Navy says Northern Edge 2021 plans include no new activities
U.S. Navy officials are seeking public comment through Feb. 16 on proposed continuing periodic military training activities within the Gulf of Alaska.
Oceana offers free online educational classes for kids
With many schools turning to online classes as a safety measure during the global pandemic the conservation entity Oceana is offering free online ocean-related lesson plans and activities for kids that can be downloaded and enjoyed.
State waters P-cod pot/jig season closes, parallel season begins
State fishery managers are reminding commercial harvesters of Pacific cod that the state-waters P-cod fishery for pot and jig gear closes at midnight Dec. 31, with the parallel Pacific cod season immediately opening to pot, jig and longline gear on Jan. 1.
Study: Planning will better protect fisheries during climate change
A new study published in the journal Science Advances concludes that by planning ahead in the face of rapid climate change conservation of fish and other marine life in warming ocean waters will prove more effective.
Start-up training offered as interest grows in seaweed farming
Growing interest in farming seaweed commercially as part of the state’s developing ocean economy has prompted a second round of training opportunity for those interested in starting their own seafood farm in Alaska.
ADF&G solicits bids for PWS Pollock test fishery
Alaska Department of Fish and Game officials are soliciting bids to contract a vessel for a test fishery using pelagic trawl gear in early January to harvest up to 408 metric tons (900,000 pounds) of Pollock in Prince William Sound Registration Area E.
Young Fishermen’s Development Act approved by Congress
Bipartisan legislation similar to programs that provide training, apprenticeships and additional support in the agriculture industry has passed both houses of Congress, in support of the next generation of commercial seafood harvesters.
NPFMC prepares for February meeting
Federal fisheries managers preparing for virtual meeting of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council have released the agenda for the session, to be held Feb. 5 and Feb. 8-12, and are welcoming written comments through Jan 29.
CRWP hopes to recycle more fish nets this spring
More snow is in the forecast for Cordova this week, but that’s not stopping the Copper River Watershed Project from looking forward to spring and the odds of shipping out a container load of old commercial gillnets for recycling in Portugal. They would be made into raw plastic for new products.
Coast Guard offers extension on credentials, course approvals
Coast Guard officials have announced an extension of merchant marine credential endorsements, medical certificates and course approvals to meet challenges caused by the global novel coronavirus pandemic.
