June 10, 2013

Fishery Managers Place First-Ever Cap on Chinook Bycatch in Gulf of Alaska Non-Pollock Fisheries 

This past Saturday in Juneau the North Pacific Fishery Management Council voted to close an important loophole. In a 10-1 decision with Alaska Commissioner of Fish and Game Cora Campbell making the motion, a cap was placed on Chinook salmon bycatch in the Gulf of Alaska non-pollock fisheries where none previously existed. A 7500 fish cap was chosen from a range of 5,000-12,500 that was considered. AMCC applauded the leadership of Commissioner Campbell and other NPFMC members in taking this tough but important action for Alaska's Chinook salmon. AMCC also thanks the numerous organizations, individuals, businesses, and members of the State Legislature for weighing in on this important decision. This was very controversial and challenging decision and while the cap chosen was not the lowest option, it was a good compromise and an important step in sharing the burden of conservation of our king salmon. For more information on the action check out these stories from the Alaska Journal of Commerce  & a APRN .

June 5, 2013

Kodiak Crab for a Cause to Be Featured at Ship Creek Salmon Derby in Anchorage

AMCC is partnering with the Downtown Soup Kitchen to pilot the sale of several food products that will feature Kodiak Tanner crab this weekend at the Ship Creek Salmon Derby in Anchorage. Crab bisque, crab rolls and crab pasta salad will be sold and feature crab from AMCC's Catch of the Season program. The joint venture unites the social enterprises of AMCC and the Downtown Soup Kitchen, who is providing the volunteer labor and a brand new commercial kitchen to prepare the product in.  Proceeds from the sales will benefit AMCC's work as well as the Soup Kitchen's efforts to alleviate homelessness and hunger in Anchorage. The tasty crab products will be sold at the Salmon Derby headquarters booth at Ship Creek from Friday June 7th through Sunday June 9th from about 11am until 7pm daily, or while supplies last. 

• For more information on the Ship Creek Salmon Derby click here. 

May 21, 2013

Take Action to Protect King Salmon: 

Less than One Week to Take Action!

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council is scheduled to take final action on measures to reduce Chinook salmon bycatch in non-pollock trawl fisheries at their June meeting in Juneau. This is your chance to speak up for meaningful reductions. Sign our open letter to the Governor and North Council asking for meaningful bycatch reductions.  

This is a new letter and final action is being taken on this issue!

May 13, 2013

Celebrate Wild & Local Foods with AMCC at Crab Fest

If you are in Kodiak May 24th & 25th you will not want to miss these exciting AMCC hosted events during Crab Fest.

On Friday, May 24th from noon-1pm event goers will have the chance to identify and collect local wild edible foods with Chef Rob Kinneen and wild foods expert Gayla Pederson. Meet at Gibson Cove at the end of Gibson Cove Rd.

At Saturday's event held from 2pm-4pm at Koniag Building on Near Island, come enjoy a cooking demonstration and tasting event featuring locally harvested seafood and wild edibles with Alaskan Chef Rob Kinneen!

For more information on these fun and informative events please contact Rachel Donkersloot, rachel@akmarine.org or call 277-5357.

**Check out this recent story about our upcoming events at this years Crab Fest.

May 1, 2013

AMCC's 'Every Halibut Counts' Project Awarded Funding 

Innovation is a key ingredient for progress. The Alaska Marine Conservation Council is one of 15 different projects receiving funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Fisheries Innovation Fund in 2013. This year, $1.57 million will fund innovative ideas, technologies, and management strategies for U.S. fisheries and coastal communities. Our funded proposal, "Every Halibut Counts: Reducing Halibut Discard Mortality in Alaska's Sport Fisheries," is an industry-driven collaboration with Alaska Sea Grant, charter fishermen, and fishery managers to develop best practices for careful release of halibut. AMCC will also maintain our focus on reducing bycatch of halibut in trawl fisheries, and hopes to help ensure the long-term health of our halibut population in Alaska for all users who depend on this amazing resource through unique projects like this one.Take a look at the full list of 2013 recipients.