Alaska Shell game: state scallop fishery faces scrutiny
A bill extending the limited entry program for scallops is making its way through the Alaska State Senate, but not without scrutiny. The concerns have arisen because a small group of partners from Washington led by Jim Stone of Lakewood have come to control virtually the entire scallop harvest valued at about $4.5 million in 2012. Including American Seafoods, that core group now controls six of nine state and federal permits for the scallop fishery along with the F/V Ocean Hunter, one of the two vessels that still fish in state waters. Since 2009, the Ocean Hunter has harvested scallops in state waters on behalf of the Alaska Scallop Association members with “lease fees” paid to the permit holders who do not associate their permits with a vessel. continue
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