A disabled tug and barge was actually carrying 3.7 million gallons of fuel — more than three times that was initially reported by Canadian authorities. The vessels remained anchored awaiting clearance to proceed into U.S. waters.
Oceans
U.S. and Canadian halibut numbers could see decline, scientists say
Scientists monitoring halibut say there could be a decline in the bottom fish along the coast of the U.S. and Canada in upcoming years if the current level of fishing continues.
Alaska-bound fuel barge runs into trouble in Canadian waters
A fuel-laden barge bound for Alaska ran broke free from its tug in stormy seas. Canadian officials say the U.S. vessel is back under control but the incident reignites a debate over petroleum shipments in the Inside Passage.
Southeast pink salmon catch could disappoint again in 2018
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is forecasting a commercial catch of 23 million pink salmon in Southeast Alaska next year. That would be down from this year but would come close to historical averages. Managers are expecting something similar to the disappointing season of 2016.
State, delegation push feds on transboundary mining
Alaska leaders want Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to push Canadian officials to better protect Southeast fisheries from British Columbia mine projects.
Kodiak’s commercial kelp harvest begins inside a seaweed nursery
Kodiak’s seaweed industry is growing, partly thanks to the investment of one company. Blue Evolution, which is based in the Lower 48 and turns kelp into pasta products, successfully completed harvest in May with a local fisherman in the City of Kodiak.