Bulk Rate U.S. Postage PAID Anchorage, Alaska Permit No. 179

•- :. "',' . <. ".'._ .' •• ,-.~.'¥ .. ". . . . '. _'., ••.' .... -.,' . A' - .... ;-- "" ••• " ~;ii ...... _~...,_, August 1986 Volume 7, Number 4 Published by the Bering Sea Fishermen's Association

• • First Year With A Limit This summer, False Pass and Yukon fishermen have seen the effects of the chum salmon quota in the (False Pass) Penninsula fishery. On the Yukon, fall chums have come in stronger than fishermen had dared to hope. In the False Pass Unimak fishery the chum cap was partly respon­ sible for the fishermen only cat­ ching about one third of the original June sockeye quota. The chum cap was instituted as a partial remedy for the dwindl­ ing fall chum run on the Yukon River. At a very long and angry Board of Fisheries meeting last November, Yukon River fishermen testified that the State should stop the interception of their stocks at False Pass. Sup­ ported by Fish and Game data, the fishermen claimed that Yukon bound chum salmon are intercepted at False Pass on the way to the River. The Board ac­ ceded to the extent of placing a cap of 400,000 fish on the number of chums the False Pass fishermen could take in June. This is the first year there has been any limit on the legal harvest of chums at False Pass. Yukonjishermen waiting to unload chum salmon at the village Marshall. The chums at False Pass are taken incidentally to the sockeye ADF&G area management Area wide only 468,000 out of According to ShaUl the low harvest which intercepts fish biologist for the Alaska Peninn­ the pre season quota of 927,000 sockeye catch was not due entire­ bound for Bristol Bay. The False sUla, the high number of chum sockeyes were taken, and about ly to the chum quota. During the Pass fishermen may take 8.3% of salmon cost the Fall Pass 344,000 of the maximum last part of the month fewer the forecasted Bristol Bay fishermen a good portion of their allowable 400,000 chums were chums are present and fishermen harvest of sockeyes. Accorwngto sockeye allocation. "During the could have caught sockeyes the new regulation, the False period on June 16, the fishermen without danger of exceeding the Pass fishery would close when themselves asked to have the "... the (False PasS) chum quota. The weather turned 400,000 chums are taken even period shut down. They werejust fishermen themselves stormy towards the end of June though they have failed to catch catching too many chums." Shaul however and fishermen were the sockeye quota. said. In effect, the fishermen asked to have the unable to catch the full allocation Catch figures from this sum­ decided to postpone fishing un- • period shut down. of sockeyes. mer's False Pass June fishery til the next period when they Many False Pass fishermen show that during the first four could catch more sockeyes They werejust catch­ claim that the chums they catch fishing periods (June 11, 14, 16, without danger of reaching the ing too many chums." are local stocks and so the 18), the percentage of chums chum maximum. harvest cap is unwarranted. Fish caught was much higher than ex­ "The quota worked" according Arnie Shaul and Game data however, indicate pected. About equal numbers of to Bethel Representative Johne that the majority of the chums chums and sockeyes were caught Binkley who was in the area to are from other parts of Western during that time, but based on observe the fishery. "If there taken. "The setnetters didn't do Alaska. To verfiy the origin of historical figures, the chum catch hadn't been a quota, there pro­ too well" Shaul said, "They got chums, Fish and Game will con­ should have been about half the bably would have been seven to shut down with everyone else duct a tagging study next year. • sockeye catch. eight hundred thousand chums even though they don't catch "The stUdy will generate • According to Arnie Shaul, taken" Binkley said. chums." continued onpage 16 Page 2/Bering Sea FishermanJAugust 1986 _

By Henry Mitchell fleet violations to a minimum pass this needed legislation compared to past years, but the quickly, reports from Washington From the High Seas salmon harvests by Coast Guard observed Japanese indicate that the House of Japanese land based and mother­ squid vessels fishing in the Representatives has serious pro­ Director's Desk ship fleets were reduced salmon grounds of the North blems with Steven's legislation. significantly this season. The re­ Pacific. One Coast Guard boar­ Rod Moore, Congressman cent Soviet-Japan salmon accord ding party found numerous Young's fisheries aide, has con­ reduced the harvest quota 35% salmon on a Korean vessel. cerns that the Stevens bill will for the Japanese salmon vessels As the U.S. and Soviet Union abrogate (nullify) the INPFC What's operating in international waters. put more pressure on Japan for agreement with Japan. He is also Additionally, the mothership an elimination of the high seas concerned that the observer fleet was recalled to Japan due salmon fleets, other nations have coverage mandated by the Happening to poor catch rates and a declin­ expanded gillnet fisheries which Stevens bill could not be ac­ ing market for chums salmon. If take salmon incidentally. Senator complished since there would be past catch trends hold for this Stevens recently authored a drift­ no suitable room on Japanese on the year, it may result in a significant net bill which attempts to deal vessels for American observers. reduction in the chinook (king) with the proliferation of gillnet The Japanese fisheries lobbyists salmon harvest in the Bering Sea, fisheries in the North Pacific and in Washington D.C. are working Our Coast Guard enforcement Bering Sea. diligently to defeat Steven's High Sea efforts kept Japanese salmon While the Senate is expected to legislation.

Editorial- Letters Sheffield for Governor Bering Sea Rsherman encourages readers to send in letters when they have comments or questions. Thinking about the Governor's race, the saying that comes to mind is; "If it works, keep it:' Governor Sheffield works for fishermen. He came into office pro­ From The Governor mising to be a friend to the residents of rural Alaska, and he closes out his first term with a record that proves him to be an unfailing To The Editor: supporter of the needs and rights of rural Alaskans in general, and I would like to invite Henry Mit­ high, and pressure must be kept Western Alaskan fishermen in particular. chell tojoin me in the continuing up by all means available to us Bill Sheffield has been a strong subsistence supporter. He has effort to end the interception of to preserve the momentum gain­ fiercely opposed any attempt to make subsistence use dependant our salmon on the high seas by ed this past year. I believe the upon income. During the crisis following the Madison decision, Gover­ foreign countries. I am appoin­ state would be well served by hav­ nor Sheffield pushed through the bill that protects subsistence rights ting a special task force to advise ing a group of concerned and in­ for rural Alaskans. me on how to bring a resolution volved Alaskans who are kept Bill Sheffield took a strong role in the fight to reduce and eliminate to this issue and I have asked current on information and the interception of Western Alaskan salmon by Japanese high seas Henry to become a member of events surrounding this issue fisheries. this group. and who can recommend policy Bill Sheffield has worked to enforce and strengthen water quality Starting with the renegotiation and program direction to me. regulations. These are regulations to insure that placer miners don't of the International North Pacific This group could also serve as ruin streams and rivers for spawning habitat. Fisheries Convention in 1978, we the core ofany future negotiating Bill Sheffield has appointed men and women to the Board of have made some significant delegations which may be form­ Fisheries and the North Pacific Council who have demonstrated a strides toward reducing intercep­ ed and can assist us in influenc­ concern for the protection and development of Western Alaska's tions of our salmon by the fleets ing federal legislation, inclUding fisheries. of foreign nations, and in par­ budgetary concerns. At the very Bill Sheffield initiated a State lawsuit against the Federal Govern­ ticular those of Japan. Just this least we have a real uphill fight ment to halt the Bristol Bay oil lease sale. The sale would have last year, Alaskans working with in the federal budget process to resulted in oil drilling in the midst of the richest salmon fishery the State Department in U.S.! make sure that funding is sup­ in the world. The lawsuit was successful. Japan and U.S.! Taiwan negotia­ ported for the research, monitor­ In these and many other ways, Bill Sheffield has displayed his com­ tions saw regulations adopted ing and enforcement needed as mittment to the fishermen of Western Alaska. Bill Sheffield has us­ which will further reduce these the basis for future negotiations. ed the Governor's office to promote and protect Western Alaska's interceptions, including regula­ There are a number of forums number one industry - fishing - and thereby helped insure the pro­ tions on high seas squid in which Alaskans have become sperity of rural Alaska. The Board of Director's of Bering Sea fisheries. Interception levels, Fishermen's Association is proud to unanimously endorse Governor however , remain unacceptably continued onpage 5 Sheffield's candidacy for reelection. We hope you will join us in voting to reelect Governor Sheffield so he may continue his good work on behalf of the fishermen of Western Alaska. • Soviets Oust Japanese

