tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36963125365219748772024-02-19T01:10:16.601-08:00DeckbossChristianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.comBlogger500125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696312536521974877.post-69200482852872683942012-04-11T07:25:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:44:10.733-07:00'Threats and challenges'A new <a href="http://ebooks.alaskaseafood.org/ASMI_annual_report_2012/#/1/">annual report</a> from the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute sees a number of "threats and challenges for Alaska in the global marketplace."<br /><br />Among the listed items:<br /><br />• Chilean salmon farmers have greatly increased production and are on track to fully rebound from devastating outbreaks of the ISA virus, infectious salmon anemia.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJy_XqRzedVUnHHrG2KgnuRHJgRdOpupuF0KgFPD8Tr97zwb4S5fCFWYrxwsDp40KCmRIuqZkBYNmFEc7d0aiSowpKOL9bir6nAQSnsaBeYFPig0gQZQMG9G80yvkfLqYJsvTfPsJGiNI/s1600/ASMI+logo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 122px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJy_XqRzedVUnHHrG2KgnuRHJgRdOpupuF0KgFPD8Tr97zwb4S5fCFWYrxwsDp40KCmRIuqZkBYNmFEc7d0aiSowpKOL9bir6nAQSnsaBeYFPig0gQZQMG9G80yvkfLqYJsvTfPsJGiNI/s200/ASMI+logo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730153002345017810" /></a>• Funding could be reduced for the <a href="http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs/map.asp">Market Access Program</a>, which helps promote American products abroad. The federal program has allocated millions of dollars to ASMI in years past.<br /><br />• Aquaculture continues to increase its percentage of world seafood supply, with Alaska's share now down to 1.3 percent.<br /><br />• With increases in the value of state's wild salmon, halibut and other species, Alaska producers face "price resistance" in the marketplace.<br /><br />• Alaska always has been an expensive place to operate, and it's getting worse with rising fuel and transportation costs.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696312536521974877.post-46291786021888059022012-04-10T17:15:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:44:10.748-07:00Legislature approves Fish Board appointeesThe Alaska Legislature today confirmed Gov. Sean Parnell's picks for the state Board of Fisheries, Karl Johnstone and Orville Huntington.<br /><br />Most of the governor's appointees, for posts ranging from state attorney general to the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers, passed by unanimous consent. <br /><br />Johnstone was among the very few names drawing an objection, meaning his appointment was put to a vote of senators and representatives meeting jointly to consider the governor's appointees.<br /><br />The vote proceeded without any discussion. Here is the outcome:<br /><br /><strong>Senators:</strong> 17 yea, 2 nay<br /><strong>Representatives:</strong> 27 yea, 11 nayChristianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696312536521974877.post-66507333146381865282012-04-09T01:05:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:44:10.765-07:00For your entertainment<a href="http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/deadliest-catch/">Deadliest Catch</a> begins its eighth season Tuesday night. Check your local listings, potheads.<br /><br />Deckboss also recommends you catch <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1441952/">Salmon Fishing in the Yemen</a>, a really nice film.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696312536521974877.post-84517873881148765432012-04-09T00:25:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:44:10.783-07:00Less than half of Sitka herring quota taken so farThe Sitka Sound sac roe herring fishery opened for a third time Saturday, and seiners bagged 3,740 tons in a little over three hours.<br /><br />State fishery managers now estimate a total of 13,776 tons have been taken so far this year.<br /><br />That's less than half the preseason quota of 28,829 tons.<br /><br />Not to worry, however.<br /><br />The latest Department of Fish and Game <a href="http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/home/news/pdfs/newsreleases/cf/119815875.pdf">update</a> suggests plenty of herring are still in the area.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696312536521974877.post-51299927838697053672012-04-05T21:35:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:44:10.798-07:00To the deepThe crew of the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Anacapa opened fire today on the Ryou-Un Maru, sinking her in 6,072 feet of water 180 miles off the Southeast Alaska coast.