UFA Update – July

1 Jul

July 27, 2011

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

Alaska Fishing Industry Relief Mission has passed $375K in funds for Tsunami relief for fishermen. Bering Sea Crabbers lead the way.

To go directly to donation by credit card through PayPal CLICK HERE

AFIRM Home Page: WWW.AKJAPANHELP.ORG
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CONTENTS


  • NOAA seeks public input on sustainable management of halibut stock

  • KTUUVIDEO: Small Catch, Big Impact – 2 part series (more Halibut Charter)

  • French chefs, food writers tour Alaska fisheries, restaurants

  • Calista Corp. to close chain of Alaska newspapers

  • Governor Parnell: August is United States Coast Guard Appreciation Month

  • Scientific Review of Steller Sea Lion Bi-Op is Critical of NMFS findings

  • Hokkaido gov’t begins training fishermen for Stellar sea lion hunt

  • Catch Shares – Recreational Fishermen, Let Commercial Side Work It Out.

  • Navy gets OK to sink ships in Gulf of Alaska target practice

  • Kaltag fish processing plant closes for summer

  • Pollock industry moves to reduce chum salmon bycatch

  • Statewide salmon harvest tops 38 million fish (now 71 million)

  • ‘Property right’ to Cook Inlet salmon denied

  • Upper Cook Inlet bracing for nearly 10 million sockeyes

  • Judge voids new salmon regs for Inlet

  • River guides protest bait restrictions

  • Kenai Setnetters share in king conservation effort

  • Alaska Senators Fight Against “Devastating” Genetically-Engineered Fish

  • The secret of wild salmon – Juneau Empire opinion by Rich Moniak

  • Time Magazine cover story: The future of fish

  • Governor Parnell: Susitna-Watana Hydro Project Gets Traction

  • AK DEC General Permit for Medium-Size Suction Dredge Placer Mines posted

  • Bristol Bay Critical Habitat Areas Draft Mgmt Plan Comment by August 12

  • Taku River Tlingit, B.C. agree to land use plan in Atlin Taku area

  • House Resources Committee Passes Sealaska Bill

  • WTO finds for Vietnam in U.S. shrimp dumping case

  • MCA names new Executive Director Merrick Burden

  • NPRB welcomes Program Manager, Danielle Dickson

  • 2012 Alaska Marine Science Symposium Call for Abstracts – closes October 3

  • NOAA Aquaculture and other staff receive distinguished NOAA Administrator Award

  • Study: Genetically modified salmon can breed with wild fish

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

  • FISHSAFE.INFO -Schedule Your FREE ‘No Fault’ Dockside Safety Exam Today

  • Comment by Aug. 17 on National Policy for Distinguishing Serious From Non-Serious Injuries of Marine Mammals

  • Comment by August 17 on Chinook Salmon Economic Data Program (pollock fisheries)

  • Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee tele meeting Aug 16 & 23

  • Comment by September 23 on BSAI Crab Amendment 30 document procedures

  • Comment by September 9 on GOA Groundfish Amendment 83 sector allocations

  • Comment by September 13 on GOA & BSAI Groundfish logbook family of forms

  • Nominate a young environmental steward for President’s Champions for Change

  • Federal Subsistence Board Meets in Work Session, Considers Several Issues

  • Alaska Sustainable Salmon Fund psoposals open Aug 17 –deadline Sept. 28

  • Nominations sought for Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC)

  • US Fish and Wildlife Service Fish Photo Contest.

  • Salmonstock Festival – August 5, 6 & 7th, Ninilchik

  • Copper River Wild Salmon Festival, July 28-30, 2011, Cordova


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1. NOAA seeks public input on sustainable management of halibut stock – Comment deadline Sept. 16 on Catch Share Program

NOAA’s Fisheries Service is seeking public comment on a draft rule, called a catch sharing plan, designed to sustainably manage the halibut stock in southeast Alaska and the central Gulf of Alaska. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council recommended the rule to establish a clear allocation between the commercial and charter sectors that fish in these areas. Currently, the commercial and charter halibut fisheries are managed under different programs. The commercial halibut fishery has been managed under a catch limit program since 1995 … The proposed catch sharing plan, which is scheduled to be in place by 2012, is designed to foster a sustainable fishery by preventing overharvesting of halibut and would introduce provisions that provide flexibility for charter and commercial fishermen.

