Commercial Fisheries
RSSCommercial fishing industry: Bristol Bay sockeye, BSAI pollock and crab, halibut and sablefish IFQ, Board of Fisheries rulings, NPFMC allocation
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Nome subsistence salmon fishers face new weekly schedule, 25-fish limits
Alaska Department of Fish and Game has established a Wednesday-to-Monday subsistence fishing schedule and 25-fish household limits for Norton Sound salmon fisheries in 2026, prioritizing escapement and subsistence needs over commercial harvest.
by Alaska News1d ago3 min readNome1 viewAI
Federal Decision Keeps Chinook Management in Alaska's Hands
NMFS ruled that Gulf of Alaska Chinook salmon do not warrant ESA listing, preserving Alaska's state control over fisheries management after a court-ordered review deadline.
by Alaska News3d ago2 min readAnchorage, AK2 viewsAI
Halibut Landings Lag 80% Behind Quota as Prices Hit $7/lb
Alaska's halibut fishery has landed only 3.5 million pounds against a 19 million pound quota by early May 2026, an unusually slow pace despite strong $6 to $7 per pound dock prices across major ports.
by Alaska News6d ago2 min readAlaska5 viewsAI
Are You Kitten Me? Alaska’s Fish “Waste” Just Found Its Second Life
by CamilleSutherland1mo ago2 min read26 views13
Senate panel advances Ketchikan mariculture manager to Board of Fisheries
The Senate Resources Committee advanced Paul Cyr's nomination to the Alaska Board of Fisheries, which would give Southeast Alaska its first seat on the influential regulatory board in years.
by Alaska News1w ago3 min readJuneau6 viewsAI
Senate panel advances compromise on fish processor sick leave
The Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee advanced a compromise bill Thursday that limits paid sick leave for seasonal fish processors to 12 hours per month, capped at 48 hours annually, modifying voter-approved sick leave requirements.
by Alaska News1w ago2 min readJuneau, Alaska3 viewsAI
Board Chair Survives Ethics Challenge Over Village Corporation Ties
The Alaska Board of Fisheries voted 6-0 that Chair Marit Carlson-Van Dort has no conflict of interest despite her role as CEO of Far West Inc., a Chignik Bay village corporation that took a position on Area M fisheries in 2018.
by Alaska News2w ago3 min readAlaska Peninsula / Aleutian Island / Chignik5 viewsAI
Fishermen's Fund Council to review claims, policies at May meeting
The Alaska Commercial Fishermen's Fund Advisory and Appeals Council will meet in May to review benefit claims and fund policies, with a public session on May 21.
by Alaska News1mo ago1 min readJuneau, Alaska16 viewsAI
State Opens Two-Day Geoduck Fishery in Kaigani Strait
Alaska Department of Fish and Game opened a two-day commercial geoduck fishery in Kaigani Strait for April 22-23 to harvest the remaining 7,000 pounds of quota in Subdistrict 103-30-001.
by Alaska News3w ago2 min readKaigani Strait Subdistrict 103-30-0018 viewsAI
House panel hears bill to let small Alaska fishermen process, sell catch directly
The House Special Committee on Fisheries heard House Bill 356, which would create a 'microfisheries' pathway allowing small-scale commercial fishermen to process up to 5,000 pounds of fish onboard and sell directly to consumers with streamlined permitting.
by Alaska News2w ago3 min readAlaska, USA4 viewsAI
Fish and Game sets cleanup rules for herring pound structures
Alaska Department of Fish and Game issued rules for removing herring pound structures in Prince William Sound after spawn-on-kelp harvest to prevent disease and ensure orderly fishery closure.
by Alaska News2w ago2 min readPrince William Sound4 viewsAI
Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute seeks public input on technical meeting
The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute will hold a public virtual meeting of its technical committee on May 12, 2026.
by Alaska News2w ago1 min readAlaska4 viewsAI
Board of Fish Nominees Face Questions on Public Process Erosion
Three Board of Fisheries nominees pledged commitment to transparent public process during legislative questioning focused on recent out-of-cycle decisions that changed Cook Inlet gear types despite overwhelming public opposition.
by Alaska News1w ago3 min readJuneau2 viewsAI
House Faces Russian Seafood Ban, Spending Limits, and Healthcare Access Bills
The Alaska House conducted routine business and recognized notable guests including longtime sexual assault reform advocate Katie Boats.
by Alaska News3w ago2 min readHouse Floor5 viewsAI
Board Restricts Fishing Gear to Protect Chinook in Chignik, Area M
The Alaska Board of Fisheries approved multiple gear restrictions to conserve Chinook salmon stocks in the Chignik Management Area and South Alaska Peninsula, including reduced seine net depth and area closures.
by Alaska News2w ago4 min readAlaska Peninsula / Aleutian Island / Chignik3 viewsAI
Board of Fisheries Opens Statewide Meeting With Stock Concern Action Plans
The Alaska Board of Fisheries convened its statewide finfish and supplemental issues meeting on March 17, 2026, beginning with introductions, ethics disclosures, and presentations on action plans for Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim stocks of management concern.
by Alaska News2w ago6 min readAlaska3 viewsAI
Board restricts Cook Inlet drift gillnet fishery to protect coho salmon
The Alaska Board of Fisheries voted 4-2 to significantly restrict the Cook Inlet drift gillnet fishery through new fishing windows, area closures, and a 2-mile shoreline buffer to protect struggling northern Cook Inlet coho salmon populations.