The following article is ternational, Soviet fisheries of­ )... reprintedfrom the July 18, 1986 ficial Yury Znasmenskiy has ~ Executive Director: Henry Mitchell issue of "The Fisherman" charged that Japanese vessels BERI,.G have exceeded their quotas and '-SEfi Editor: Lee Goodman Newspaper. Vancouver, B.C. , . Board ofDirectors: understated their catches in log ~~~e~eglon: books. Znasmenskiy said Soviet FISHERMfi" Calvin Moto. Ross Angered by "flagrant violation" stocks were severely depleted in The Bering Sea Fisherman Bering Straits Region: Paul of salmon fishery regulations on the 1950s and only began to is published by Johnson, Henry Ivanoff the high seas, the Soviet Union recover with the introduction of Bering Sea Fishermen's Association Calista Region: Joe Paniyak, David has slashed Japanese harvests the 200-mile limit in 1977. 623 Christiansen Drive Bill, Joe Chimegalrea within its 200-mile zone. Anchorage, Alaska 99501 Bristol Bay Region: Andy Golia, Yet even the new fishing zone Phone: (907) 277-5845. David Nanalookand GustyChythlook Soviet officials have charged was not adequate. The Soviets ex­ that Japanese harvests severely pected six million chum salmon depleted Soviet salmon stocks to return to Kamchatka Rivers before the introduction of the but only 500,000 returned. Talk back fisheries zone and they complain Forecast returns of 1.5 million that "open sea poaching" is still coho were followed by actual Voicing your opinion in Juneau and Washington. D.C. is important. hurting Soviet runs. escapement of 400,000. Don't let important decisions about your fisheries be made without The result is a drastic 35 per­ Znasmenskiy said the expressing your views. Call or write to Alaska's representatives at: cent cut in the amount of salmon Japanese were "openly conniving Japanese high seas gillnetters at flagrant violation of regula­ will be allowed to harvest in tions agreed with the USSR." • Honorable Frank Murkowski Honorable Ted Stevens waters off the Soviet Pacific To end the dispute, the Soviet U.S. Senate U.S. Senate coast. Union has been pushing for ear­ 317 Hart Building 147 Russell Office Building The allowable harvest has been ly elimination of the high seas Washington. D.C. 20510 Washington. D.C. 20510 cut to 24,500 tons and all lan­ fishery. One observer estimates (202) 224-6665 (202) 224-3004 dings will be monitored by Soviet that under the 1986 agreement Fisheries Aide: Doug Humes Fisheries aide: Brad Gilman officials. Even small driftnet the Japanese fleet will be reduc­ vessels will have Soviet observers ed to 1,600 vessels in Soviet Honorable Don Young Governor Bill Sheffield aboard. waters from 5,623 in 1985. U.S. House of Representatives Pouch A The Soviet move apparently is High seas interceptions also re­ 2331 Rayburn Building Juneau. Alaska 99811 part of a long-term strategy to main a concern for Canadian Washington. D.C. 20515 465-3500 end the Japanese high seas in­ fishermen, who believe the high (202) 225-5765 terception fishery, according to seas squid driftnet fishery may Fisheries Aide: Rod Moore several observers. be harvesting substantial According to Fishing News In- numbers of Canadian salmon. ______August 1986IBering Sea FishermanlPage 3 Nelson Island Catches 40,000 Ibs. Halibut The Nelson Island fishermen fishermen were well paid for their ing halibut. "1\munak needs a Dutch Harbor and the Gulf of took about 40 thousand pounds work. bigger facility," Charles said, Alaska. of halibut this summer. This The company that operated in "and both villages need freezers As The Bering Sea Fisherman catch is the largest in the five Nelson Island was formed by and coolers and a good flake ice goes to press, a large halibut year history of the fishery. About Mark Earnest (legislative aide for machine and stainless steel schooner is fishing in the '4E' eighty permit holders from the Senator Sackett) and Bob Charles tables. If Mekoryuk comes on halibut area. Assuming that the Villages of lbksook Bay, 1\munak (legislative aide for Johne line, we'll need a boat to work as vessel will catch most ofwhat re­ and Nightmute participated this Binkley and candidate for the a tender," mains of the 50,000 pound quota year. legislature). According to When the fishery began four for the area, the IPHC has an­ The fishery was started in Charles. he and Earnest are both years ago, the Bering Sea was nounced the closure of the area 1982 with assistance from well aquainted with the Nelson considered one area by the Inter­ for August 11. Addressing this Nunam Island fishermen. and were in­ national Pacific Halibut Commi­ problem, Charles commented Kitlusisti, the University Marine terested in getting involved in sion (IPHC). Due largely to the ef­ that next year the Nelson Island Advisory Program and Bering helping to make the fishery a forts of George Usugan and John Fishermen will have to have more Sea Fishermen's Association. For success. Hooper from TUnunak and Peter longlines, and start fishing the first two years the fishery Fishermen were paid 70 cents Julius from lbksook Bay. the sooner in the season. Otherwise, showed promise of becoming a per pound for the halibut. and IPHC divided up the Bering Sea ''A lot of the quota could be taken reliable economic boost to the "Will get a bonus sometime after to give the Nelson Island by outside boats. We'll have to hit villages of Nelson Island. But the season" Charles said, but he fishermen a separate district it hard that first week. Also some during 1984 and '85, the low declined to speculate how large (District 4E). Fishing periods in sort of vessel restriction or Super halibut price and growing pains' the bonus would be. 4E are fourty eight hours long Exclusive restriction would help took their toll. Charles calls the season suc­ with a 24 hourclosure separating make it a local economic develop­ In both '84 and '85 the cessful, but adds that he and them. Nonlocal vessels must ment opportunity," fishermen caught about 30 thou­ Earnest barely broke even. check in at Dutch Harbor before "For the most part we're pleas­ sand pounds, but during both "There were a lot of start up and after each period. This ed with how things went this years some spoilage of the fish costs, and a few times we had to regulation has provided the year," Charles said. "It is a small occured. In addition the market charter a plane to get the halibut Nelson Island fishermen with a contribution. We are pleased that price of halibut was low. The out. That costs alot," Charles 50 thousand pound halibut quota we could help make this year a result was that fishermen were said. which has, until now, been ig­ success:' paid little or nothing for halibut "We are hoping to have more nored by the larger vessels from sold those two seasons. fishermen fishing with . This summer however, a longlines." Charles said when private buyer operated in asked about his plans for next lbksook and 1\munak, offering year. "Also. the village of Yutana Barge Lines Inc. the fishermen a firm price for Mekoryuk wants to get involved halibut, and releasing the Nelson next year, and we would like to Island Fishermen's Association try to start selling cod," from the necessity of bookkeep­ Through a State legislative SERVING INTERIOR ing and coordinating freight grant. (supported by Binkley and schedules. The arrangement Sackett) the villages of lbksook seemed to work well for all con­ and 1\munak will have about 110 AND WESTERN ALASKA cerned, and for the first time in thousand dollars with which to three years, the halibut upgrade their facilities for handl- SINCE 1916

