Fisheries

This season’s pink salmon were slightly bigger, but southern Panhandle runs fizzled.

Now that the FDA has approved a genetically engineered salmon for human consumption, Costco appears to be joining Safeway and other retailers in a commitment not to sell it.

Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute Executive Director Alexa Tonkovich said if the agreement is enacted, it could be good news for Alaska seafood exports, including Bristol Bay sockeye.

One researcher says further testing of commercial crab and shrimp from the area could kill the region’s fisheries.

“Eventually, we were going to eat it,” said Gary Johnson. “But then a bear came and got to our cooler. And he had some fresh tuna.”

Alaska officials have drafted an agreement with British Columbia aimed at protecting transboundary waters. They say it will address concerns about pollution from mines on rivers that flow into Alaska.