UFA Update – February

8 Feb

The UFA Board meets next week, February 15-17 at St. Ann’s Parish Hall in Juneau. Meetings are open to UFA members.

To support UFA by becoming a member see http://www.ufa-fish.org/members.htm

Contents:

  • SeaAlliance Update – special to UFA members on Twitter, Facebook, Utube …

  • EVOS claimants – Exxon has requested an extension on your 1099s

  • NOAA to Release Draft Aquaculture Policies on Feb. 9 (teleconf) & meetings

  • Senators Begich and Murkowski Introduce Legislation Banning “Frankenfish”

  • EPA includes Pebble in Bristol Bay review

  • Murkowski Announces Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Assignments

  • Murkowski Announces Federal Crab IFQ Loan Program is Accepting Applications

  • Seafood should be next up on FDA plate

  • Halibut Commission Completes 2011 Annual Meeting

  • KTUU Charter Halibut Part 1: Halibut Guides Grapple with New Federal Regulations

  • NMFS posts 2C & 3A Charter logbook regs …

  • Coal project draws fire: Outspoken crowd critical of Chuitna mining plan

  • Chuitna Coal Mine Unsuitable Lands Petition: Tyonek hearing reset to Feb 19

  • Governor Denounces Decision on ‘Wild Lands’

  • New fishing boundaries gaining attention

  • BC: The American attempt to kill B.C.’s salmon farms

  • Laine Welch’s Fish Radio -topics from this week

  • NPFMC – Items from the February Meeting:

  • Boards of Fisheries Call For Proposals – SE, PWS; PCod; and Statewide Misc Shellfish …

  • Alaska Sustainable Salmon Fund outreach and Education grant – apply by March 7

  • Comment Deadline April 4 on BSAI Crab Amendment 37 process

  • Federal Subsistence Board Acts on Fish Proposals …

  • Deadline Feb. 18, for Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council applications

  • Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council meetings:

  • Comment deadline February 15 on Subsistence Halibut Special Permits and Logs

  • Deadline June 30 for IPHC Merit Scholarships

  • Deadline Feb 25 for Commercial Troller payment for king salmon offset

  • DNR 2011 Aquatic Farm Application Opening: Jan 1 – May 2, 2011

  • Online Survey – NOAA Weather Observation Systems in Alaska


1. SeaAlliance wants you – special to UFA members on Twitter, Facebook, Utube

Southeast Alaska and Sustainable Fisheries – A Lasting Relationship Kodiak Alaska : A SeaAlliance Community Alaska’s waters produce the finest sustainable seafood in the world. It is an amazing system – we catch them and the world gets to eat them!

http://www.marineconservationalliance.org/sea_alliance/email_template/SSNY_newsletter.html

2. EVOS claimants – Exxon has requested an extension on your 1099s. The 2010 Form 1099-MISC for Exxon-Valdez Oil Spill (EVOS) claimants are due out on or before 2/25/2011. The Exxon Qualified Settlement Fund (EQSF) has requested an extension of time to file from the IRS to that date. I haven’t found any online coverage of this – thanks for the heads up from fisherman Bruce Gabrys, CPA, MBA at Mikunda, Cottrell & Co.

3. NOAA to Release Draft Aquaculture Policies on Feb. 9 (teleconf); Informational Briefings for the Public Set for Feb. 9, 16, and 23.

The U.S. Department of Commerce and NOAA are releasing complementary draft national aquaculture policies for public comment on Feb 9, after 9 a.m. (Eastern). The policies and online comment forms will be available via the NOAA Aquaculture Program website on Feb. 9 at: http://aquaculture.noaa.gov. NOAA will be seeking public comment on the draft policies for the next 60 days.

Also, at 4:30 p.m. (Eastern) on Feb. 9, (12:30 PM Alaska Time) NOAA is hosting a national constituent call-in. For call in number and passcode Click here

4. Senators Begich and Murkowski Introduce Legislation Banning “Frankenfish” U.S.

Senators Mark Begich (D-Alaska) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today formally introduced legislation to ban genetically-engineered (GE) salmon. The legislation, and a companion bill that would require labeling of GE fish, are in response to a proposal by AquaBounty Technologies currently under consideration by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Frankenfish threatens our wild stocks, their habitat, our food safety, and would bring economic harm to Alaska’s wild salmon fishermen,” Begich said. “Genetically-modified salmon, the first such hybrid to be considered for human consumption, is risky, unprecedented and unnecessary.”