Your specialists in hauling fuel, dry cargo and Kusko King' Fishery Failing construction equipment. Call us and take advan­ The commercial king salmon low point of the run," Francisco tage of our years of experience with medium and fishery on the Kuskokwim River said. "The future is not bright for shallow draft equipment. may be eliminated by the Board directed commercial [king) of Fisheries. At an advisory coun­ fishing ... there are not enough cil meeting in Kipnuk. Kieth fish coming in the river" Schultz of ADF&G. Bethel. Although there was no directed discussed the problem of king salmon harvest this year, the incidental commercial in­ diminishing king salmon escape­ P.O. Box 61269 P.O. Box 00220 P.O. Box 59110 ment. commenting that; river harvest was about 19,000 SI. Michael, AK fish. The size of the subsistance Fairbanks, AK Nenana, AK "Eliminating the commercial 99659 fishery is a possibility that we harvest isn't yet known, but 99706 99760 907-923-3271 are considering." Francisco commented that even 907-456-4247 907-832-5505 • When asked about the problem, if there had been no commercial area biologist Kim Francisco or subsistence harvest at all, it said. "1981 is the last year that is not certain that the escape­ we achieved our escapement ment would have been met. (objective)," In managing a fishery. Fish and "Since '81 we've been reducing Game is required to provide for the commercial harvest and still escapementt first. then sub­ Vote for Experience! haven't achieved escapement," sistence, and lastly the commer­ According to Francisco, 1981 was cial harvest. Because of the a record king catch year. Since dangerously low returns, severe most kings spawn in their fifth cuts must be made somewhere to year, the 1981 parent year should protect the fishery. The cuts have produced a good run of must come out of the commercial kings this year. Instead, "We are fishery before Fish and Game can seeing the smallest returns ever. consider restricting the sub­ We're looking at 40% of sistence fishery. escapement," The imbalanced ratio of male Besides low numbers of king to female kings indicates that salmon, the ratio of males to whatever factor or factors are females has biologists worried. causing the poor return of kings. "Historically, the ratio has been the large female fish are effected about 1;1 (One male to every the most. female). In 1984 and '85 the ratio No one knows what is causing has been about 5:1," Francisco the diminishing returns. It is like­ said. Since males are generally ly that much of the problem smaller than females, ADF&G in­ comes from the interception of stituted a six inch maximum king salmon by Japanese high mesh size last year. The intent seas gillnetters and the trawl was to try to target the excess bycatch. Francisco commented, VOTE KAY WALLIS • males in the commercial fishery. however, that since the Kanektok According to Francisco, the ex­ run is not showing the same -----District24----­ tent of the problem was not diminishing trend, part of the DOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES realized until this year when the problem "is probably some kind expected returns from '81 parent of drainage wide environmental _ .. year didn't show up. "In '84 we factor," -..y ...... :M. ., 'O :M7..... T n_ oUI.,.-.o thought we were coming off the Page4IBeringSeaFishermanJAugust 1986 ______August 1986IBeringSeaFishermanJPage 5 • " Id" Herrin at Togiak Biolo I By Joel Gay Togiak herring biologist for the replace it. bumper crops and then drop ThefOllowing article is excerp­ Alaska Department of Fish and "The younger ones have just offs," he says. A difference in ted from a story that Game. One of the pioneers of the never shown up," Scrade says. spawner survival rate as appeared in the August 1986 edi­ Togiak fishery, seiner Beaver "We'd like small as one-tenth of 1% can tion of "The National Fisher­ Nelson, says he thinks it will be to hope we're coming out of this mean the difference between a man". It is reprinted by permis­ halted altogether in 1988 if no in the next few years. There's not large class of adults and a small sion of the author. new age class of fish appears. a whole lot of those (8- and one, he adds. Herring harvests typically con­ 9-year-olds) left. But there's Fishermen aren't surprised by A small but very profitable in­ sist of fish from 4 to 12 years old, nothing on the horizon that leads Scrade's observations. "I think dustry - the herring sac roe usually with one or two predomi­ us to believe that a replacement he's right on." says Nelson. "For fishery in Togiak, Alaska - is grin­ nant year classes. For the past class is in sight." five years' now we haven't seen ding to a halt due to stock pro­ several years, the mainstay of the Alaska's sac roe herring any new recruits. We keep seeing blems. Fishermen are facing the Togiak fishery has been a bumper fisheries are all managed on the fish that we think are 3-year-olds possibility of no fishing time at crop of herring spawned in 1977 same principal, which essential­ but then they never show up the all within two years unless a big and 1978. Over 70% of the 1986 ly allows a catch of up to 20% of next year as fours." batch of young fish appears soon. catch came from that mass of 8 the fish. Scrade doubts Togiak According to Scrade, determin­ This year's $8 million, and 9-year-old fish. has been overfished: "I'd like to ing a threshold fishery size for 16,OOO-ton catch was 40% The dilemma facing fishermen think our 20% exploitation rate Togiak smaller than that of 1985, and at and biologists is that that class is conservative." will undOUbtedly be on the agen­ least 4,000 tons less than any is gradually being fished out, and According to Scrade, the com­ da when the Alaska Board of season since 1980. In 1987, the there is no evidence to suggest ing low cycle is probably part of Fisheries meets this winter. catch could fall as low as 10,000 that a big class of 3-yt:ar-old, the natural flow of the resource. tons. according to Jeff Scrade, prerecruit fish is coming up to "It's not phenomenal to have •

Letter c::o~nt~in:::ue::d'...'.f::::ro::::m~p~ag~e:..:l~ ~ _ involved in the high seas in­ represent a minuscule portion of foreign bottomfishing in the U.S. would trust Japanese reports on terception issue, including the In­ the gulf and Bering Sea fishing 200-mile conservation zone to their ocean take of our salmon? ternational North Pacific community, protected their reduce U.S. leverage with deman­ In 1981, western Alaskans an­ Fisheries Commission, past bosses in the Japanese fishing ding salmon reductions. Young nounced a lawsuit to prevent is­ negotiating delgations to empire.• refused. Instead, he negotiated a suance of a marine mammal per­ U.S.lJapan salmon talks, groups However, Young's complaint lid of 100,000 chinooks a year mit within our 100-mile zone. discussing formation of Pisces la that the wrong procedure was monitored by the Japanese. Our Loss of this permit would pro­ new multinational research followed is suspect. This year, the fishermen rejected this agree­ hibit Japanese entrance into that group dealing with fisheries Pacific Northwest forced the ment, fqr there were no American zone to take our salmon and resources of the North Pacific Japanese to the bargaining table funds for inspection and steelhead, halting the 29-year-old Ocean), and studies of the impact by withholding 0.5 million metric enforcement. giveaway of American salmon. At of pelagic drift netting on North tons of 1986 Bering Sea bottom­ The newest agreement hinges the 11th hour, Congressman Pacific resources. I have tried to fish allocations in exchange for on a similar assurance by the Young pushed through Congress include individuals who have par­ reduced salmon interceptions. Japanese of compliance and en­ a five-year permit that allowed ticipated, or are participating, in Young used this same Bering Sea forcement within its fleet. What the Japanese fleets to kill por­ one or more of these foruims to bottomfish tacticjust three years fisherman who is familiar with poise and take salmon through achieve a cross-section of these earlier to help the former crab Japan's history of fish piracy continued onpage 11 interrelated interests, and thus fishermen of Kodiak and Seattle arrive at a more coordinated (who had depleted their resouce) state position_ gain joint venture access to Given the current budget Japan's bottomfish industry. It climate, I will be unable to secure worked for Young in 1983 funding for this group. I an­ because there was 1.3 million ticipate that much of the work m.t. at risk and no American JV's can be accomplished through protecting Japan. correspondence and telephone First, the agreement. Why was communication. The meetings an effort made to reduce the which are needed can hopefully Japanese high-seas gillnet be cooridnated with other fishery beginning in 19867 In already-scheduled funcitons and 1980, the Japanese fleets took held in a central location, such over 1 million chinook salmon in as Anchorage, to keep costs to a the Bering Sea. Since 1980, minimum. I have asked Steven western Alaskan salmon Pennoyer, Deputy Commissioner fishermen have been resricted to . f of the Department of Fish and protect escapement. In 1985, Game, to coordinate our effort. there was no direct chinook Expenence He will be providing further salmon fishery on the backgroud information for those Kuskokwim River, yet only 35% & Ability who agree to participate and will of its escapement was reached. keep them updated on current Chums failed to appear also on events in this area. the Kuskokwim. Only 30% of I hope Henry will be able to chum escapment was achieved. assist me by serving on this task At first wholesale values, 51% of force. I believe that by working the cash economy of the together we can achieve a final Kuskokwim was lost in 1985. Fall resolution to the interception chums on the Yukon River have problem. been in decline since 1976. These are serious salmon con­ ******* Democrat ******* Sincerely servation issues, a resuIt of Bill Sheffield Japanese mixed-stock high-seas Paul Johnson on Rubadeau "The salmon and her­ Governor gillnet fisheries. Although ringfisheries are thefuture ofWestern Alaska. Bob American salmon fishermen are Rubadeau understands the issues and concerns Sparck Criticizes Young limited, the Japanese are never stopped from fishing our damag­ most important to us. I've known Bobfor many • As a member of the recent ed stocks. The recent agreement years and he will work to stop interceptfishing and bilateral U.S./Japan high-seas perpetuates Alaskans and Pacific protect the rights oflocal salmon negotiating team, I wish Northwest streams as Japanese fish farms through the turn of subsistence and commercialfishermen. We need a to respond to statements made strong and skilled representative who understands our by Congressman Young's (R-AK) the century. office in an article on p. 5 ofthe Second, the policy. In 1980, needs. Please support Robert Rubadeaufor House April 1986 edition Of National after the Japanese fleets took the Seat 23 on August 26." Fishermen about that recently 1 million chinook, western Alaskans asked Young to use the Paul Johnson , concluded agreement. True, Alaskan and Pacific Nor­ 1.3 million tons of surplus bot­ Commercial FISherman • Unalakleet, Alaska thwest salmon and steelhead con­ tomfish in the Bering Sea to get servation was soundly com­ Japanese high-seas salmon promised in the final agreement. reductions. Japanese high-seas Vote Democratic * Vote Experience salmon reductions. Japanese Also true is that the Japanese! Paid for by Committee to Elect Robert Rubadeau American joint ventures, which strategy was to exhaust all Page 6/Bering Sea Fisherman.£4.ugust 1986 _

