Alaska
Fish and Game sets 2025 harvest limits for Kodiak region Tanner crabs
KMXT by Brian Venua - November 14, 2024
A boat in Chiniak Bay a few weeks after the 2024 Tanner crab season wrapped up.The Kodiak region’s commercial Tanner crab fishery will open again in 2025. But fishermen will have just a fraction of last year’s harvest level, following a decades-long up and down pattern for the species’ population.
Biden-Harris Administration, NOAA to support 7 multi-year projects to advance climate resilience in remote Alaskan communities
NOAA Fisheries - November 14, 2024
Today, the Department of Commerce and NOAA announced it will award up to a total of $1 million for seven recommended multi-year projects supporting remote Alaska communities through the Alaska Fisheries Science Center Indigenous Engagement Program. This investment is funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, a crucial part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda.
Alaska town reeling from Peter Pan collapse unlikely to survive without plant reopening, officials say
Peter Pan's King Cove processing plant was closed at the beginning of this year. The town where it is located is fighting to stay alive.
Intrafish by Rachel Sapin - November 14, 2024
King Cove, Alaska, one of the most remote cities in America’s most remote state, remains in peril because of the closure earlier this year of the Peter Pan Seafood processing plant, a key jobs and revenue generator for the town.
*Requires Subscription Alaska and Washington Get Federal Boost for Port Infrastructures From Saint Paul Island to Tacoma
SeafoodNews.com by Peggy Parker - November 14, 2024
Six coastal communities in Alaska and five in Washington state will receive nearly $150 million for improvements in critical port and maritime infrastructure. The grants are funded by both annual appropriations and the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The IIJA provided $2.25 billion in funds available over five years to the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), which was created to improve the movement of goods through our nation's ports and supply chain and enhance port resiliency.Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the U.S. combined, and all residents rely on ports as transportation and distribution hubs. Alaska is also geographically isolated, making infrastructure at coastal communities even more important."As I often say, Alaska is a resource-rich but infrastructure-poor state,” commented Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan when the announcements were made yesterday.“Through my work on the Senate Committees on Commerce and Armed Services, we’ve already had great success securing major investments in some of these projects, like the Port of Alaska in Anchorage with supporting investments now totaling $169 million. These additional awards will ensure we continue to build on that progress. These grants are hugely beneficial to Alaska’s maritime economy and transportation infrastructure, and will improve our supply chains,” Sullivan said.The six additional awards total more than $104 million for the Alaska communities announced yesterday. They are:Juneau — Aurora Harbor Drive Down Float Project. $11.1 million to build a drive down float and vehicle bridge, as well as incorporate two new 5-ton electric cranes, to serve the commercial fishing fleet and improve freight transportation.Dillingham — Port of Dillingham Improvements. $11.2 million to fund the replacement of the Dillingham Boat Harbor float system and utilities, extend the north bulkhead dock, and add a new boat grid. Work will include an environmental site assessment at a property adjacent to the harbor that is being considered for future development, as well grading and drainage at lots along the east side of the harbor and development of water and sewer utilities.Hoonah — Marine Industrial Center Cargo Dock. $9.4 million for an upgraded cargo dock to include sheet pile closed cell bulkhead, fender piles, breasting dolphins, concrete RoRo ramp, fill, rocks, and mooring fenders, bullrail, bollards, and cleats.Kodiak — Saint Herman Harbor Moorage Expansion Project. $11.2 million to add additional berthing capacity in the Harbor for large commercial fishing vessels and support craft. It will add a new float "O" and extend float "P." It will also include electrical upgrades to floats "M" and "N."Anchorage — Cargo Terminal 1 Replacement Project. $50 million to fund construction of a new general purpose cargo terminal at the Port of Alaska. Work includes demolition of the existing terminal; construction of the trestle and wharf structure; installation of terminal facilities, terminal finishes and landside utilities; and mob and demob of the construction contractor. The budget also includes funding for tug support during construction, an operations contingency for the port, and an allowance for project cost escalation.City of Saint Paul, Pribilof Islands — City South Dock Renovations and New Berthing Dolphins Project. $11 million to renovate the City South Dock by installing new fenders; replacing and upgrading bull rails, ladders, and cleats; new 80-ton bollards; safety equipment; new mooring dolphins; a catwalk; and all related design, engineering, and environmental activities. "The efficiency and capacity of our ports is integral to the prosperity of our coastal communities, as well as the state of Alaska as a whole," said Alaska’s senior Senator Murkowski. "With so many communities across the state inaccessible by road, ports are essential to our supply chain and distributing key resources that Alaskans need. I applaud the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration for their substantial investments in a diverse range of improvements to port infrastructure in six communities across the state.""Port improvements are necessary and vital if we are to improve and protect our state infrastructure," Representative Mary Peltola said. "As critical infrastructure with a region-wide impact, this funding will create jobs and improve life in our coastal communities-especially