<br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.d17.uscgnews.com/go/doc/780/1360059/">here</a> for Coast Guard video and photos.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696312536521974877.post-23588456441248612922012-04-05T01:05:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:44:10.813-07:00Sinking imminent?<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_5DaOJXlI25ZYWz2G-Bp2KHl041bY8nBeJFGS9_e8rmXZ4uW2hj0dC8JrJDJrCwQQYr3T_sIvmvCARTU1afJ_tpnFmi8CUrrBZzvQC2uKz7ijVzcQmC7rtzzK6SFuK19l-UM0wcf0-0/s1600/Ryou-Un+Maru%252C+4-4-12+-+USCG.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 286px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727819846066241826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_5DaOJXlI25ZYWz2G-Bp2KHl041bY8nBeJFGS9_e8rmXZ4uW2hj0dC8JrJDJrCwQQYr3T_sIvmvCARTU1afJ_tpnFmi8CUrrBZzvQC2uKz7ijVzcQmC7rtzzK6SFuK19l-UM0wcf0-0/s400/Ryou-Un+Maru%252C+4-4-12+-+USCG.jpg" /></a><strong>Here's another look at that derelict Japanese fishing vessel, the Ryou-Un Maru, as seen Wednesday about 170 nautical miles southwest of Sitka. The unmanned boat, drifting northwest, got loose after Japan's massive tsunami in March 2011. CNN and other media outlets are reporting the owner of the squid boat has been identified, and that the U.S. Coast Guard today might sink the vessel as a hazard to shipping. USCG photo</strong></div>Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696312536521974877.post-7434803474709774232012-04-04T21:45:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:44:10.827-07:00CDQ champions recognizedDeckboss certainly didn't receive an invitation. Heck, he didn't even known it was happening.<br /><br />But apparently a big event was held last week in Anchorage to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the Community Development Quota program.<br /><br />The festivities included recognizing 15 people who helped create one of Alaska's "most innovative and successful economic development projects."<br /><br />Among the honorees: the late Sen. Ted Stevens, the late Harvey Samuelsen of Dillingham, former state "fisheries tsar" Clem Tillion of Halibut Cove, and former Anchorage banker Ed Rasmuson.<br /><br />For the complete list and more details on the March 30 celebration, check out this <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/88063085/CDQ-honorees">press release</a>.<br /><br />Launched in 1992, the CDQ program is a government initiative that reserves roughly 10 percent of the Bering Sea's lucrative fish and crab quotas for the benefit of Western Alaska villages. Six companies represent groups of villages, managing their seafood harvests and investments.<br /><br />The six CDQ companies have amassed hundreds of millions of dollars in assets, including interests in large fishing vessels and processing plants. Creating rural jobs and educational opportunities is a major focus for the CDQ program, its leaders say.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696312536521974877.post-10516150806633638432012-04-03T21:20:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:44:10.842-07:00A third of Sitka herring quota taken thus farSitka Sound seiners scooped up another 5,610 tons of roe-rich herring in yesterday's opener, the second of the season, the state Department of Fish and Game reports.<br /><br />That brings the year's total an estimated 10,340 tons, or more than a third of the 28,829-ton quota.<br /><br />"The plan is to stand down on further fishing until Thursday to allow for processing and tendering capacity to become available for the next harvesting opportunity," the department said this morning.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696312536521974877.post-50373137924005732752012-04-03T05:25:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:44:10.859-07:00Tsunami ghost ship adrift off Southeast Alaska<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnlLl3k_TzsUec5Cb8a1RPMFkG3YPKYxcLfIAv2W2CrrQp24TEj_b99tVGcb4pw6NrcMH7_k4qTA-ZLIkWlHVXhX0sZJV3RYjvY6W2bm5aO_OHS-9-9iwzylP9InRLPJEZxDD5tL6xhI/s1600/Ryou-Un+Maru+-+USCG+photo.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727136856075288194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnlLl3k_TzsUec5Cb8a1RPMFkG3YPKYxcLfIAv2W2CrrQp24TEj_b99tVGcb4pw6NrcMH7_k4qTA-ZLIkWlHVXhX0sZJV3RYjvY6W2bm5aO_OHS-9-9iwzylP9InRLPJEZxDD5tL6xhI/s400/Ryou-Un+Maru+-+USCG+photo.JPG" /></a><strong>Unmanned and unlit. USCG photo</strong></div><br />The U.S. Coast Guard says a derelict Japanese fishing vessel, the Ryou-Un Maru, has drifted into Southeast Alaska waters and is posing a navigational hazard some 180 miles west of Dixon Entrance.