Guided fishermen will have to return deep-water rockfish to a safe depth under a plan approved this week by Alaska’s Board of Fisheries. The proposal is an unusual compromise between longliners and charter-boat operators.
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska
Fisheries board keeps powered reels legal
The state Board of Fisheries today (Tuesday) decided to continue allowing sport anglers to use electric reels. The panel voted down a proposal prohibiting power-assisted reels, except for disabled sport fishermen.
Fisheries board takes up Southeast allocation issues
The Alaska Board of Fisheries addresses Southeast finfish issues starting on Friday (Feb. 24).
Members will consider 145 proposals from advisory boards, gear groups and individuals.
Federal budget cuts could target Native programs
Alaska Federation of Natives President Julie Kitka warns that the continuing federal budget battle could impact essential services.
But she says it’s hard to tell where the ax will fall.
Senator calls for permanent fund, scholarship changes
The senator representing Alaska’s largest legislative district is suggesting major changes to the state’s Permanent Fund and the governor’s scholarship program. Albert Kookesh, an Angoon Democrat, spoke during the Native Issues Forum in Juneau today (Feb. 22). Kookesh, who could be serving his final term, speculated on what he would do if he was king…
Wood-pellet heat systems pitched to lawmakers
Backers of biomass energy pitched wood-pellet heat as a money-saver during a legislative hearing today (Feb. 21st).
Alaska Energy Authority staff and others talked to the House Committee on Economic Development about the Southeast Alaska Integrated Resource Plan.