Senator Begich Press Release:

http://begich.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=1f3e84f5-1e1b-4b48-a16a-c1d9d802cbe6&ContentType_id=ef710aa3-7e29-440a-b9de-316ee20df1b5

Also be sure to see HJR 8, a resolution by the Alaska State Legislature asking the FDA to not approve genetically modified salmon and to require labeling …

5. EPA includes Pebble in Bristol Bay review PEBBLE: Unusual move comes before permit applications filed.
By Elizabeth Bluemink, Anchorage Daily News

The federal Environmental Protection Agency said Monday that it will review the consequences of large-scale development projects, such as the proposed copper and gold Pebble mine, in the Bristol Bay watershed …

The EPA, however, did not give the petitioners what they had requested. The agency declined to formally consider blocking mining waste disposal in waterways downstream of the Pebble deposit. The agency said it might — or might not — consider taking that step in the future.

http://www.adn.com/2011/02/07/1688653/epa-to-review-bristol-bay-projects.html

EPA Press Release:

http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/1e5ab1124055f3b28525781f0042ed40/8c1e5dd5d170ad99852578300067d3b3!OpenDocument

Murkowski Welcomes EPA Decision to Study Bristol Bay Watershed … “The EPA’s decision to withhold judgment on the potential environmental impact of projects, like the Pebble Mine, until all the scientific information has been collected and analyzed is a prudent decision,” Murkowski said.

http://murkowski.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=edafaf75-fd32-474a-8da2-9ece1aebe5b3&ContentType_id=b94acc28-404a-4fc6-b143-a9e15bf92da4&Group_id=c01df158-d935-4d7a-895d-f694ddf41624

Begich Responds to EPA Review of Large-Scale Development Projects

http://begich.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=a5a5ce4d-2916-44f3-b0a3-e12071fabb9f&ContentType_id=ef710aa3-7e29-440a-b9de-316ee20df1b5

6. Murkowski Announces Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Assignments

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, is the new ranking Republican member on the Senate Appropriations Interior and Environment Subcommittee, a panel with jurisdiction over a number of federal agencies that play a major role in Alaska …

The Interior-Environment Subcommittee has jurisdiction over a number of federal agencies important to Alaska, including the Bureau of Land Management, Environmental Protection Agency, Forest Service, Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Indian Health Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

… the Homeland Security Subcommittee will give her funding responsibilities for the Coast Guard …

http://murkowski.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=e650badd-eb64-4eac-85e5-ceac67740747&ContentType_id=b94acc28-404a-4fc6-b143-a9e15bf92da4&Group_id=c01df158-d935-4d7a-895d-f694ddf41624

Congratulations to Senator Murkowski for these assignments that are critical to the public access to sustainable seafood through your commercial fishing industry!

7. Murkowski Announces Federal Crab IFQ Loan Program is Accepting Applications

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today announced that the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is accepting applications for the Crab Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) loan program, which was finalized in December 2010. The Bering Sea Aleutian Island Crab IFQ loan program will allow crab captains and crew to borrow up to 80 percent of the cost of purchasing Crab quota shares, or refinance an existing IFQ loan. It is available to all former and current crab skippers and crewmen who meet eligibility requirements …

To request an application or receive more information on the crab loan program please contact the NMFS at (206) 526-6122 or by email nw.finance@noaa.gov

Senator Murkowski press release:

http://murkowski.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=2febb5e0-114b-45cd-9644-8a4ac497ba4f&ContentType_id=b94acc28-404a-4fc6-b143-a9e15bf92da4&Group_id=c01df158-d935-4d7a-895d-f694ddf41624

8. Seafood should be next up on FDA plate
By Mary Harris – 02/01/11 09:32 AM ET

Yesterday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced the release of the new 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The guidelines represent another step forward for the health of our nation. Just as the dietary guidelines were updated based on the latest nutrition information, it is time the Obama Administration got the rest of its dietary advice up to speed …

Advice from the FDA to pregnant women and young children about the consumption of seafood no longer stands the test of time. The Dietary Guidelines released yesterday recognize the benefits of a diet that is rich in seafood. It is time the FDA did the same …

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/healthcare/141395-seafood-should-be-next-up-on-fda-plate