NOAA Press Release
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/newsreleases/2011/halibutstock072111.htm

NOAA Sport Halibut page:
http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/halibut/sport.htm

Regulations.gov:
http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;dct=FR+PR+N+O+SR+PS;rpp=10;po=0;D=NOAA-NMFS-2011-0180

Federal Register Notice:
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-07-22/html/2011-18321.htm

Long term Charter Halibut issues at NPFMC:
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/current_issues/halibut_issues/halibut.htm
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2. KTUUVIDEO: Small Catch, Big Impact – 2 part series (more Halibut Charter)

VIDEO: Small Catch, Big Impact Part 1:
http://www.ktuu.com/ktuu-part-1-small-catch-big-impact-20110719,0,1158944.tivideo

VIDEO: Small Catch, Big Impact Part 2:
http://www.ktuu.com/ktuu-video-small-catch-big-impact-part-2-20110720,0,6010868.tivideo

and more …

No Fishing: Judge Denies Charter Halibut Operators’ Injunction Request Halibut Charter Operators File Suit Against Dept. of Commerce Can’t Catch a Break: Halibut Guides Cite Casualties of New Regulations at:
http://www.ktuu.com/ktuu-small-catch-big-impact-20110718,0,7328403.special
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3. French chefs, food writers tour Alaska fisheries, restaurants

KODIAK — Kodiak is showing some of France’s most renowned chefs how we harvest seafood around the island — and how we love to cook it. Along for the experience are journalists writing for French food publications who will take home stories of their time in Alaska.

The trip is organized as part of the international outreach of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, a $7.5 million per year endeavor to increase the value of Alaska seafood products.

On Tuesday in Kodiak, the French party boarded the fishing vessel Arctic Hunter to learn more about the scallop industry. They then were treated to a reception that featured cuisine by chef Joel Chenet and allowed the group to meet local fishing interests and community leaders …
http://www.adn.com/2011/07/23/1982515/french-chefs-food-writers-tour.html
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4. Calista Corp. to close chain of Alaska newspapers

Calista, an Alaska Native corporation for the Bethel region, announced today it is closing a long-standing chain of newspapers that serve rural Alaska. Calista’s board of directors voted today to “shut down and liquidate” Alaska Newspapers Inc., the company says.

ANI encompasses six weekly rural papers including the multi-award winning Tundra Drums out of Bethel, the award winning quarterly magazine First Alaskans, as well as Camai Printing, a traditional printing house based in Anchorage.

The weekly newspapers also include Arctic Sounder, Bristol Bay Times, Cordova Times, Dutch Harbor Fisherman and Seward Phoenix Log. The publications have helped bring about change in rural Alaska by raising awareness of the disparities in health, water, sewer, energy, telecommunications and transportation infrastructure.

Read more:
http://community.adn.com/adn/node/157662#ixzz1T9AXl8AR
http://community.adn.com/adn/node/157662

Senator Murkowski’s response:
Demise “Will Leave a Big Hole in the Communities They Served”

A-greed! These papers all feature important fisheries and community news not covered elsewhere. Hat’s off those who can still remain in business.
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5. Governor Parnell: August is United States Coast Guard Appreciation Month

Effective Date: Monday, August 1st, 2011

WHEREAS, the United States Coast Guard has faithfully protected our nation’s shores since August 4, 1790, and is the nation’s oldest continuous seagoing service …

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sean Parnell, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim August 2011 as: United States Coast Guard Appreciation Month in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to recognize and appreciate the honorable service provided to the residents of Alaska and our nation by the brave men and women of the United States Coast Guard …

http://gov.alaska.gov/parnell/press-room/full-proclamation.html?pr=5855
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6. Scientific Review of Steller Sea Lion Bi-Op is Critical of NMFS findings

A new draft report of an independent scientific review of a recent biological opinion by the National Marine Fisheries Service on the impact of groundfish fisheries on Steller sea lions is critical of the NMFS report.

Fishermen’s News story:
http://fnonlinenews.blogspot.com/2011/07/scientific-review-of-steller-sea-lion.html

and

SSL BiOp Peer Review Panel – Mtg Aug 22 in Anchorage, Comment by Sept. 1

Comment deadline is Sept 1 and a public meeting is scheduled August 22 in Anchorage to provide an opportunity for the independent science panel members to receive comments and feedback on the draft review and recommendations.

