Fisheries

Washington’s Democratic governor had advanced an ally of tribes and conservation groups for appointment to the federal commission that manages lucrative fisheries off the Alaska coast, but the U.S. commerce secretary instead reappointed an official from a Seattle-based trawl company.

Sockeye salmon returning to Bristol Bay this year were, on average, the smallest the Alaska Department of Fish and Game has ever seen.

The decision came after a legal battle over who should pay for bycatch monitors on trawl boats. The potential effects extend to all federally regulated industries — including fisheries.

Although there’s no decision yet, a panel of judges expressed sympathy for the coastal communities that could be hurt by the order.

Federal judges will hear oral arguments Thursday in an appeal of a ruling that threatened to halt the Southeast troll fishery for king salmon.

Sablefish, or black cod, don’t return home to spawn.