| Alaska freezer long line fleet establishes export commission; sells 70 to 100 million lbs of cod per |
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SEAFOOD.COM NEWS by John Sackton with material from ALCC- -March 10, 2010 - The Alaska freezer-longliner fleet has established the ALASKA LONGLINE COD COMMISSION to enhance and promote the export trade and international marketing of frozen-at-sea longline caught Alaska cod. The twenty-six (26) member vessels of the ALCC represent approximately 70% of the Alaska freezer longliner commercial fishery sector with annual production between 70 and 100 million lbs. of Alaska cod. About 90% of that is export sales outside of the U.S., including European, Asian, and South American markets. ALCC member vessels strive to produce the highest quality Alaska cod. Fish are individually caught, bled, cleaned, and frozen within minutes of harvest to optimize firmness, freshness, and value. ALCC longline fishing techniques selectively target larger Pacific cod, reduce by-catch of other species, and are considered among the most environmentally favorable of all commercial fishery methods. Longliners have won awards in recent years for their ability to reduce sea bird interactions. These characteristics of sustainability and a diminutive ecological footprint are reflected in the recent Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification of this fishery. The Alaska Longline Cod Commission has been established according to the regulatory guidelines of the U. S. Export Certificate of Review program. These trade guidelines have been developed to assist U. S. commodity producers compete more effectively in international markets. The initial tasks for the ALCC will be the establishment of better product uniformity among producers, producer standardization of packaging and weights, addressing Fair-Trade issues such as possible reductions of foreign tariffs, and the gathering of timely and accurate international market information that benefit both producers and the many market-users of this seafood product. In a recent letter to the ALCC membership, Alaska Longline Cod Commission President Lance Magnuson wrote 'The ALCC looks forward to becoming a resource for the Alaska longline cod harvesters. The entire seafood industry benefits from the modernization of the processes that enhance the possibilities for more efficient trade while insuring that issues of food quality and safety are effectively and intelligently addressed.'
Sponsor: Bill to protect spawning grounds
dead
ADN, March 9,
2010
Panel withholds natural gas money. JUNEAU -- Gov.
Sean Parnell got much of what he wanted in
a House version of
the state operating budget, and lawmakers said it's possible he'll get
more later.
But the finance
committee on Tuesday only offered a portion of the money he had requested
to
advance a major
natural gas pipeline upfront -- and withheld, for now, funding requested
for his
in-state gas
development team.
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| Herring caught up in US Brazil trade dispute |
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SEAFOOD.COM NEWS by John Sackton - March 10, 2010 - Brazil is threatening to impose $1 billion in punitive tariffs on U.S. goods, after winning a judgment against US cotton subsidies and export guarantees. Herring is the only seafood item on the list. Brazil imported about $1 million in frozen herring from the U.S. in 2009. The punitive tariff would raise the rate from 10% to 30%. Other items include a range of U.S. manufactured goods. Although the Brazilian government has published the retaliation list, there are still on-going talks between Brazil and the U.S., and the new tariffs have not come into force. |