Draft report:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/steller_sealions/fmp_biop_ind_sci_rev_21july2011.pdf

Review Panel home page:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/steller_sealions/tof.html
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7. Hokkaido gov’t begins training fishermen for Stellar sea lion hunt to reduce fisheries damage

SEAFOOD.COM NEWS [Japan Reports] Tokyo – July 15, 2011

The Hokkaido government is poised to reduce damage on fisheries caused by Steller’s sea lions, especially in northeastern part of the prefecture.

As a concrete step, the government started this month subsidizing the fees for training seminars for fishermen to obtain permits to hunt Steller’s sea lions …

The damage on fisheries in Hokkaido in fiscal 2009 amounted to Y1.35 billion …

http://www.seafoodnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?StoryId=841955
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8. Catch Shares – Recreational Fishermen, Let Commercial Side Work It Out.
Opinion by Brad Warren – originally posted in Seafood.com

Sometime in the next week or two, in the broiling midsummer heat on Capitol Hill, lawmakers who work on fisheries will attempt to reclaim their ears. It will be a delicate operation, and it may not go well …

The louder lobby (and much more shrill) is the crowd fighting against catch shares. Jostling at the front of this pack are the sport-fishing warriors from the Coastal Conservation Association and the Recreational Fishing Alliance. They aim to block development of new catch-share systems for their commercial and charter rivals, fearing these regimes might lock up coveted harvests on which they’ve set their sights. The byword for CCA remains: “Reallocation.”

http://www.seafoodnet.com/NewsStory.aspx?StoryId=844870
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9. Navy gets OK to sink ships in Gulf of Alaska target practice

The Navy has obtained authority to blast and sink as many as two real ships a year in the Gulf of Alaska over the next five years to give pilots and gunners authentic targets for their sights.

But ocean campaigners say that even decommissioned, stripped-out ships, like the ones the Navy will use as targets, contain residual hazardous materials that can poison the Gulf’s rich habitat for years. They’re trying to stop the target practice before it begins …

http://www.adn.com/2011/07/25/1985023/navy-gets-ok-to-sink-ships-for.html
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10. Kaltag fish processing plant closes for summer
by Reba Lean/rlean@newsminer.com

FAIRBANKS — A Yukon River fish processing plant at Kaltag that was named one of the “greenest fisheries” in the world is closing its doors this summer.

The operator of the plant blamed a fishing time limit imposed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, a limit he believes is unnecessary because his business does not target the depleted king salmon run. However, a manager said the department had to impose the limit to protect king salmon and treat fishermen along the river equitably.

Doug Karlberg, owner of Yukon River Gold, said the department’s limit left him with too little time to make money. He leases the plant from the city of Kaltag.

“In order for that plant to survive, it needs about 35 days of processing time,” he said …

Fairbanks News-Miner:
http://newsminer.com/bookmark/14682207-Kaltag-fish-processing-plant-closes-for-summer
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11. Pollock industry moves to reduce chum salmon bycatch

Commercial fishermen engaged in the Bering Sea Pollock fishery have agreed to allow for closure of an additional 1,000 square nautical miles of fishing grounds to reduce encounters with chum salmon, a fishermen’s association said today.

The announcement from the Marine Conservation Alliance in Juneau said through the use of the Inter-Cooperative Salmon Agreement, the Pollock industry agreed to allow for that closure by the independent organization SeaState, bringing the total area allowed for closure to 5,000 square nautical miles …

http://thearcticsounder.com/article/1128pollock_industry_moves_to_reduce_chum_salmon

MCA Feature:
http://www.marineconservationalliance.org/?p=3218

Laine Welch – AK Journal of Commerce: Pollock fleet expands closures to avoid chums, dungie prices up
Alaska’s pollock fleet has skedaddled to stay clear of a big chum salmon run headed to the Yukon River.
To prevent bycatch of chums in their trawl nets, the Bering Sea fleet agreed to add another 1,000 square nautical miles of fishing grounds to its no-trawl zones. That brings the total closed area to 5,000 square nautical miles, an area larger than the state of Connecticut …

http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/072211/fis_pfectac.shtml
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12. Statewide salmon harvest tops 38 million fish (now 71 million)
After a strong start, with the famed run of wild Alaska sockeye salmon coming in early, the blustery weather continued, but the Bristol Bay salmon fishery has slowed down.