<br /><br />The vessel was first sighted more than a week ago in Canadian waters.<br /><br />The Ryou-Un Maru has been drifting unmanned and unlit at sea presumably since Japan's massive tsunami more than a year ago, the Coast Guard says.<br /><br />The Coast Guard has dropped a data marker buoy near the vessel to track its location, and a cutter is heading out to assess the situation.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696312536521974877.post-90771516477998545542012-04-02T18:15:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:44:10.941-07:00Sitka herring updateSaturday's herring opener at Sitka, the first of the season, produced an estimated catch of 4,700 tons, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game says.<br /><br />That's about 16 percent of this season's giant quota of 28,829 tons.<br /><br />The opener lasted just under three and a half hours.<br /><br />Fishery managers called a second opening for 11:30 a.m. today, KCAW Raven Radio in Sitka reported.<br /><br />As usual, the price situation is murky at best. Anybody heard anything credible?Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696312536521974877.post-75786920499965837742012-04-01T03:20:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:44:11.021-07:00Buyback balloting under wayThe voting period has opened for the proposed Southeast Alaska salmon seine permit buyback program.<br /><br />Permit holders eligible to vote were mailed ballots on Thursday.<br /><br />Voters must return their ballots by April 30.<br /><br />If a majority of the 379 ballots come back in favor, the government will proceed with a buyback of 64 permits at a cost of $13.1 million.<br /><br />Seiners remaining in the fishery will then repay the money over time.<br /><br />For more information, click <a href="http://www.cfec.state.ak.us/mnu_SESeine_buyback.htm">here</a>.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696312536521974877.post-19390206469787869022012-04-01T02:55:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:44:11.100-07:00And they're off in SitkaAfter days of waiting for the right conditions, the Sitka Sound sac roe herring fishery saw its first opener Saturday afternoon.<br /><br />No word on the size of the catch.<br /><br />Or whether seiners and processors were able to reach a preseason price agreement.<br /><br />Or how many boats rammed other boats.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696312536521974877.post-22161983133249159932012-03-31T22:20:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:44:11.116-07:00Johnstone in, Smith out on Board of FisheriesGov. Sean Parnell today reappointed Karl Johnstone to the Alaska Board of Fisheries. Johnstone currently is board chairman.<br /><br />The governor named Orville Huntington to replace board member Mike Smith.<br /><br />Here's a <a href="http://gov.alaska.gov/parnell/press-room/full-press-release.html?pr=6073">press release</a> from the governor's office.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696312536521974877.post-64089450995911468332012-03-30T18:10:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:44:11.132-07:00IPHC contenders namedBack in February we told you the federal government was inviting nominations for two U.S. seats on the International Pacific Halibut Commission.<br /><br />So who was nominated? Here's the <a href="http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/halibut/iphc/nominations.htm">list</a>.<br /><br />Ralph Hoard and Phillip Lestenkof currently occupy the two seats, and both are eligible for reappointment. But only one of those names is on the list of nominees.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696312536521974877.post-91265165461580102122012-03-30T04:10:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:44:11.219-07:00A new player enters rockfish legal frayFishermen's Finest Inc. is seeking to intervene in the lawsuit major Kodiak processors have filed against the federal government over the new Central Gulf of Alaska rockfish catch shares program.<br /><br />As you will recall, the processors argue the program is unlawful because it created shares only for fishing vessel owners.<br /><br />Seattle-based Fishermen's Finest operates two large and well-known trawlers in Alaska, the American No. 1 and the U.S. Intrepid.<br /><br />In its <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/87330845/Fishermen-s-Finest-motion-to-intervene">motion to intervene</a>, Fishermen's Finest argues that if the processors win, the company would lose valuable quota.