for Alaskans living in Dillingham, Hoonah, and Saint Paul.”In Washington, Senators Patty Murray, Maria Cantwell, and Representatives Rick Larsen and Derek Kilmer celebrated the $44.5 million awarded five communities to improve infrastructure along the coast.Port of Tacoma will receive $11.6 million for the Port of Tacoma’s Northwest Seaport Alliance. The work includes repaving the terminal transfer zone, install new racks and 198 plugs for storing refrigerated containers, and convert all lighting to LED. Increasing capacity and improving the efficiency of the refrigerated container operation will increase access to international markets for Washington state growers."This $11.6 million in funding will increase capacity and efficiency of the Pierce County Terminal's limited refrigerated container operation, allowing producers in the State of Washington to export more fresh apples, potatoes, seafood, and other products to markets across the globe,” said Cantwell, who is chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in a letter of support to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg last May.Murray, the chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, said, ”Every day, countless goods pass through the Pierce County Terminal, making it a key link in our national trade and supply chains. This grant will help the Northwest Seaport Alliance strengthen that link, increase capacity, and improve safety for workers by upgrading lights, repaving key areas, and expanding storage capacity for more refrigerated containers. I'm pleased to see this federal funding come home to Washington, so we can strengthen our infrastructure and our economy while supporting jobs and businesses across the state."“This is about jobs,” said Rep. Kilmer. These new investments will strengthen our competitiveness and reduce costs for farmers, ranchers, and other producers seeking to get their goods to international markets," said Rep. Kilmer. "In particular, this project will benefit Northwest agricultural exporters, who have weathered several difficult years of supply chain upheaval in the region."At Gooseberry Point north of Bellingham, the Lummi Nation is receiving $10,979,375 to demolish and replace a pier at Fisherman's Cove Marina Dock on the Lummi Reservation. The grant will also help purchase an electric lift and four Davit cranes."The over 450 Lummi Nation fishing vessels make up the largest tribal fishing fleet in the world," said Cantwell. "This $10.9 million investment will help replace the antiquated Fisherman's Cove Marina Dock and investment in an electric lift and cranes will support the over 500 Lummi fishers and support a thriving working waterfront at Gooseberry Point.""Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Lummi Nation has the funding it needs to construct a new dock that can accommodate larger boats and vessels at Fisherman's Cove and a rail system for fishermen to more easily transport their catches from the waterfront to market - an investment that means more jobs, long-term economic growth and safer, more reliable maritime infrastructure in Lummi Bay and the Salish Sea," said Rep. Larsen.The Port of Port Angeles is receiving $9,000,000 to purchase two Tier 4 log stackers, a bulk cargo conveyor system, and two material handlers, as well as various grabbing attachments for the material handlers."Port Angeles is crucial to Washington's maritime economy, and expanding its capacity with new equipment is a simple step that will have a big impact for the many businesses and communities who rely on this crucial link in our trade and supply chains," Murray said. "These federal dollars will allow the port to purchase new stacking equipment, a bulk cargo conveyor system, and more-all of which will help it handle more goods safely and effectively. This funding will directly improve port infrastructure and support the growth of Washington's maritime and trade economy.""I'm excited to see this federal investment in my hometown of Port Angeles," noted Kilmer. "This new federal grant will improve the Port's operations and strengthen an essential link between the Olympic Peninsula and markets on the West Coast and beyond, giving businesses an important opportunity to participate in the regional, national, and international economies. This project will increase the region's economic competitiveness and reliability, enhance air quality, and drive industry growth that will increase job opportunities for our community."Further east, the Port of Anacortes is receiving $7,400,000 to help demolish and replace the 47-year-old commercial T-Dock. The new modern rectangular dock will have double the working surface and new stormwater management, electrical, water and fire suppression systems, and will replace the existing concrete abutment with a concrete abutment and sheet pile wall to meet seismic codes."More good news for Anacortes, this $7.4 million in funding will allow the port to replace Cap Sante Marina's 45-year-old T Dock -- which accounts for 80% of all seafood landings in Anacortes -- creating an estimated $14 million in economic value for the commercial fishing fleet and Puget Sound area tribes," said Sen. Cantwell."You cannot have a big-league economy with little league infrastructure," said Rep. Larsen. "Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Port of Anacortes has the funding it needs to replace its aging T Dock with a new, modern dock that can accommodate more seafood landings and other commercial and Tribal maritime business while expanding public access - an investment that means more jobs and long-term economic growth on Fidalgo Island and in Northwest Washington."The Makah Indian Tribe is receiving $5,506,250 for the Port of Neah Bay on the northwest tip of the state. Funding for the Infrastructure Modernization and Marine Highway Initiative will support a multiuse barge loading facility to increase intermodal shipping opportunities and ease supply chain interruptions, especially for forestry products. This is critical as State Route 112, the only road connecting Neah Bay to the rest of the