The big question is what happened to the 2-2s, the 4.5 million sockeye who has spent two years in the ocean and two in fresh water, who were supposed to return to the bay this summer?

http://www.alaskanewspapers.com/article.php?article=1128statewide_salmon_harvest_tops_38_million_fish

Current season tallies are updated weekly at the ADF&G Comfish home page:
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyfisherysalmon.bluesheet
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13. ‘Property right’ to Cook Inlet salmon denied
Craig Medred | Jul 13, 2011

Once more commercial fishermen in Alaska’s Cook Inlet have been told that the ownership of exclusive state permits to catch and sell salmon does not entitle them to those fish.

Now joining the Alaska Supreme Court and U.S. District Court Judge Timothy M. Burgess in denying fishermen any property right to Inlet salmon is the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. In a decision handed down Monday, the federal judges agreed with the opinion of the state’s top justices that “as a matter of state law, an entry permit to fish commercially for salmon in the Cook Inlet is not ‘property’ for the purpose of requiring compensation when its value decreases due to state regulation.”

http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/property-right-cook-inlet-salmon-denied
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14. Upper Cook Inlet bracing for nearly 10 million sockeyes
July 24th 2:16 pm | Margaret Bauman –Dutch Harbor Fisherman (Alaska Newspapers)

Talk about the importance of getting a second opinion!

That’s just what the Alaska Department of Fish and Game did on July 22, with its standard in-season assessment of the Upper Cook Inlet salmon fishery, which suggests that the run may reach 9.9 million wild Alaska sockeye salmon, or more …

http://www.thedutchharborfisherman.com/article/1129upper_cook_inlet_bracing_for_nearly_10

and

Kenai: What’s a commissioner to do with these lopsided salmon runs?
By Craig Medred – Alaska Dispatch, Jul 22, 2011

http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/whats-commissioner-do-these-lopsided-salmon-runs

and

Seeing red on the Kenai: Record sockeye run thrills fishermen

Fishermen thrilled by record historic runs of sockeye salmon on two rivers …
By Randi Somers, Homer Tribune

http://homertribune.com/2011/07/seeing-red-on-the-kenai/
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15. Judge voids new salmon regs for Inlet
By Andrew Jensen, Alaska Journal of Commerce

An Alaska Superior Court judge tossed out emergency revisions to Upper Cook Inlet salmon regulations July 13 and reignited a battle sports fishing groups thought they’d won at the Board of Fisheries meeting in March …

Superior Court Judge Andrew Guidi agreed with UCIDA and Copper River Seafoods that the board’s finding of an emergency was improper because errors in regulatory language are not “unforeseen or unexpected” and such emergency findings are intended to be “rare.”

Guidi declared the revised regulations invalid, restored the rules codified April 21 and granted the request for a restraining order and injunction …

www.alaskajournal.com/stories/072211/fis_jvnsr.shtml/
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16. River guides protest bait restrictions
By Jenny Neyman, Redoubt Reporter

HOMER TRIBUNE/Jane M. Pascall – The Kenai Peninsula is home to some of the best salmon fishing in the world – and no end to contentions.

… This Monday guides still hitched their boats to their trucks and went angling. But instead of heading to the river to help their clients catch king salmon, as they would any other day of the week, it was to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game office on Kalifornsky Beach Road to angle for king-friendly support from fishery managers.

About 100 guides, as well as fishing clients and private sportfishermen, plugged the Fish and Game parking lot with trucks, boats and trailers and staged a protest outside the office at about 7 a.m. Monday.

The purpose was to demonstrate their displeasure with measures to restrict king fishing in the Kenai while at the same time liberalizing commercial fishing in Cook Inlet …

homertribune.com/2011/07/river-guides-protest-bait-restrictions/
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17. Kenai Setnetters share in king conservation effort
By Brian Smith Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Peninsula Clarion

Officials are hoping an emergency order made Tuesday will counterbalance another one issued Friday concerning the management of Kenai River king salmon escapement …

http://peninsulaclarion.com/news/2011-07-27/setnetters-share-in-king-conservation-effort
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18. Alaska Senators Fight Against “Devastating” Genetically-Engineered Fish

http://murkowski.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=0b8ea77b-343a-477e-bf07-81709cf8d418&ContentType_id=b94acc28-404a-4fc6-b143-a9e15bf92da4&Group_id=c01df158-d935-4d7a-895d-f694ddf41624&MonthDisplay=7&YearDisplay=2011

U.S. Senators Mark Begich and Lisa Murkowski joined six other Senators in a letter to the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today, warning the agency not to dismiss the clear congressional opinion opposing the approval of genetically modified salmon.