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BILL SHEFFIELD G 0 V ERN 0 R

Paid for by Alaskans for Bill Sheffield, 740 I Street, Anchorage. Alaska 99501

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Alaska of millions of dollars I will work to institute a good ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• annually. domestic observer program to Fishing is politics. The men and women elected to represent you • Join efforts to strengthen and reduce the number of Western in Juneau are in a position to affect your livelihood. "The Bering enforce State water quality stan­ Alas1<;an salmon that are being Sea Fisherman" asked all the Western Alaska House and Senate dards. A stable fishery depends taken by domestic trawl vessels. candidates, and all the gubernatorial candidates this question: on good spawning habitat. 1b accomplish these objec­ "What do you feel are the important issues facing fishermen (in Spawning streams must be tives,I will work closely with your district), and what do you plan to do - or what have you done protected. Henry Ivanoff and other fisheries - to benefit thefisheries andflShermen." All the responses received • Work to develop new fisheries leaders for our fishery and for are printed here. Please Vote. where the potential exists. our future. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Those of us who live in rural Alaska must always be ready to House District 24 fight for our interests in State Robert Rubadeau (D) government. Without strong rep­ House District 23 resentation, our fisheries and fishermen will suffer from inter­ Vincent Beans (D) Caleb E. Dotomain (R) ception of our fish, market No Photo Available domination by larger industrial fisheries, and habitat Vincent Beans lives in Mt. destruction. Village on the Yukon River. He has served as a City Coun­ cilman and Treasurer of Mt. Lincoln Trigg (D) Village, and as City Manager of St. Marys. Mr. Beans has been an alternate to the State Coastal Zone Management Council, and is on the Board of Directors of AVEC where he is involved in financial planning. He was in the AlaskaArmy National Guard where he obtained a rank ofMa­ jor. This is Mr. Beans'first cam­ paign for the legislature.

