From: Nancy Diaz [nancy@pspafish.net]
Sent: Friday, January 15, 2010 9:30 AM
To: nancy@pspafish.net
Subject: PSPA Online Update, Friday, January 15, 2010
 
Alaska/Pacific Coast
 
Subsistence review moving slower than expected
ADN,  January 14th, 2010
INTERIOR: Challenge of managing issue grew as more spoke up. After announcing plans for a rapid review of the way the feds manage subsistence hunting and fishing -- with changes expected as early as this week -- the Interior Department is still looking for answers.
http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/1094122.html
Related: Research seeks links between warming, fishing patterns
http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/1094123.html
 
Unalaska Bay trawl closure under consideration by Board of Fish
KUCB News (2010-01-14)
UNALASKA, AK (kucb) - The state's Board of Fisheries is considering closing Unalaska Bay to all trawling year round. At present, the pelagic trawl fleet is allowed to harvest in the Bay during pollock B season, from June 10 to November 1. Many local residents and the Unalaska/Dutch Harbor Fish and Game Advisory Committee want the area to be closed to all trawling year round. This week, city council also unanimously approved a resolution supporting the closure.
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kial/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1599836/Local.News/Unalaska.Bay.trawl.closure.under.consideration.by.Board.of.Fish
 
ASMI releases 'Alaska Seafood Sustainability In Plain English'

SEAFOOD.COM NEWS [QSR] - January 15, 2010 - Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) released a new resource titled 'Alaska Seafood Sustainability In Plain English' to help navigate the waters of sustainability. With the seafood sustainability trend sweeping the world, it's important for foodservice operators to provide consumers with transparent information about the seafood they source. As consumers have been inundated with eco-labels and color-coded 'eat-this-not-that' seafood sustainability messages, 'Sustainability In Plain English' offers a holistic perspective that looks at what constitutes sustainable seafood in Alaska. 'Sustainability In Plain English' simplifies the technical aspects that make Alaska's fisheries a model for the world. Sections that discuss such aspects include 'Responsibility and Commitment,' 'Governance and Management,' and 'Enforcement.' In addition, this resource aims to share the story and the history behind the long-standing tradition of sustainability in Alaska. To help illustrate the fishing lifestyle known by many Alaskans, ASMI collaborated with famed Alaska artist Rie Muņoz. Known for her whimsical depictions of everyday life in Alaska, Muņoz illustrated the 25-page booklet with colorful, original artwork.


Governor Urged to Join Anti Gouging Efforts
Sitnews.org, January 14, 2010
Several Democrats say tax suspension not enough. Several Democratic legislators on Tuesday applauded Gov. Sean Parnell's attempts to hold down fuel costs for Alaskans, but urged the governor to go further, and join their efforts to end fuel price gouging in Alaska. The governor wants to extend the eight cent fuel tax suspension, but the Democrats' proposal could reduce gasoline costs by as much as 54 cents per gallon.
http://www.sitnews.us/0110news/011410/011410_gasprices.html
 
 
National
 
Obama, unions agree to modify high-cost health-benefit tax
The Seattle Times, January 15, 2010
The White House and labor leaders agreed Thursday on a formula to tax high-cost insurance plans, removing one of the last obstacles to a health-care overhaul, officials said.
 
 
International
 
Seafood prices drop under IUU effects
Vietnam Business Seafood, January 13, 2010
Seafood prices in the central region have slid strongly after the regulations on the European Union (EU)'s new IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing) law took effect on January 1.
 
Russia will continue to subsidize fishing investment by 66% in 2010, Zubkov says industry achieving

SEAFOOD.COM NEWS [RIAN.RU] Moscow - Jan 15, 2010 -: Russia will continue to subsidize fishing companies' new equipment acquisitions in 2010, including vessels and onshore processing and related equipment. Prime Minister Vladimir Poutine signed a related executive order today. Under the subsidy progam, two-thirds of the interest charged by the banks working the program can be credited back to them by the Bank of Russia. At the cabinet meeting during which the PM approved the new program, First Deputy Premier Viktor Zubkov observed that the industry was now 'working in a stable manner, and was developing rather actively'. Also, said Zubkov, plans were afoot to federally fund in 2012 the renovation of more than 40 percent of the fishing industry's onshore installations.

 
 
Nancy Diaz
Pacific Seafood Processors Association
1900 West Emerson Place, Suite 205
Seattle, WA 98119
206-281-1667