JUNEAU, Alaska – The Coast Guard reminds mariners of a new law requiring recreational boats to use an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) and associated ECOS link (ECOSL). An ECOS is an emergency ignition cut-off device that shuts down the engine if the operator is ejected from the vessel or falls overboard. On April 1, 2021, […]
The proposed rule for the subsistence harvest of migratory birds in Alaska during the spring and summer of 2021 has been made available for public comment. These regulations are reviewed annually by the Alaska Migratory Bird Co-management Council, which makes recommendations for management of the subsistence migratory bird harvest. Members of the council include representatives […]
“The administration really outdid itself with a proposal that has the Forest Service walking away from managing our national forests while closing the door on public oversight.” Defenders of wildlife and biodiversity on Tuesday decried a proposal released by President Donald Trump’s Department of Agriculture that would sharply curtail the U.S. Forest Service’s ability to weigh in […]
The Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association (BBSDA) has posted its own COVID-19 Fishermen’s Handbook, online here. The intent is educating the fishermen on how to comply with state and local laws and to provide best practice to keep everyone safe from COVID-19 during the 2020 season. A set net mandate is also to […]
“Trump is exploiting a public health crisis to help an industry known for pumping diseases and antibiotics into oceans.” President Donald Trump issued an executive order late Thursday that environmentalists warned will accelerate the corporate exploitation of oceans by relaxing regulations on and streamlining the construction of industrial offshore aquaculture facilities, which critics deride as “floating […]
Required international terminal modifications delayed by travel restrictions (KETCHIKAN, Alaska) – The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) has cancelled service to Prince Rupert, British Columbia until further notice. COVID-19 related travel restrictions have delayed work to bring the AMHS Prince Rupert Terminal into compliance with federal regulations. All passengers are being notified and rebooked or […]
A new escapement goal for late-run Chinook salmon into the Kenai River approved in mid-February by the Alaska Board of Fisheries has some commercial harvesters on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula concerned that it will limit setnet opportunities. On Feb. 14 the board approved in a 5-2 vote substitute language for proposal 104, which was submitted […]