Olympic Peninsula, often experiences severe weather closures.The grant will also support maintenance repairs and safety improvements for upland buildings and in-water infrastructure, including the commercial fish dock, boat ramp, floats, icehouse, and cranes."I'm thrilled to see $5.5M awarded to the Makah Indian Tribe," said Kilmer. "This grant will allow the Makah Tribe to modernize its existing infrastructure and, in turn, support opportunities for economic vitality in Neah Bay. This project represents an investment in climate resilience, economic strength, and equity. It's a big win for our region!""The Makah Tribe is honored to be selected for 2024 PIDP grant funding for comprehensive resiliency upgrades to both in-water and upland structures at the Port of Neah Bay. The project also includes development and construction of a multi-use barge loading facility (MBLF) that will increase intermodal shipping opportunities and mitigate critical supply chain interruptions that often occur in the region. We are extremely grateful for the support from Senator Cantwell that was instrumental in the Makah's selection for this funding," said Chairman Timothy Greene, Sr.Cantwell coauthored the 2019 legislation that reauthorized the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) and the PIDP grant program. Most recently, the program was reauthorized in the 2021 National Defense Reauthorization Act, a provision authored by Sen. Cantwell. As chairs of two key Senate Committees, Sens. Cantwell and Murray worked to include a record $2.25 billion for the program in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.As a senior member and now chair of the appropriations committee, Murray helped create and fund PIDP; the competitive grant program was established in the Fiscal Year 2019 transportation appropriations bill, which was enacted in February 2019. Since then, Murray has played a key role in securing more than $1.2 billion funding for PIDP in annual appropriations bills since its inception. As then Assistant Majority Leader, Murray helped ensure passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which included $2.25 billion over five years for PIDP.
NOAA Fisheries Announces Action Plan to Enhance the U.S. Seafood Import Monitoring Program
After gathering feedback from more than 7,000 stakeholders, NOAA shaped an action plan focused on combating illegal fishing and enhancing seafood traceability.
NOAA Fisheries - November 14, 2024
In November 2023, NOAA Fisheries launched a comprehensive review of the Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) to explore opportunities for improvement. We engaged with a diverse set of more than 7,000 stakeholders, including seafood industry professionals, foreign governments, researchers, and civil society groups. We gathered feedback on how to enhance the program’s effectiveness. This input shaped an action plan designed to strengthen its impact, focusing on combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and bolstering seafood traceability.
Trump's policy plans could shift seafood sourcing at US restaurants, retail
"Tariffs, trade wars, or even broader tensions with major seafood-producing nations could create uncertainty in availability."
Seafood Source by Christine Blank - November 13, 2024
The recent election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency will have myriad effects on the U.S. restaurant and retail sectors, according to professionals in both industries.https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/foodservice-retail/how-trump-policies-could-impact-seafood-at-us-restaurants-retail
*Requires Subscription
Environment/Science
2024 Research for Pacific Protected Species
Inflation Reduction Act funds helped NOAA Fisheries scientists enhance our 2024 data for ice seals in Alaska, Hawaiian monk seals and sea turtles in the Pacific Islands, and cetaceans off the West Coast.
NOAA Fisheries - November 13, 2024
NOAA Fisheries is bolstering our survey enterprise and accelerating our data collection efforts. This will allow us to better manage protected species such as ice seals, Hawaiian monk seals, and green sea turtles, along with cetaceans such as whales and dolphins off the West Coast. These surveys are increasing the number and types of protected marine resource observations we can make.
Federal Register
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
A Notice by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on 11/14/2024
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and its advisory committees will meet in December. The meetings will be held via hybrid conference.
Establishment of the Ocean Acidification Advisory Board and Solicitation of Nominations for Membership
A Notice by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on 11/13/2024
Pursuant to section 10644(6) of the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act and in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended, the Administrator of NOAA and the Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology (SOST) announce the establishment of the Ocean Acidification Advisory Board (OAAB). The OAAB shall provide independent advice and recommendations to the Interagency Working Group on Ocean Acidification (IWG-OA) and the SOST on matters related to Federal activities on ocean and coastal acidification, including understanding impacts and developing mitigation techniques for ecosystems and human communities. This notice also requests nominations for membership on the OAAB.
Pacific Seafood Processors Association 1900 W Emerson Place Suite 205, Seattle, WA 98119 Phone: 206.281.1667E-mail: admin@pspafish.net; Website: www.pspafish.net Our office days/hours are Monday-Friday8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work in this message is distributed under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for non-profit research and educational purposes only. *Inclusion of a news article, report, or other document in this email does not imply PSPA support or endorsement of the information or opinion expressed in the document.
Commentaires