<br /><br />What's more, a processor victory "would upend the rationalization process for many fisheries in the North Pacific," the motion says.<br /><br />Rationalization means cutting up a fishery into individual shares. Fishery managers in Alaska have embraced rationalization as a way to alleviate safety and other problems that arise when boats "race for fish."<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/86192760/Amended-rockfish-complaint">processor lawsuit</a> strikes at a burning policy question: Should the government award shares only to fishermen, or should processors receive them too?<br /><br />While Gulf rockfish is not among Alaska's largest or richest commercial fisheries, it's apparent the rockfish lawsuit could turn into a titanic legal battle.<br /><br />Deckboss hears we are likely to see more fishing vessel owners file to intervene in the case.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696312536521974877.post-6532233549308705192012-03-30T03:10:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:44:11.305-07:00Now property of the USA<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVtDg9i-mMksuZ1fuk478ieHYXWi2XnsJDmyLgjIuxoTdQCtYQVXVAGoVM1I7vF7hkC_Jt9sBwkMRpmkozRDTBNkvns_xCQBSQF6eLzPzfDOrdWIqZm4F1LTTAw-0x_IlAPz4U_W3JOg/s1600/Bangun+Perkasa+bow+-+James+Mason.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725626814229085090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVtDg9i-mMksuZ1fuk478ieHYXWi2XnsJDmyLgjIuxoTdQCtYQVXVAGoVM1I7vF7hkC_Jt9sBwkMRpmkozRDTBNkvns_xCQBSQF6eLzPzfDOrdWIqZm4F1LTTAw-0x_IlAPz4U_W3JOg/s400/Bangun+Perkasa+bow+-+James+Mason.jpg" /></a><strong>To a buyer, or the bottom? James Mason photo<strong></strong></strong></div><strong><strong></strong></strong><br /><strong><strong></strong></strong>A federal judge in Anchorage yesterday signed this <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/87330025/Bangun-Perkasa-decree-of-forfeiture">forfeiture decree</a> for the Bangun Perkasa, a suspected high-seas driftnetter authorities seized and took to Dutch Harbor last year.<br /><br />The judge signed the decree after no one came forward to claim the vessel. The government may now sell it.<br /><br />Or better yet, says Alaska Sen. Mark Begich, the Coast Guard should use the "pirate" for gunnery practice and sink her.<br /><br />What's your vote?Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696312536521974877.post-22175545437308246992012-03-30T02:25:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:44:11.396-07:00Chinook take a dip for Southeast trollersSoutheast Alaska commercial trollers have a Chinook salmon harvest allocation this year of 197,272 fish, down 20,788 from the 2011 preseason allocation.<br /><br />Here's the <a href="http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/home/news/pdfs/newsreleases/cf/117669173.pdf">announcement</a> from the Department of Fish and Game.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696312536521974877.post-46288193968498856802012-03-28T07:55:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:44:11.482-07:00State looks at financing seafood real estate dealA state lending agency, the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, is weighing whether to team with a bank on a $7.5 million loan to a Juneau seafood processor.<br /><br />Here's an AIDEA <a href="http://www.aidea.org/BoardMaterials/7A_L12-03_AlaskaSeafoodHoldings.pdf">staff memo</a> with all the details.<br /><br />The AIDEA board meets Friday. Here's the <a href="http://www.aidea.org/agenda.html">agenda</a>.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696312536521974877.post-19408266438913800282012-03-27T18:40:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:44:11.559-07:00Who knew?Did you know that the "Grand Canyons of the Sea" can be found off Alaska's coast?<br /><br />And that these two underwater canyons are prominent "Green Belt" features?<br /><br />And that Bering Sea commercial fishing vessels, including factory trawlers "the size of ocean liners," are dragging nets and longlines through the canyons?<br /><br />And that these canyons, which are "remarkable biologically," really should be protected?<br /><br />And that the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, which is meeting this week in Anchorage and lacks "conservation seats," probably won't do the right thing without a push from Greenpeace and other groups?