The agency is considering an application by Aqua Bounty, Inc. to grow genetically-engineered salmon in Panama for importation into the United States, with plans to eventually grow the fish in the U.S. The genetically-altered fish would grow faster than natural fish and there are serious concerns about the impact of escaped fish on wild salmon stocks, the suitability of such fish for human consumption, and the FDA’s approval process for the fish …

Others signing the letter include Sen. Jeff Merkley, Sen. Barbara Mikulski, Sen. Maria Cantwell, Sen. Jon Tester, Sen. Daniel Akaka, and Sen. Patty Murray.
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19. The secret of wild salmon – Juneau Empire opinion by Rich Moniak

By Rich Moniak Copyright 2011 . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

… Was it special interest politics that energized Young’s rare burst of regulatory affection? Or is there something deeper in his commitment to preserving Alaska’s wild salmon?

http://juneauempire.com/opinion/2011-07-12/secret-wild-salmon

This piece is a rebuttal to this item included in the last UFA Update:

Forbes blog: They engineered a better salmon, so why is Congress blocking it?

blogs.forbes.com/stevensalzberg/2011/07/04/they-engineered-a-better-salmon-so-why-is-congress-blocking-it/
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20. Time Magazine cover story: The future of fish

… “Fish are the last wild food,” says Paul Greenberg, author of Four Fish, one of the best books on the state of seafood. “And we’re just realizing it.”

But we may be coming to that realization too late, because it turns out that even the fathomless depths of the oceans have limits.

… It’s not that commercial fishing will disappear; in fact, sustainable fisheries like Alaska’s wild-salmon industry may even produce boutique foods, finally earning what they’re worth.”

Complete Time Magazine feature article online:
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,2081796,00.html#ixzz1S7EuAYUU
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21. Governor Parnell: Susitna-Watana Hydro Project Gets Traction

July 25, 2011, Anchorage, Alaska – Two weeks after signing legislation necessary to move the Susitna-Watana hydroelectric project forward, Governor Sean Parnell today said the state is recruiting its Susitna-Watana hydro project team and he expects first power from the major hydropower system on the Susitna River by 2023. Licensing the project is expected to take six years and construction will take five years.

The Susitna-Watana project requires building a 700-foot-high dam on the river at the Watana site. The dam would create a 39-mile-long reservoir with a maximum width of two miles.

http://gov.alaska.gov/parnell/press-room/full-press-release.html?pr=5853
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22. AK DEC General Permit for Medium-Size Suction Dredge Placer Mines posted

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Alaska Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (APDES) Medium-Size Suction Dredge Placer Miners General Permit AKG371000.
Permit documents can be accessed from the ADEC Wastewater Discharge Authorization Program website

http://www.dec.state.ak.us/water/wwdp/index.htm under the Recently Issued Permits section.

(Documents are posted at
http://www.dec.state.ak.us/water/wwdp/RecentPermits.htm#A1)
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23. Bristol Bay Critical Habitat Areas Draft Mgmt Plan Comment by August 12
Online extension notice:
http://notes3.state.ak.us/pn/pubnotic.nsf/cc52605f7c156e7a8925672a0060a91b/d60b466aab9ccc1a892578be0003cf8f?OpenDocument

The draft plan is available for public review and comment through July 8, 2011. Copies are available on the department website at http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=bristolbay.draftplan
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24. Taku River Tlingit, B.C. agree to land use plan in Atlin Taku area
Posted: July 19, 2011 – 9:17pm – Juneau Empire

The Taku River First Nation and the government of British Columbia, Canada, agreed to a land use management plan for part of the Atlin Taku region Tuesday, according to a release from the Canadian Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation …

One spot the agreement allows to be developed includes the site of the Tulsequah Chief mine, she said. The mine is now owned by Chieftain Metals. The mine has caused controversy in the past because of the sulfuric acid and other pollution it produced, which found its way into the Taku River …

http://juneauempire.com/state/2011-07-19/taku-river-tlingit-bc-agree-land-use-plan-atlin-taku-area
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25. House Resources Committee Passes Sealaska Bill

Washington D.C., Jul 13 – The House Committee on Natural Resources marked-up the Southeast Alaska Native Land Entitlement Finalization and Jobs Protection Act today, introduced by Chairman of the Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs Don Young (R-AK) and Ranking Member Dan Boren (D-OK), in April. This bipartisan legislation will allow the Sealaska Native Corporation to receive its remaining land conveyance under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971. Rep. Young first took the lead on this legislation in the 110th Congress. This bill passed out of committee with strong, bipartisan support; the final vote was 34 – 10.