District 24 is a very large and entirely rural area. The _only Robert Rubadeau is a twice dependable economic resource elected member of the Unala­ we have is our fisheries. In one kleet City Council. He has been way or another, all the residents Caleb E. Dotomain lives in Chairman of the Special 1bsk of the district are involved in or Nome. He has served asfirst Vice Force on Public Safety, Chair­ dependant on the fisheries. The President of Sitnasuak Native man ofthe Facilities Committee representative for the area must Corporation, and has been on ofBering Straits School District, do everything within his powerto the Board ofDirectors ofNorton and Chairman of Northwest protect and develop the fisheries. Sound Health Corporation, ser­ Community College Council. Mr. With the future ofthe fall chum ving as Director and as Chair­ Rubadeau has been appointed to Lincoln Trigg is a lifelong resi­ • run on the Yukon in doubt, it Is man. Mr. Datoman has also serv­ Committees on Health, dent ofDistrict 23. He served as very Important to explore ways to ed as Vice President of Nome Libraries, Special Learning and Chairman of the District 23 develop the coho fishery. Yukon Community Center Council. He Resource Management. Democratic partyfor two years, cohos are one of our under­ was in the Alaska Army Na­ and has been president of the 1b the residents of my district, developed resources and we have tional Guardfrom 1967 through Arctic Native Brotherhood since to find a way to utilize it. 1980. and Western Alaska in general, 1979. Mr Trigg has also served protecting and expanding the The people who use the as President ofthe Nome Eskimo resource must also be the people I would like to tell you why I am fisheries is one of the most im­ Community, Second Vice Presi­ the best qUalified to serve as your portant jobs a legislator can do. who manage it. As your • dent of Sitnasuah Native Cor­ legislator, I will push for local State House Representative for In much of Norton Sound, on the poration, and Chairman of the District 23 lower Yukon River, and in the fishermen to be appointed to BIA Advisory Board. This is Mr. positions such as the Board of I have over twenty years of Cape Romanzoff area the econ­ Trigg's first legislative race. commercial fishing experience in omy depends on strong herring Fisheries. Also I will work to in­ Western Alaska, as a crew and salmon fisheries. Your The Western Alaskan fisheries sure that Yukon fishermen main­ member and permit holder. I have legislator should: must be protected, enhanced and tain their representation on the fished eight years in the Lower • Get involved in the fight to well marketed. As a legislator I delegation to the U.S.-Canada Yukon and fourteen years in Nor­ eliminate the False Pass fishery will work with fishermen to ac­ Yukon River salmon ton Sound for salmon and five that intercepts Yukon fall chums complish these goals. I'll help negotiations. years for herring in Norton and Norton Sound chums. fishermen communicate our con­ The Yukon fishermen need a Sound. • Provide State assistance to cerns to the Board of Fisheries, representative who will take a I have had the privilege of testi­ fishermen and processors who to the Governor, and to Stateand strong stand on the False Pass in­ fying before the State Board of are trying to develop markets for Federal agencies. Among these terception of our chums. I will Fisheries on behalf of the pink salmon. The skinless and concerns is the need to explore fight to eliminate the False Pass fishermen of Western Alaska. I boneless pink salmon product new fisheries and develop our June fishery. have facilitated a fish advisory has great potential, it must be smaller fisheries such as bottom I will support continuing the council that was organized to developed. The Yukon and Norton fish and crab. We also need to in­ State fishermen's loan program, seek ways to improve the catch­ Sound have hundreds of thou­ sure that the herring and salmon and will work to bring more per­ ing, processing and marketing of sands of pink salmon that fisheries are protected from mit and vessel loans to fishermen Norton Sound salmon and herr­ fishermen aren·t able to sell. stock interceptions far from the on the Yukon River. ing. I have also become familiar • Find ways to increase local par­ spawning areas. I strongly sup­ The interception of Western with the regulatory process and ticipation in our herring port the elimination of the False Alaskan salmon by Japanese the various assistance programs. fisheries. The super-exclusive law Pass June fishery, and I feel ac­ driftnetters must be stopped. I I know that many of you are must be strengthened and en­ tion is needed to help stop high will join State and Federal efforts concerned about keeping this forcement must be increased. In seas interceptions. I also strong­ to end that robbery of our fish. cash income resource available addition. State loans must be ly support the State fisherman's As a lifelong fisherman, I know for you and your families. My available to our fishermen who loan program, and see the the value of our fisheries. With goal is to support your collective­ are trying to upgrade their necessity of finding ways to get your support we can protect that ly formulated ideas that will help equipment. more permits into local resource for ourselves and our , to keep this economic base alive. • Support the State fisherman's ownership. children. In addition, I plan to work on loan program, and make sure Pink salmon represent a great keeping the permits in the owner­ those loans are available to undeveloped resource in Western ship of the residents of Western Western Alaska fishermen. Alaska. We must find a way to Alaska. • Support efforts to eliminate the make pink salmon available as a Thank you for your support. Japanese high seas driftnet good commercial species for the fishery which deprives Wester" benefit of all fishermen. Page 8/Bering Sea Fisherman..b\ugust 1986 ! dress these very important House District 25 Alaskan seafood products with in the U.S. to maximum extent issues affecting fishermen of the countries such as China; working possible should be our goal. Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. on a solution to the fish waste Flagrant Fishing Violations. Bob Charles (R) problem in Bristol Bay: helping This should be made socially fishermen with their fishery unacceptable and the long term Lyman Hoffman (D) loans and working on making the detrimental effects emphasized. No Photo Available program better and more , available to fishermen wishing to Senate District L Lyman Holfman served Bethel enter or diversify into other Jor seven years as City Manager. fisheries: continuing support for He has been on the Bethel Plan­ CFAB in their attempts to make Frank Ferguson (D) ning Committee and was Chair­ loans available to other pro­ No Photo Available man oj the Board oj the Bethel cessors from out-of-state so that Prematemal Home. Mr. Holfman they may provide more process­ Frank Ferguson has served in has also served on the Bethel ing capacity for the fishermen of the LegislatureJor 16 years, the Native Corporation Board and is Alaska; improving and develop­ last 12 oJwhich have been in the part owner North Star Gas ing more avenues of communica­ Senate. Senator Ferguson has Company. tion between the fishermen and been Chairman oj numerous government officials dealing with committees, including Com­ As a life long Alaskan resident both management and enforce­ munity and Regional AlJJairs. and a commercial fisherman for ment; past and continued opposi­ He was president oj A.F.N. Jor twelve years in Alaska I strongly tion to Lease Sale 92 for protec­ two years, and was a Chairman support legislation that will tion of the habitat in the Bristol oj Development Jor NANA Cor­ make commercial fishermen and Bay and Bering Sea areas. poration. the fishing industry prosper. I will continue to work with and While never having held Over the last fifteen years I have for the fishermen of the state to Fisheries are a very important elected office, Bob Charles has either been involved in or work­ make the fisheries more ac­ economic resource of my Senate considerable experience in ed for the people in government cessable and overall better for district, and I have always sup­ government; he has been service, and I have served as City everyone. ported the protection and legislative aide to Represen­ Manager of Bethel for seven and development of fisheries. Ex­ tative Binkley Jor the past two a half years. We as commercial amples of my commitment to to years, and spent the previous fishermen must continue to fight George Jacko Jr. (D) Western Alaska fishermen are: Jour years as a local govemment for Alaskans to harvest our Through a joint letter with specialistjor the Department oj salmon within the 200 mile limit Senator Sackett, I supported Community and Regional af­ and fight against high seas fishermen's attempts to end the Jairs. Mr. Charles has served on salmon interception by foreign interception of chum salmon at the Board oj Directors oj the countries. We as fishermen must False Pass. Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Cor­ also make sure that the salmon I supported funding for a tagg­ poration and the City oJBethel's are protected as a renewable ing study at False Pass to deter­ Finance Committee. resource. If you should have mine positively the origin of specific concerns regarding chums at False Pass. The State of Alaska, in partner­ fisheries I would like to hear from I initiated a review of limited ship with the fishermen and the you. Commercial fisheries are a entry permits in Norton Sound fishing industry must: way of life. Support me so I will and Kotzbue salmon fisheries. • Make our fishing economy a be given the opportunity to sup­ The intent was to see if qualified high priority for improvement: port you. applicants had failed to obtain • Help increase fishermen's role permits when limited entry was in fisheries management and initiated. development in both industry House District 26 I fought to have the fisherman's and regulatory levels: loan program exempted from • Help improve marketing of our Adelheid Herrmann legislation that would have in­ fish: creased the interest rate and • Adequately fund state fisheries decreased the money available management,research and en­ George Jacko Jr. Was elected for State loans. forcement programs so that to the Pedro Bay Village Council Over the years, my office has management decisions can be at the age oj 20. Now at 26, he helped many fishermen with loan based upon accurate data and the is on the Board ojDirectors ojthe applications, licensing problems fisheries are properly enforced: Village Corporation, and serves and requests for information. • Continue our efforts to as its business manager. Mr. I have supported Fish and eliminate high seas interceptions Jacko owns a grocery store in Game funding for numerous pro­ to increase the number of salmon Pedro Bay where he lives with jects of benefit to the fisheries in returning to our rivers: hisJamily. He is a commercial AYK. • Regulate the False Jisherman. I promoted the bonding issue to Pass/Shumagin Island fishery in Keeping Permits in Alaskan build the Noatak River salmon a manner that signigicantly Hands. Permits leaving Alaskan hatchery, and I fought to con­ reduces the impact upon Yukon­ hands, turning wealthy fishing tinue its funding during the Kuskokwim rivers and Bristol communities into welfare com­ budget crisis. Bay fisheries: munities is fast becoming a I look foreward to continuing • Emphasize Alaska Hire first in social problem augmented my work as an advocate for the our fish processing plants and '" through the limited entry permit fishermen of Western Alaska. facilities: system. We need to recognize this • Foster new fisheries develop­ as an aspect of the overall pro­ ment such as herring and halibut Adelheid Herrmann has spent blem and provide financial Senate District M with emphasis on local economic two terms as RepresentativeJor business and technical development via super-exclusive District 26. She is a lifelong resi­ assistance to Alaskan fishermen. registration and vessel size dent oj Alaska and lives in Employing more Alaskans. Johne Binkley (R) restrictions. Naknek. She was Chairman oj Alaska can realize a greater These are some of the things the Special Committee on benefit from the fishery - improve that can help improve our Yukon­ Fisheries during herJirst term, its economy and provide more Kuskokwim Delta fisheries. and Co-chairJorJisheries issues jobs by warehousing the end pro­ I was personally involved in the in the House Resources Commit­ duct of our fishery. The Nelson Island halibut fishery this tee during her second term. warehousing segment of any in­ year as a fish buyer, and helped BeJore becoming a legislator, Ms. dustry is a large contributor make a successsful year for the Herrmann worked as a towards the economic prosperity fishermen. Fishermen like myself legislative aide. of the host state or community. should become more involved. I Reducing possible adverse have worked in the legislature I would like to encourage the impact of aquaculture, in· with Representative Binkley on local fishermen to diversify into creased insurance premiums, the Finance Committee and other fisheries. It is becoming lagging oil exploratiou and Fisheries Committee on these more difficult to make a living on foreign/domestic intercep­ and other issues to help improve just one or two species. There is tions. We must insure that the our fisheries. I helped found the a need to establish direct con­ fishery, a traditional renewable Western Alaska Salmon Coali­ tacts with foreign countries in resource, be protected and con­ tion, and am a participating order to secure marketing alter­ tinue to be productive for the member of the Kuskokwim natives for the seafood of our future of Alaska. Fishermen's Cooperative. I hope state, such as with pink salmon Joint Ventures. Joint ven­ to continue making a positive when there are no other domestic tures should be used so long as contribution to our fisheries and processors. there are not adequate markets Johne Binkley has been in the provide the knowledge, Some issues that I have dealt to handle, buy and process the State House since 1984 when he understanding and experience with in the legislature include: resource. 1b be free from joint deJeated incumbent Thny Vaska. needed in the legislature to ad- pursuing foreign markets for ventures, to handle the resource He is Chairman oj the Alcohol August 1986/Bering Sea FishermanlPa e 9