<br /><br />Read all about it and see lots of pictures <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-hocevar/ocean-canyons-conservation_b_1367040.html#s798959&title=Hermit_crab_Pribilof">here</a>.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696312536521974877.post-69394298401646962592012-03-26T02:05:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:44:11.639-07:00Ready, set...Sitka Sound herring seiners go on two-hour notice effective 11 a.m. Tuesday.<br /><br />Here's the <a href="http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/home/news/pdfs/newsreleases/cf/116672362.pdf">announcement</a> from the Department of Fish and Game.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696312536521974877.post-39550377046999066062012-03-24T23:25:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:44:11.717-07:00Fuglvog doing his time — in Petersburg!Arne Fuglvog, the former congressional aide convicted of a federal fisheries violation, is serving his five-month prison sentence at this <a href="http://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/pet/index.jsp">low-security facility</a> in Petersburg, Va.<br /><br />That's quite a coincidence, as Fuglvog is from Petersburg, Alaska.<br /><br />Deckboss hears he reported to prison on March 13.<br /><br />Fuglvog, 48, is scheduled for release on Aug. 11, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons <a href="http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/LocateInmate.jsp">inmate locator</a>.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696312536521974877.post-5592672686567970492012-03-22T07:25:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:44:11.794-07:00Geoduck groansFor the fifth consecutive week, the commercial geoduck clam fishery in Southeast Alaska is closed due to all harvest areas failing paralytic shellfish poison testing.<br /><br />Deckboss isn't sure if this is some kind of record. But he's confident dive fishermen must be frustrated with such a long closure.<br /><br />Here's the latest <a href="http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/home/news/pdfs/newsreleases/cf/115639478.pdf">disappointing announcement</a> from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696312536521974877.post-61319983238539102132012-03-21T04:50:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:44:11.906-07:00Litigation updateHere's a quick update on a couple of big court cases brought against federal fishery regulators.<br /><br />First, processors challenging the new Central Gulf of Alaska rockfish catch shares program have filed this <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/86192760/Amended-rockfish-complaint">amended complaint</a> in federal court in Seattle.<br /><br />You will note that International Seafoods is no longer listed as plaintiff. Now its just Trident, Westward, North Pacific and Ocean Beauty taking on the feds.<br /><br />Second, the state as well as several industry groups on Monday signaled they will appeal their recent defeat in the Steller sea lion case.<br /><br />They contend the National Marine Fisheries Service lacks justification for imposing extensive fishing closures in the Aleutians to protect the endangered marine mammals.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696312536521974877.post-89534179927361058562012-03-20T01:30:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:44:11.985-07:00It's not over yetLast week came word that Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire was <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/85550502/Gregoire-council-nominees">nominating</a> Lori Swanson for a seat on the North Pacific Fishery Management Council.<br /><br />Well, this choice apparently didn't sit well with a large segment of the industry.<br /><br />Deckboss has intercepted the following email attempting to rally support for an alternate, Craig Cross.<br /><br />The email is from Jim Gilmore, the Washington, D.C., lobbyist for the At-sea Processors Association, which represents Bering Sea factory trawlers. It's addressed to several major commercial fishing organizations: the Deep Sea Fishermen's Union, the Alaska Crab Coalition, the Fishing Vessel Owners' Association, Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers, the Freezer Longline Coalition and United Catcher Boats.<br /><br />Here's the email:<br /><br /><strong>From:</strong> Jim Gilmore<br /><strong>Sent:</strong> Thursday, March 15, 2012 6:24 PM<br /><strong>To:</strong> 'Mark Gleason'; 'Edward Poulsen'; 'Robert Alverson'; 'Arni Thomson'; 'Theodore Kronmiller'; 'Kenny Down'; 'Brent Paine'; 'Justin LeBlanc'; 'Sara Chapman'<br /><strong>Cc:</strong> 'Stephanie Madsen'; 'Craig Cross'<br /><strong>Subject:</strong> North Pacific Council seat<br /><br /><em>Hello DSFU/ACC/FVOA/ABSCA/FLC/UCB —<br /><br />By now, you have no doubt heard that Governor Gregoire has selected Lori Swanson as the preferred nominee for appointment to the North Pacific Council with Craig Cross as the second choice.