Representative Don Young Press release:
http://donyoung.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=251832

Alaska Journal of Commerce:
http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/072211/loc_sbatr.shtml

To track the House (HR 1588) and Senate (S. 881) versions see http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.php, and search by bill number.
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26. WTO finds for Vietnam in U.S. shrimp dumping case

GENEVA — World Trade Organization judges ruled that the United States is violating global trade rules in using its controversial “zeroing” method to impose anti-dumping tariffs on shrimp from Vietnam.

The decision by a three-member panel was the latest of a series in which zeroing — a framework for calculating duties on goods sold at less than their price on the exporter’s home market — has been found illegal under WTO agreements …

In zeroing, U.S. officials do not take into account cases in which the imported goods are cheaper on their home market. Instead, they apply across the board a duty rate based only on those that are more expensive at home. Other shrimp producers argue that this is unfair …

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jul/11/business/la-fi-shrimp-20110711

Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Anti-dumping Measures on Certain Shrimp from Viet Nam home page:
http://www.ustr.gov/trade-topics/enforcement/dispute-settlement-proceedings/united-states-%E2%80%93-anti-dumping-measures-certai
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27. MCA names new Executive Director Merrick Burden

Seattle, Washington – Merrick Burden has been named the new Executive Director of the Marine Conservation Alliance. The Juneau and Seattle-based organization, a coalition of seafood processors, harvesters, support industries, coastal communities and CDQ groups that are active in Alaska fisheries, is marking its 10th anniversary with new priorities and initiatives, as well as a new director …

Merrick will also head up the MCA Foundation which continues to work on marine debris cleanup and cooperative research on important issues including crab tagging, information collection in the scallop fishery, and the intersection between fishery activities and right whales.

Merrick Burden will be based in Seattle with an office at Seattle Fisherman’s Terminal.

http://www.marineconservationalliance.org/?p=3289
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28. NPRB welcomes Program Manager, Danielle Dickson
Danielle Dickson is the new Program Manager for the Gulf of Alaska Project. She will also be working on developing a new NPRB research initiative in the Arctic …

North Pacific Research Board home page: http://www.nprb.org
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29. 2012 Alaska Marine Science Symposium Call for Abstracts – closes October 3

Abstract submissions open early this year for the 2012 AMSS. Open August 29, close October 3, 2011.

http://www.alaskamarinescience.org
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30. NOAA Aquaculture and other staff receive distinguished NOAA Administrator Award

For their leadership in the NOAA-USDA Alternative Feeds Initiative to accelerate development of alternative feeds for marine aquaculture, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, NOAA Administrator, has conveyed the distinguished Administrator’s Award to Dr. Michael Rubino, Dr. Mike Rust, Kate Naughten, Dr. Walt Dickhoff, and Linda Chaves …

NOAA-USDA Alternative Feeds Initiative page:
http://aquaculture.noaa.gov/news/feeds.html

NOAA Aquaculture Program page:
http://aquaculture.noaa.gov

NOAA Aquaculture Policy page:
http://aquaculture.noaa.gov/us/aq_policies.html
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31. Study: Genetically modified salmon can breed with wild fish

KCAW Radio:

JUNEAU, ALASKA (2011-07-18) A new study of genetically modified salmon shows they can breed with their wild counterparts.
That raises concerns that escaped farmed fish could weaken wild stocks. It’s not an immediate threat to Alaska species, though it could be to commercial sales …

But several scientists said cross-fertilization is not an issue here.
“Atlantic salmon basically don’t breed with Pacific salmon,’ says Ted Meyers, chief pathologist for Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game.

