sfgate.com/outdoors/article/Salmon-outlook-takes-sharp-turn-for-the-better-5321176.php

USDA may revise tuna school purchase policy on Monday, WSJ hits Samoa's 'meltdown' over competition
SEAFOOD.COM NEWS[Wall st. Journal] (Editorial) March 15, 2014
(c) 2014, Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
Nutritionists say fish is brain food, so you might think the U.S. government would make it available in school cafeterias. Yet for some three years tuna has been hard to come by when the bell rings for lunch across America. This absurdity is brought to... http://seafood.com/Story.aspx?story=920588&topic=

Earl's Baked Salmon, simple but good! http://t.co/V8eT9uMZqO @SeafoodUK #salmon #Foodiechats pic.twitter.com/LGsb7hAGlJ
— Len Boccassini (@Foodidude) March 14, 2014

You know you're married when you get done pot fishing and have to ask your partner if you can buy something, like a couch
— Jake Anderson (@JakeVAnderson) March 16, 2014

Just kidding Jenna! I'd be broke if it wasn't for my wife!
— Jake Anderson (@JakeVAnderson) March 16, 2014

The Brig: Petersburg man cited over small king crab http://t.co/8pNOZ0TnV9
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 15, 2014

Deckboss: Bristol Bay: Longtime leader leaving BBRSDA http://t.co/2bzJpmoa8M
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 15, 2014

Vessels hunkering down for the storm warning tomorrow. #ak #adak #alaska #aleutians #beringsea… http://t.co/hmxQQlu0BR
— Cal Kashevarof (@BeringSeaCapt) March 16, 2014

Layla, Yakutat's 1-person cheerleading squad. Normally they have 4, but 3 also play basketball. pic.twitter.com/ivfSXAjg6B
— Marc Lester (@marclesterphoto) March 16, 2014

EPA administrator unites Alaskans -- in anger | Alaska Dispatch http://t.co/TAo2QneyR6
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 16, 2014

Report criticizes EPA for raid on Alaska miners, but says agency did not break law | Fox News http://t.co/jZpAjfGgvx
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 16, 2014

I'm not fat, I'm just a little husky pic.twitter.com/ND7bD3KZOd
— Earth Pics (@Earth_Pics) March 16, 2014

Search for Missing Plane Faces Steep New Challenges http://t.co/wgWnJkeBr0
— The New York Times (@nytimes) March 16, 2014

Patriotic - Alaska. Love it! http://t.co/bJMrneIHSJ
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 16, 2014

Bummed about losing your favorite sneakers (or deck slippers)? Why not just print out a new pair? (video) https://t.co/slJ8zdKFAI
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 16, 2014

WSJ/Youtube (no paywall) : Malaysia Air MH370: Possible Sabotage to Communications System, Explained: http://t.co/08JHzlxqUF (video)
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 16, 2014

Chicago (river) goes green #Ireland #PaddysDay

2014-03-16T07:00:00.003-08:00

Chicago goes green #Ireland #PaddysDay pic.twitter.com/QmzlqC16lt
— Deirdre Moran (@DeeMorany) March 16, 2014

For you @BallyfinDemesne and @SheenFalls - boats turn the Chicago River green. Happy #StPatricksDay #Ireland pic.twitter.com/8w6Ea1CFh1
— Janine Cifelli (@JanineCifelli) March 16, 2014

#03-15-2014 - ComFish News Roundup

2014-03-15T07:20:00.004-08:00

Industry Urges Senate for Vessel Discharge Legislation

nerkasalmon.wordpress.com

Posted by Eric HaunFriday, March 14, 2014
............ Signatories to the March 13 letter include: Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers Association, American Association of Port Authorities, American Chemistry Council, American Great Lakes Ports Association, American Iron and Steel Institute, American Maritime Congress, American Maritime Officers, American Maritime Officers Service, American Tunaboat Association, American Waterways Operators, Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association, At-sea Processors Association, Chamber of Shipping of America, Conservation Cooperative of Gulf Fishermen, Dredging Contractors of America....... http://www.marinelink.com/news/legislation-discharge365552.aspx

Alaskans Weigh in on Controversial DNR Permitting Bill
Dozens of people from around the state called in or testified in person on House Bill 77
Chris Klint, Senior Digital Producer
POSTED: 09:39 PM AKDT Mar 14, 2014
JUNEAU - Members of the Senate Resources Committee listened to nearly four hours of testimony Friday on a bill that would streamline the permitting system for land and water uses. The state Department of Natural Resources introduced the bill last year. DNR claims it.... http://www.ktuu.com/news/news/alaskans-weigh-in-on-controversial-dnr-permitting-bill/24989918

State of Alaska Helping Find New Partner for Pebble Project?
By Alaska Native News 16 hours 17 minutes ago
JUNEAU – On Thursday, Representative Andy Josephson (D-Anchorage) and Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) revealed statements from Northern Dynasty CEO, Ron Thiessen contradicting Governor Parnell’s stated position on that he would reserve judgment until completion of the permitting process for the Pebble Mine. In previous comments Governor Parnell has..... http://alaska-native-news.com/state_news/10312-state-helping-find-new-partner-for-pebble-project.html

Is Alaska's Pebble Mine the Next Keystone XL?
The push to open a gold-and-copper mine in a rich fishing area has split Alaskans along unusual political lines.
SVATI KIRSTEN NARULAMAR 14 2014, 1:08 PM ET
Alaska's Bristol Bay region, adjacent to the Bering Sea in the state's southwest corner, is rich with large and productive reserves of natural resources. One of those resources, the world's largest sockeye-salmon fishery, generates an estimated $1.5 billion annually. The thousands of pristine acres of surrounding wetlands, ponds, and lakes are treasured because there isn't much untouched land left in America. Bristol Bay is also home to a large population of Alaska Natives, whose cultures and lifestyles revolve around the region's "wildness" and especially its salmon. Those are the living, breathing resources of Bristol Bay. And then there are the inorganic resources—oil and gas and mineral deposits, not yet fully explored or exploited but representing a whole lot more wealth than Alaska's accessing now. A particularly significant deposit of gold, molybdenum, and copper—the largest known untapped copper deposit in the world, in fact—has been identified in Bristol Bay. It's known as the Pebble prospect. A Canadian company called.... http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/03/is-alaskas-pebble-mine-the-next-keystone-xl/284251/

Sen. Lisa Murkowski: Alaska 'road to nowhere' is actually a lifesaver
By Lisa Murkowski
March 14, 2014, 8:50 a.m.
To a non-Alaskan unfamiliar with the harsh realities of living in remote corners of the nation's largest state, the proposed link of two small towns whose populations barely total 1,000 people may seem like a "road to nowhere." Unfortunately, former Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt's March 11 commentary in The Times reflects this unsympathetic thinking. His delusive comments don't change the fact that this small, lifesaving road would provide the people of King Cove, Alaska, with access to medical care in emergencies.
When the federal government created the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge 54 years ago, it cut off the traditional land..... http://www.latimes.com/opinion/opinion-la/la-ol-lisa-murkowski-alaska-road-20140314,0,1295756.story

3/14/2014
Frankenfish a threat
No fish tastes better than the wild kind.
But the Food and Drug Administration continues to evaluate the safety of genetically-engineered salmon. Of course, the FDA's main concern is whether Frankenfish are safe..... http://www.ketchikandailynews.com/free/local-edit-frankenfish-3-14-14

Ahtna Goes to Congress For Role in Game Management
By Liz Ruskin, APRN - Washington DC | March 14, 2014 - 4:16 pm
Alaska tribes and rural hunters have long complained that the dual federal-state game management system is hard to live by and doesn’t give subsistence users their due. Today, Ahtna Inc., the smallest of Alaska’s Regional Native Corporations, presented a proposal for co-management of game to a U.S. House panel. Unlike most of rural Alaska, the eight villages of the Ahtna Region are on the road system. Ahtna President Michelle Anderson told a congressional panel today that every season, local hunters have to contend with more and more hunters who drive in from elsewhere. She said it’s not just a matter of food but also cultural erosion. “It’s a shame that this last season for instance, you know, many of our hunters who have.... http://www.alaskapublic.org/2014/03/14/ahtna-goes-to-congress-for-greater-role-in-game-management/

Safety Council Recognizes Alaskans at 2014 Governor's Safety and Health Conference
By WorkersCompensation.com 20 hours 28 minutes ago
...........At Trident Seafoods Petersburg work hours are long, jobs are physical and repetitive, and the environment is cold, wet, and loud. It is a notable accomplishment for a fish processing company to have an injury illness rate below the National Industry Average and many companies would be satisfied with that, but Trident Seafoods is not like most companies. Trident’s Petersburg Plant has topped that performance with a perfect record in 2013 – zero recordable incidents..... http://www.workerscompensation.com/compnewsnetwork/news/18490-safety-council-recognizes-alaskans-at-2014-governor-s-safety-and-health-conference.html

Totonto: Not all king crab at festival is from Alaska's well-managed fishery
ALEXANDRA GILL
Special to The Globe and Mail
Published Friday, Mar. 14 2014, 9:04 PM EDT
Last updated Friday, Mar. 14 2014, 9:31 PM EDT
The Alaskan king crab festival has begun. But buyer beware: Not all of the sweet bounty is imported from Alaska’s well-managed fishery. Some of it comes through a circuitous route from Russia, an unsustainable market rife with illegal harvesting and poaching. Mike Erickson, president of Alaska Glacier Seafood Co., said by phone from Juneau that in years past, his company has been a major supplier. “But our resource is dwindling. It has to be coming from somewhere.” The Alaskan king crab festival is one of the most anticipated food events in the Lower Mainland. It’s an annual event that’s been going on since the late 1980s. The monstrous catch is shipped live to Vancouver and is offered in two-, three-, and four-course feasts.... http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-and-wine/beware-of-false-king-crabs/article17505403/

Wednesday March 12, 2014
Canada has a new trade deal with South Korea (audio) http://www.cbc.ca/fisheriesbroadcast/episodes/2014/03/12/canada-has-a-new-trade-deal-with-south-korea/

Yes, the rumors are true, Quality Marine is closing its doors -- 40 days before celebrating its 20th anniversary.... http://t.co/AjrMeo0lYO
— Quality Marine (@QualityMarineAK) March 14, 2014

#sena14 begins in less than 48 hours! See you in #boston for North America's largest #seafood trade event. pic.twitter.com/CyqXAnIng0
— Seafood Expo (@bostonseafood) March 15, 2014

EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy is eating her words after saying #Alaska moose meat "could gag a maggot:" http://t.co/pYWl41gExE #ktuu
— KTUU.com (@Ch2KTUU) March 15, 2014

Unalaska pic.twitter.com/mJK0ZeUytk
— Matthew Fahey (@dbrpro) March 12, 2014

#03-14-2014 - ComFish News Roundup

2014-03-14T11:39:00.000-08:00

Law introduced to exempt fishing vessels from EPA discharge rules

BY MOLLY DISCHNER, ALASKA JOURNAL OF COMMERCE
Published: 2014.03.13 11:40 AM
Sen. Mark Begich and Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio introduced legislation March 6 to exempt fishing vessels from proposed discharge rules that could require stringent monitoring of the rainwater that pools on deck. “I introduced this legislation with (Rubio) so shippers and other vessel owners that visit multiple ports don’t have to deal with the unreasonable patchwork of EPA rules telling them how to manage ballast water and other discharges,” Begich said in a formal statement. “It sets a national standard for ballast water and other discharges and significantly tightens these rules over time. It gives a permanent exemption for fishermen and other small boat owners who are not considered part of the problem. This bill has broad bipartisan support and the backing of the maritime industry and Alaska fishermen.” The Vessel Incidental Discharge Act would apply the Coast Guard’s 2012 ballast water... http://www.alaskajournal.com/Alaska-Journal-of-Commerce/March-Issue-3-2014/Law-introduced-to-exempt-fishing-vessels-from-EPA-discharge-rules/

Hawaii, Alaska, territories team up on Jones Act
Posted: Thursday, March 13, 2014 5:25 pm | Updated: 9:55 pm, Thu Mar 13, 2014.
Associated Press |
HONOLULU - Lawmakers from Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico and Guam are teaming up to pressure the U.S. government for relief from a maritime law passed in the 1920s. The Jones Act was designed to protect the domestic shipping industry. It states that only ships made in the U.S. and flying the country's flags can deliver goods between U.S. ports. That means a cargo ship from China cannot deliver goods from one U.S. port to another. It can't, for example, take goods picked up.... http://www.newsminer.com/news/alaska_news/hawaii-alaska-territories-team-up-on-jones-act/article_84b18632-ab17-11e3-b7cd-0017a43b2370.html

Murkowski asks FDA for ‘frankenfish’ guarantees (video)
By MJ Thim
8:07 PM March 13, 2014
FDA on Capitol Hill explaining budget needs
ANCHORAGE – The Food and Drug Administration was on Capitol Hill Thursday explaining its budget needs for the upcoming fiscal year when U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski switched the topic to “frankenfish.” The FDA is considering the approval of the world’s first genetically modified fish, salmon. The nickname “frankenfish” has stuck. Alaska’s congressional delegation is... http://www.ktva.com/murkowski-asks-fda-for-frankenfish-guarantees/

Weather slows halibut opener, first prices similar to 2013
BY MOLLY DISCHNER, ALASKA JOURNAL OF COMMERCE
Published: 2014.03.13 11:40 AM
Commercial halibut fishers began targeting 16.7 million pounds of quota March 8, but bad weather kept many off the fishing grounds. Individual fishing quota, or IFQ, holders will take the majority of the Alaska commercial catch limit, about 15.9 million pounds, with Community Development Quota landings from the Bering Sea areas making up the remainder of the catch. Sablefish IFQ holders have access to about 23.6 million pounds this year. Last year, IFQ holders landed about 20.8 million pounds of halibut and 25.5 million pounds... http://www.alaskajournal.com/Alaska-Journal-of-Commerce/March-Issue-3-2014/Weather-slows-halibut-opener-first-prices-similar-to-2013/

Southeast Sees Largest Tanner Crab Harvest in Decade
POSTED: 07:00 AM AKDT Mar 13, 2014
JUNEAU - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game says southeast Alaska just saw its largest Tanner crab harvest in a decade. KFSK reports that more than 1 million pounds of tanner crab was caught last month.... http://www.ktuu.com/news/news/southeast-sees-largest-tanner-crab-harvest-in-decade/24958034

Geoduck dive fishery opens; market found
by Leila Kheiry
March 13, 2014 3:22 PM
Phil Doherty of the Southeast Alaska Regional Dive Fisheries Association says they decided to move forward with fishing after meeting last week with some processors. He says those processors found markets other than China for the clams. “We did our PSP sampling on Sunday. We sent the geoducks up to DEC lab on Monday, got the PSP results on Tuesday and of the six areas that we sampled, three of them passed PSP levels, so we were able to fish,” he said. PSP, or paralytic shellfish poisoning, is caused by eating shellfish contaminated with... http://www.krbd.org/2014/03/13/geoduck-dive-fishery-opens-market-found/

Disaster funds on hold until state, AVCP agree on split
BY MOLLY DISCHNER, ALASKA JOURNAL OF COMMERCE
Published: 2014.03.13 11:41 AM
Alaska is set to receive $20.8 million for the 2012 salmon fisheries disasters, but how the money will be used is still being decided. First the State of Alaska and the Association of Village Council Presidents, or AVCP, must work on how to split the funds between Cook Inlet and Yukon-Kuskokwim stakeholders, said Art Nelson, policy and outreach director for the Bering Sea Fishermen’s Association. The two parties haven’t met, according to AVCP President Myron Naneng. “We haven’t had the chance to sit down.... http://www.alaskajournal.com/Alaska-Journal-of-Commerce/March-Issue-3-2014/Disaster-funds-on-hold-until-state-AVCP-agree-on-split/

New events, NMFS administrator highlight ComFish 2014
BY MOLLY DISCHNER, ALASKA JOURNAL OF COMMERCE
Published: 2014.03.13 11:35 AM
Note: This story was corrected to reflect NMFS head Eileen Sobeck's correct title.
Kodiak’s 34th annual ComFish will host a first-time visitor to Alaska when National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Assistant Administrator for Fisheries Eileen Sobeck arrives in April for the three-day fisheries event. Sobeck, who was named to the top position at the National Marine Fisheries Service on Jan. 15, will attend with Sen. Mark Begich on April 17, said coordinator... http://www.alaskajournal.com/Alaska-Journal-of-Commerce/March-Issue-3-2014/New-events-No-2-NMFS-administrator-highlight-ComFish-2014/

