Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Alaska Board of Fisheries convenes at Cordova Center Hatchery, crab issues a high priority for community Cordova Times by Margaret Bauman - December 4, 2021 Salmon hatcheries and commercial shellfish opportunities are high priorities on the agenda of the Alaska Board of Fisheries meeting underway in Cordova from Nov. 30 through Dec. 6, with action expected on most proposals by the meeting’s conclusion. https://www.thecordovatimes.com/2021/12/04/board-of-fisheries-convenes-at-cordova-center/ Fisheries council considers linking halibut bycatch to abundance KDLL by Sabine Poux - December 4, 2021 All three Kenai Peninsula representatives to Juneau have signed onto a letter to the council that oversees commercial fishing in Alaska’s federal waters, joining a bipartisan chorus of voices demanding reduction of halibut bycatch. https://www.kdll.org/post/fisheries-council-considers-linking-halibut-bycatch-abundance#stream/0 Harvesters sign up to report on changes in fisheries, ocean conditions Cordova Times - December 6, 2021 Commercial harvesters are pitching in to provide their observations on ecological changes in fisheries and ocean conditions, to help pave the way for climate ready fisheries of the future through Skipper Science, a project of a tribal government in the Aleutians and SalmonState. https://www.thecordovatimes.com/2021/12/06/harvesters-sign-up-to-report-on-changes-in-fisheries-ocean-conditions/ Trident Seafoods Acquires Catcher/Processor Starbound From Aleutian Spray Fisheries Urner Barry by Amanda Buckle - December 7, 2021 Trident Seafoods announced on Monday that they have acquired 300-foot catcher/processor Starbound from Aleutian Spray Fisheries. Trident and Aleutian Spray both share a commitment to invest in fisheries and ecosystem research to improve knowledge about the Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea. The C/P Starbound, which was originally built in 1989 as a 240-foot factory trawler for the Bering Sea, has served as a platform for research and gear innovation in the Alaska pollock fishery. Even under new ownership, the C/P will continue to support these initiatives. “The Starbound aligns perfectly with Trident’s values and vision,” Trident CEO Joe Bundrant said in a statement. “Modernizing our aging fleet of catcher processors has been a priority for some time. With this investment, we improve our efficiency and environmental performance in our continuous effort to better utilize wild Alaska pollock and Pacific whiting resources, while keeping constant focus on health of fish stocks and the role we play in protecting our natural environment. Continuing to evolve, innovate, and align product forms to market opportunities on and off-shore is fundamental to our mission and service to stakeholders, including our fishermen, employees, communities, and customers.” As mentioned above the C/P Starbound was originally built in 1989 as a 240-foot factor trawler. In 2015 it underwent an extensive $45 million renovation that included it being sliced down the middle with a 60-foot addition welded in. The renovation allowed the addition of state-of-the-art processing capacity that enables the full utilization of every sustainably caught wild Alaska pollock that is pulled from the ocean. “As multi-generational, family companies, we both understand the importance of making meaningful, long-term investments,” Aleutian Spray President Chris Swasand said of the decision to sell the C/P Starbound to Trident. “The Starbound represents the kind of continuous innovation that secures the health of both fish populations and fishing families well into the future.” In addition to the C/P Starbound, Trident has also acquired Aleutian Spray’s F/V Ocean Harvester and F/V Muir Milach. Trident said that they look forward to Aleutian Spray crew and vessels joining their family. https://www.seafoodnews.com/Story/1213949/Trident-Seafoods-Acquires-Catcher-Processor-Starbound-From-Aleutian-Spray-Fisheries Opinion/Letters Letter: Pacific trawl cooperatives applaud council action National Fisherman by Guest Author: Heather Mann & Brent Paine - December 2, 2021 Last month, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council recommended the establishment of a new Limited Access Privilege Program, or a catch-share plan, for the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands Pacific Cod trawl catcher vessel fishery. https://www.nationalfisherman.com/alaska/letter-pacific-trawl-cooperatives-applaud-council-action Pacific Seafood Processors Association 1900 W Emerson Place Suite 205, Seattle, WA 98119 Phone: 206.281.1667 E-mail: admin@pspafish.net; Website: www.pspafish.net Our office days/hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. 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