Tag Archives: Sam Cotten

Petersburg fishermen share concerns with ADFG leadership

Two of Alaska’s top Fish and Game leaders visited Petersburg April 28 to hear from local fishermen. They discussed a variety of topics including state budget cuts to herring management and the federal observer program. About two dozen fishermen are packed into the office of the Petersburg Vessel Owner’s Association. Among the makeshift circle is Sam Cotten, the Commissioner of Fish and Game and Scott Kelley, the Director of the Division of Commercial Fisheries. Besides herring, the local fishermen also want to discuss the observer program for long liners of halibut and sable fish. It’s not a hugely popular program with fishermen because it requires them to take along a designated person to watch the fishing and document the catches. And fishermen help pay for the program through fees. They’re wondering why isn’t the program getting cut? And why are they having to fill out surveys on their catches and get observed? click here to read, listen to an audio report 10:55

North Pacific Fishery Management Council members seek halibut bycatch cut

Blue NPFMC SidebarAfter a motion failed at the North Pacific Fishery Management Council by a single vote with an Alaska delegate absent, another effort is underway to reduce halibut bycatch in the Bering Sea in the face of rapidly sinking catch limits for the directed fisheries. Interim Alaska Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Sam Cotten and the other five Alaska members of the North Pacific council signed a letter to National Marine Fisheries Service Assistant Administrator Eileen Sobeck on Dec. 18 asking for an emergency reduction in . Read the rest here 12:44

ALL EYES ON COTTEN -Governor chose seasoned veteran for acting commissioner

All eyes were on Sam Cotten last week during the Alaska Board of Fisheries meeting in Cordova. Cotten is Gov. Walker’s interim choice to head the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and it is widely believed that Cotten may be the permanent choice. Read the rest here 08:55