Wal-Mart decision on Alaska seafood could be bad for fisheries
Philip A. Loring
March 13, 2014
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. will once again start selling Alaska salmon, but is its decision good for Alaska’s fisheries and fishing communities? State and federal politicians and industry boosters say yes; but with so many unaddressed social and ecological challenges facing our fisheries and fishing communities, I am not so sure. For those unfamiliar with the story, Wal-Mart had a policy to purchase only seafood that carries certification from the Marine Stewardship Council. Several players in Alaska’s seafood industry, however, have decided to no longer pursue MSC certification. As such, it appeared as though Alaska salmon would disappear from Walmart shelves. However, in response to extensive lobbying by multiple state and federal policymakers, including U.S. Sens. Mark Begich and Lisa Murkowski and Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell, the retail giant has reversed its position. In its reversal, however.... http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/20140313/wal-mart-decision-alaska-seafood-could-be-bad-fisheries

Crab fisheries, Yukon harvests, Bristol Bay on board agenda
BY MOLLY DISCHNER, ALASKA JOURNAL OF COMMERCE
Published: 2014.03.13 11:34 AM
The Alaska Board of Fisheries will discuss a range of new fisheries and increased opportunity for state crab management at its upcoming meeting March 17-21 in Anchorage at the Sheraton Hotel. The proposals on before the board include requests to open commercial tanner crab fishing in Prince William Sound and sport tanner crab fishing in Cook Inlet, increase the golden king crab fishery in the Aleutian Islands, adjust the gear and species regulations in the Norton Sound king crab fishery, develop a red king crab fishery near Adak, and certain Bering Sea changes. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has also proposed regulatory and management... http://www.alaskajournal.com/Alaska-Journal-of-Commerce/March-Issue-3-2014/Crab-fisheries-Yukon-harvests-Bristol-Bay-on-board-agenda/

Alaska and world seafood market expert encourages Petersburg to adapt (no paywall)
March 13, 2014
By Kyle Clayton
Director of the University of Alaska's Institute for Social and Economic Research Dr. Gunnar Knapp encouraged community members that doing more with less will be a central theme in the coming decade for fishing communities such as Petersburg and others across Alaska. Knapp was the guest speaker for the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce banquet last weekend. After touting Petersburg as one of the most successful fishing communities he's encountered, he encouraged the community to adapt in changing times. "Look for ways to diversify beyond one industry, beyond fishing to..... http://www.petersburgpilot.com/story/2014/03/13/news/alaska-and-world-seafood-market-expert-encourages-petersburg-to-adapt/2205.html

The Alaska Fisheries Report March, 13, 2014 http://www.kmxt.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5606

Fish proposals seek new limits
By Wolfgang Kurtz
March 13, 2014
According to Seward Fish & Game Advisory Committee members and charter industry veterans gathered together for a meeting of the committee last week, the Seward area can expect more traffic on Resurrection Bay this summer as fisherfolk are turned away from, or are turned off to, popular fisheries to the west and north. Closings on the western Kenai Peninsula, including the Kenai River as well as closings for Mat-Su Valley rivers and streams..... http://www.thesewardphoenixlog.com/story/2014/03/13/local/fish-proposals-seek-new-limits/2427.html

Revolutionary New Seafood Storage Product
(UNITED STATES, 3/13/2014)
MicrobeGuard FoodTouch antimicrobial paper products are the first Active Packaging products available for the Seafood Industry. FoodTouch is a patented technology that helps extends the shelf life of fresh fish for days. It keeps the fish colour bright and..... http://fis.com/fis/techno/newtechno.asp?id=67124

Officials Search For Entangled Humpback Whale In Hawaii
AP | by AUDREY McAVOY
Posted: 03/13/2014 5:28 pm EDT
HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii officials have been looking for a humpback whale that appears to be caught in fishing gear and is dragging red buoys. Fishing line seems to be wrapped across the whale's body and tail, Ed Lyman, the large whale entanglement response coordinator for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, said Thursday. The animal was trailing 50 to 60 feet of heavy gauge line and two red plastic buoys were seen caught in the gear. Marine mammal response teams are hoping to find the animal so they can attempt to.... http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/13/hawaii-entangled-whale_n_4959712.html

Petersburg: Crane Dock project to begin mid-September http://t.co/0WFT2FW9cb
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 14, 2014

This is such a great project, lets all help it get funded! Its a collection of works from FisherPoets Gathering... http://t.co/xvFgfCbfwc
— Jen Pickett (@pickfysh) March 14, 2014

Bad weather keeps Norwegian salmon prices high http://t.co/kbXCeFhkWs
— IntraFish Media (@IntraFish) March 14, 2014

An interactive guide to battle faced by Japan's Fukushima plant 3 years later: http://t.co/20NlTnfvye pic.twitter.com/p0VW2jdNYg
— Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) March 14, 2014

The Wolffish (Anarhichas lupus) More info: http://t.co/uQwgc4xOY2 pic.twitter.com/B5lLw63KrA
— Sofía Gabriela (@sofiabiologista) March 14, 2014

Net income soars for Alaska Communications after (GCI infrastructure) merger http://t.co/hih2aJVJQV Background > http://t.co/1e2waHyzjL
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 14, 2014

GCI grows total revenue 14 percent to $812M in 2013 - Alaska Journal of Commerce - March Issue 3 2014 - Anchorage, AK http://t.co/gRMDKXc7FP
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 14, 2014

Watch Explorer & food truck godfather Roy Choi (@RidingShotgunLA) craft a new recipe #throughglass for St Patty's Day http://t.co/9ED7wlaohS
— Google Glass (@googleglass) March 14, 2014

Variety: Harris kid drives F/V Cornelia Marie through season 10 of Deadliest Catch http://t.co/6APjfmiX4N
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 14, 2014

@USCG / Flickr: Kodiak: Tempest in the tail-lights http://t.co/oIkVR9zUMP
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 14, 2014

Cool story about a business located in Ward Cove! Shifting to heating with renewable wood byproducts http://t.co/Ekr2kvTzKY
— Ward Cove (@wardcove) March 14, 2014

Barrow: OhmMapper resistivity survey collects data on thickness of sea ice https://t.co/rzsHhiWBtt (video) #OhmsLaw pic.twitter.com/tliigNhkfg
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 14, 2014

Should 'Quibbling' Over Climate Change Stop? Yes, According to @LisaMurkowski http://t.co/FRfvcdc7dD
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 14, 2014

Why hydrogen (generated by electrifying water) powered cars will drive Elon Musk crazy – Quartz http://t.co/rRjsAi7Qzg #SmartGrid
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 14, 2014

Crash report to @googlechrome. Shockwave Flash the killer. Can you please give us a spike to put through it's heart? pic.twitter.com/Rfjg04zxMU
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 14, 2014

It's international pi day. Did you know in 1897 Indiana lawmakers tried to change the value of pi to 3.2? http://t.co/7KNjL9oFKK
— Philip Klein (@philipaklein) March 14, 2014

here's a special place in hell for the person who says 'present' when everyone else's says 'here'
— Grumpy Cat (@GrumpyAssCat) March 14, 2014

Lesson of the day (perhaps even the year): Never let anyone tell you what you can't do! http://t.co/qu86RnLoCz #MovingForward
— Globalstar (@Globalstar) March 14, 2014

Post by HaulingGear.com.

F/T Alaska Ocean Crew Member Dies in Acetylene Explosion

2014-03-13T17:26:00.002-08:00

F/T Alaska Ocean - GoSkagit.com

By Lauren Rosenthal
Thursday, March 13 2014
The Coast Guard and Unalaska police are investigating a fatal accident that took place aboard a 376-foot factory trawler this week. Police chief Jamie Sunderland says crew members on the Alaska... http://kucb.org/news/article/ft-alaska-ocean-crew-member-dies-in-explosion/

#03-13-2014 - ComFish News Roundup

2014-03-13T08:01:00.000-08:00

Alaska residents decry permitting bill

NewsMiner.com

Posted: Thursday, March 13, 2014 12:00 am
Matt Buxton
JUNEAU — “Extremism,” “anti-democracy” and “legislative trash” were just a few of the phrases Alaskans used to describe a controversial permitting bill that was resurrected by the Parnell administration this week. The Senate Resources Committee would have heard even more creative descriptions for House Bill 77, but many dozens still were waiting for their two minutes to testify when chairwoman Sen. Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, promptly ended testimony after the allotted 90 minutes passed. Testifier after testifier, whether it was from Fairbanks, Anchorage, Juneau, Mat-Su, Kodiak or one of the state’s many other.... http://www.newsminer.com/news/local_news/alaska-residents-decry-permitting-bill/article_d49589fe-aa7d-11e3-93d3-001a4bcf6878.html

11:29 AM WED MARCH 12, 2014
"Sockeye Market Analysis" Report Released
By MIKE MASON
A new report shows that Bristol Bay produced 31-percent of the world’s commercially caught sockeye salmon last year. That’s down significantly from previous years. The new “Sockeye Market Analysis” report was prepared by the McDowell Group for the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association. The report shows that global sockeye production declined 17-percent last year down to 290-million pounds. Bristol Bay made up 31-percent of that total, which is down from the 45-percent from 2010 to 2012. The McDowell group notes that prior to 2013, Alaska typically accounted for 70-percent or more of the global sockeye production. Last year Bristol Bay produced 92-million pounds of sockeye. The new report shows.... http://kdlg.org/post/sockeye-market-analysis-report-released

Wednesday, March 12, 2014
In the Bering Sea, Cold is Key to Fish Food Abundance
When it comes to providing good nutrition for very young pollock in the Bering Sea, there’s nothing like cold winter-spring temperatures to boost production of zooplankton with the larger lipid reserves they need for survival. Over the past seven years, from 2007 through 2013, the Bering Sea has experienced an unusual sequence of cold winter-spring temperatures, in the wake of six warm temperature years, from 2000 to 2005. Sea ice extent in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2013 were close to record extents not seen since the early 1970s, in contrast to the warm years of 2000 through 2005, except 2002, according to a report on ecosystem considerations compiled by the Alaska... http://fnonlinenews.blogspot.com/2014/03/in-bering-sea-cold-is-key-to-fish-food.html

Coast Guard suspends search for missing mariner near Unimak Island, Alaska
March 13, 2014 U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Public Affairs

JUNEAU, Alaska — The Coast Guard suspended the active search for a fisherman 10 miles north of Unimak Island in the Bering Sea Wednesday.

Coast Guard and good Samaritan crews searched 64 square miles for a total of 10 hours.

Watchstanders at the Coast Guard 17th District command center received a report from a good Samaritan aboard the vessel Seafreeze Alaska Wednesday morning that a crewmember of the 87-foot fishing vessel Seeker, based in Newport, Ore., fell overboard.

The watchstanders immediately directed the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew forward deployed to Cold Bay and redirected the Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley crew from a routine patrol near Unalaska to the scene. The Jayhawk crew completed one search of the area, returned to Cold Bay to refuel, and then completed a second search. Shortly thereafter the Alex Haley crew arrived on scene to assist in the search.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the missing man,” said Chief Petty Officer Chris Cole, a 17th District command center watchstander. “The decision to end a search is one of the most difficult choices to make as a search and rescue controller.”

TCC convention delegates pass resolution to give tribes bigger voice in fisheries
Posted: Thursday, March 13, 2014 12:00 am
Jeff Richardson
FAIRBANKS – Delegates to the Tanana Chiefs Conference convention took aim at declining king salmon stocks Wednesday, passing a resolution that would curtail commercial fisheries and give tribes a greater voice in fisheries management. King salmon runs have declined on the Yukon River in recent years, which has led to limits on subsistence fishing in the state’s largest river. Those cuts have frustrated many village residents, who say commercial fleets should face more limits before subsistence users are.... http://www.newsminer.com/news/local_news/tcc-convention-delegates-pass-resolution-to-give-tribes-bigger-voice/article_9d8aea6e-aa80-11e3-b5bd-001a4bcf6878.html

YK Delta Halibut Quotas Halved
By Ben Matheson, KYUK - Bethel | March 12, 2014 - 6:01 pm
The statewide halibut and black cod season opened last Saturday. When YK Delta fishermen participate in the Community Development Quota allocations this summer, they will see their halibut quota cut nearly in half..... http://www.alaskapublic.org/2014/03/12/yk-delta-halibut-quotas-halved/

Nuvista Board Shelves Chikuminuk Dam Project
4:50 PM TUE MARCH 11, 2014
By DAVE BENDINGER
Nuvista says it recognizes the political and economic hurdles in front of the project, and would rather shift focus towards more near-term solutions. DILLINGHAM: On Wednesday, controversial house bill 77 will be back before the Senate Resources Committee. It has undergone some revisions, but one thing that has not changed, at least yet, is language authorizing a feasibility study for a dam at Chikuminuk Lake in the Wood Tikchik State Park. The Chikuminuk Dam project has itself been controversial since it was introduced to the public in the spring of 2012. Many residents in the communities... http://kdlg.org/post/nuvista-board-shelves-chikuminuk-dam-project

Homemade robot takes high rez images of ocean floor
March 12, 2014
by Laine Welch
This is Fish Radio. I’m Laine Welch. Viewing the sea floor in High Def. Learn more after this.... http://www.alaskafishradio.com/homemade-robot-takes-high-rez-images-of-ocean-floor/

Bill sets rules for how Alaska law enforcement can use unmanned aircraft
Posted: Thursday, March 13, 2014 12:00 am
Matt Buxton
JUNEAU — With more and more unmanned aerial vehicles flying in Alaska’s skies, the Alaska House passed a bill setting rules for how law enforcement can utilize unmanned aircraft in day-to-day work. House Bill 255 sets standards for law enforcement aimed at protecting Alaskans’ privacy as well as authorizes the University of Alaska to develop an unmanned aircraft systems training.... http://www.newsminer.com/news/local_news/bill-sets-rules-for-how-alaska-law-enforcement-can-use/article_5e7859ba-aa80-11e3-a93e-001a4bcf6878.html

Tech tools are good, but legislation is needed to battle fish fraud
MARCH 13, 2014
WHILE IT is encouraging to see companies like Red’s Best and Open Ocean Trading pioneer technologies that can trace our fish from boat to plate, a systemic approach is needed to guard against the global threat of seafood species fraud (“Fish get pedigrees, the high-tech way,” Business, March 10)..... http://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/editorials/2014/03/12/tech-tools-are-good-but-legislation-needed-battle-fish-fraud/FCXLSLPHoPFacpOVMmGVYN/story.html

Drought May Force California to Move Salmon by Truck
By Zoë Schlanger
Filed: 3/12/14 at 1:01 PM
The California drought is now so dire that the state government might move millions of salmon by truck to be nearer to the ocean next month. Historically, state-run salmon hatcheries have trucked fish to different locations to protect them from hazards like pollution and predators. Now it’s the dangerously low water levels in rivers that are posing a threat. Millions of juvenile salmon are normally released from the state-run Coleman National Fish Hatchery into the Sacramento River in April and May, where they migrate along the river and into the ocean. Officials worry.... http://www.newsweek.com/drought-may-force-california-move-salmon-truck-231660

Rollout of cellphone alerts in Washington has problems
By The Associated Press

(Photo credit: marcomazzei)

Published: March 9, 2014, 3:09 PM
TACOMA -- A system set up to send emergency alerts to thousands of cellphone users warning them of natural disasters and missing children has experienced problems during its rollout in Washington state, the News Tribune reported Sunday. The mobile notification system has helped authorities find at least two missing children as a result of Amber Alerts sent to cellphones in the state. But it also mistakenly warned people in the lowlands of Western Washington of a blizzard that was happening in the Cascade Mountains, and it alerted others in Western Washington of.... http://www.columbian.com/news/2014/mar/09/rollout-of-cellphone-alerts-in-washington-problems/

