ASMI's All Hands on Deck kicked off today and runs through Saturday. If you can't attend in person, tune in online!

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly requested Governor Dunleavy declare an economic disaster for Cook Inlet east side setnetters.

The Pacific Marine Expo is coming up! PME is held November 8-10 at Lumen Field in Seattle. Registration is free until the 7th, and goes up to $50.00 for same-day registrations. Doug and Maddie are headed down next week, so you really don't want to miss out!

This pointed opinion piece unabashedly calls out the NPFMC for their lack of action on trawl bycatch, particularly in the face of devastating fishery closures, stock collapses, and ecosystem shifts.

A new NOAA study aims for greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency in fisheries monitoring and enforcement by fostering a better relationship with the fishing industry.

Alaskan Leader is on a mission to gain traction for black cod in the domestic market. Retail prices are down considerably from previous years, offering an opportunity to reach new consumers. Alaskan Leader is offering pre-marinated black cod portions, a product that won last year's Symphony of Seafood People's Choice award.

The US military has begun purchasing seafood from Japan in bulk, to counteract China's import ban on Japanese seafood. 

OBI CEO Mark Palmer is pushing the USDA as one prong in a long-term solution for the industry's current crisis, stating that the USDA needs to buy more Alaskan seafood. He's also echoing requests for the feds to offer low-interest financing and disaster relief insurance. 

Alaska fishing jobs are on the decline. According to one report, fishery employment declined by 17.3% from 2019 to 2022. Covid, fishery disasters, and economic and political factors are all thought to be playing a part. This particular article didn't reference the "graying of the fleet" issue, but it seems to me like that's likely a factor as well. 

The federal government has awarded $72 million in grant funds to improve maritime infrastructure across Alaska. Seven ports and harbors have been allocated funds, the largest of which is Cold Bay, which is slated to receive $43.3 million for a new dock.

U.S Rep. Mary Peltola is asking prying questions about the capture of nine orcas by Bering Sea trawlers earlier this year, and requesting NOAA investigate, noting that our current approach to bycatch is clearly not working.

Nichols Brothers Boat Builders has been awarded a contract to build the No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS), designed and contracted by Secro North America. The goal? "Revolutionize naval operations by designing a ship that can operate autonomously for extended periods at sea." We are living in a wild world.

A few reminders:

AMSEA has Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor classes coming up in Cordova on Nov 4, in Homer Nov 16-17, and Anchorage Dec 8. There are also classes scheduled for Washington and Oregon.

ALFA is hosting their Fall Fishermen's Expo on November 15. This is a free virtual event, packed with valuable information and guest speakers. Don't miss it!

Registration is open for the 2023 Alaska Young Fishermen's Summit, held December 5-7 in Anchorage. Registration and hotel costs will go up soon, so sign up early!