Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Alaska 5.1 million: Fish and Game forecasts somewhat stronger sockeye run in the Upper Cook Inlet, but still well below historical average KBBI by Corinne Smith - March 13, 2023 Sockeye salmon are forecasted to return somewhat stronger this year in the Upper Cook Inlet. But the forecast comes as state fisheries managers have closed King salmon sport fishing and the east side set net fishery altogether this summer, amid a continuing trend of declining runs in the region. https://www.kbbi.org/local-news/2023-03-13/5-1-million-fish-and-game-forecasts-somewhat-stronger-sockeye-run-in-the-upper-cook-inlet-but-still-well-below-historical-average Board of Fish limits sockeye fishing to conserve Nushagak kings KDLG by Izzy Ross - March 14, 2023 The Board of Fisheries has approved an action plan to help conserve the Nushagak River’s king salmon runs, which have declined sharply in recent years even as huge sockeye returns to the district have broken records. The board voted unanimously to adopt a plan that curbs fishing time when larger sockeye runs are forecast. https://www.kdlg.org/fisheries/2023-03-14/board-of-fish-approves-sockeye-fishing-limits-to-conserve-nushagak-kings Environment/Science Seaweed farming inspires high hopes in Alaska for economic and environmental benefits It is seen as a bright spot in a troubled coastal economy, but seaweed cultivation must overcome many obstacles before it can become big business in the state Alaska Beacon by Yereth Rosen - March 13, 2023 To optimists, the plants that grow in the sea promise to diversify the Alaska economy, revitalize small coastal towns struggling with undependable fisheries and help communities adapt to climate change – and even mitigate it by absorbing atmospheric carbon. Cultivation of seaweed, largely varieties of kelp, promises to buffer against ocean acidification and coastal pollution, the promoters say. Seaweed farms can produce ultra-nutritious crops to boost food security in Alaska and combat hunger everywhere, and not just for human beings. https://alaskabeacon.com/2023/03/13/seaweed-farming-inspires-high-hopes-in-alaska-for-economic-and-environmental-benefits/ Cutting through the complexity of climate change: 4 essential strategies for a healthy, resilient seafood industry Seafood Source by Ned Daly - March 13, 2023 The relationship between seafood and climate change is complex. Many aspects of seafood’s production and management are vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change and, at the same time, seafood or blue foods are increasingly recognized as a critical element for more climate-friendly global food systems – food production is a key driver for climate change, with estimates as high as 30 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions. Protecting seafood resources; understanding impacts and designing appropriate responses; addressing outside drivers impacting seafood; and advocating for seafood as an important tool in the fight against climate change all require an integrated strategy and coordinated response to position seafood as the healthy, climate-friendly protein of the future. https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/environment-sustainability/cutting-through-the-complexity-of-climate-change-4-essential-strategies-for-a-healthy-resilient-seafood-industry FYI’s Connecting the commercial fishing community: Advisory board announced for Pacific Marine Expo 2023 National Fisherman - March 14, 2023 Pacific Marine Expo (PME) is the largest commercial marine trade show on the West Coast, serving commercial mariners from Alaska to California. Each November, this three-day event provides commercial vessel owners, commercial fishermen, boat builder, workboat operators, seafood processors, tug, tow and marine patrol, and crew with an opportunity to come together and collaborate about industry advancements and improve their day-to-day experiences on the water. https://www.nationalfisherman.com/national-international/connecting-the-commercial-fishing-community-advisory-board-announced-for-pacific-marine-expo-2023 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. Section 107, any copyrighted work in this message is distributed under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for non-profit research and educational purposes only. *Inclusion of a news article, report, or other document in this email does not imply PSPA support or endorsement of the information or opinion expressed in the document.