“As far as being a genetic threat to our own Pacific salmon here in Southeast Alaska, that’s not likely. Speaking in that term, the transgenic fish then would be no greater threat than the unaltered Atlantic salmon currently farmed in B.C.,” he says …

http://kcaw.org/modules/local_news/index.php?op=sideBlock&syndicated=true&ID=1899
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32. Laine Welch’s Fish Radio – topics from this week

7/26/11 Halibut catch sharing plan – comments wanted
7/25/11 Kodiak fisherman favorite and least favorites about fishing?
7/22/11 Pollock bones solve US toxic waste problem
7/21/11 Seafood industry top employers?
7/19/11 Salmon update and prices, 2011?????

http://www.marineconservationalliance.org/?page_id=846
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33. FISHSAFE.INFO – Schedule Your FREE ‘No Fault’ Commercial Fishing Vessel Dockside Safety Exam Today

http://www.fishsafe.info/contactform.htm
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34. Comment Deadline Aug. 17 on National Policy for Distinguishing Serious From Non-Serious Injuries of Marine Mammals

NMFS developed a draft national policy, comprised of a Policy Directive and associated Procedural Directive, for distinguishing serious from non-serious injuries of marine mammals. The draft Directives were developed by reviewing injury determinations from 1997-2008, current scientific information, and a new analysis of existing NMFS data. NMFS solicits public comments on the draft Policy and Procedural Directives.

DATES: Comments must be received by August 17, 2011.

ADDRESSES: The draft Policy and Procedural Directives for distinguishing serious from non-serious injuries of marine mammals are available in electronic form via the Internet at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/laws/mmpa/ under ”Policies, Guidances and Regulations”.
(To save your valuable time, we have included the links below for the documents)

Federal Register Notice:
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-07-18/html/2011-18037.htm

Draft Policy: Policy for Distinguishing Serious from Non-Serious Injury of Marine Mammals (DRAFT) [pdf]:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/serious_injury_policy_draft.pdf

Draft Procedures: Procedure for Distinguishing Serious from Non-Serious Injury of Marine Mammals (DRAFT) [pdf]:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/serious_injury_process_draft.pdf
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35. Comment by August 17 on Chinook Salmon Economic Data Program (pollock fisheries)

NMFS proposes to implement the Chinook Salmon Economic Data Report Program to evaluate the effectiveness of Chinook salmon bycatch management measures for the Bering Sea pollock fishery that were implemented under Amendment 91 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP) …

This proposed rule would implement the Chinook Salmon Economic Data Report (EDR) program for the Chinook salmon bycatch management measures implemented under Amendment 91 to the FMP. The Chinook Salmon EDR program applies to owners and operators of catcher vessels, catcher/processors, motherships, and the six Western Alaska Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program groups qualified to participate in the pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) fishery in the Bering Sea subarea of the BSAI. The proposed rule also applies to the representatives of participants in the Bering Sea pollock fishery …

DATES: Written comments must be received no later than August 17, 2011.

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-07-18/html/2011-17894.htm
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36. Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee tele meeting Aug 16 & 23

Matters To Be Considered: The Committee will discuss and vote on recommendations on the linkages between marine protected areas and Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning. The focus of the first meeting will be to discuss the issues in the draft recommendations developed by the Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning (CSMP) Subcommittee for the Committee’s review and action. The focus of the second meeting will be to vote on the same recommendations. Committee materials for the conference call will be posted at

http://www.mpa.gov.

Federal Register Notice:
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-07-21/html/2011-18325.htm

NOAA CSMP home page:
http://www.cmsp.noaa.gov
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37. Comment by September 23 on BSAI Crab Amendment 30 document procedures

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Allocating Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crab Fishery Resources …

ACTION: Notice of availability of fishery management plan amendment; request for comments.
Amendment 30 would amend the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs (FMP) and the CR Program to modify procedures for producing and submitting documents that are required under the arbitration system to resolve price, delivery, and other disputes between harvesters and processors.

DATES: Comments on the amendment must be submitted on or before September 23, 2011.

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-07-25/html/2011-18725.htm
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38. Comment by September 9 on GOA Groundfish Amendment 83 sector allocations

NMFS proposes a rule to implement Amendment 83 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). If approved, Amendment 83 would allocate the Western and Central GOA Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) limits among various gear and operational sectors. Sector allocations would limit the amount of Western and Central GOA Pacific cod that each sector is authorized to harvest. This action would reduce competition among sectors and support stability in the Pacific cod fishery. This rule would also limit access to the Federal Pacific cod TAC fisheries prosecuted in State waters, commonly known as the parallel fishery, adjacent to the Western and Central GOA. This action is intended to promote community participation and provide incentives for new entrants in the jig sector …

DATES: Written comments must be received no later than 5 p.m. Alaska local time (A.l.t.) September 9, 2011.

