(AP) Tkacz, who covered the Legislature and specialized in writing about the commercial fishing and seafood industries, died last May at age 61. He was one of five inductees by the trade association. The others were retiring state Sen. Fred Dyson of Eagle River, Albert Ball Sr., Jim Kallander and Keith Jefferts. The fishermen’s group says Ball, Kallander and Jefferts died this past year. , Veteran Alaska Journalist Tkacz Found Dead 12:21
Daily Archives: October 15, 2014
Study: Sleeper sharks may kill Steller sea lions
Scientists researching the severe decline in Alaska’s Steller sea lion population have a fingered a new possible suspect for the drop: Pacific sleeper sharks, a species previously thought of as a scavenger and fish-eater. The cause is unknown. Among the theories are a change in fish population because of global warming or competition from commercial fisherman. The theory of mortality from predators, Horning said, has “fallen by the wayside.” Read the rest here 19:52
Deep-pocketed environmental advocacy groups simply tell the president what they want. Screw everyone else!
In a statement yesterday, Saipan resident and environmentalist John Gourley said the U.S. government is “handicapping” its own fishing fleet and forcing U.S. fishermen to fish in smaller and smaller areas. Gourley said creating marine monuments takes minimal effort and it does not cost anything as it is an unfunded mandate. “It also takes no planning on the U.S. administration’s part as deep-pocketed environmental advocacy groups simply tell the president what they want. What could be simpler?” Read the rest here 18:23
Maine fisherman Jonathan McDaniel of Gorham on ‘Deadliest Catch’s’ Time Bandit
Like many people, I am a fan of the show ‘Deadliest Catch’ the long-running Discovery Channel television show about crab fishing boats in Alaska. But just yesterday I found out that, as filming for Season 11 of the popular cable program has gotten under way, there is a Maine fisherman who is working as a deckhand on one of the featured boats. Video, Read the rest here 16:08
Regulators set to make decision on Maine eel quota
Federal regulators will soon approve rules for next year’s Maine baby eel fishing season, which could include changes to the lucrative fishery’s quota system. The board is “considering the economic importance of the glass eel fishery, especially in Maine,” said Kate Taylor, eel fishery management plan coordinator with the fisheries commission. Read the rest here 15:54
Carbon Experts at GAO: Feds should do more to stop ocean acidification
GAO said ocean acidification is worsening because the ocean absorbs about 30 percent of carbon dioxide emissions, making the water more acidic. It can hurt commercial fishing, tourism and other parts of the economy. The Center for Biological Diversity said the findings were troubling. Of course they do! Its gonna be a big money maker! Read more here 15:37
Fish and Game hopes research initiative will help to better manage king salmon
KENAI – The state of Alaska is spending millions of dollars to try and solve the mystery of what’s happening to the king salmon population. For the past decade, the fish have been returning to Alaskan rivers and streams in ever dwindling numbers. Video, Read the rest here 15:13
Fact-finding can ease tensions and measure concerns over the impact of a new fishery in Beaufort County.
Beaufort County Council is right to take a new look at balancing the interests of the commercial fishing industry and the citizens who live near commercial fishing operations. The council this week approved on first reading a measure that would force commercial fishing operators to prove they are good neighbors before gaining county zoning approval. Read the rest here 14:43
United Fishermen of Alaska has inducted Late journalist Bob Tkacz into its Hall of Fame
Athearn Marine Agency Boat of the Week: 55′ Longline/Dragger,1979, Longliner Wood, Detroit / Federal Permit(s)
Specifications, information and 7 photo’s click here To see all the boats in this series, Click here 12:01
Trident Seafoods charged for late fish tickets
Alaska state law requires commercial fish processors to record each catch on an AFG-approved fish ticket, which must be submitted to a local representative within seven days after landing. Charging documents indicate Trident’s fish tickets were between five and 12 days late. Read the rest here 09:51
Fishermen Anticipate Good Stone Crab Claw Season
Gary Graves is vice president of Keys Fisheries, one of the state’s largest processors of the tasty claws. He projected season-opening, per-pound state retail prices should exceed $13 for medium, $20 for large and $25 for jumbo. Read the rest here 09:03
On the Job: Coastal Bait Co. in Portland
The company moves approximately 400 barrels of bait a day, six days a week, for lobstermen along the Maine coast. Coastal Bait Co. employee Ralph Kent has worked for the company, on Custom House Wharf in Portland, for eight years. “I never work nine to five,,, Photo series here 08:52
First federally permitted offshore mussel aquaculture project on east coast soon to get underway
The first shellfish aquaculture project permitted in federal waters off the U.S. east coast is expected to begin operating next spring. Scientists and fishermen are partnering on this project to grow blue mussels within a 30-acre area in Nantucket Sound. . Read the rest here From Mussel beds planned near wind farm 08:38
Commercial fishermen see glut of pinks, pricier reds
If measured in sheer volume of fish, the Upper Cook Inlet commercial harvest of salmon was low: preliminary Fish and Game estimates show it at about 20 percent less than the 10-year average harvest. But, when 20 percent less than the 10-year average, the exvessel value of the 2014 harvest was high at $35 million — making it the second year in a row that Cook Inlet commercial harvesters have seen lower-than-average harvests with higher-than-average values. Read the rest here 07:47