Local option committee, andsits structor at the University of intercept fishery must be stop­ facilities, employment of on the House Finance Commit­ California, he was director ofthe ped, the Japanese and Thiwanese Alaskans and fishery research. tee, the Fisheries Committee, Yup'ik language center at KCC, don't allow it in their waters and I support funding of fishery and the subsistence Committee. and was assistant director of neither should we. To get the research efforts in Seward, Before running for the Nunam Kitlusisti in Bethel. 1bny Japanese to the negotiating table, Kodiak and Southeast Alaska. Legislature, Mr. Binkley was on Vaska is presently superinten­ perhaps Alaskan fishermen I support placement of the local Bethel City Council, dent of BIA in Bethel. should fish heavily in the Attu obervers on domestic vessels to and was the owner-operator of area where hatchery chum of enforce quotas and preserve the a transportation company. The fish spawned in the Yukon Hokkaido origin spend time. resource. and Kuskokwim Rivers are the We also must get tougher with The state should also actively Salmon have fed the people of most important natural resource the Canadians in the Canadian­ encourage federal funding of the Alaska for thousands of years. It for the people of the rivers. I will Yukon River salmon negotiations Coast Guard to protect Alaskan is up to us to protect and improve continue to do everything possi­ and with theJapanese regarding fishermen. fishing for those who will come ble to make sure that our fish derelict gear. The domestic in­ after us. The salmon fishery is come back to our rivers for our tercept fishery must be mon­ the most important natural benefit, instead of going to the tored, such as at False Pass to Dick Randolph (R) resource in Western Alaska, and Japanese fishing empire, or to protect the AYK fishery. it is the cornerstone to a way of outside fishermen who do not de­ At the state level, we mustwork life. pend on fish like we do. to return limited entry permits to Beyond the rivers and shore The state should give economic Alaskan residnets, Where there is lines of Western Alaska, there are incentives to both the fishermen a commercial fishery by a village many interests that would keep and the local processors to insure with a commercial harvest such the salmon from returning to high qUality, locally processed as the Nelson Island herring their spawning region. Helping to fish for export, We can no longer fishery, I favor a restricted insure that salmon keep return­ afford to sell our fish only par­ economic zone. ing, and in greater numbers, has tially processed. The state must The state should continue, if been the primary focus of my work with villages in developing not strengthen its efforts to pro­ work in the legislature: local processing abilities to in­ mote Alaskan seafood products Ending interception of U.S. crease the benefit villagers get in the domestic markets. We salmon by the Japanese. I was from our renewable resources. should make better use of our appointed to the U.S. delegation Protection of the fisheries in­ database and help provide for international negotiations on cludes protecting the environ­ Alaskan fishermen access to the Japanese driftnetting. I par­ ment where the fish spawn and latest catching, processing and ticipated in meetings in Japan, mature. I will continue to fight for marketing technology. I favor in­ Seattle, Washington D.C. and the protection of the environ­ creased funding for research other areas to fight for elimina­ ment for these important because more knowledge means tion of Japanese driftnetting resources. better management. Developing new fisheries I I have worked for village sub­ Dick Randolph served in the have supported funding and sistence and commercial regulations needed to help Joe Hayes (R) State legislature for four fishermen on the local, state and terms.While in the legislature he develop the herring and halibut federal levels. I am on the Alaska fisheries that are now prospering served as Chairman ofthe Com­ (USA) team in the negotiations merce Committee. In 1982, he in Nelson Island. with Canada over Yukon River Reducing chum interception ran for the Governor's office as salmon. I have the experienceand a Libertarian. Mr. Randolph is at False Pass. Last year I understanding of our fisheries testified to the Board of Fisheries an insurance salesman in and people to stand up and work Fairbanks. and worked with fishermen's for our benefit. groups to reduce and eliminate the June fishery at False Pass. Alaska is rich in fishery This fishery intercepts chum Alaska Governor resources and fishing is an im­ salmon bound for the Yukon and portant segment of our economy. Unfortunately, our fishing in­ Kuskokwim Rivers. Steve Cowper (D) Protecting fishermen from dustry has become less com­ dishonest buyers. I sponsored a petative due to unregualted bill [H.B.227) that requires foreign competition and misap­ buyers to be bonded. This is like plied or faulty regUlation. Most an insurance policy. If the buyer recently, spiraling insurance doesn't pay the fishermen, the costs have added to the problem State will. and fishermen are in economic I have done more than talk trouble. about fish issues. I have done the As Governor, I will reinstate, hard work to learn about the pro­ assert and shelter the free Joe Hays was elected to the enterprise system in the fishing blems and then use what I've Alaska State Housefour times. learned to fight for the fishermen industry. My background in the He served as Speaker of the fishing industry, seven years as in the legislature, before the House from 1981-1984. Before Board of Fisheries, and in a set-netter, and my experience entering politics he worked as in the legislature has lead me to Washington D.C. I want to con­ an engineer for an Anchorage tinue to fight for the fishermen believe that through biological engineering firm, and he is management,with support of the of Western Alaska as your Chairman ofthe Board ofAlaska Senator. Governor in treaty negotiations Continental Bank. In 1980 he and attainable regulations, the ran against 1bny Knowls in the commercial fishermen can sur­ Tony Vaska (D) Anchorage mayoral race. vive and prosper. Steve Cowper served in the Our goal must be to receive the I intend to bring pressure to Alaska legislature from maximum benefits possible from produce an to end the high seas 1974-1978. He chaired the the harvesting, processing and gillnetting by forein nations. House Finance Committee, was marketing of Alaskan seafood. The board of fish sould func­ on the Budget and Audit Com­ As Governor I will support tion as a rule making body that mittee, and was a member ofthe retention of the 200 mile limit is charged with developing Alaska Advisory Committee on and, further actively seek greater regulations that first insure sus­ the Law of the Sea Conference. control for state enforcement of tained yield and, second, blend Steve Cowper has worked as a the limit. We should have greater public desires with professional freelancejournalist and a Cook control of the fisheries off advise from ADF&G. Appoint­ InletflSherman. He was a part­ Alaska's coast. Interception of ments to the Board during my ad­ ner in an airtaxi business, and Alaskan bound fish must be ministration will come from a now makes his living as a Fair­ stopped! cross section of fishing interests banks Lawyer. Mr. Cowper ran I support tax incentives to en­ and not follow the recent trend for governor in 1982. courage expansion of shore bas­ of political appointees of a single ed processing. A greater amount opinion or interest. While many fishermen working of the raw fish tax should be I believe it is the duty of the in our waters are Alaskans, much redistributed to coastal com­ Governor to assert our rights as of the rest of the seafood in­ munities for improvement of a state to manage the resources dustry is owned and controlled dock and harbor facilities or to found within our territorial by non-Alaskans and foreigners. upgrade processing facilities. limits. 1bny Vaska served in the I believe we must integrate the Efforts of the Seafood We need to review the Validity Alaska House ofRepresentatives seafood industry so that more of Marketing Institute must be of the U.S.-Canadian Salmon from 1981-1984, during which the value ofthe resource stays in expanded. . Treaty and insist on fair treat­ time he was on the House Alaska. Foreign countries involved in ment for our Southeast commer­ Resources Committee. Before Alaska's governor should be a jointventures must be encourag­ cial fishermen, charter boat entering politics, Thny had better advocate for Alaska at the ed to invest in Alaskan fisheries operators and recreational worked as an anthropology in- international level. The high-seas through development of on shore fishermen. Page lOlBering Sea FishermanHtugust 1986 ' Bob Richards (R) Bill Sheffield (D) Ron Somerville (R) Chair ofHealth, Education and Social Services.