With snow crab biomass in Barents sea 10 times king crab, Russia plans commercial fishery in 2014
SEAFOOD.COM NEWS [Barents Observer] by Trude Pettersen March 13, 2014
Since the first five specimens of snow crab were found in the Barents Sea in 1996, the population has exploded. There is now ten times as much snow crab than king crab in the area, and scientists are just starting to find out how this new species has adopted to life in the Barents Sea. Norwegian and Russian scientists have been monitoring the population of snow crab in the Barents Sea since..... http://new.seafoodnews.com/Story.aspx?story=920237&topic=59639

Broken undersea telecom cable: Greenland seeks Canadian culprit
Tele Greenland goes after Fisheries and Oceans Canada for information in Halifax court
CBC News Posted: Mar 13, 2014 7:27 AM AT
Greenland's largest telecom company has filed a lawsuit in a federal court in Halifax, trying to force Fisheries and Oceans Canada to reveal which fishing trawler damaged its subsea cables. The cables crisscross the ocean floor so people can make overseas phone calls or surf the web on the other side of the world. The cables are.... http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/broken-undersea-telecom-cable-greenland-seeks-canadian-culprit-1.2570761

Fresh halibut arrives at local retailers along with a new, spicy beer from @AlaskanBrewing http://t.co/sdq57xMFWK
— Anchorage Daily News (@adndotcom) March 13, 2014

Read more about life aboard #USCG Cutter Dauntless, "a home away from home" --> http://t.co/Hb8lEBmnSq pic.twitter.com/gmNPYesL6z
— USCG (Official) (@USCG) March 12, 2014

What it's like to deliver pizzas in Barrow, Alaska, the northernmost city in the U.S. http://t.co/jcaltBOSg0 pic.twitter.com/XrRGyBYeTr
— Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) March 12, 2014

How pollution in the S. China Sea is making the search for #MH370 difficult http://t.co/BmRCE1S1nW
— Colleen Mondor (@chasingray) March 12, 2014

Investigators suspect missing Malaysia plane flew for 4 hours after disappearing from radar http://t.co/Q1mH29DMue pic.twitter.com/q7Ui0O0H4Q
— Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) March 13, 2014

Malaysian officials say they have no data indicating #MH370 flew on for hours after last contact as reported by WSJ. http://t.co/vZH9n63s8N
— Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) March 13, 2014

MIT: Autonomous, self-contained soft robotic fish http://t.co/UqBYiplUY7 (video)
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 13, 2014

Senator Jay Rockefeller Asks ICANN To Kill .sucks Domains by @mattmcgee http://t.co/OFuUhNb9MM
— Marketing Land (@Marketingland) March 13, 2014

#03-12-2014 - ComFish News Roundup

2014-03-12T11:27:00.004-08:00

Bristol Bay Sockeye to Splash Down in Boston
Bristol Bay Exhibiting at North America’S Largest Seafood Exposition
Bristol Bay, AK (PRWEB) March 11, 2014
For the first time, Bristol Bay sockeye salmon will be featured at Seafood Expo North America (formerly the International Boston Seafood Show), taking place March 16th – 18th in Boston, MA.
North America’s largest seafood exposition, this three-day trade show attracts over 19,000 seafood buyers and suppliers from around the world. During the Expo, the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association (BBRSDA) will be hosting Booth #2518 on the show floor and participating in a... http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/03/prweb11655198.htm

Ketchikan Fisherman Pleads Not Guilty in Diver Death
POSTED: 05:30 AM AKDT Mar 12, 2014
KETCHIKAN, Alaska - A 32-year-old Ketchikan commercial fisherman has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and criminal negligent homicide in the death of man who died while diving to harvest sea cucumbers. The Ketchikan Daily News reports Joshua Wodyga was arraigned Monday.... http://www.ktuu.com/news/news/ketchikan-fisherman-pleads-not-guilty-in-diver-death/24934638

Kodiak fish processor slapped with $205,000 fine for illegally dumping ammonia
Jerzy Shedlock
March 11, 2014
Kodiak fish processor North Pacific Seafoods pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court to illegally dumping ammonia into the Kodiak city sewer, while the processor’s chief engineer faces charges of his own. District Court Judge Ralph Beistline imposed $205,000 in criminal penalties, $55,000 of which should go to the city for “hazardous waste response training” and equipment for sewer and fire department employees, according to an Alaska U.S. Attorney's Office press release. Kodiak is located near the northeastern tip of Kodiak Island. Life on the island, the largest in Alaska and the second largest in the U.S., revolves largely around maritime activities including commercial fisheries and fish processing plants as well as a large U.S. Coast Guard... http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/20140311/kodiak-fish-processor-slapped-205000-fine-illegally-dumping-ammonia

http://www.kmxt.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5600

Ketchikan-POW ferry aids seafood, retail, tourism
by Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska News
March 11, 2014 1:35 PM
A small southern Southeast Alaska ferry line is of large value to the region’s economy. That’s according to a new report studying the Inter-Island Ferry Authority. The authority, known as the IFA, carries about 52,000 passengers a year. A single ferry leaves the eastern Prince of Wales Island port of Hollis each morning. It arrives in Ketchikan about three hours later, and then waits ‘til the evening to sail back. A new study shows it’s an important part of the region’s economy. (Read the study’s report.) “No one is no more dependent on IFA’s daily timetable than those trying to get fresh or live seafood to market,” says Meilani Schijvens of Juneau-based Sheinberg.... http://www.krbd.org/2014/03/11/ketchikan-pow-ferry-aids-seafood-retail-tourism/

Remembering the spill
Anger, frustration fresh quarter-century after Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
By Carey Restino
Homer Tribune
This is the first in a three-part series examining the impacts of the Exxon Valdez oil spill as the state nears the 25th anniversary of the environmental catastrophe. Ask virtually anyone who was in Homer 25 years ago when the Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred about the impression it made on them, and you are likely to hear a story of frustration, shock, disappointment and deep sadness as they recount the days, weeks and months that followed one of the nation’s largest oil spills. On the night of March 23, 1989, the Exxon Valdez bashed into Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound, ripping several holes in the bottom of the single-hulled... http://homertribune.com/2014/03/remembering-the-spill/

6:55 PM TUE MARCH 11, 2014
VoteVets.org Plans to Saturate the Airwaves with an Ad Opposing the Pebble Mine
By MIKE MASON
A veterans group plans to saturate the television airwaves of Alaska for the next 7-days with an ad opposing the proposed Pebble Mine. VoteVets.org is spending $100-thousand dollars on the ad buy. The ad they will be running features Iraq War veteran Random Reamey from Dillingham. He claims the proposed Pebble Mine would damage the salmon resource in Bristol Bay and... http://kdlg.org/post/votevetsorg-plans-saturate-airwaves-ad-opposing-pebble-mine

Mar 11 2014
Begich: No More Parlay for Pirates
Senator Applauds Advancement of Anti-Pirate Fishing Measures
A strong opponent of “pirate” fishing, U.S. Senator Mark Begich applauded the approval today of four treaties that will help Alaska fishermen by cracking down on illegal fishing worldwide. Today’s vote in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to approve the treaties clears the way for ratification by a vote of the full Senate. “Alaska leads the world in sustainable fisheries management and provides 5 billion pounds of quality, wild seafood annually,” said Begich, chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans.... http://www.begich.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=de164ef4-5802-44e3-871f-9a77766f1097

Herron Asks Legislature to Support Izembek Road Campaign
By Lauren Rosenthal
Tuesday, March 11 2014
Alaska's legislature is still searching for ways to connect King Cove and Cold Bay by building a road through a federal wildlife refuge. Their latest effort is a joint resolution introduced by Aleutians representative Bob Herron. The six-page resolution urges Interior Secretary Sally Jewell to reconsider a land swap plan she turned down in December. The state of Alaska and the King Cove Corporation are still offering... http://kucb.org/news/article/herron-asks-legislature-to-support-izembek-road-campaign/

Fairbanks council passes resolution about radiation concern
Posted: Wednesday, March 12, 2014 12:00 am
Sam Friedman
FAIRBANKS — The 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster is getting attention from both Fairbanks local governments on the third anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami. By a unanimous vote Monday, the Fairbanks City Council passed a resolution urging the state and federal government, as well as the United Nations, to do more radiation testing in Alaska waters..... http://www.newsminer.com/news/local_news/fairbanks-council-passes-resolution-about-radiation-concern/article_1fcb6d02-a9bc-11e3-a8c1-0017a43b2370.html

Streamers: A Win-Win for Seabirds and Fishermen
Posted by Valerie Craig of National Geographic Society in Ocean Views on March 11, 2014

NatGeo

By Nicole Perman
Until recently, it seemed as though the short-tailed albatross would not be able to escape extinction. These endangered seabirds have been threatened first by hunting, and more recently by overfishing in the North Pacific and Bering Seas, and by their less-than-ideal primary breeding ground – a small volcanically active island called Tori-shima, located off the southern coast of Japan. As you can likely imagine, fishing hooks and volcanic eruptions make for a deadly combination, and albatross populations consequently took a nose dive. Fortunately, the story doesn’t end.... http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2014/03/11/streamers-a-win-win-for-seabirds-and-fishermen/

12 million if by land
Tuesday, 11 March 2014
This spring, many loving parents will give their graduates a check, a hug, a copy of "Oh the places you'll go!" and send them on their way into the big wide world. In California this year, the scientists who have lovingly hatched salmon smolts will go to great lengths to make sure their babies make it to the big blue sea. As a result of a 2014 drought, the Golden Gate Salmon Association pleaded with state and federal officials to... http://www.nationalfisherman.com/blogs/the-rudderpost/3131-12-million-if-by-land

Simplifying High-Speed Maritime Satcoms via Airbus’ AuroraGlobal
BY ROB ALMEIDA ON MARCH 11, 2014
For those of you who geek out on the latest ongoings in the world of satellite communications, you’re likely aware that Airbus, the French company famous for their airliners, has a very strong presence in the satellite communications (satcoms) sector, one that reaches deeply into the maritime industry via their company’s Airbus Defense and Space (formerly Marlink) brand. Satellite communications is inherently confusing because every service provider in this sector not only has its own brand name, but in many cases has significantly different services.... http://gcaptain.com/airbus-auroraglobal-maritime-satellite-communications/

Scottish farmed salmon study warns risks
UNITED KINGDOM
Wednesday, March 12, 2014, 22:10 (GMT + 9)
A new warning expressed recently by scientists about the safety of Scottish farmed salmon has caused controversial reactions. This study - based at the University of Albany in New York state - looked at pollutant levels in farmed and wild salmon bought in Britain, Europe and North America, The Daily Mail informed. These scientists consider the.... http://fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?l=e&country=0&special=&monthyear=&day=&id=67067

) )

Tradex: Poor Fish Freezing Methods http://t.co/0xP0BDtKAq (video) #GlobalCooling
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 12, 2014

3 areas passed Vallenar = 45 Portillo Channel = 37 Little Steamboat = 60 3 areas failed Nehenta = 156... http://t.co/eDUqxVdXt4
— S.A.R.D.F.A. Alaska (@sardfa) March 12, 2014

CGC Long Island was in #Kodiak to conduct halibut & sablefish season opener fisheries boardings #CFVS #LE #safety pic.twitter.com/nd73VBFRGe
— USCGAlaska (@USCGAlaska) March 12, 2014

Unalaska Bay: @USCG Cutter Alex Haley conducts underway drills http://t.co/TjkbKKeDUa
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 12, 2014

Russian Graveyard Dutch Harbor, AK pic.twitter.com/Yz2uXmgnKU
— Matthew Fahey (@dbrpro) March 11, 2014

#QR 'smart ad' bridges the analog divide at Fairbanks newspaper. #Mobile #SmartGrid pic.twitter.com/0b4N5j45EU
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 12, 2014

CBS Claims They'll Do Internet Video If Aereo Wins (3 cheers for the #SeriesOfTubes!) http://t.co/0hMaiVQtB6
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 12, 2014

@LisaMurkowski pushes back against 'climate talkathon' http://t.co/VuxJbnt4WI pic.twitter.com/JIfIHfPjFR
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 12, 2014

Talk, type, and take your projects to the next level with the @uberconference add-on for Google Docs. #googleaddons http://t.co/zT2th11Mry
— UberConference (@uberconference) March 11, 2014

Leopard Seal Feeds Photographer Penguins (Video) http://t.co/fCQgzCe7MD pic.twitter.com/grFuYHpAIK
— Diane Neff (@DianeN56) March 12, 2014

Off the grid: Going offline with @GoogleMaps and @GoogleEarth: http://t.co/Fqx7U6uBfr (video) @HaulingGear always looking for Marine charts.
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 12, 2014

Fewer Than 7,000 Alaskans Insured via Online Marketplace | Local News - http://t.co/THfKFR5qFh Anchorage http://t.co/d1OVHKH35z #ObamaCare
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 12, 2014

ER doctors use Google Glass and QR codes to identify patients http://t.co/pvNZq1rHjV pic.twitter.com/7dAg7RHMKl
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 12, 2014

Flat tire in Alaska pic.twitter.com/v0VDKkacBi
— Earth Pics (@IEarthPictures) March 12, 2014

King Cove: Coast Guard Jayhawk medevacs sick baby, then returns for injured fisherman

2014-03-11T17:52:00.000-08:00

Coast Guard Medevacs Sick Baby, Injured Mariner from King Cove
Austin Baird, Political, Rural Reporter
POSTED: 04:07 PM AKDT Mar 11, 2014 UPDATED: 05:58 PM AKDT Mar 11, 2014
Anchorage - A U.S. Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter on Tuesday transported a sick baby and an injured mariner from King Cove to Cold Bay............

........... The crew returned to King Cove and medevaced the mariner, who suffered numerous injuries when a crab pot fell on him.... http://www.ktuu.com/news/news/coast-guard-medevacs-sick-baby-injured-mariner-from-king-cove/24926864

Evening update from USCG.mil

Coast Guard conducts 2 medevacs from King Cove, Alaska
News Release
Date: March 11, 2014
U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Public Affairs

JUNEAU, Alaska — A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew forward deployed to Cold Bay conducted two medevacs, for one infant and one mariner, from King Cove to Cold Bay Tuesday morning.

The Jayhawk crew first transported the infant, who was suffering from respiratory distress, and his mother to Cold Bay. They then returned to King Cove and medevaced the mariner, who was suffering from numerous injuries after a crab pot fell on him. Both the infant and mariner were transported from Cold Bay to Anchorage by commercial services.

Coast Guard 17th District command center watchstanders received the report of the injured mariner Monday evening. The injury occurred on board the fishing vessel Miss Courtney Kim near Sanak Island, and King Cove was the nearest accessible port with a clinic. Coast Guard watchstanders coordinated with commercial services for a medevac after sunrise.

Early Tuesday morning, Coast Guard watchstanders received a second medevac request for the ailing infant and directed the helicopter crew to conduct the medevacs.

"Our aircrews are capable of landing in the many remote locations throughout Alaska that commercial medical aircraft often cannot access," said Petty Officer 1st Class Mark Leuchte, a watchstander at the 17th District command center. "Our forward-deployed crews are trained to respond to emergencies, whether on land or at sea."