by Alaska News1w ago4 min readAlaska2 viewsAI
Fish and Game closes Malina Bay herring fishery for season
Alaska Department of Fish and Game closed the Malina Bay herring fishery in the North Afognak District on April 29, 2026, for the remainder of the sac roe season.
by Alaska News2w ago3 min readMalina Bay Section (WA20) of the North Afognak District3 viewsAI
Alaska Fishery Debates Reflect Broader Tensions Over Mixed-Stock Management
Alaska Peninsula fishery discussions mirror national struggles to balance commercial harvest with conservation in mixed-stock corridors where multiple salmon populations overlap.
by Alaska News2w ago6 min readAlaska Peninsula / Aleutian Island / Chignik2 viewsAI
Board Cuts Area M June Salmon Fishing Time 30% to Protect Yukon-Bound Chum
The Alaska Board of Fisheries voted 4-3 to reduce June commercial fishing time in Area M by approximately 30 percent and eliminate chum salmon harvest caps, shifting management authority to the department to protect Yukon and Kuskokwim River-bound salmon.
by Alaska News2w ago4 min readAlaska Peninsula / Aleutian Island / Chignik2 viewsAI
Senate panel hears setnet cooperative bill, sets aside land transfer
The Senate Resources Committee heard House Bill 117, which would allow commercial setnet fishermen to continue operating cooperatively, and Senate Bill 255, which would transfer state land to the Mat-Su Borough without surveys.
by Alaska News3w ago7 min readAlaska3 viewsAI
Alaska Board Rejects 25% Hatchery Production Cut After Heated Debate
The Alaska Board of Fisheries voted 6-1 to reject a proposal to reduce pink and chum salmon hatchery production by 25%, despite concerns about impacts on wild stocks, after extensive debate about scientific uncertainty and economic consequences.
by Alaska News2w ago3 min readAlaska2 viewsAI
Chignik King Salmon Meets Escapement Goal After Six-Year Drought
Chignik River king salmon reached the biological escapement goal in 2025 for the first time since 2019, raising questions about whether aggressive conservation measures should continue.
by Alaska News1w ago6 min readAlaska1 viewAI
Senate panel advances fishing co-op bill with electronic monitoring
The Senate Resources Committee unanimously advanced House Bill 117, which legalizes set gillnet fishing cooperatives and adds electronic monitoring authority for trawl vessels, after adopting two amendments including a five-permit cap.
by Alaska News3w ago3 min readAlaska2 viewsAI
State Selling Repossessed Commercial Fishing Vessel
The state is selling a repossessed commercial fishing vessel through an ongoing online sales program managed by the Division of Investments.
by Alaska News3w ago1 min readAlaska2 viewsAI
Alaska Native Groups Push for Fishing Permit Reform After $7.5B Exodus
Alaska Federation of Natives presented research showing $7.5 billion in salmon earnings have left the state through non-resident permit holders since 1975, devastating rural fishing communities.
by Alaska News1mo ago2 min readAlaska3 viewsAI
State seeks public comment on Yukon River salmon fishing rules by April 30
The Alaska Board of Fisheries is seeking public comment by April 30 on adding traditional knowledge to Yukon River salmon management regulations.
by Alaska News1mo ago1 min readStatewide4 viewsAI
Alaska Sustainable Salmon Fund opens 2026 grant cycle with $3-10 million
The Alaska Sustainable Salmon Fund is accepting grant proposals for salmon research and conservation projects, with $3-10 million available and a June 24 deadline.
by Alaska News3w ago1 min readAlaska1 viewAI
Senate panel advances fishing cooperative bill with electronic monitoring
The Senate Resources Committee unanimously advanced House Bill 117, which legalizes set gillnet fishing cooperatives and adds electronic monitoring authority for trawl vessels, after adopting two amendments including a five-permit cap.
by Alaska News3w ago3 min readAlaska1 viewAI
Alaska Senate Passes Russian Seafood Import Ban Extension Resolution
The Alaska Senate unanimously approved a resolution supporting continued federal prohibition on Russian seafood imports to protect the state's fishing industry.
by Alaska News1mo ago2 min readSenate2 viewsAI
Public input sought on Cook Inlet salmon hatchery programs
The state is holding a public meeting to review salmon hatchery management plans for the Cook Inlet region.
by Alaska News1mo ago1 min readKenai, Alaska2 viewsAI
Board of Fish Defers Trawl Gear Restrictions, Opts for Federal Coordination
The Alaska Board of Fisheries voted 7-0 to take no action on four trawl-related proposals, instead choosing to work with federal fishery managers through a Joint Protocol Committee to address habitat and bycatch concerns.
by Alaska News1mo ago3 min readAlaska2 viewsAI
Board considers trawl gear restrictions in Aleutian Islands state waters
The Alaska Board of Fisheries heard testimony on a proposal to close state waters west of 170° W. longitude to trawl vessels over 100 feet, with golden king crab fishermen reporting dramatic catch declines since 2014 while community development groups and processors opposed the closure.
by Alaska News1mo ago3 min readAlaska2 viewsAI
State renews 25-year lease for Neets Creek salmon hatchery operation
Alaska renewed a 25-year lease for a salmon hatchery operation near Ketchikan, with an appeal deadline of April 27 for eligible parties.
by Alaska News1mo ago1 min readRevillagigedo Island1 viewAI