Among the issues facing fishermen statewide today are management and allocation deci­ sions for all fisheries, Americanization of fisheries in­ side the 200 mile limit, the development of in-state shore based processing and marketing ofboth raw fish and value-added products. I am an advisor to the Interna­ tional North Pacific Fisheries Commision and have been on the Senate Resources Committee in the Alaska Legislature for six years, serving as Chairman since 1985 I have supported, both as Com­ mittee Chairman and on the floor of the Senate, legislation that Bob Richards, cofounder ofthe Bill Sheffield is thefifth Gover­ Ron Somerville has worked in Alaska Pacific Bank Corpora­ nor of the State of Alaska. He calls for preference for Alaskan thefield ofwildlife management fish products, A tax credit for tion, is an author, university was elected to his first term in and biology for over 25 years. shore-based fish processing professor, and columnist. He has 1982. Mr Sheffield came to Mr.Somerville was Director of facilities, a fish buyers bond to served on the Board ofDirectors Alaska in 1953 to work in televi­ the Division of Game for the protect fishermen, establishment of The Alaska Council on sion sales and repairfor Sears Department of Fish and Game Economic Education, ENSTAR andRoebuck. In the early 1960s of a state on-board observer pro­ from 1978 through 1983. gram, and funding for ASMI, Natural Gas Company, Alaska he built hisfirst major hotel, and Following his retirement from Pipeline Company, and An­ AFITC and hatchery programs, to in the next 20 years his hotel Fish and Game, he became the • chorage Civic Opera. Mr chain became the largest in the executive director of the Alaska name just a few. Richards has also been presi­ State. Before runningfor Gover­ Outdoor Council. This is Mr. As governor, I will continue to dent ofthe Alaska World Affairs nor in 1982, he was very active Sommerville'sfirst campaignfor fight for such programs and Council. in business and civic affairs. an elected office. legislation. Fishing affects all aspects of the Alaskan economy Alaska's fishing industry is - my administration's priorities distinguished by not only the im­ I want to thank the Bering Sea The most serious threat to the Fishermen's Association for this commercial fishing industry in will be a healthy economy for all mense economic impact it makes of the state. Clearing out red tape, through its role as the State's opportunity. Alaska is the possibility that There are many issues affec­ special interest groups may be tax incentives, and agressive largest employer, but it is also marketing will be keys to the deeply intertwined in the very ting Western Alaska fisheries. I successful in convincing Con­ would like to touch on three gress to revise the 1971 Alaska future of fisheries in Alaska. I social fabric of our communities. believe in our fishing industry. I Accordingly, this industry general areas that I believe are Native Claims Settlement Act. If high priority. this were to occur, Alaska would want to strengthen and expand deserves the vigorous and une­ fishing in Alaska for the benefit quivocal support of the Governor. High Seas Interception Dur­ be carved up into over 200 i~g this last round of negotia­ separate governments. Most im­ of fishermen and all Alaskans, The State should be more con­ and I need your support to do it. sistent in the application of tIons we won some concessions portantly for you, if villages issue on the interception issue, but separate commercial fishing Your vote for me on August 26th regulations avoiding abrupt wi,ll be an important one. changes in openings and clos­ there is more to be done. We are licenses, the limited entry permit ings, harvest zones, gear limita­ pressing hard for the research system would be worthless. The tions, and fish size. Further and enforcement necessary to current governor has given his fIsheries. management should' provide us the data we will need endorsement to these amend­ reflect strictly economic and f?r the next round of negotia­ ments in spite of my continuing Other names appearing on biological factors, leaving tIons. We are looking at the efforts to alert the public to their the August 26 ballot are: political considerations out of USSR/Japan negotiations to see dangers. The limited entry the picture entirely. if we can use them to help us get system must be preserved and we We must increase the enforce­ foreign fleets offAlaskan salmon. must have a governor who will House District 22 ment activity at all levels,but par­ Habitat protection Habitat fight any legislation which ticularly related to high seas in­ protection is an important part threatens your livelihood. I will AlAdams (D) terception. The Alaska Seafood ofany fisheries management and be such a governor. In addition Jacob Kagak (R) Marketing Institute should be ex­ enhancement program. We have to dealing with the Federal panded to include a more inten­ worked hard to see to it that Government from a position of sive effort for a broader range of upstream mining conforms to strength, rather than weakness, House Distirct 23 products. We should work to keep water qUality standards to pre­ I will take a very aggressive permits in Alaskan hands and in­ vent damage to spawning areas stance on high-seas interceptory Ronald (Ginsu) Brown (R) sure that adequate coastal lands and overwintering habitat. I went fisheries issues. Henrich (Henry) Springer are available for processing, to court to protect Bristol Bay (D) from OCS lease sale No. 92. The storage, and dock facilities. ArIlllS Sturgulewski (R) The fishing industry, like Bay is important for salmon from agriculture, is SUbject to un­ rivers all along the Bering Sea House District 24 predictable swings and therefore, coast as well as herring, halibut all loan programs and financing and other fish resources. Also I Ken Chase (R) arrangements should be struc­ have been a strong supporter of Kay Wallis (D) tured to recognize this fluctua­ the Habitat division of ADF&G, B.R. Walt Walton (D) tion in income. and the Department of En­ As an economist in Alaska for vironmental Conservation. fifteen years, I understand in­ Fisheries Market and Pro­ House District 25 timately the challenges and op­ duct Development I am very in­ portunities that are facing our terested in developing new Johnny T. Hawk (D) fishing industry. I would be a markets and products for our governor that would provide an fisheries resources. We can be open and receptive ear to the con­ proud of the local herring and Senate District L cerns of fishermen. halibut fisheries which are now established on the Bering Sea Leo Rasmussen coast. These fisheries are pro­ viding jobs for local people. Salmon development projects are Alaska Governor promising to add value to some ~ of our lower value species such Walter J. Hickel (R) V BSFA as pinks and chums. Arliss Sturgulewski was elected Ken Hinchey (R) Western Alaska Fisheries have to the State Senate in 1978. She Ed Hoch (L) great potential. We need to con­ has lived in Anchorage since Robert McGrane (R) tinue to open new markets, im­ 1.952, ~nd has held various posi­ Mary O'Brannon (L) ~FI.h.rm.n prove our fish quality and protect bons tn Municipal government Phil Stoddard (D) for1 the resource so we have a fishery and organizations. She is a Joe Vogler • Common Purpose which is dependable and pro­ businesswoman and former Ryal White (D) fitable for the fishermen of member of a bank board of Don Wright (R) Western Alaska. directors. Senator Sturgulewski is Chairman of the Senate Resources Committee, and Vice ______August 1986IBeringSeaFishermanlPage 11 What's Behind King Prices On The Kusko By Bill Wason Kuskokwim king salmon. somewhat undesirable because for shipping out frozen salmon in Many fishermen on the 1\vo other factors affected the fish are too large for the smaller domestic trampers. The Kuskokwim River wonder why prices for salmon: the large domestic restaurants to deal product must then be offloaded they get paid half the price paid percentage of #2 and the limited with. There are also a lot of into containers or refrigerated for king salmon on the Yukon amount of fresh sales. According transportation costs and trucks. This double handling in­ River. If a salmon is a salmon, to lbm Hyland, 35% of the fish logistics associated with large creases the cost of final shipping and the kings are the premium are either #2 or #3. This is par­ volume fresh sales and a need for to destinations, and reduces the fish, it seems everyone should get tially due to blushing, but must more marketing efforts. profit margin. In addition, the paid the same. Well, it seems that also certainly be due to poor The Japanese market demand high cost of shipping freight in­ both processors and certain handling on the river. Blushed for salmon plays an important to Bethel tends to increase plant markets disagree, and this has frozen king salmon get a poor role in prices for salmon on the overhead costs. The reduced led to a severe slide in the price market price in Japan. Freezing Kuskokwim because of one ma­ marketing and shipping alter­ paid for Kuskokwim fish, both on tends to increase the blush in jor factor: shipping. There is cur­ natives tends to affect the the grounds and in the both king and silver salmon, fur­ rently no refrigerated container negotiating position of pro­ marketplace. Kings have tradi­ ther increasing the number of service in Bethel. Processors cessors and the offers made by tionally obtained the highest poor grade fish. Fresh salmon are must pay a relatively high price Japanese trading companies. grounds price of any salmon, and have been highly regarded by cer­ tain markets. This is still somewhat true today, although the market in Japan has dropped dramatically in the last two - years. Since the major demand for Kuskokwim fish is in the Japanese Frozen Salmon market, the king price has dropped. This has caused a lower price for chum and silver salmon, and a lower in­ come for Kuskokwim area • fishermen. Tom Hyland from Kemp I Fisheries in Bethel, and Mike Col­ eman from Kemp's in Seattle were interviewed in an attempt to understand the processor's perspective on grounds prices and costs associated with pro­ duction and marketing of various salmon products. A paraphrasing of these conversations provides some valuable insight into • Fighting foreign interception of sources of costs and alternatives Western Alaska salmon that would affect the value of Kuskokwim salmon products. • Ensuring our established salmon, The major reason cited for the difference in pricebetween Yukon herring and halibut fisheries are not and Kuskokwim king salmon is disrupted by the off-shore trawl fleet the smoked fish demand for the frozen product. Yukon king's • Promoting Alaska Seafood through have a high oil content that in­ innovative new marketing methods crease the flavor and moisture content of smoked fish products. • Fighting unfair fishery trade barriers Frozen Kuskokwim kings have a terrible reputation in the market. of our trading partners It seems that Kuskokwim kings that have been frozen will turn • Co-sponsoring legislation to stop foreign very soft when they are smoked. driftnet fishermen from discarding gill It is unclear if the same thing nets which "ghost fish" and litter the happens to fresh kings. It is sur­ prising that no one has bothered coast of Western Alaska to consider how well Kuskokwim kings do in the smoked market • Endorsing efforts of groups like the when they are shipped fresh in­ Japanese North Pacific Longline and stead of frozen. A problem of too Gillnet Association which provide new much inventory was mentioned as a reason for not smoking fresh markets for Western Alaska fishermen Kuskokwim kings, although the price difference would certainly • Sponsoring law which provides for justify consideration. It is also scientific research for the benefit of unknown whether Kanektok Bering Sea fishermen River salmon have the same pro­ blem. This is surprising since lack of Japanese demand overseas and domestic Senator Frank smokehouse demand are the ma­ jor reasons cited for the current difference in prices for •