#03-11-2014 - ComFish News Roundup

2014-03-11T09:58:00.002-08:00

The latest version of HB 77 is on the legislative website.... http://t.co/ilSfDFCPEn
— UnitedFishermenAK (@UFA_Fish) March 10, 2014

1:41 PM MON MARCH 10, 2014
Lawmakers Hear About the Importance of Alaska's Seafood Industry

Pacific Horizon at Alaska Glacier Seafoods (Photo credit: gillfoto)

By MIKE MASON
The seafood industry is one of the pillars of the Alaska economy. Lawmakers and staffers in Juneau heard a detailed presentation about the industry last month as a way of informing the upcoming decisions on legislation that could impact the industry. KDLG’s Mike Mason has the story..... http://kdlg.org/post/lawmakers-hear-about-importance-alaskas-seafood-industry

Homer: Committee Envisions Vessel Haul-Out Facility at Harbor
Ariel Van Cleave
Monday, March 10, 2014
The committee tasked with exploring the option of a vessel haul-out and repair facility at the Homer Harbor has started meeting. Homer Harbormaster Bryan Hawkins has said making the facility a reality could be a few years out. Hawkins has been asking harbormasters, user groups and businesses that already deal with a facility like the one that’s been proposed. And he’s been hearing a lot of pros; like how it’s a benefit to.... http://www.kbbi.org/content/committee-envisions-vessel-haul-out-facility-harbor

SitNews: NAVY'S PUBLIC MEETING TUESDAY WILL DISCUSS DRAFT PROPOSAL FOR TRAINING & TESTING ACTIVITIES & USE OF ACTIVE SONAR & EXPLOSIVES
By MARY KAUFFMAN
March 10, 2014
Monday PM
(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - The U.S. Navy will be holding a public meeting Tuesday, March 11, at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center Lobby in Ketchikan for the public review and comment period for the Northwest Training and Testing Draft Environmental Impact Statement (NWTT EIS). Testing activities conducted at the Navy's Southeast Alaska Acoustic Measurement Facility on Back Island north of Ketchikan are included in this study. The open house portion of the meeting is from 5 to 8 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., the Navy will make a short presentation summarizing the analysis presented in the Draft EIS. The Navy will accept oral comments during a formal oral comment session following... http://www.sitnews.us/0314News/031014/031014_navy_meeting.html

B.C. Mines Spark Worry in Southeast Alaska
By PAULA DOBBYN
March 10, 2014
(SitNews) - Concern is mounting among Southeast Alaska fishermen, community leaders and tribes about a mining boom in British Columbia that could affect wild salmon and other species on the U.S. side of the border. Spurred by the construction of a major power transmission line, and relaxed environmental regulations in Canada, a rash of mining activity is occurring in the transboundary region, a remote area laced with salmon rivers that joins Alaska and.... http://www.sitnews.us/PaulaDobbyn/031014_mining_bc.html

Fish and Wildlife calls Izembek bird hunting ‘spectacular’ but won’t allow road that might harm them
Posted on March 10, 2014
Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s staff is highlighting the irony in a U.S. Fish and Wildlife profile of Izembek National Wildlife Refuge. Among other things, the profile says that Izembek’s hunting opportunities are “world famous.” “Fall waterfowl hunting is spectacular,” in Izembek, the agency says..... http://amandacoyne.com/politics/fish-and-wildlife-calls-izembek-bird-hunting-spectacular-but-wont-allow-road-that-might-harm-them/

http://www.latimes.com/opinion/commentary/la-oe-babbitt-road-to-nowhere-alaska-20140311,0,6005088.story

There Is No Quick-fix for California's Drought
Posted: 03/10/2014 12:21 pm EDT Updated: 03/10/2014 12:59 pm EDT
Short-term solutions could have long-term impacts
Despite recent rain, California is still in the midst of an historic drought. The past year has been the state's driest on record since 1895. We have seen a lot of news coverage on how the lack of rain and snowfall over the last three years is impacting farmers, ranchers, fishermen and small communities. Even large cities are suffering. But we.... http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jamie-rappaport-clark/there-is-no-quick-fix-for_b_4935240.html

The Fukushima Fearmongers
What unites the left and right: a radioactive plume headed for the West Coast... http://www.newrepublic.com/article/116969/fukushimas-radioactive-plume-hit-us-2014-should-we-worry

Loblaws first to offer new responsibly-farmed certified Atlantic salmon
The Canadian Press
Published Monday, March 10, 2014 12:58PM EDT
TORONTO -- Grocery giant Loblaws (TSX:L) will be the first retailer in North America to sell a new type of responsibly-farmed salmon, an offering it hopes will differentiate itself amid intense competition from its grocery rivals. Loblaws, which is also the country's largest biggest buyer and seller of seafood, said the decision to stock Atlantic salmon certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) will give customers more choice when selecting responsibly farmed fish. The ASC is an independent, not-for-profit organization based in The Netherlands that certifies..... http://www.ctvnews.ca/business/loblaws-first-to-offer-new-responsibly-farmed-certified-atlantic-salmon-1.1722368

March 11, 2014
Wait goes on for NOAA grants
By Sean Horgan
Staff Writer
More than a month ago, the NOAA director for the Saltonstall-Kennedy grant program said the agency was in the home stretch of determining which applicants would share in the $5 million to $11 million expected to be dispersed to grant applicants. In the interim, February has come and gone, one-third of March is in the books.... http://www.gloucestertimes.com/fishing/x1387855537/Wait-goes-on-for-NOAA-grants

March 11, 2014
Editorial: Harbor report shows need for new fishery life line
Gloucester Daily Times
The Urban Harbors Institute report, sought by the Gloucester Fisheries’ Commission, indeed delivered some good news, noting that 210 commercial fishing vessels still berth at Inner Harbor wharves, including the Jodrey State Fish Pier. But the far more troubling numbers in the report — those that show a loss of at least 12-15 boats within Gloucester’s Designated Port Area between last spring and the end... http://www.gloucestertimes.com/fishing/x1387855539/Editorial-Harbor-report-shows-need-for-new-fishery-life-line

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20140311_Meager_aid_for_N_J__marine_industry_stirs_anger.html

Florida joins lawsuit against BP
A Deepwater Horizon oil-spill lawsuit the state filed Wednesday over environmental damage shows legal wrangling over the 2010 spill could drag on for years.... http://www.nationalfisherman.com/news-events/top-news/3121-florida-joins-lawsuit-against-bp

University study reveals threat to wild salmon
UNITED KINGDOM
Tuesday, March 11, 2014, 02:30 (GMT + 9)
According to a university study, farmed salmon should be sterilised to prevent their genes crossing into wild populations. Researchers from the University of East Anglia consider that genetically different captive salmon often escape and that farmed fish are less adept at dealing with... http://fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?l=e&country=0&special=&monthyear=&day=&id=67049

)

Thanks for commenting, @fisherynation. AK's Administration is proud of our sustainable fisheries & will do all we can to protect them.
— LtGov Mead Treadwell (@LGMeadTreadwell) March 10, 2014

Technology gives certainty to seafood purchases (Each shipment comes with a label printed with a QR code..) http://t.co/8im8Kbw5NP
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 11, 2014

Catching a Deckload of Dreams: Story of Chuck Bundrant & @TridentSeafoods http://t.co/zUNcV2sKIF Book at their .com https://t.co/026oJXrNjU
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 11, 2014

Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crews depart Air Station Kodiak (photo) pic.twitter.com/ItdyXIzWYz
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 11, 2014

'Worldwide version of Next Gen (Pioneered in Alaska http://t.co/v6OcF2GuaI) may locate any future Flight 370's' http://t.co/7BjWhpeC1n
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 11, 2014

#Iditarod GPS shows @DallasSeavey over the Nome River, but Aliy's ping is too slow to know how close they are. Could be decided on Front St!
— KTUU.com (@Ch2KTUU) March 11, 2014

Aliy and Dallas still neck and neck, and only one mile to go according to the GPS Trackers.
— Seavey's IdidaRide (@SeaveyIdidaRide) March 11, 2014

#Iditarod 2014: Dallas Seavey has won the Iditarod Sled Dog race with 7 dogs in harness.
— KNOM (@knom) March 11, 2014

Transatlantic great white shark 'may be pregnant' http://t.co/iKcAA55qPl via @BBCNews #Lydia pic.twitter.com/3757ZMziQG
— Blue Planet Society (@Seasaver) March 11, 2014

PR: North Carolina: RST Fiber Activates America's First (#IPv6) "Gigabit State" http://t.co/RBZFjkBDbB #TheRealCapAndTrade #SupplyChain
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 11, 2014

Got Fish? @Twitter is beta-testing a “click-to-call” ads http://t.co/h3sRBk0DyI #Mobile #SupplyChain
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 11, 2014

Drones are spraying pesticides, fertilizers on 40% of Japan's rice fields. http://t.co/YGQjOrDx3J pic.twitter.com/IDzinhRBw4
— WSJ Asia (@WSJAsia) March 11, 2014

Hey @EPAweb, how about supporting your @NWS team instead of http://t.co/WLeBzWjJXD on your classroom worksheets? http://t.co/JxMt3P12SE
— Dave Snider (@DaveSnider) March 11, 2014

Sen. Feinstein furious CIA has been spying on her and committee! Welcome to the club, lady...
— MATT DRUDGE (@DRUDGE) March 11, 2014

Huge update to Google Drive today! - Launch @Uberconference right from a doc? Hot dang! (video) https://t.co/PF24EOMAo4
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 11, 2014

#03-10-2014 - ComFish News Roundup

2014-03-10T09:32:00.000-08:00

JuneauTek

March 9, 2014 at 8:00 PM
Seattle: 86th annual Blessing of the Fleet
Harvey Crow, crew member of the Quandary, raises the Christ Pennant on the ship while Pastors Laurie A Jones, left, and Erik R. Wilson Weiberg of Ballard First Lutheran Church preside over the 86th annual Blessing of the Fleet at the Fishermen's Memorial site of Fishermen's Terminal Sunday March 9, 2014. The Quandary, a purse seiner owned by Tom Pawlak of Port Townsend, was the boat to receive the blessing for the fleet, as many ships start... http://seattletimes.com/html/picturethis/2023091992_86thannualblessingofthefleet.html

Fishing for evidence of prehistoric earthquakes and sockeye salmon in Eklutna Lake
Rick Sinnott
March 9, 2014
EKLUTNA -- The two granite hills that Eklutna Village was named after were originally washed out of Eklutna Lake by a very large and angry fish. That’s according to an etiological myth told by the Dena’ina, the people who have inhabited upper Cook Inlet since before Vitus Bering “discovered” Alaska. And that’s why, on a mythical plane of existence, it didn’t surprise me on a recent visit to Eklutna Lake to see what appeared to be the world’s largest ice-fishing setup perched on the ice about a half mile from shore. If there’s a big fish to be caught, someone is going to try to land it. As it turned out.... http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/20140309/fishing-evidence-prehistoric-earthquakes-and-sockeye-salmon-eklutna-lake

Wikipedia

Council to ask for more radiation testing
Posted: Monday, March 10, 2014 12:00 am
Staff Report
FAIRBANKS — Fairbanks is a long way from the ocean and even farther from Fukushima, Japan, but an item about the 2011 earthquake and nuclear disaster nonetheless made its way onto the city’s agenda tonight. At the urging of a concerned citizen, the council will consider a resolution tonight that calls on.... http://www.newsminer.com/news/local_news/council-to-ask-for-more-radiation-testing/article_3c1a1e9c-a82a-11e3-a036-0017a43b2370.html

Meeting held to improve the world’s fisheries information
WORLDWIDE
Monday, March 10, 2014, 23:00 (GMT + 9)
The Second Symposium on Fishery Dependent Information was held in Rome, Italy 3-6 March with the aim of exploring the role of fishers in collecting data, the use of fisher-collected data and knowledge in science, management and policy-making and the broader role of stakeholders in this process. Over 150 fisheries scientists, managers, policy-makers and fishers who attended the event shared and discussed ways to generate better information about the.... http://fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?l=e&country=0&special=&monthyear=&day=&id=67037

Will salmon conventional cages be replaced?
NORWAY
Monday, March 10, 2014, 03:00 (GMT + 9)
A Norwegian company has plans to start rearing salmon using a new giant construction that was based on the design used for oil platforms. The owner of the giant floating robotic fish farm, the firm SalMar, considers that by farming further out to sea, they can reduce problems with salmon lice, and protect.... http://fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?l=e&country=0&special=&monthyear=&day=&id=67018

All open areas were sampled. However the geoducks can not get on Flight 67 today, so they will be gold streaked... http://t.co/Lodiy2nSxC
— S.A.R.D.F.A. Alaska (@sardfa) March 9, 2014

Grilled Alaskan Sockeye for dinner... @ASMIAkseafood http://t.co/WJo0SHLG3Q
— Gerry Speirs (@FoodnessG) March 10, 2014

@SaucyFishCo swims across the Atlantic for giant US listing http://t.co/JM1867J292
— Bondholders (@hullbondholders) March 10, 2014

Art and Science combine to create remarkable images of see-through fish. http://t.co/M4ElZs5Tpk pic.twitter.com/SOjyXgJaO2
— Mustang Survival (@MustangSurvival) March 10, 2014

China: Tencent / http://t.co/ZIQFLM3tO8 partnership goes straight for Alibaba's throat http://t.co/2TIjIdeNSO #SupplyChain #dotcom #DNS
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 10, 2014

Boston: Ars buys bitcoins at one of the country’s only Bitcoin ATMs http://t.co/8BIwaU0M6w #QR pic.twitter.com/r8VnczwmQE
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 10, 2014

Iridium & Rutgers U. partner for mission to "fly" 16 autonomous underwater gliders worldwide http://t.co/7AW3XxSM7A pic.twitter.com/0mfbddIuEN
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 10, 2014

And that's why you should never kiss a snapping turtle. Kiss a frog to find your prince. pic.twitter.com/zTbDD3YZ1u
— Julie (@MsIntervention) March 9, 2014

Love these shots of the spiderweb sea ice. MT @IditarodLive: #Iditarod, Norton Sound http://t.co/dgXFjwOSiw pic.twitter.com/zQJjEXyT5Y”
— Kyle Hopkins (@adn_kylehopkins) March 10, 2014

More than 80% of global banana trade is controlled by 4 companies: Chiquita, Fyffes, Dole and Fresh Del Monte. http://t.co/F4j4eXe7lt
— Polya Lesova (@PolyaLesova) March 10, 2014

"The irony that we're using Google hangouts to talk with Ed Snowden has not been lost on me." #SXSW
— Georgia Wells (@georgia_wells) March 10, 2014

TV ad : GCI, "Choice" 1989 (GCI v. Alascom) http://t.co/fk0seg5qDh (video) #PreHashtag
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 9, 2014

Another beautiful day in Dutch. #alaska #dutchharbor #beringsea pic.twitter.com/rUnaCjxiod
— Cal Kashevarof (@BeringSeaCapt) March 10, 2014

Bering Seagull pic.twitter.com/FQxvwTSVDM
— Matthew Fahey (@dbrpro) March 10, 2014

pic.twitter.com/xw7bkMncnj
— Matthew Fahey (@dbrpro) March 10, 2014

Lindsey Graham hopes ‘we don’t lose Alaska’ - Tal Kopan - http://t.co/Kmk8uQWCLa http://t.co/W50jy7LwgN #SeeingRussiaFromOurHome
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 10, 2014

#03-09-2014 - ComFish News Roundup

2014-03-09T09:38:00.001-08:00

Brisk snow crab fishery in Alaska's Bering Sea nears quota
Jim PaulinDutch Harbor Fisherman
March 8, 2014
The Bering Sea snow crab fishery is moving right along. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game in Unalaska reported 46 vessels registered on Monday, and 78 percent of the 54 million pound quota harvested. Unalaska city natural resources analyst Frank Kelty said the fleet landed 5 million pounds last week. “It’s going pretty quick. If they have a couple more weeks like that, it will be over with,” Kelty said. Processors posted an opening price of $2.15 per pound paid to.... https://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/20140308/brisk-snow-crab-fishery-alaskas-bering-sea-nears-quota

Fish Factor
Seafood enjoys a surge of interest during Lent
By LAINE WELCH

March 08, 2014
(SitNews) - Last Wednesday marked the start of Lent, a time of fasting, soul searching and repentance for hundreds of millions of Christians around the world. And what the burst in the holiday sales season from Thanksgiving to Christmas means to retailers, Lent means the same to the seafood industry. The 40-day Lenten season, which this year runs from March 5th to Easter Sunday on April 20th, dates back to the 4th century, and it has been customary to forego meat ever since. While nearly all seafood enjoys a surge of interest during Lent, the most traditional items served are the so called “whitefish” species, such as cod, pollock, flounders, and halibut. Food Services of America reports that Ash Wednesday is the busiest day of the year for frozen seafood sales, and the six weeks following is the top selling season for the entire year. (Ash Wednesday is so called from the..... http://www.sitnews.us/LaineWelch/030814_fish_factor.html

PEBBLE UPDATE: Action initiated to protect Bristol Bay watershed
BBRSDA welcomes additional discussion on whether Pebble mine is appropriate for this
Posted 03/07/2014
by - Margaret Bauman
Federal environmental officials on Feb. 28 initiated action under the Clean Water Act to identify appropriate options to protect the Bristol Bay salmon fishery in Southwest Alaska, a move that could potentially halt the Pebble mine. The announcement came from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy, who said that extensive scientific study "has given us ample reason to believe that the Pebble mine would likely have significant and irreversible negative impacts on.... http://www.thecordovatimes.com/article/1410pebble-update-action-initiated-to-protect

