Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Alaska Defense of Alaska Fisheries Resolution Passes State Legislature SeafoodNews.com by Peggy Parker - March 21, 2023 Yesterday the Alaska Legislature stood squarely with the state’s fishing industry and passed House Joint Resolution 5 urging the federal and state governments to do everything within their power to keep the Southeast Alaska troll fishery open. The final vote in the Senate was unanimous. The fishery is being threatened by a lawsuit filed by the Washington State-based environmental group Wild Fish Conservancy (WFC). The suit asked the court to close the troll fishery over what WFC sees as an impact on southern resident killer whales in Puget Sound. A recent report from a Magistrate Judge in Washington recommended no retention of king salmon during the winter and summer troll seasons, a move that would be devastating for the troll fleet and have a significant economic impact on the region. “Fishing in Southeast Alaska not only provides thousands of jobs, but it’s also a way of life throughout the region. Having the largest fleet of trollers in Southeast brings in business opportunities and extensive economic activity for these small communities,” said Senator Bert Stedman (R-Sitka), who carried HJR5 in the Senate. “If our resources begin to be managed through lawsuits, we will lose the lifeblood of our communities. Alaskans know best how to manage our resources, and we’re fighting to ensure it stays that wa.” “I am pleased we were able to act quickly to pass this resolution," said Minority Leader Calvin Schrage (NP-Anchorage). "I hope this serves as an important reminder that the Legislature has no interest in allowing outside groups to stand in the way of hard-working Alaskans.” Trolling is a sustainable fishery that catches fish one at a time using a hook and line. The fleet is comprised of fishermen in small boats from nearly all 33 communities in Southeast Alaska. State residents hold 85% of the permits. There are approximately 1450 trollers contributing over $85 million to the economies of coastal Alaska. “This would be devastating for the troll fleet and have a significant economic impact on the region,” said Tim O’Connor, Mayor of Craig and Commercial Troller. “The Southeast troll fishery has been sustainably managed for over a hundred years, and it continues to be today, and I am thankful the legislature recognizes the importance of this resolution.” said Amy Daugherty, Executive Director of the Alaska Trollers Association. “I am shocked an outside group thinks it makes sense to manage a fishery, with over a hundred-year history, by lawsuit rather than sound science.” “The resolution’s overwhelming bipartisan support shows the Wild Fish Conservancy that the State of Alaska is committed to continue defending the fishery. I hope the Wild Fish Conservancy reconsiders pursuing this misguided lawsuit and instead starts addressing the factors impacting the Southern Resident Killer Whales in their own back yard,” said Representative Rebecca Himschoot, main author of the House-generated resolution. https://www.seafoodnews.com/Story/1248816/Defense-of-Alaska-Fisheries-Resolution-Passes-State-Legislature National Seafood suppliers and restaurants step up Lent promotions Seafood Source by Christine Blank - March 21, 2023 Seafood suppliers and restaurant operators have worked to increase brand awareness throughout the Lenten season, which runs from 22 February through 6 April. https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/premium/foodservice-retail/seafood-suppliers-and-restaurants-step-up-lent-promotions *Requires Subscription Environment/Science Earth’s oceans are showing early and surprising record warming The Washington Post by Scott Dance - March 21, 2023 Earth’s ocean temperatures have risen so fast in recent weeks that one indicator shows surface waters have already reached their highest temperatures on record — a worrisome sign ahead of a predicted El Niño climate pattern that could further accelerate planetary warming. https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2023/03/21/ocean-temperatures-record-warm-climate/ Scientists seek ways to save marine life from ocean acidification KATU by Gold Meadows and KCBY.com Staff - March 20, 2023 COOS BAY, Ore. — The long-term impacts of acidification on ocean waters are causing higher mortality in sea life, but scientists at Oregon State University are searching for solutions. https://katu.com/news/local/scientists-seek-ways-to-save-marine-life-from-ocean-acidification Changing Environmental Conditions on the Yukon River May Pose Challenge For Juvenile Salmon This new study looks at the timing and duration of the seaward migration from fresh to marine waters for juvenile coho, chum, and Chinook salmon. NOAA Fisheries - March 20, 2023 Since 2014, NOAA Fisheries and Yukon Delta Fisheries Development Association scientists have been collecting data on young salmon. They want to better understand how environmental conditions affect them as they migrate out of the Yukon River. Changes in river discharge from winter ice melt and temperature may be influencing the timing and duration of juvenile chum, Chinook, and coho migrations. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/changing-environmental-conditions-yukon-river-may-pose-challenge-juvenile-salmon Federal Register Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Greater Than or Equal to 50 Feet Length Overall Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska A Rule by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on 03/21/2023 NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels greater than or equal to 50 feet (15.2 meters (m)) length overall using hook-and-line (HAL) gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2023 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) apportioned to catcher vessels greater than or equal to 50 feet (15.2 m) length overall using HAL gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/03/21/2023-05781/fisheries-of-the-exclusive-economic-zone-off-alaska-pacific-cod-by-catcher-vessels-greater-than-or 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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