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-07-26/html/2011-18317.htm
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39. Comment by September 13 on GOA & BSAI Groundfish logbook family of forms

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Alaska Region Logbook Family of Forms …

This request is for an extension of a currently approved information collection …

Federal Register notice:
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-07-15/html/2011-17752.htm
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40. Nominate a young environmental steward for President’s Champions for Change

All across the country young people are taking initiative in their schools and communities to teach others about the importance of environmental stewardship, energy conservation and reducing waste. From teens teaching school-children about environmental issues, to primary school kids starting school gardens, these Champions of Change are inspiring the adults around them by greening their schools and communities.

Please honor these “Champions” and visit www.whitehouse.gov/champions to see what Americans like you are doing to “Win the Future.” To nominate someone as a Champion of Change, please visit

http://www.whitehouse.gov/champions/nominate.
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41. Federal Subsistence Board Meets in Work Session, Considers Several Issues

ANCHORAGE — The Federal Subsistence Board held a work session that was open to the public on July 11-12, 2011. At the meeting the Board denied a request for reconsideration submitted by the State of Alaska on the customary and traditional use determination for Ninilchik for all fish in the waters north of and including the Kenai River drainage, within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and Chugach National Forest within the Kenai Peninsula district.

The Board also discussed whether or not it should stay a past decision on rural/nonrural determinations, in light of the recommendations arising out of the Secretarial Review, and possible changes to that rural/nonrural determination process. After lengthy discussion, the Board decided to have another public meeting to further consider the possibility of extending the compliance date of the 2007 nonrural determinations. The communities that would be affected by this action include Saxman, Prudoe Bay, Point Mackenzie, Fritz Creek East and the North Fork Road area, and an additional portion of Sterling.

Finally, the Board reviewed and accepted interim Tribal and ANCSA corporation consultation protocols. At its January 2011 meeting in Anchorage, the Board directed that protocols to guide the Board through consultations be developed, in keeping with the effort of the Obama administration to improve government-to-government relations.

The protocols will be made available on the Federal Subsistence Management Program’s website:
http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/issue.cfml

Federal Subsistence Board Press Release
http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/newsrel/r071411.pdf

FSB Home page:
http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/index.cfml
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42. Alaska Sustainable Salmon Fund psoposals open Aug 17 – deadline Sept. 28

The Alaska Sustainable Salmon Fund (AKSSF) will open a statewide call for proposals (CFP) on August 17, 201 with about $10 million dollars in funding available.

For details and conditions see
http://www.akssf.org/akssf_org/home.cfm
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43. Nominations sought for Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC)

Nominations accepted through August 26, 2011.

… Nominees should possess demonstrable expertise in a field related to the management of living marine resources and be able to fulfill the time commitments required for two annual meetings. Individuals serve for a term of three years for no more than two consecutive terms, if re-appointed. MAFAC members represent a wide spectrum of fisheries interests, environmental, academic, state, tribal, consumer and other related national interests. Members draw on their expertise, experience and other appropriate sources to conduct their work.

The committee functions solely as an advisory body (complying fully with the Federal Advisory Committee Act) who reports to the Secretary.

Full nomination instructions and guidelines are detailed in the Federal Register notice:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ocs/mafac/Documents/2011/07/12_federal_register.pdf

MAFAC home page:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ocs/mafac/

Seats currently held by Alaskans Heather McCarty (Chairman) and Catherine Foy will be open due to term limits. We thank Heather and Catherine for their 6 years of service on MAFAC.
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44. US Fish and Wildlife Service Fish Photo Contest. The goal is to build a great collection of photos that can be used in educational materials to celebrate the diversity of Alaska’s native fishes, their seasonal movements and behavior, and their importance to people and ecosystems in Alaska and beyond…
Contest info and entry form located here:

http://alaska.fws.gov/fisheries/fish/index.htm
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45. Salmonstock Festival – August 5, 6 & 7th, Ninilchik

http://www.salmonstock.org
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46. Copper River Wild Salmon Festival, July 28-30, 2011, Cordova

http://www.copperriverwild.org

This is where I’ll be.
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