Pebble overreach
Added by Editor on March 7, 2014.
Saved under Editorial
It is refreshing to see Alaska Attorney General Michael Geraghty fighting back against high-handed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency steps to block a Pebble Mine project even before the first mining application can be filed. The agency says it is taking pre-emptive action and would exercise its rarely used authority under the Clean Water Act to protect the entire Bristol Bay region from large-scale mining – based on highly questionable science that seems based on guesses. The EPA has used the act’s 404(C) section – a bureaucratic nuclear bomb – to halt projects only... http://www.anchoragedailyplanet.com/45059/pebble-overreach/

Scientists: Test West Coast for Fukushima radiation - h/t Drudge
Tracy Loew, USA TODAY
12:53 p.m. EDT March 9, 2014
SALEM, Ore. -- Very low levels of radiation from the Fukushima nuclear disaster likely will reach ocean waters along the U.S. West Coast next month, scientists are reporting. Current models predict that the radiation will be at extremely low levels that won't harm humans or the environment, said Ken Buesseler, a chemical oceanographer at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution who presented research on the issue last week. But Buesseler and other scientists are calling for more monitoring. No federal agency.... http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/03/09/scientists-test-west-coast-for-fukushima-radiation/6213849/

Due to weather neither samplers were able to get to the sampling areas today. Both will try tomorrow. If they... http://t.co/pFJRaUefwu
— S.A.R.D.F.A. Alaska (@sardfa) March 9, 2014

Isuzu Trooper Ad Produced in Dutch Harbor, Late 1980's http://t.co/MptCmfpjAf (video)
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 9, 2014

While setting clocks ahead and checking smoke detector batteries tonight, may as well check the batteries in your NOAA Weather Radio. #MIwx
— NWS Detroit (@NWSDetroit) March 8, 2014

Village AK, leave your cameras outside so they don't fog up. Just set them on the porch. Come out later and they are still there.
— Bob Hallinen (@adn_bhallinen) March 9, 2014

Norway's Ralph Johannessen at Ruby last night. Thinks broke ribs earlier in race. Then this on way from Cripple pic.twitter.com/xYe6AWvbqe
— Casey Grove (@kcgrove) March 9, 2014

UA series features pilot sharing gum with village kids while delivering bypass mail, lifeblood of rural Alaska pic.twitter.com/bis8UzhYbz
— Michelle Sparck (@msparck) March 9, 2014

Mirror Lake - Alaska - by Kevin Choi http://t.co/A7mmeB9IN1
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 9, 2014

Orca Pod - Wrangell Narrows, Alaska http://t.co/sOrZpYW8ye
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 9, 2014

Phase 2: Alaska. pic.twitter.com/R30Z6QYt84
— Haley Webb (@thehaleywebb) March 8, 2014

Monte Redoubt, Alaska pic.twitter.com/Wr8NI9Hg3y
— Juan Carlos Moreno (@JcmorenoJuan) March 3, 2014

Personal milestone! 10,000 likes on a photo!! Thanks everyone. http://t.co/UaZ0Udojcs .. And @instagram thank you all pic.twitter.com/yG27vairGR
— Noah Greer (@vaderbreath) February 11, 2014

Heavy duty incredible from South Dakota, Wyoming & Utah. April-November 2013. https://t.co/Ggztp2LI15
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 9, 2014

#03-08-2014 - ComFish News Roundup

2014-03-08T09:49:00.001-09:00

CSM Photo's Blog

NOAA Adopts New Halibut Management Measures
Posted: March 7, 2014 at 6:03 pm
NOAA Fisheries announced new halibut management measures put forth by the International Pacific Halibut Commission. Fishery Management Specialist Rachel Baker told us about the changes that will impact charter anglers..... http://radiokenai.net/noaa-adopts-new-halibut-management-measures/

A new era for halibut http://deckboss.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-new-era-for-halibut.html

Treadwell: Delaying Keystone Pipeline a Risk to Alaska
By Annie Ropeik
Friday, March 07 2014
Lieutenant Governor Mead Treadwell said in a speech Friday that delaying approval of the Keystone Pipeline will mean more oil tankers and oil spills in Alaskan waters. Treadwell spoke at the annual Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference, or SWAMC, in Anchorage. He said without a pipeline to the Lower 48, Canada will ship more of its oil west to Asia on the Great Circle Route. Treadwell said that means more big tankers, and potential oil spills, in the already crowded Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. He..... http://kucb.org/news/article/treadwell-delaying-keystone-pipeline-a-risk-to-alaska/

Controversial Permitting Bill Back For Consideration
By Alexandra Gutierrez, APRN - Juneau | March 7, 2014 - 5:35 pm
After sitting in limbo for nearly a year, a controversial permitting bill is on the move again. House Bill 77 has been sent back to the Senate Resources Committee, and it’s scheduled for hearings next week..... http://www.alaskapublic.org/2014/03/07/controversial-permitting-bill-back-for-consideration/

Jig pollock test fishery opens next week
March 7, 2014 by Laine Welch Leave a Comment
Fish Radio
March 10, 2014
his is Fish Radio. I’m Stephanie Mangini. A big Opportunity for a smaller fishing fleet. Hear more after this.... http://www.alaskafishradio.com/jig-pollock-test-fishery-opens-next-week/

NOAA's Sobeck to attend ComFish
BY MOLLY DISCHNER
Published: 2014.03.07 10:48 AM
A top federal fish official will make her first trip to Alaska for ComFish in April. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, Fisheries Assistant Administrator Eileen Sobeck will attend the Kodiak event on April 17 with Sen. Mark Begich. ComFish is an annual fisheries gathering that includes forums on current fishing issues, a..... http://www.alaskajournal.com/Blog-Fish-Bytes/Blogs-2014/NOAAs-Sobeck-to-attend-ComFish/

The Top 5 Challenges Facing the New NOAA Administrator
By Michael Conathan and Shiva Polefka | March 6, 2014
Today, the Senate confirmed the appointment of Dr. Kathryn Sullivan to be the new administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. She replaces Dr. Jane Lubchenco, who stepped down in February 2013. Sullivan’s background—a Ph.D. in geology, a career as an astronaut that included more than three weeks in space, and service as an oceanographer in the U.S. Naval Reserve—is ideally suited to the challenge of leading the agency responsible for the management of America’s oceans, fisheries, and the National Weather Service. Yet despite her ample qualifications and obvious acumen, she may well look back and find that training for her space walk was easier than preparing to take the helm of NOAA. By any estimation, NOAA faces massive challenges, from the sequestration-worsened budget crunch crimping the entire federal government’s ability to carry out its congressional mandates, to.... http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/news/2014/03/06/80920/the-top-5-challenges-facing-the-new-noaa-administrator/

Why We Should Quit Tossing Fish Heads And Eat 'Em Up Instead. Yum!
by ALASTAIR BLAND
March 07, 2014 3:06 PM
About a decade ago, I backpacked the coastal desert of Baja California, Mexico, feasting daily on snapper and corvina that I caught and grilled whole over driftwood beach fires. The highlight, for me, were their heads, which oozed with sizzling fat and were packed with extra-tender meat along the jawbones, around the eye sockets, below the gill plates and in the cheeks. Even the eyeballs and the softer pieces of cartilage were delicious. I devoured all but their backbones and ribs, which I threw in the fire... http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/03/07/286881659/why-we-should-quit-tossing-fish-heads-and-eat-em-up-instead-yum

Russia Hikes Import Tariffs for US Caviar
MOSCOW, March 7 (RIA Novosti) – Russia has moved to protect its domestic caviar industry by raising import duties for US imports of the delicacy, the RBC Daily newspaper said Friday. Minimal import tariffs were increased from $7 to $14 per kilogram of caviar, the report said, citing representatives of unspecified import firms. The hike takes place against a backdrop of increased political tensions over Ukraine, but.... http://en.ria.ru/business/20140307/188185212/Russia-Hikes-Import-Tariffs-for-US-Caviar.html

U.S.-Flag LNG Ships Gain Support as Export Costs Seen Rising
By Isaac Arnsdorf March 07, 2014
U.S. lawmakers are making a fresh push to require exports of natural gas to be carried on American ships. Proposals from Representative John Garamendi, a Democrat from California, and the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration would require exports of liquefied natural gas to use U.S.-made and -crewed ships. The shipping industry expects the moves to gather bipartisan support, said Clay Maitland, chairman of the Merchant Marine Policy Coalition, an industry group. While the changes would make LNG exports more expensive than using foreign.... http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-03-07/u-dot-s-dot-flagged-lng-ships-gain-support-as-export-costs-seen-rising

Joe Upton: Alaska's Wild Salmon (video) http://t.co/deldSM8lVx cc @AlaskaSalmon
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 8, 2014

Yakutat (map http://t.co/Z5a4Xhpohq) is gearing up for a wave-energy experiment http://t.co/1Zx549BGJU #Smartgrid pic.twitter.com/KRTLMtswaA
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 8, 2014

Wired West: GCI Receives $41 Million To Build 3G, 4G In 48 Rural Alaska Communities http://t.co/irToIEi00b pic.twitter.com/DSoQsXgjPS
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 8, 2014

#USCG Cutter Long Island holds station in a snow squall outside of the Port of #Kodiak. Welcome to Friday night ... pic.twitter.com/BgyllGgoPK
— USCG (Official) (@USCG) March 8, 2014

Rep. Nageak, D-Barrow: We're all environmentalists, but they (Enviro NGOs) take it to extremes. http://t.co/Llk8H525g4 #akleg
— AK House Majority (@houmaj) March 7, 2014

Carrier loads coal in Seward on maiden voyage http://t.co/AAo1IQKkvJ
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 8, 2014

Meet the robots starring in the cleanup Japan's Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear plant http://t.co/KvHGHqj2Yt
— Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) March 8, 2014

Hold tight! Take a wild sled dog ride with 4-time Iditarod champ Jeff King (GoPro) http://t.co/PZpzivAudR #AlaskaTough
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 8, 2014

Flying to Galena, saw 2 people waving. Landed. Broken down snowmachine. Got number for dad, just called. Good deed for day=done
— Casey Grove (@kcgrove) March 8, 2014

Yahoo Maps goes indoors - Baggage & Cold Storage at Ted Stevens International (Anchorage, AK) http://t.co/gXFr6yVnFy pic.twitter.com/LmD9nCPPbR
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 7, 2014

@Pinterest / Map : Best BBQ for SXSW-goers http://t.co/hHW9LiowrJ
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 8, 2014

Test Flight: Gogo Brings On-Plane Calls and Texts to SXSW - Personal Tech News - WSJ http://t.co/pUNUITIfT6
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 8, 2014

Looking at live satellite shots downloading @skyboximaging backend UI. Now shots over the port in Mogadishu, Somalia. pic.twitter.com/Ax1q1f8mmV
— Mapbox (@Mapbox) March 8, 2014

Murkowski Questions Delay on Shellfish Negotiations with China (letter)

2014-03-07T15:24:00.001-09:00

Related News - 3/6/2014 Resolve geoduck issue
No one is questioning China’s inherent right to protect its food supply, but China’s decision to ban all bivalve shellfish from Alaska, Washington State, Oregon, and Northern California is an overreaction.

On Dec. 3, China informed the U.S. — somewhat cryptically, because it gave few specifics — that it was banning all shellfish from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest after it received geoducks that, it said, failed safety tests. Over time, China clarified that it detected an unacceptable level of the toxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning in geoducks from the Middle Gravina Island harvest area near Ketchikan, and it detected unacceptable levels of arsenic in geoducks from........ http://www.ketchikandailynews.com/free/local-edit-shellfish-3-6

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2014

murkowski.senate.gov - Senator Presses N

Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

OAA, U.S. Trade Representative and FDA to Resolve Chinese Dispute

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the heels of conversations with Southeast Alaskan fishermen economically impacted by a Chinese ban on West Coast shellfish, Senator Lisa Murkowski is reaching out to federal authorities to encourage them to follow through quickly on plans to travel to China and resolve the dispute.

Though the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration planned on sending representatives to China this past week to work through issues preventing imports of American products into China and determine how best to address their concerns and open up commercial channels, no delegation has been sent to China yet.

This led to Senator Murkowski writing a letter (attached) to the United States Trade Representative, as well as leaders of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and NOAA, saying:

“It is unclear to me what is causing a delay in sending this delegation to China, and I would like to urge you to expedite the scheduling of this important meeting with [China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine] officials in China. I also would like to request that you include individuals with the requisite scientific and technical expertise to address any concerns raised in meetings with Chinese seafood inspection and trade officials, as well as individuals with a working knowledge of regional shellfish production and harvesting operations.”

Senator Murkowski closed the letter by saying she plans to continue working with federal authorities to resolve this “vital issue for hardworking fishermen in Alaska.”

#03-07-2014 - ComFish News Roundup

2014-03-07T10:48:00.001-09:00

In honor of National Cereal Day... #EatPositive pic.twitter.com/f8fJnS9EwX
— Kikkan Randall (@kikkanimal) March 7, 2014

Oral argument scheduled for denial of setnet initiative
BY MOLLY DISCHNER, ALASKA JOURNAL
Published: 2014.03.06 11:37 AM
Oral argument in the Alaska Fisheries Conservation Alliance appeal of Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell’s decision to not certify a proposed ballot initiative to ban setnetting is scheduled for April 22 in Anchorage. The alliance, or AFCA, wants to ask voters whether to ban setnets in urban parts of the state. If the initiative made it on to the ballot and passed, it would eliminate setnetters in Cook Inlet. Treadwell denied the initiative petition in January based on a Department of Law opinion that found it was a prohibited appropriation of state resources. AFCA, however, has said that the effort is conservation-focused, and filed an appeal of... http://www.alaskajournal.com/Alaska-Journal-of-Commerce/March-Issue-2-2014/Oral-argument-scheduled-for-denial-of-setnet-initiative/

New group defends Treadwell in setnet ban case http://www.nationalfisherman.com/news-events/top-news/3112-new-group-defends-treadwell-in-setnet-ban-initiative-case

Senate hears from North Pacific on MSA reauthorization
BY MOLLY DISCHNER, ALASKA JOURNAL OF COMMERCE
Published: 2014.03.06 11:37 AM
While commercial users generally said the Magnuson-Stevens Act is working, subsistence and recreational fishers asked for a louder voice in the management process at a congressional hearing regarding the law up for reauthorization this year. The Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard held a hearing Feb. 27 to gather Alaska and North Pacific perspectives on the Magnuson-Stevens Act reauthorization currently underway. The act, or MSA, regulates management of federal fisheries from three miles to 200 miles offshore, including in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. It was implemented in 1976, and most recently updated in 2006. Now it’s up for reauthorization, with amendments likely. The House Natural Resources Committee released their draft in December. Sen. Mark Begich, chairman of the Senate oceans subcommittee, said the Senate draft... http://www.alaskajournal.com/Alaska-Journal-of-Commerce/March-Issue-2-2014/Senate-hears-from-North-Pacific-on-MSA-reauthorization/

Kinneen likely to replace Olson on North Pacific council
BY MOLLY DISCHNER
Published: 2014.03.06 02:23 PM
Gov. Sean Parnell has nominated Nome resident Simon Kinneen to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council. Kinneen has worked for Norton Sound Economic Development Corp., or NSEDC, for 14 years and served on various fish-related bodies, including the council's advisory.... http://www.alaskajournal.com/Blog-Fish-Bytes/Blogs-2014/Kinneen-likely-to-replace-Olson-on-North-Pacific-council/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 14-026 Governor Makes Nomination to Fishery Council http://www.alaskajournal.com/PR%2014-026%20Governor%20Makes%20Nomination%20to%20Fishery%20Council%20030614.pdf

Pebble veto would be unprecedented use of 404c power
BY ELWOOD BREHMER, ALASKA JOURNAL OF COMMERCE
Published: 2014.03.06 11:38 AM
The Environmental Protection Agency set a potentially unprecedented process in motion when it began work on Feb. 28 to preemptively block Pebble mine as an effort to protect Bristol Bay fisheries. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said in a formal statement the agency was initiating action to invoke its authority to veto the proposed Iliamna-area copper-gold mine under the seldom-used Section 404(c) of the Clean Water Act. The regional U.S. Army Corps of Engineers handles Section 404 permit applications for all...... http://www.alaskajournal.com/Alaska-Journal-of-Commerce/March-Issue-2-2014/Pebble-veto-would-be-unprecedented-use-of-404c-power/