<br /><br />Among many others within and outside the commercial fisheries, our seven organizations supported Craig's candidacy, urging the Governor to select Craig as the preferred nominee. The issue we now face is whether to continue to press the case with Washington's Senators and Democrat House members or to accept the Governor's verdict.<br /><br />This appointment seems particularly important since among the three Washington Council seats, it is the only seat to be occupied by a commercial fisheries participant — and that is likely to be the case for the next five years until John Henderschedt reaches the end of his third term. John, of course, is an excellent Council member, but he has changed jobs since his first appointment, leaving the industry with one less seat to represent our diverse interests.<br /><br />What is startling, and troubling, about the Governor's decision is the disregard shown for the almost unprecedented breadth of industry support for Craig's candidacy, certainly when contrasted with the very narrow support for Lori's candidacy. The trawl, longline, and pot vessel sectors, including both catcher and catcher/processor vessels employing those gear types, and a crewmember union voiced unqualified support for Craig, expressing broad stakeholder support for him to fill the one industry seat available to a $2 billion industry.<br /><br />Both Lori and Craig meet the MSA requirements for Council appointees. Obviously, I am biased in believing that Craig is still the stronger candidate, but I can see a decision maker viewing the candidates as essentially equally qualified to garner the asterisk as the preferred nominee.<br /><br />What I find appalling though is that the decision ignores the fact that virtually the whole industry lined up behind one candidate and that in evaluating two qualified candidates, the deciding factor — whatever that was — ran counter to the will and confidence of the industry. The MSA requires consultation with the industry, and the Governor's letter to NOAA Fisheries (attached) details such consultations. But what is the point of holding such consultations if the input received is ignored? Fewer than one-third of the "groups consulted" supported Lori's selection and several of those groups are comprised of essentially the same actors only with a different letterhead. Moreover, the expert agency, WDFW recommended Craig as the preferred nominee. There is no rationale for Lori's selection that trumps the expressed wishes of the vast majority of commercial fishing interests or the recommendation of the state's fishery agency.<br /><br />Overturning the Governor's recommendation is not an easy task. The question is whether the principle established that the commercial fishing industry's input is not a determining factor in gubernatorial decisions a precedent that we are satisfied to let stand. Practically speaking, it would take essentially universal support and active advocacy of our groups to make the case to Democrats in the Washington delegation that they should weigh in with the Secretary of Commerce for Craig's appointment, overturning the recommendation of a lame duck governor who has demonstrated no regard for constituents who supported her for eight years.<br /><br />What are the wishes of the group? Perhaps each of you should consider your preferred course of action and communicate your intentions to Craig? If there is sufficient support for moving forward to support Craig, we can have a call to discuss strategies, but I also understand if folks decide that it's time to move on to other issues. Thanks.<br /><br />Jim</em><br /><br />Jim Gilmore<br />Director of Public Affairs<br />At-sea Processors Association<br />Washington, DCChristianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696312536521974877.post-44323150640420788192012-03-19T20:45:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:44:12.064-07:00Juneau restaurant owners to pay $18,000 penaltyThe case concerns illegal purchases of subsistence-caught halibut, says this <a href="http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ole/news/2012/03/19_juneau_restaurant_fined.htm">press release</a> from the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802511014179121025noreply@blogger.com