Fish Factor: COVID-19 pandemic had dire impact on fish prices
The single biggest hit to fishermen from the COVID-19 virus is lower dock prices, according to Alaska and west coast harvesters, and 98 percent said their businesses were badly bashed by the pandemic.
Tanner crab commissioner’s permit fishery opens March 1
A commissioner’s permit Tanner crab fishery is set to open March 1 in the eastern and western districts of Prince William Sound.
Board of fisheries 2021-2022 meeting schedule doubled up
Alaska’s Board of Fisheries has postponed its 2020-2021 meetings until 2021-2022, due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, but will hold a web conference on March 8 to address several expiring sunset dates of fishery management plans.
Copper River sockeye forecast is down, PWS humpy forecast rising
State fisheries managers are forecasting a decreased run of 724,000 to 1,869,000 wild sockeye salmon into the Copper River, plus a robust 10-28 million plus wild humpies into Prince William Sound for the 2021 commercial fishing season.
P-cod state waters season opens in PWS
Fishing for Pacific cod has opened to vessels with pot gear in state waters of Prince William Sound, with a 1,094,044-pound guideline harvest level.
Fish Factor: BSFA venture aims to grow Alaska’s ocean economy
New ocean-related jobs, investments and opportunities will be seeded by an ambitious Blue Pipeline Venture Studio that connects marine business entrepreneurs with the technology, contacts and finances they need to grow.
Sitka crewmember training program accepting applicants
Applications are open for a crewmember training program based in Sitka to help teach young people about commercial fishing opportunities and the industry’s importance to coastal community economies.
Fish Factor: IPHC boosts coastwide catch for Pacific halibut
Pacific halibut harvesters got some rare good news in late January: increased catches in 2021 along with a longer fishing season.
Oceana urges end to illegal fishing, seafood fraud
Results of a nationwide poll by the ocean conservation nonprofit Oceana concludes that Americans overwhelmingly support national policies to end illegal fishing and seafood fraud.
U.S. Coast Guard will hold virtual formal hearing on loss of F/V Scandies Rose
A formal virtual hearing to consider evidence related to the sinking of the fishing vessel Scandies Rose is now scheduled by the U.S. Coast Guard to be held on Feb. 22 at the Center for the Arts in Edmonds, Washington.