Mat-Su thanks fish board, commission, opposes setnet ban
BY MOLLY DISCHNER
Published: 2014.03.06 02:11 PM
Earlier this week, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly recognized two bodies for fisheries work. At its March 4 meeting, the assembly honored members of its Fish and Wildlife Commission for their hard work on fisheries issues. The assembly also unanimously passed a resolution thanking the.... http://www.alaskajournal.com/Blog-Fish-Bytes/Blogs-2014/Mat-Su-thanks-fish-board-commission-opposes-setnet-ban/

3/6/2014
Resolve geoduck issue
No one is questioning China’s inherent right to protect its food supply, but China’s decision to ban all bivalve shellfish from Alaska, Washington State, Oregon, and Northern California is an overreaction. On Dec. 3, China informed the U.S. — somewhat cryptically, because it gave few specifics — that it was banning all shellfish from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest after it received geoducks that, it said, failed safety tests. Over time, China clarified that it detected an unacceptable level of the toxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning in geoducks from the Middle Gravina Island harvest area near Ketchikan, and it detected unacceptable levels of arsenic in geoducks from.... http://www.ketchikandailynews.com/free/local-edit-shellfish-3-6

The Alaska Fisheries Report
Mar 6, 2014
Coming up this week, millions of salmon eggs are destroyed in a Southeast hatchery fire, as fishermen start thinking about herring, we’ve got the pre-season forecast for Togiak, and.... http://www.kmxt.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5592

DOT Offers Details on Proposed Road Link to Juneau (video)
Project could cost up to $500 million
Adam Pinsker, Multimedia Political Reporter
POSTED: 08:30 PM AKST Mar 06, 2014
Juneau - For decades, Juneau residents have discussed ways to build road access out of town -- and the Alaska Department of Transportation has revived a plan to construct a road between Juneau and Skagway. There are two plans on the table. One option would build a road on the western side of the Lynn Canal, terminating in Haines. Drivers would have to take a short-range Alaska Marine Highway System ferry.... http://www.ktuu.com/news/news/dot-offers-details-on-proposed-road-link-to-juneau/24853860

Captain Keith is chasing crabs — not drama
Thursday, 06 March 2014
Melissa Wood
Though crowds were thick at the Maine Fishermen's Forum last weekend, in some places they formed an extra tight knot. Chances are that within that cluster you'd find a familiar face. Keith Colburn, captain of the Wizard and star of the reality TV show "Deadliest Catch," was in town. The story of how he came to be in Maine is interesting in itself. Colburn is an avid.... http://www.nationalfisherman.com/blogs/coastlines/3110-captain-keith-is-chasing-crabs-not-drama

Human skull found in crab pot is February's top story... http://www.nationalfisherman.com/news-events/top-news/3046-human-skull-found-in-crab-pot-near-westport

Shipping Execs: EPA’s Low-Sulphur Fuel Rule Will Hurt The Environment and Short Sea Shipping
BY GCAPTAIN STAFF ON MARCH 6, 2014

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Shipping industry leaders told Members of Congress on Tuesday that higher fuel costs associated with upcoming low-sulphur fuel limits in North American Emission Control Areas could actually hurt the environment and the economy by forcing the movement of goods by less environmentally-friendly means. Congressional leaders heard Tuesday from shipping industry representatives Rod Jones and Bill Terry about the well-intentioned new shipping fuel requirement from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), set to take effect in 2015, whose flawed design may actually spur increased onshore air pollution and higher shipping costs, as well as increased shipping.... http://gcaptain.com/shipping-execs-epas-low-sulphur-fuel-rule-will-hurt-the-environment/

2014 SOUTH ALASKA PENINSULA AREA STATE-WATERS PACIFIC COD POT GEAR SEASON OPENING http://t.co/KAnmrEzbad
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 7, 2014

The Geoduck Committee met this morning and voted to sample geoducks this weekend with a potential fishery on... http://t.co/CQFVWHc056
— S.A.R.D.F.A. Alaska (@sardfa) March 6, 2014

Who remembers topless deckhands? pic.twitter.com/pbxYATfCk2
— Nick McGlashan (@NickMcGlashanCC) March 6, 2014

ANDY CAM Crab into the hopper http://t.co/6WtuVcRDEj
— Andy Hillstrand (@capt_andy) March 7, 2014

My newest crew member n also the hottest in the Bering sea!! pic.twitter.com/u0K3yw9H4e
— Elliott Neese (@CaptElliott) March 7, 2014

pic.twitter.com/9b4gffbA3A
— Elliott Neese (@CaptElliott) March 7, 2014

Seward's Alaska Tsunami National Ocean Sciences Bowl team proposes tidal turbines http://t.co/Kfw1bzdnG0 #SmartGrid pic.twitter.com/kOg7o13zjg
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 7, 2014

New drive-down boat ramp to float (in Bar Harbor) is coming along! Gmap > https://t.co/PMD30s8zln pic.twitter.com/btCRMONmwi
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 6, 2014

Awesome advertising in the Stockholm Subway (video http://t.co/JBa520s4So) What can your Raspberry Pi do? News > http://t.co/bcHZNaHSac
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 7, 2014

Movers & Shakers 03/09/14 - Alaska Journal of Commerce - March Issue 2 2014 - Anchorage, AK http://t.co/0NEF0VmMW4
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 7, 2014

From Cordova Times paperboy to congressional candidate - The Cordova Times http://t.co/kO0CZfoQYb
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 7, 2014

Commercial Drones Are Now Legal, According To Federal Ruling | TechCrunch http://t.co/61dbIdFYZY
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 7, 2014

Another one of the 'many' reasons @Newsweek Mag was bought and sold for $1 ? http://t.co/IFAuXhRlqW #Bitcoin
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 7, 2014

Senators Want In-Flight Calls Banned, Warn They Will Cause Fights | TechCrunch http://t.co/oJ81erXC4f #NannyState
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 7, 2014

Our flag still waves. Coast Guard Cutter Harry Caliborne - Lundi Gras 3-3-2014 http://t.co/gfb3F7fPwh #LandOfTheFree #HomeOfTheBrave
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 7, 2014

'Downhill' - 2014 Iditarod - Rainy Pass, Alaska http://t.co/RNvrq1sBfL
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 7, 2014

http://t.co/hS9Png52w5: Environmental Job Training Reaches Rural Alaska (Editor's note: EPA does not verify accuracy) http://t.co/3jtsDq0Njl
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 7, 2014

Wireless Emergency Alerts are automatic texts sent to you in an emergency; no sign-up required http://t.co/VnSCzoWduj pic.twitter.com/ta3pCCljlG
— NWS (@NWS) March 6, 2014

@Albertsons buys @Safeway .. @AlaskaSeafood hears the news and keeps on swimming around looking for a net, pot or hook. #SupplyChain
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 7, 2014

Trident Seafoods Asia To Open New Office in Sapporo on Mar. 10th http://t.co/Xud8LHPi7W
— minato-tsukiji (@minatotsukiji) March 7, 2014

Rural AK communities to receive 3G and 4G data service. Listen at 5'40'' http://t.co/6SZGaweTcd
— KNOM (@knom) March 7, 2014

@USCGAlaska encourages fishing vessel safety exams for upcoming halibut, sablefish fisheries in Alaska

2014-03-07T04:56:00.000-09:00

English: Kodiak, Alaska – U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Maintenance Technician James Longsdorf peers out of the left-side door of an HH-65A Dolphin helicopter during a fisheries law enforcement patrol near Kodiak Island, Alaska. During a fisheries law enforcement patrol, the helicopter crew locates and identifies fishing vessels to ensure they are complying with all fisheries laws and treaties. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Paul Roszkowski (RELEASED) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

News Release
Date: March 07, 2014
U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Public Affairs Kodiak

KODIAK, Alaska — With the halibut and sablefish season opening in Alaska Saturday, the Coast Guard encourages mariners to get their free commercial fishing vessel safety exams.

Mariners can improve their preparedness by getting a free exam to ensure they are in compliance with current regulations before the fisheries open.

“Having an exam completed prior to the beginning of the fishery ensures that vessels are meeting the minimum required standards of safety, and that the appropriate lifesaving, firefighting, navigation and signaling gear is aboard prior to operation of the vessel,” said Lt. Erin Cridland, the Coast Guard 17th District inspection and investigation officer. “Having this equipment greatly reduces the chance of vessel loss and increases the odds of survival should the crew need to abandon ship.”

Mariners should complete these exams annually. It is a good idea to coordinate the exam through their local Coast Guard commercial fishing vessel examiner, and schedule the exam with enough time before the voyage to correct any discrepancies that the examiner identifies. A successful exam will earn the vessel a Coast Guard commercial fishing vessel safety decal good for one year. Commercial fishing vessels operating beyond the three nautical mile territorial sea baseline are not required to have decals until the year 2015, however they are strongly encouraged to obtain them. Some vessels, including those used to pursue halibut individual fishing quotas, are required by the National Marine Fisheries Service to have a valid decal prior to carrying their mandatory NMFS observer aboard.

“Having a decal will reduce the scope of future boardings by Coast Guard law enforcement personnel,” said Cridland. “Coast Guard policy states that vessels with a decal can receive a spot check of certain items. Boarding teams will want to focus on vessels that have not already been visited by the Coast Guard if numerous vessels are fishing in an area.”

Fishermen are also encouraged to visit www.fishsafe.info and click the link to the checklist generator. This application takes input on the fishing vessel, such as length, persons aboard, where it operates, etc., and generates a list of requirements that apply to that specific fishing vessel. This allows owners to know exactly what Coast Guard dockside examiners will look at before their official examination.

For more specific information on the Coast Guard and Marine Transportation Act of 2012 visit: www.fishsafe.info.

To reach an examiner in your area:

Juneau: Mr. Scott Wilwert – 907-463-2248

Sitka: Mr. Steven Ramp – 907-966-5620

Ketchikan: Mr. Jim Paul – 907-225-4496 Ext. 233

Valdez: Chief Machinery Technician Steven Blythe – 907-835-7225

Anchorage: Chief Boatswain’s Mate Jon-Michael Jones – 907-271-1954

Kodiak: Mr. Aaron Jessup – 907-486-5918

Dutch Harbor: Lt. Jim Fothergill – 907-581-3466

Homer/Kenai: Lt. Sara Geoffrion – 907-235-3292

#03-06-2014 - ComFish News Roundup

2014-03-06T09:09:00.000-09:00

Alaska’s Halibut and Black Cod Harvest Season Opens Saturday

Offloading Halibut (Photo credit: nrahaim)

Alaska Seafood announces the opening of two sustainable whitefish fisheries. Alaska is home to over 95% of Pacific halibut and over 70% of black cod caught in the U.S.
Juneau, Alaska (PRWEB) March 06, 2014
Alaska’s wild halibut and black cod (sablefish) harvest season opens Saturday, March 8, 2014, at 12:00 PM local time. Statewide Total Allowable Catch (TAC) limits for Alaska halibut and black cod are set at 16.8 million pounds and 33.6 million pounds respectively. Alaska is home to over 95% of the Pacific halibut and over 70% of the black cod harvested in the United States. Like all species of Alaska seafood, Alaska halibut and black cod are wild and sustainable, as mandated by the Alaska Constitution. Alaska’s science-based fishery management.... http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/03/prweb11640308.htm

Schooners still sail Southeast http://www.capitalcityweekly.com/stories/030514/out_1196727461.shtml

Geraghty pushes back on EPA process on Pebble mine
Posted: Wednesday, March 5, 2014 11:09 am
Associated Press
JUNEAU, Alaska - Alaska Attorney General Michael Geraghty is pushing back against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over a process that could lead to development of a massive gold-and-copper prospect in the Bristol Bay region being restricted or prohibited.
EPA announced Friday it was exercising a rarely used authority under the Clean Water Act as a way to protect a world-premiere sockeye salmon fishery.... http://www.newsminer.com/news/alaska_news/geraghty-pushes-back-on-epa-process-on-pebble-mine/article_0004bf4c-a4a2-11e3-bcae-001a4bcf6878.html

Coghill: Rise up against federal over-reach http://www.newsminer.com/opinion/community_perspectives/rise-up-against-federal-over-reach/article_c87f8d3a-a50b-11e3-96e1-001a4bcf6878.html

Kroger, Safeway Will Nix GMO Salmon Regardless of FDA Decision
BY NEWS DESK | MARCH 4, 2014
Kroger and Safeway, the largest retail grocery companies in the U.S., have reportedly agreed not to sell genetically modified salmon. The decision was released Monday by a coalition of food safety, consumer, health and fishing groups. The two grocery chains are now part of more than 9,000 stores across the country that have rejected carrying the GM AquAdvantage® salmon regardless of.... http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2014/03/kroger-safeway-turn-down-gmo-salmon-regardless-of-fda/

Battle over GMO labeling rumbling in US http://www.nst.com.my/world/battle-over-gmo-labeling-rumbling-in-us-1.499695

Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Sea Otter Recovery Status Questioned
A federal study released by the US Geological Survey concludes that nearly 25 years after the Exxon Valdez oil spill disaster in Prince William Sound the population of sea otters has returned to pre-spill numbers. But marine conservation biologist Rick Steiner, who has tracked effects of the disaster for years, has suggested that due to uncertainties noted in the study itself that the status of the Prince William Sound sea otters be moved from “recovered” to “very likely recovered.” Brenda Ballachey, the USGS research biologist who was the lead author of the study, said signs of recovery were seen in the years leading up to 2009, and the most recent results from 2011........ http://fnonlinenews.blogspot.com/2014/03/sea-otter-recovery-status-questioned.html

The Exchange: Handling Risk in a Crowded Bering Sea
By Annie Ropeik
Wednesday, March 05 2014
With oil development in the Alaskan Arctic comes an influx of new vessels in the already high-traffic Bering Sea. As pipelines expand and new projects start up all around the Pacific Northwest and in Alaska, more huge.... http://kucb.org/news/article/the-exchange-responding-to-risk-in-a-crowded-bering-sea/

Anticipated salmon run could overwhelm Fraser River this summer, experts say
MARK HUME
VANCOUVER — The Globe and Mail
Published Wednesday, Mar. 05 2014, 6:21 PM EST
If the early signals are correct, the Fraser River could have the biggest salmon run in B.C. history this summer, with up to 72 million sockeye returning. That would be more than double the record number that came back in 2010, when about 30 million sockeye flooded into the Fraser, overwhelming fish plants with such bounty they ran out of ice and storage boxes.... http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/anticipated-salmon-run-could-overwhelm-fraser-river-this-summer-experts-say/article17336330/

Over 155,000 salmon lost due to gales
UNITED KINGDOM
Thursday, March 06, 2014, 23:10 (GMT + 9)
Recent strong winds and heavy seas have been blamed for the fault which allowed about 155,000 salmon to escape from a fish farm in Shetland, according to its operators. Meridian Salmon Group, one of the top five salmon farming companies in Scotland that is located on the island of Yell, had more than 364,000 salmon in cages before extreme weather conditions affected them, BBC reported. A company spokesman pointed out: "Gale force winds and large swells caused a..... http://fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?l=e&country=0&special=&monthyear=&day=&id=66986

Icicle sells the farm.. http://t.co/hJ1Tvt1DNU
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 5, 2014

Ocean Trawlers: Main markets for Russian Alaska pollock in 2013 #NASF2014 pic.twitter.com/GgM5beaC9i
— Elisabeth Fischer (@EF_intrafish) March 6, 2014

#Ukraine crisis: Food by #boat for blockaded #navy #vessels Get the full story: http://t.co/GTe35OBl5t #sea #boating #water #europe
— MaxSea (@MyMaxSea) March 6, 2014

#USCG Cutter Alex Haley - "The Bulldog of the Bering" - circles Monashka Bay returning to homeport Kodiak, #Alaska. pic.twitter.com/QbO1euuYL3
— USCG (Official) (@USCG) March 6, 2014

Thorne Bay official tired of wireless outages | KRBD http://t.co/dVB5doA22E pic.twitter.com/c4X4C4sZyd
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 6, 2014