USDA and DHSS Dietary Guidelines home page: http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines

9. Halibut Commission Completes 2011 Annual Meeting
Monday, 31 January 2011 09:33

The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) completed its Eighty-seventh Annual Meeting in Victoria, B.C., with Dr. Laura J. Richards of Nanaimo B.C. presiding as Chair. The Commission is recommending to the governments of Canada and the United States catch limits for 2011 totaling 41,070,000 pounds, an 18.9% decrease from the 2010 catch limit of 50,670,000 pounds …

Control of Charter Harvest in Area 2C

The catch of halibut in sport fisheries and the enforcement of domestic allocation limits, particularly for charter vessels, were discussed at length. The Commission recognizes that U.S. agencies wish to adhere to domestic allocation limits but effective controls remain to be implemented through a Catch Sharing Plan (CSP) in 2012 … The Commission recommends continuation of a one-fish daily bag limit with an additional restriction that the retained fish must be no larger than 37 inches (total length) and a requirement to retain the frame until landing, if halibut are legally filleted at sea …

For details and catch limits see:

http://www.iphc.int/news-releases/159-nr20110131.html

Meanwhile, to see how the other half lives, take a trip to the whine country on Channel 2:

10. KTUU Charter Halibut series: Part 1: Can’t Catch a Break: Halibut Guides Grapple with New Federal Regulations

http://articles.ktuu.com/2011-02-07/halibut_27106915

KTUU full story:

http://www.ktuu.com/news/ktuu-halibut-guides-federal-permits-20110207,0,216265.story

KTUU online poll: How would you regulate Alaska’s halibut sport fishing guides?

http://www.speakupalaska.com/topic/70/How_would_you_regulate_Alaskas_halibut_sport_fishing_guides

Craig Medred: Taking the billy to Alaska halibut anglers
Jan 19, 2011

Just when Alaska fishing guides thought the heavy hand of the federal government couldn’t get any heavier, along comes the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA) with the announcement that it will this summer be illegal for guides of any sort in Alaska to take family, friends or relatives halibut fishing on their boat without buying a pricey, new limited entry permit …

http://www.alaskadispatch.com/dispatches/politics/8374-taking-the-billy-to-alaska-halibut-anglers

11. NMFS posts 2C & 3A Charter logbook regs

SUMMARY: NMFS issues regulations to amend the recordkeeping and reporting requirements for the Pacific halibut guided sport fishery in International Pacific Halibut Commission Regulatory Area 2C (Southeast Alaska) and Area 3A (Central Gulf of Alaska). Federal register Feb. 7:

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2011/2011-2641.htm

12. Coal project draws fire: Outspoken crowd critical of Chuitna mining plan

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources held a public hearing Wednesday evening at the Challenger Learning Center in Kenai regarding a petition to declare the salmon streams within the Chuitna Watershed unsuitable for surface coal mining …

Nearly 150 people attended the hearing presided over by two members of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, with 56 signed up to submit spoken testimony. In addition to the representatives present from the DNR, Department of Fish and Game staff members, sport and commercial fishermen, lodge owners, Alaska Native subsistence users, and many others all turned out to speak their minds and hear the input of others …

http://www.peninsulaclarion.com/stories/012011/new_773556035.shtml

Alaska salmon threatened by coal – Homer Tribune Commentary
By Bill Sherwonit

http://homertribune.com/2011/01/alaska-salmon-threatened-by-coal/

13. Chuitna Coal Mine Unsuitable Lands Petition: Tyonek hearing reset to Feb 19.

Due to weather conditions affecting south central Alaska, the hearing scheduled for February 2nd in Tyonek has been rescheduled for Saturday February 19, 2010 …

Public Notice of Hearing rescheduling:

http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/mining/coal/chuit/index.htm

Beluga Coal Exploration Permit Renewed:

http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/mining/coal/beluga/explore/index.htm

Unsuitable Lands Petition Home page:

http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/mining/coal/chuit/index.htm

Chuitna Coal Mine DNR Large Mines home page:

http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/mining/largemine/chuitna/index.htm

14. Governor Denounces Decision on ‘Wild Lands’

January 27, 2011, Juneau, Alaska – Governor Sean Parnell expressed grave concerns about a recent decision by U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to evaluate 87 million acres of federal land in Alaska as potential “wild lands.” That designation would effectively allow the federal government to create more wilderness in Alaska without congressional oversight.

