Tag Archives: Freezer Longline Coalition
Coronavirus outbreak has Alaska fishing fleets on guard
“The protocols on cleaning and how to prevent a virus are already part of the procedures that we follow,” said Chad See, executive director of the Freezer Longline Coalition. “But the sense was that this is an issue we need to be on top of.”On the large vessels that catch and process seafood, dozens of crew members may be employed to work in remote areas of the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. While at sea, the crews’ isolation shields them from a virus spreading on shore. But crew shifts bring new people on board, and could allow for the spread of the virus to a vessel. more >click to read< 12:04
Government shutdown, if it continues, could cost Alaska’s lucrative Bering Sea fisheries
Even if the shutdown does persist, the federal government will allow the Bering Sea fisheries to start as scheduled, with an initial opening for cod Jan. 1, and a second opening for pollock and other species Jan. 20. But the fisheries are heavily regulated, and before boats can start fishing, the federal government requires inspections of things like scales — for weighing fish — and monitoring equipment that tracks the number and types of fish being caught. And the National Marine Fisheries Service, which regulates the Bering Sea fisheries, isn’t doing those inspections during the shutdown. >click to read<20:16
Steller sea lion lawsuit parties ask court to change timeline on reimbursement decision
Fishing industry plantiffs and federal defendants have asked for a new timeline to decide reimbursements in the lawsuit over Steller sea lion protection measures.The Alaska Seafood Cooperative, The Groundfish Forum and the Freezer Longline Coalition asked the federal government to reimburse them $1,208,409.87 for attorney fees and costs in the lawsuit. Read more here 13:08
Fishing orgs ask for $1.2 million in sea lion lawsuit costs
The Alaska Seafood Cooperative, The Groundfish Forum and the Freezer Longline Coalition filed motions Feb. 13 asking the federal government to reimburse them $1,208,409.87 for their attorney fees and costs in bringing the suit forward and arguing their case. The National Marine Fisheries Service severely restricted fishing for Atka mackerel, pollock and Pacific cod in the western Aleutian Islands to protect the western distinct population segment of Steller sea lions. Read more@alaskajournal 20:39