Alaska to receive federal funds for rural wireless improvement - http://t.co/InxstnERD8 http://t.co/UPjbU9IgE0
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 6, 2014

University of Alaska Anchorage students, NRA, professor back Coghill gun bill - Fairbanks Daily News-Miner http://t.co/d8umrdTaP0
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 6, 2014

Into an Aurora! Rocket launch over Alaska to study aurora classic curls in the night sky. http://t.co/g35KmyO2Vr pic.twitter.com/KPVcQ7A7sx
— NASA (@NASA) March 5, 2014

Dragging your sled, all but 2 of your dogs missing? @kcgrove has the story behind this pic: http://t.co/rtaZLPJYnv pic.twitter.com/erU6AjaxjZ
— Kyle Hopkins (@adn_kylehopkins) March 6, 2014

Sitka Announcement: Quota = 16,333 tons. 1,259 tons less than the preliminary GHL

2014-03-05T21:25:00.000-09:00

Sitka Announcement: Quota = 16,333 tons. 1,259 tons less than the preliminary GHL pic.twitter.com/R4JxF1hUlX
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 6, 2014

#03-05-2014 - ComFish News Roundup

2014-03-05T09:51:00.000-09:00

Petersburg Hatchery Fire Destroys More Than a Million Chinook Eggs
Matthew F Smith, Digital Producer

KTUU

ANCHORAGE - A fire has destroyed the main incubation building of a Petersburg fish hatchery, wiping out all of the hatchery's coho salmon eggs and more than a million Chinook salmon eggs. David Berg, Assistant Chief with the Petersburg Volunteer Fire Department, said PVFD received the call around 2 a.m. early Tuesday for a fire at the Crystal Lake Fish Hatchery. A resident at the hatchery, located about 18 miles south of Petersburg, said..... http://www.ktuu.com/news/news/petersburg-hatchery-fire-destroys-more-than-a-million-coho-eggs/24801616

Arctic nations agree to temporary restrictions
BY MOLLY DISCHNER
Published: 2014.03.04 02:11 PM
The U.S. and four other Arctic nations are working toward fishing protections for the farthest north waters. The government of Greenland announced Feb. 28 that the countries would work together to prevent fishing in the high seas of the Arctic based on a U.S. proposal at a summit held in Nuuk, Greeland Feb. 24-26. Shrinking summer sea ice has opened the....... http://www.alaskajournal.com/Blog-Fish-Bytes/Blogs-2014/Arctic-nations-agree-to-temporary-restrictions/

ExxonMobil’s Vast Russian Prospects at Risk With Putin’s Ukraine Push

GCaptain

March 5 (Bloomberg) — Exxon Mobil Corp.’s biggest international exploration opportunity may be imperiled by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Ukrainian foray. U.S.-based companies could face restrictions on doing business in Russia if Putin’s regime is slapped with sanctions by western governments or the United Nations for its intervention in Ukraine’s Crimea region. Exxon, under the terms of a 2011 contract with state- controlled OAO Rosneft, owns drilling rights across.... http://gcaptain.com/exxonmobil-russian-prospects-risk-putins-ukraine-push/

2:23 PM TUE MARCH 4, 2014
Bristol Bay Driftnet Permit Values Inch Upwards
By MIKE MASON
There continues to be some upward pressure on the value of Bristol Bay driftnet fishing permits. The February permit values report from the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission puts the value of a Bristol Bay driftnet permit at $133.9-thousand dollars. That’s up $900-dollars compared to the value recorded back in January. The value put forward by CFEC does not necessarily represent the price being asked for.... http://kdlg.org/post/bristol-bay-driftnet-permit-values-inch-upwards

4:05 PM TUE MARCH 4, 2014
Togiak Herring Outlook
By MIKE MASON
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has released their outlook for this year’s Togiak sac-roe herring fishery. KDLG’s Mike Mason looked it over for this report...... http://kdlg.org/post/togiak-herring-outlook

Research team studies connectivity, at home and sea
by Robert Woolsey, KCAW
March 4, 2014 6:21 pm
Two preeminent oceanographers will be in Sitka for the month of March. Jackie Grebmeier and Lee Cooper will be catching up on their writing, visiting classrooms, and mingling with the public — basically, enjoying the novelty of staying in one place for a solid month. The pair teach at the University of Maryland, but travel regularly to Alaska — where they did their doctoral research — to visit the Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean. Grebmeier is a biological oceanographer. She’s the US delegate to the International Arctic Science Committee. “I like to look at the coupling — the connection between processes in the water..... http://www.kcaw.org/2014/03/04/research-team-studies-connectivity-at-home-and-sea/

Opinion: Ocean drives Southeast Alaska economy
Despite the fact that Southeast Alaska is 35,000 square miles, we don’t have much in the way of land here. Of that total, only 0.3 percent is owned by communities and private landowners — just 1/3 of one percent. The federal government owns 95 percent of our land base, while the rest is owned by a combination of the State of Alaska and Alaska Native Corporations. But.... http://www.nationalfisherman.com/news-events/top-news/3093-opinion-ocean-drives-southeast-alaska-economy

Grass roots group celebrates 25 years
by Christina Whiting
Homer Tribune
Mar 4th, 2014
Kachemak Heritage Land Trust is the oldest land trust in Alaska. It was founded in 1989 by a group of community members who were concerned with local lands and stewardship and sought to preserve the natural landscape and beauty of the Kenai Peninsula for future generations. KHLT’s founding members were Daisy Lee Bitter, Toby Tyler, Janice Schofield, Jon and Nelda Osgood, Roberta Highland, Robert Archibald, Mary Pearsall, Diane McBride and Devony Lehner. Together, they decided that the.... http://homertribune.com/2014/03/grass-roots-group-celebrates-25-years/

http://www.kachemaklandtrust.org

86th annual Blessing of the Fleet set for March 9th

ballardnewstribune.com

03/04/2014
The 86th annual Blessing of the Fleet will take place at Fishermen’s Memorial site at Fishermen’s Terminal March 9 at 2 p.m. Pastor Laurie Jones of Ballard First Lutheran Church will lead the ceremony and will offer words of hope for the fishing fleet to bring a good fishing harvest, safe travels, and that the fleet be good stewards of “the creation.” “I want to focus a little on the 100 anniversary of fishermen’s Terminal and remember those who did not come back to see and highlight the people that have.... http://www.ballardnewstribune.com/2014/03/04/features/86th-annual-blessing-fleet-set-march-9th

Old faces and new
Tuesday, 04 March 2014
Jes Hathaway
The coast of Maine beckons with her own sweet siren song in summer. For at least two months, Route 1 is bumper to bumper from Red's famous lobster roll take-out in Wiscasset all the way to Acadia National Park 120 miles to the north. It's a different scene in February when the edges of the road are encased in ice and the pavement is streaked with so much salt you can barely make out the painted lines. But it's still beautiful to me. On Thursday, Feb. 27, my two-hour drive up the coast landed me at the Samoset Resort for the Maine Fishermen's Forum in Rockport. The wind was whipping flags atop 40-foot poles that seemed to huddle together at the edge of the parking lot, signaling a brutal but thankfully short walk to the hotel. As I entered the double doors, my spine relaxed and I cracked a smile.... http://www.nationalfisherman.com/blogs/the-rudderpost/3096-old-faces-and-new

A new development in algae-based biofuel
UNITED STATES
Wednesday, March 05, 2014, 23:50 (GMT + 9)
A team of researchers from Michigan State University (MSU) have devised a new technological device intended to further develop algae-based biofuels. This device -- the environmental photobioreactor – has become the world’s first standard algae growing platform, which simulates dynamic natural environments. The researchers, led by David Kramer, Hannah Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at MSU, pointed out that this invention helps identify, cultivate and test algal strains that have the potential to make the leap.... http://fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?l=e&country=0&special=&monthyear=&day=&id=66965

Higher fish intakes seem beneficial for heart health
UNITED STATES
Wednesday, March 05, 2014, 22:30 (GMT + 9)
Eating fish in amounts comparable to those of people living in Japan seems to impart a protective factor that wards off heart disease, according to an international study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and led by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. Middle-aged Japanese men living in Japan had.... http://fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?l=e&country=0&special=&monthyear=&day=&id=66958

Looking forward to it...Alaska and Canadian commercial halibut season opens March 8 and runs through November 7.... http://t.co/5WTT4bK9x4
— Halibut Coalition (@WildAKHalibut) March 5, 2014

This morning we are learning about #sustainability with Chef Jose Souto at Westminster Catering College!! pic.twitter.com/D4VxcifwrY
— AlaskaSeafoodUK (@AlaskaSeafoodUK) March 5, 2014

Our second lecture was about Alaska seafood #sustainability model also taught by José Souto! Thank you @wildfoodboy pic.twitter.com/y3NlNyAZaP
— AlaskaSeafoodUK (@AlaskaSeafoodUK) March 5, 2014

AK Delegation @ DC hearing “Alaska Bypass Mail Delivery: A Broken System” message= 'It ain’t broke, so don’t fix it.' http://t.co/1JH0D6UZfW
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 5, 2014

Ukraine: Video of Russian ‘Troops’ Firing Warning Shots Here http://t.co/2tVdWZ9NQA (Curious tho. iOS or @android?) pic.twitter.com/W15QCupS58
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 5, 2014

U.S. NIC: 3rd highest North American #snow cover this late in the season on record (48 years)! http://t.co/UN3vAKjWVC pic.twitter.com/OWNswq6YDn
— NOAA Satellites (@NOAASatellites) March 4, 2014

North Korea... Holding out for a sweet deal on Cap & Trade? ahem... https://t.co/iST5CumNkd
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 5, 2014

HD Video from Space: An Entirely New Perspective @Mapbox http://t.co/PcGlDkk81y
— Skybox Imaging (@skyboximaging) March 4, 2014

And we quietly keep winning. Newscorp is moving from @Microsoft to @googleapps. Now 10,000 resellers. @GoogleAtWork http://t.co/jaGDVzoZtl
— Amit Singh (@aksingh77) March 4, 2014

#03-04-2014 - ComFish News Roundup

2014-03-04T06:23:00.002-09:00

English: ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Alaska Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell, delivers the executive proclamation by Gov. Sarah Palin during the POW/MIA ceremony Sept. 19. The proclamation stated that Sept. 19 would be known as POW/MIA recognition day in Alaska. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

4:16 PM MON MARCH 3, 2014
Governor Parnell Responds to the EPA's 404-C Decision Regarding the Pebble Mine
By MIKE MASON
Alaska Governor Sean Parnell says the EPA is bypassing the established permitting system in Alaska by its decision last week to instigate a 404-C process to stop development of the proposed Pebble Mine. The EPA wants to use authority granted under the Clean Water Act to stop the issuance of dredge and fill permits.... http://kdlg.org/post/governor-parnell-responds-epas-404-c-decision-regarding-pebble-mine

MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2014
Ocean Beauty wins Philippines food aid contract
Ocean Beauty Seafoods has won a state contract to supply a large volume of canned Alaska pink salmon for disaster relief in the Philippines.... http://deckboss.blogspot.com/2014/03/ocean-beauty-wins-philippines-food-aid.html

Fish Factor
Acidic ocean having an effect on survival and growth of shellfish
By LAINE WELCH
March 03, 2014
(SitNews) - Just as Nero fiddled while Rome burned, US policy makers are quibbling over climate issues as bivalves dissolve in an increasingly corrosive Pacific Ocean. Any kid’s chemistry set will show that big changes are occurring in seawater throughout the world. As the oceans absorb more carbon dioxide from fossil-fuel burning outputs (primarily coal), it increases acidity to a point where shellfish can’t survive. It is referred to as ocean acidification (OA) and results in sea creatures.... http://www.sitnews.us/LaineWelch/030314_fish_factor.html

Begich Tackles Federal Overreach, Education in Legislature Address
Sen. Mark Begich covers a variety of topics in annual speech to state Legislature
Adam Pinsker, Multimedia Political Reporter
POSTED: 11:21 PM AKST Mar 03, 2014
Juneau - U.S. Sen. Mark Begich dove head-first into the controversial sea of education funding Monday, in his annual address to a joint session of the state Legislature. Begich criticized a proposed constitutional amendment pending before the Senate, which would allow public dollars to be used for private classroom instruction. “There is already plenty of school choice in our public system, from home schools to charter schools, to... http://www.ktuu.com/news/news/begich-tackles-federal-overreach-education-in-legislature-address/24789832

Kodiak Coast Guard Crews Kept Busy Out West
Mar 3, 2014
Annie Ropeik/KUCB
A mariner possibly suffering from appendicitis was medevac’ed from a vessel near Unalaska on Saturday..... http://www.kmxt.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5583

State of the Coast Guard address tackles trying times
Posted on March 3rd, 2014
Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp delivered his final State of the Coast Guard address last week at the service’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. Papp provided an overview of programs and issues of the last four years and also looked ahead to what the service could face in the future. Emphasizing that this year the.... http://www.tradeonlytoday.com/2014/03/state-coast-guard-address-tackles-times/

Idaho seafood supplier challenged by winter weather
by Jamie Grey
KTVB.COM
Posted on March 3, 2014 at 10:50 PM
Updated today at 7:10 AM
BOISE -- From Washington state to Washington D.C., Monday was a mess with snow and ice forcing closures around the nation. Agencies closed some major highways and interstates and airlines canceled more than 2,000 flights.... http://www.ktvb.com/news/Boise-seafood-wholesaler-gets-ahead-of-winter-storms-248310201.html

March 03, 2014
Contact: Ron Warren
Big runs of Columbia River chinook, coho highlight 2014 salmon forecasts
OLYMPIA - Salmon fishing in the ocean and the Columbia River this summer could be great thanks to an abundant run of hatchery coho and a potentially historic return of chinook, according to state fishery managers. Opportunities for anglers also look good in Puget Sound, where another strong run of coho salmon is expected this year. The forecasts - developed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and treaty Indian tribes - for chinook, coho, sockeye and chum salmon were released at a public meeting in Olympia today, marking the starting point for developing 2014 salmon-fishing seasons. Ron Warren, fisheries policy lead for WDFW, said protecting and restoring weak wild salmon populations will continue.... http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/mar0314a/

One of 2 Alaskan King Crabs that went down last night @RodneysToronto Outrageous. Great hospitality. pic.twitter.com/Pd7vCCsEsa
— macgregors seafood (@pFvK) March 4, 2014

Wow. That's a whole lot of brown for a birds-eye-view pic of the #Iditarod MT @IditarodLive: http://t.co/lmSWWLPp1k pic.twitter.com/unFyH1KlCs
— Kyle Hopkins (@adn_kylehopkins) March 4, 2014

Cook Inlet Pacific cod season closes to pot vessles >58' http://t.co/KAnmrEzbad
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 4, 2014

John Baker approaches Finger Lake checkpoint this morning. More #Iditarod Day 2 photos: http://t.co/XDinNRHYtK pic.twitter.com/mgtNUMidfx
— Anchorage Daily News (@adndotcom) March 3, 2014

Iridium Satellite Simulators Delivered for Iridium NEXT SpaxeX Launch Testing http://t.co/VQBQdTxjCo pic.twitter.com/5yRXJH7JRm
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 4, 2014

#USCG Cutter Hollyhock, from #Michigan, is featured on @USCG’s instagram account til Friday. http://t.co/IXGu5p9QaA pic.twitter.com/RFRpQrbnQC
— USCG Great Lakes (@USCGGreatLakes) March 3, 2014

@Mapbox deploying vector based terrain layer next month https://t.co/mhvkBLstrP (Screenshot of Lake Clark Pass byHG) pic.twitter.com/h49OwAkqCj
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 4, 2014

A highlighter that doesn't block your view so you don't screw up your highlighting: http://t.co/4NUAtDSoKF pic.twitter.com/IMIcw3TYMr
— Lifehacker (@lifehacker) March 4, 2014

Petersburg sweeps education technology awards: 7th grade student, Madyson Sauer, works on her laptop in compu... http://t.co/mlQhYaxcv5
— KFSK (@KFSK1) March 4, 2014

#03-03-2014 - ComFish News Roundup

2014-03-03T10:01:00.000-09:00

Andy Cam slow motion bow shots http://t.co/Dq5DUKir1t
— Andy Hillstrand (@capt_andy) March 3, 2014