In comments submitted to the Department of the Interior, Governor Parnell said Interior’s wild lands designation will diminish access to federal lands and cost jobs …

http://gov.alaska.gov/parnell/press-room/full-press-release.html?pr=5637

15. New fishing boundaries gaining attention
By WES HANNA, Kodiak Daily Mirror Writer

Kodiak Rep. Alan Austerman is sounding an alarm about a federal initiative to rechart boundaries around Alaska and Kodiak Island that define the three-mile limit for state fisheries.

The issue is gaining attention in Kodiak this week because the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has expressed an intention to begin enforcing the new boundaries for the upcoming state commercial groundfish fishery.

http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=9537

16. BC: The American attempt to kill B.C.’s salmon farms

… After prices for Alaskan salmon began to improve, the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations wrote, “A lot of folks can take credit for the improved market for wild salmon, from the California Salmon Council and the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, to the chefs that revolted at serving farmed salmon, but the programs Packard [the David and Lucille Packard Foundation] helped fund played a big part in boosting our markets and no one in our industry should ever forget that.” …

http://www.vancouversun.com/opinion/American+attempt+kill+salmon+farms/4201024/story.html

Correction: In 2002 Alaska salmon total ex-vessel value was 165.5 Million. In 2008 it was $452 million. In 2010 the preliminary estimate is $533 million. These ex-vessel values by year are online at http://www.cf.adfg.state.ak.us/geninfo/finfish/salmon/salmcatch.php. We have done very well by promoting and protecting the sustainability of our Alaska seafood industry rather than wasting our time bashing others, and the public has caught on.

17. Laine Welch’s Fish Radio -topics from this week

2/8 – Salmon market outlook favors Alaska
2/7 – ADF&G Budget wish list
2/4 – Bio-fuels from algae, sea grass, eels and electricity
2/3 – US diet guidelines include fish for first time, world is eating more seafood
2/2 – Bering Sea Crab loan program finally taking applications

http://www.marineconservationalliance.org/?page_id=846

18. NPFMC – Items from the February Meeting:

BSAI Crab Motion

http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/current_issues/crab/CrabMotion211.pdf

NPFMC home page:

http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/

19. Boards of Fisheries Call For Proposals – SE, PWS; PCod; and Statewide Misc Shellfish

Proposal Deadline: 5:00 P.M. Friday, April 29, 2011

Public Notice:

http://notes3.state.ak.us/pn/pubnotic.nsf/cc52605f7c156e7a8925672a0060a91b/f66ec343c3d0e0708925782b00020a4f?OpenDocument

Complete notice:

http://notes3.state.ak.us/icons/fileatt.gif

20. Alaska Sustainable Salmon Fund outreach and Education grant – apply by March 7

Please follow the hyperlinks below for information on another Alaska Sustainable Salmon Fund (AKSSF) outreach and education grant solicitation, administered by the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED). Questions on the grant program should be directed to Janet Davis at DCCED (contact information below). Please note these grants have a non-federal match requirement (36%). Grant applications must be received by DCCED no later than March 7, 2011. Following this grant solicitation, no additional funding is anticipated for AKSSF outreach and education grants.

AKSSF Outreach and Education Grant Solicitation Guide

http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/dca/pub/AKSSF_Outreach_and_Education_Program_Guidelines.pdf

AKSSF Outreach and Education Grant Application (Adobe PDF version)

http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/dca/pub/AKSSF_Outreach_and_Education_Grant_Program_Application.pdf

AKSSF Outreach and Education Grant Application (Microsoft Word version)

http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/dca/pub/AKSSF_Outreach_and_Education_Grant_Program_Application.doc

AKSSF Home page:

http://www.adfg.state.ak.us/special/akssf/index.php

21. Comment Deadline April 4 on BSAI Crab Amendment 37 process

The Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Crab Rationalization Program (Program) allocates BSAI crab resources among harvesters, processors, and coastal communities. Amendment 37 would amend the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs (FMP) and the Program by establishing a process for eligible fishery participants to request that NMFS exempt holders of West-designated individual fishing quota (IFQ) and individual processor quota (IPQ) in the Western Aleutian Islands golden king crab fishery from the West regional delivery requirements. Federal regulations require West-designated golden king crab IFQ to be delivered to a processor in the West region of the Aleutian Islands with an exact amount of unused West-designated IPQ. However, processing capacity may not be available each season. Amendment 37 is necessary to prevent disruption to the Western Aleutian Islands golden king crab fishery, while providing for the sustained participation of municipalities in the region …

DATES: Comments on the amendment must be submitted on or before April 4, 2011.

