Alaska Congressman Don Young introduced legislation that will amend Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to allow the sale of the intact pelt of an otter from Southeast or Southcentral Alaska stock of northern sea otters that have been harvested for subsistence purposes. “This is another step in the direction of economic independence. Returning Alaska’s […]

Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark) Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committe on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry introduced legislation to protect the use of lead in the manufacturing of ammunition and fishing tackle.  Lincoln’s bill would exempt lead ammunition and lead fishing tackle from being banned under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Toxic Substance Control Act.

ADFG has officially closed the Southeast Gillnet fishery on October 14, 2010. The harvest statistics for last week are confidential.

UPDATED Following is the official NPFMC Motion The short story is that for all halibut, sablefish and federal groundfish you will be assessed a 1.25{011364765f66369e3b18bfb4bff139a9c8654494d05ca41b290c33562211a86b} fee based on ex-vessel value. Observers Council motion final 10-8-10

The FDA is accepting comments mostly on how genetically modified fish should be labeled if approved.  Comments are due by November 22nd, 2010.  http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#documentDetail?R=0900006480b3b456 This is the link to the federal register notice about the labeling.  It will also contain the information on where to send comments.

The SEINE task force meeting will be held in Petersburg on November 30, 2010 The GILLNET task force meeting will be the following day in Wrangell on December 1, 2010 Arrangements are being made for transportation between Petersburg and Wrangell.