3/3/2014
Far too soon
Whoa, big fella.
Whether an Alaskan supports or opposes Pebble mine, following the rules is paramount. If the rules aren't followed in this case, then nothing prevents them from not being adhered to in other cases. The Environmental Protection Agency has signaled its intent to preempt the permitting process and block the mine. Mine developers haven't even submitted mining plans; EPA should at least look at plans before it..... http://www.ketchikandailynews.com/free/Local-edit-3-3

State Agency Petitions Removal of Species from Endangered List
Shannon Riddle, Weekend Digital Producer
POSTED: 04:42 PM AKST Mar 02, 2014
ANCHORAGE - A petition from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game may remove a subgroup of humpback whales from the list of endangered species. The humpback whale was one of the first species placed on the endangered species list in 1970 under the Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1969, following the devastation to the population due to modern whaling techniques and equipment. “We are petitioning for delisting given that this sub population is no longer at risk of extinction and in need of... http://www.ktuu.com/news/news/state-agency-petitions-removal-of-species-from-endangered-list/24768216

Alaska wolf killings upset National Park Service
By Associated Press
7:09 PM March 2, 2014
All 11 wolves in the Lost Creek pack near Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve were shot
FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) – Alaska Fish and Game officials killed an Eastern Interior wolf pack last week, and the National Park Service — which had been studying the animals — is none too pleased..... http://www.ktva.com/alaska-wolf-killings-upset-national-park-service/

U.S. Navy Analyzes Operations Within an Evolving Arctic Frontier
BY REUTERS ON FEBRUARY 28, 2014

gCaptain

By Andrea Shalal
WASHINGTON, Feb 27 (Reuters) – The U.S. Navy is mapping out how to expand its presence in the Arctic beginning about 2020, given signs that the region’s once permanent ice cover is melting faster than expected, which is likely to trigger more traffic, fishing and resource mining. “The Arctic is all about operating forward and being ready. We don’t think we’re going to have to do war-fighting up there, but we have to be ready,” said Rear Admiral Jonathan White, the Navy’s top oceanographer and navigator, and director of the Navy’s climate change task force. “We don’t want to have a demand for the Navy to operate up there, and have to say, ‘Sorry, we can’t go,’” he said. The Navy this week released an “aggressive” update to its 2009 Arctic plan after a detailed.... http://gcaptain.com/us-navy-updates-arctic-plan/

Market Reports
Gulf/South Atlantic
IFQ fisheries flourish; oysters, blue crab struggle; shrimp fortunes vary
WINNERS
The top finfish stocks — red grouper and red snapper — are in good shape, as are their fisheries, both now managed in the Gulf of Mexico under individual fishing quota programs. Cold water temperatures early in the year slowed the grouper harvest a bit, but mild weather toward year's end may well compensate when Florida's final numbers are tallied. Red snapper prices were a healthy $3.82 through mid-August in 2013. And average catch per trip value has risen over the past three years from $1,950 to $2,586 in 2013. Under IFQ management, the grouper fishery.... http://www.nationalfisherman.com/magazine-top/magazine/3056-market-reports

Colored lobster rope could be safer for whales
ROCKPORT, Maine - Preventing endangered northern right whales from becoming entangled in lobster gear could be as simple as changing the color of rope, a whale researcher says. If the whales can see the fishing gear more clearly, then they are better able to avoid it, said Scott Kraus, a leading researcher on northern right whales. "We know they can see the ropes. We thought by making them.... http://www.nationalfisherman.com/news-events/top-news/3085-colored-lobster-rope-could-be-safer-for-whales

Marine protected areas not holding up
Andrew Robinson
Published on March 03, 2014
A Memorial University geography professor who is part of an international group of researchers says we need to rethink how marine protected areas (MPA) worldwide serve the interests of conservation..... http://www.thetelegram.com/News/Local/2014-03-03/article-3631193/Marine-protected-areas-not-holding-up/1

The crisis in Ukraine could hit you right in the cereal box
By Roberto A. Ferdman 2 hours ago
Ukraine is the world’s third largest exporter of corn and fifth largest exporter of wheat, which has caused some havoc in those markets lately. While political unrest continues to grow in and around the country, global grain prices have charged upwards. ”The importance of the Black Sea region to global grain markets should not be understated,” Luke Mathews, an analyst at Commonwealth Bank of Australia, said in a note this morning (paywall). Global corn prices have risen by over 8% since the beginning of the year..... http://qz.com/183230/the-crisis-in-ukraine-could-hit-you-right-in-the-cereal-box/

Hey friends! Join my chat Wed at 1 p.m. CST w @KashiFoods. I’ll be talking about the benefits of proper nutrition. Follow #EatPositive #AD
— Kikkan Randall (@kikkanimal) March 3, 2014

Whole Foods to source from Ocean Beauty, closes its own company Select Fish in Seattle http://t.co/kXWhDOP13G @WholeFoods @OceanBeautySfd
— Seafood.com News (@SeafoodcomNews) March 3, 2014

“@byjillee: Honey Lemon Salmon Baked In Foil. Moist, flaky, & perfectly flavored! http://t.co/OrX5qKrsQY pic.twitter.com/20FPpgPb0c” < Nice work
— Copper River Salmon (@CopperRiverWild) March 2, 2014

This is cool. Mushing to #SaveBristolBay - #Iditarod pic.twitter.com/difppoMoOQ
— Brett Veerhusen (@brett_veerhusen) March 3, 2014

Amen. @nytimes Editorial Board says Obama Administration headed in right direction on Bristol Bay. http://t.co/eV8GtHxnIi
— Brett Veerhusen (@brett_veerhusen) March 3, 2014

Our very own @Jefferson_Rivet is in the air at the #iditarod2014 restart in Willow! Check in thru today for more! pic.twitter.com/3owv6EqPSv
— KTUU.com (@Ch2KTUU) March 2, 2014

Commercial Fishing Viewpoints | Marine Travellift 300 BFM https://t.co/UH3qk0RaN6
— DDC (@JuneauTek) March 3, 2014

Roe Herring Quota In BC, Canada Cut 3,000 ST From Original Plan http://t.co/jXS5zqvIUh
— minato-tsukiji (@minatotsukiji) March 3, 2014

Pork prices at risk as virus spreads: http://t.co/VMVxCjGkRr @JohnBarone
— Restaurant News (@NRNonline) March 3, 2014

Did you know that more seafood was caught or farmed in 2013 than ever before? #fishfight @hughsfishfight http://t.co/DZwylJ25xB
— Fish2Fork (@fish2fork) March 2, 2014

Read about the journey of a #fish to your plate here: http://t.co/kvrTBkDU2g #fishing #water #sail #sailing #boat pic.twitter.com/hU2vYuXcF2
— MaxSea (@MyMaxSea) March 3, 2014

Learn about how high resolution satellite photos can add an extra dimension to your #chart navigation here: http://t.co/xHXf5sHg2F #boat
— MaxSea (@MyMaxSea) March 3, 2014

Hearing reveals FAA behind on NextGen, Drone, consolidation https://t.co/tnTzQp32uV NextGen start in Alaska late 90's http://t.co/ODKD8Di9vy
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 3, 2014

Anyone know who's going to be in charge of traffic separation between drones and planes for #Iditarod2015 ?
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 3, 2014

First time I've woken up to a moose on my porch. pic.twitter.com/9bamGW3zkB
— Tegan Hanlon (@teganhanlon) March 2, 2014

The age of 'selfies.' A porch moose is the only thing that gets any Matterhorns out of bed at 9 a.m. pic.twitter.com/J6qniMueKg
— Tegan Hanlon (@teganhanlon) March 2, 2014

And when @VirginAtlantic do you put the fuel surcharge that's almost as much as the ticket back in the fare price? pic.twitter.com/jxzp8l4JLK
— Danny Sullivan (@dannysullivan) March 2, 2014

Breaking: Russia raises key rate to 7% from 5.5%; dollar hits record high against ruble on Ukraine crisis. http://t.co/pSeiZYuzTE
— Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) March 3, 2014

Matthew Mcconaughey thanks god at oscars http://t.co/1UqAhHrrvT via @youtube
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 3, 2014

This Chinese farmer made a scale replica of a Lamborghini. http://t.co/qprd97SaAX (Reuters) pic.twitter.com/iQUeNC12g8
— Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) March 3, 2014

What's the real culprit of Beijing's pollution? Heavy industry. http://t.co/LbojY6IFhI (EPA) pic.twitter.com/eesnF4hGI5
— Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) March 3, 2014

#Russia Internet monitoring agency blocks 13 pages linked to #Ukraine protests: http://t.co/DgqcyIsRYN
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 3, 2014

Anyone who thinks Putin wasn't happy to trade a few days of panic on Moscow's stock exchange for a warm-water port is still living in denial
— Just Karl (@justkarl) March 3, 2014

New York Bill Would Require Smartphone "Kill Switch" - Metropolis - WSJ http://t.co/XpaIkQ5L62 #JustSayNoToTriggerLocks
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 3, 2014

American Thinker: Blog: Does Russia Want Alaska Back? http://t.co/ahHvQEWOU9
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 3, 2014

Analog Matters: Viacom, NBCUniversal and ESPN dinged $2M for distributing fake Emergency Alert System tones http://t.co/x8xz6vXTGD
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 3, 2014

#03-02-2014 - ComFish News Roundup

2014-03-02T09:14:00.001-09:00

Who cares about Alaska salmon? Intentional or not, abuse is too common
Stian Stensland
March 1, 2014
Around 450,000 people sportfish in Alaska each year, catching about 2.5 million salmon, of which about half are released. A properly released salmon should survive, spawn, and then die -- completing its life cycle and role in the ecosystem. A December article on Alaska Dispatch features a researcher speculating that maybe half of caught and released salmon never spawn -- a number seven to 10 times greater than reported by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. If correct, that has huge consequences for Alaska’s sport fisheries. Correct or not, however, the debate emphasizes anglers’ responsibility to properly handle and release their catch in a way that minimizes harm or stress. Alaska sportfishing regulations state that molesting of fish is prohibited. Molesting is defined as: “harassing, disturbing, or interfering with fish by any means, including the use of any missile or object not established as legal gear; molesting includes dragging, kicking, throwing, striking, or... http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/20140301/who-cares-about-alaska-salmon-intentional-or-not-abuse-too-common

Feds, miners, Alaska natives: What they're saying about Pebble Mine
By Maria L. La Ganga
March 2, 2014, 8:00 a.m.
SEATTLE -- Now that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has begun the yearlong process that could lead to halting construction on the controversial Pebble Mine, stakeholders in Alaska’s bountiful Bristol Bay are weighing in. There is celebration over what could be possible protection for the world’s most productive sockeye salmon fishery. There is wariness about a process that could impede progress... http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-epa-pebble-mine-alaska-20140228,0,3551544.story

Coast Guard medevacs mariner near Dutch Harbor, Alaska
News Release
Date: March 01, 2014
U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Public Affairs Kodiak

Cold Bay, Alaska, United States. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Contact: Petty Office 3rd Class Jonathan Klingenberg

KODIAK, Alaska — An Air Station Kodiak Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew, deployed aboard to the Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley, medevaced a 40-year-old man from the 559-foot bulk carrier vessel Ken Ei 100 miles northwest of Dutch Harbor, Saturday.

The Dolphin crew transported the patient to Dutch Harbor where he was transferred to a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew, forward deployed to Cold Bay. The Jayhawk flew him to Cold Bay and transferred him to commercial medical services where he was flow to Anchorage for a higher level of care.

Watchstanders of the Coast Guard 17th District command center in Juneau were contacted by the master of the vessel reporting that a crewmember was suffering from abdominal distress. The Coast Guard duty flight surgeon was contacted and concurred with the need for medevac due to the possibility of appendicitis.

"This case illustrated the importance of the Coast Guard having multiple units not only patrolling the Bering Sea but also forward deployed to remote seasonal locations around the state of Alaska,” said Chief Petty Officer Chris Cole of the Coast Guard 17th District command center. “Professional unit coordination was key to getting this man to the advanced medical care he needed.”

Weather at the time of the incident was reported as 40 mph winds and 7-foot seas.

'Deadliest Catch' crabber Edgar Hansen felt at home on 'This Old House'
By Kate O'Hare March 1, 2014 11:30 AM ET
Back in September, before the start of king-crab season for the Bering Sea crab-fishing fleet on Discovery's "Deadliest Catch," Edgar Hansen, the deck boss and engineer on the F/V Northwestern, headed to the Boston area to do a guest stint on PBS' long-running home-improvement show "This Old House." When he spoke to Zap2it in the fall, Hansen hadn't yet filmed his spot. On this February day, during opilio-crab season, Hansen gets on a satellite phone from a stopover to offload crab..... http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2014/03/deadliest-catch-crabber-edgar-hansen-felt-at-home-on-this-old-house.html

BC Fishermen Stuck in the Middle of DFO Legal Battle
Union prepared for herring season as advised, now faces shutdown due to 'lack of consultation process' with First Nations.
By Kristian Secher, Yesterday, TheTyee.ca
B.C. fishermen say they're stuck in the middle of what has turned into a legal battle between the federal fisheries department and five Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations. The commercial herring roe fishery on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the Central Coast and Haida Gwaii is at the centre of the dispute. The largest fishermen's union in British Columbia is now urging all its members not to fish in these disputed areas. The move follows a recent Federal Court decision to overrule the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada's (DFO) decision to reopen commercial herring roe fisheries on.... http://www.thetyee.ca/News/2014/03/01/DFO_Legal_Battle/

In New Orleans courts, the legal gusher BP cannot contain
2 March 2014
STEVEN MUFSON, THE WASHINGTON POST
After a blowout at its Macondo exploration well killed 11 workers, set fire to the Deepwater Horizon oil rig and triggered a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, a contrite BP vowed to "make things right" and set aside $42.5 billion to do so. But nearly four years later, BP knows just how hard things can get in the Big Easy. The London-based oil giant is mired in litigation in federal courts in New Orleans. No longer apologetic, BP has stiffened its spine. It has filed new motions and countersuits, taken out a slew of full-page ads in newspapers (including The Washington Post) and enlisted the British ambassador to express concerns to the Obama administration over how aggrieved the company feels. One issue pending before US District Judge Carl Barbier is how much BP will have to pay the government in Clean Water Act fines, a figure that could range from less than BP's $3.5 billion estimate to the maximum allowable $18 billion. But the source of much of BP's ire lies with a legal donnybrook over a settlement designed to compensate individuals and businesses for economic harm caused by the spill. BP alleges that many of the 256,478 claims filed -- by a parade of fishermen, hotels, surf shops.... http://www.todayszaman.com/news-340881-in-new-orleans-courts-the-legal-gusher-bp-cannot-contain.html

Olympics, schmolympics. Kikkan Randall is back on top with World Cup gold! http://t.co/8ado57JvXW pic.twitter.com/Kpj2UuaRey
— Alaska Dispatch (@alaskadispatch) March 1, 2014

Valdez Ferry Dock Closed Due to Ice Damage http://t.co/W4PeV5RhrC pic.twitter.com/mW5I5JJqCC
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 2, 2014

PA: 'Wild for Salmon’ marking ten years in business (video) http://t.co/fKDr0KEJIS
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 2, 2014

On Being a Salmon Fishermen, Reflections with Pete Knutson of Loki Fish (video) http://t.co/siwo2zDff8
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 2, 2014

Video: View from Mitch Seavey's sled during the ceremonial start of #Iditarod, by Bill Roth. https://t.co/MPRROmu1E9
— Marc Lester (@marclesterphoto) March 2, 2014

Nathan Joseph the great grandson of original serum run musher Sam Joseph at the start of the Iditarod. pic.twitter.com/mFyyPaftbn
— Bob Hallinen (@adn_bhallinen) March 2, 2014

Alaska: Black Hawk (helo) rescues sledder from a river (video taken from the rescued!) http://t.co/Ez6dFbzUtB News > http://t.co/MWVJ19DesW
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 2, 2014

A $10,000 gigabyte: Why we shouldn't mourn for #LightSquared http://t.co/CoZfdwd2AH #GPS #AncillaryTerrestrialComponent #ATC
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 2, 2014

Why is #Bitcoin important according to us? A 'cryptic' hint. AAAA DNS. #IPv6 #SupplyChain
— Hauling Gear #Alaska (@haulinggear) March 1, 2014