Federal Register Notice Feb 1:

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2011/2011-2199.htm

22. Federal Subsistence Board Acts on Fish Proposals

The Federal Subsistence Board met January 18-20 to take action on proposed changes to Federal subsistence fishing regulations. Three proposals were before the Board to restrict or prohibit customary trade in the Yukon River Management Area. The Board deferred action on two of these proposals and requested that the Western Interior, Eastern Interior and Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Advisory Councils form a subcommittee to work toward consensus on a definition of a “significant commercial enterprise.” …

The Federal Subsistence Board deferred a proposal to divide the Yukon River Subdistrict 5D into three subdistricts …

For the Kodiak Management Area, the Board adopted a proposal to reduce the harvest limit of king crab from six to three per household for Federally qualified subsistence users …

For the Southeast Alaska and Yakutat Areas, the Federal Subsistence Board adopted with modification a proposal to extend the sockeye salmon fishing season in the Klawock River. The Board also deferred a proposal to close units 1C and 1D to eulachon fishing to allow more input by local users.

The Board provided the opportunity for Tribal leaders to consult on the proposed subsistence fishing regulations on January 18. The Board also met with Tribal leaders on January 21 to discuss and begin the development of a Tribal consultation process to incorporate into the Federal Subsistence Management Program …

For complete info see January 25 Press release at http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/news.cfml

23. Deadline Feb. 18, for Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council applications

Scroll down to Feb 18 item under DEADLINES at http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/deadline.cfml

24. Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council meetings:

Feb. 15-16, 2011 Seward Peninsula Regional Advisory Council – Nome
Feb. 23-24, 2011 Yukon Kuskokwim Delta RAC – Mountain Village
Mar. 1-2, 2011 Western Interior RAC – Galena
Mar. 3-4, 2011 Eastern Interior RAC – Fairbanks
Mar. 7-8, 2011 North Slope RAC – Barrow
Mar. 9-10, 2011 Bristol Bay RAC – Naknek
Mar. 16-17, 2011 Southcentral RAC – Anchorage
Mar. 18, 2011 Northwest Arctic Regional Advisory Council to meet in Kotzebue
Mar. 22-23, 2011 Kodiak/Aleutians Regional Advisory Council to meet in Kodiak
Mar. 22-24, 2011 Southeast Regional Advisory Council to meet in Sitka

See http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/newsrel/r020111.pdf for details and contact numbers.

Federal office of Subsistence Management home page:

http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/index.cfml

25. Comment deadline February 15 on Subsistence Halibut Special Permits and Harvest Logs.

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-31658.htm

26. Deadline June 30 for IPHC Merit Scholarships

… Generally, a single scholarship valued at $2,000 (US) per year, will be awarded. The scholarships are renewable annually for the normal four-year period of undergraduate education, subject to maintenance of satisfactory academic performance …

Applications are available through the Commission offices and must be received by June 30, 2011:

http://www.iphc.int/news-releases/164-nr20110204.html

27. Deadline Feb 25 for Commercial Troller payment for king salmon offset

http://kfsk.org/modules/local_news/index.php?op=centerBlock&syndicated=true&ID=1581

AK DCCED Chinook Salmon Direct Distribution Program page:

http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/dca/Chinook_Salmon.htm

28. DNR 2011 Aquatic Farm Application Opening: Jan 1 – May 2, 2011
DNR Public Notice:

http://notes3.state.ak.us/pn/pubnotic.nsf/cc52605f7c156e7a8925672a0060a91b/daaf7690b1cff57b89257807007a8753?OpenDocument

29. Online Survey – NOAA Weather Observation Systems in Alaska

SURVEY LINK: http://www.arh.noaa.gov/ob_locations.php

UFA dues for Alaska commercial fishing permit holders are $150 and we also welcome crew/supporter nonvoting members at $50 per year.

To support UFA by becoming a member see http://www.ufa-fish.org/members.htm

We encourage you to support UFA Business members – see list at http://www.ufa-fish.org/bm.htm