Letters continued from page 5 1986. • Why would Young protect the Japanese from his Alaskan salmon constituents? He used to live in a Yukon River village. In 1982, Young revealed his On the job All the time For Alaska strategy to put 300 of Seattle's and Kodiak's out-of-work crab­ bers back in buisness as joint venture operatives. The surplus bottonfish would be used to break into the Japanese market. The Japanese reluctantly agreed in 1984. Young finally got around to his devasted Alaskan salmon Paid for by the Reelect Senator Frank Murkowski Committee continued onpage 15 - . , Page 12/BeringSeaFishermanb\ugust 1986 _

~ .. • 1"~shermen and buyers gather on the beach ofCape Denbigh to assess the condition ofthe herring roe. "Beach Parties" such as this have been held in Tbgiakfor several years, but this is thefirst time Norton Soundfishermen and buyers have gotten together with Fish and Game to discuss when to open. The Norton Sound herring harvest totaled 5194 short tons. compared to 3548 in 1985.

are the ID.ost bnportantresouree :forpeople o:f the ri-vers andseas

• As yourState SenatorI will: * work for treaties to ensure the return of our fish * work for economic assistance to local fishermen * work for development of onshore processing facilities * work for protection of spawning grounds * work for the.subsistence rights ofrural people

• Iee •

Paid for by, Va.~ka for Senate, Bob AJoysiusChairman, PO Box 1496, HeLheI, Alaska 99669 TonyVaska DeDl.oerat State Senate ______August 1986IBering Sea FishermanJPnge 13 Feds Put Money Into Norton Sound Pinks A Slow Season Yukon Research for By Carol Kerkvliet The 1986 Norton Sound pink Golovin) and the Japanese salmon run did not materialize longline vessels of Alaska Herr­ U.S./Canada Talks with the numbers or distribution ing Corporation. Since 1984. The most recent meeting of the used by Fish and Game for sub­ expected by the Norton Sound K.E.G. fishermen have sold their U.S.-Canada Yukon Salmon sistence fishing surveys and king fishermen or the Alaska Depart­ pink salmon catch directly to the negotiations took place in An­ salmon interception analysis. In ment of Fish and Game longliners through an interior chorage during the week of April addition, Fish and Game has biologists. waters permit granted by the 17th. The two countries are their annual operational funds An excellent pink salmon State. The arrangement has pro­ discussing scientific method and available for Yukon programs. return was expected in 1986 vided a pink market for the ways to increase the total run, With State and Federal funds, from the parent pink salmon run fishermen who would otherwise but still disagree on the basic Fish and Game is trying to im­ in 1984 which had the highest have not been able to sell their principles of allocating the prove their knowledge of stock escapement ever documented by fish. salmon. The research needs strength, and stock origin ofking ADF&G for Norton Sound. The T.J.Oyama of Alaska Herring developed by the Joint Technical salmon and fall chums. Specific outmigration of pink salmon fry Corporation said that about 350 Committee were discussed. programs include: from the streams to the ocean metric tons of salmon were sold Because of the international A sonar counter at Pilot Station also looked excellent for the 1986 to the longline vessels this sum­ negotiations, the Federal Govern­ for the entire season. return, according to biologist mer. While this falls far short of ment has taken an interest in Continued use of salmon scales Charlie Lean. their 1000ton goal, it is the most Yukon fisheries research. to determine origin of stocks. By Usually the pink run starts in fish the longliners have bought $138,000 is being spent on the stUdying salmon scales, mid July and quickly builds to a so far in the three years they have Yukon salmon research by the biologists can determine what peak in late J uly. According to worked with the KEG fishermen. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In percentage of the run is from the Lean, however, the pinks came According to John Gemawok, addition, National Marine various spawning areas. back in a "strange way" this year. chairman of the board for KEG Fisheries Service is supplying Stock identification of fall There were only about half as fisheries, the fishermen were be­ $250,000 of "flow through" chums. A cooperative program many pinks as biologists had ex­ ing paid fifteen cents per pound money to ADF&G. with the Canadians. Tissue pected to see, and the run started for pink salmon. The Fish and Wildlife projects samples are taken from salmon later and continued longer then Part of the problem, according consist of a sonar counter on the throughout the river and analyz­ expected. There wasn't the ex­ to Lean, is that commercial pink Chandlar River to determine the ed to determine the stock origin. pected single high peak in periods were cut short because of strength of the salmon run up A tag and recapture program numbers, but a series of three low chum escapement. ADF&G that tributary, and an aerial on the Chena River. This program small peaks of pink salmon. thought the bycatch of chums in survey program to visually is being used to determine the The "strange' run was reflected the pink nets would have too assess run strength and escape­ king salmon population, and to in another disapointing year for great an effect on escapement to ment in the upper Yukon. 'calibrate' the historical aerial the joint venture between the continue the special pink Originally, USFWS was to have survey data. K.E.G. Fisheries (Koyuk, Elim, openings. $450,000 accessible for Yukon Altogether, almost a million River studies, but budget restric­ dollars of State and Federal funds tions reduced that amount. are being spent on Yukon salmon The money from National research this summer. Marine Fisheries Service is being

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SWANSON'S YUKON TRADERS BRISTOL BAY , MARINE MARINE MARINE BOX 478 BOX 67 BOX 202 BETHEL, ALASKA 99559 ST. MARY'S ALASKA 99658 DIWNGHAM, ALASKA 99678 543-3221, EXT. 42 438-2234 842-2393 rtlge 14/Bering Sea Fishermanblugust 1986 ======:-;======.

3 GOOD REASONS TO RE-ELECT ADELHEID HERRMANN -

Theresa, Sonya, Maria, Matt and Bob Charles BOB===- CHARLES REPRESENTATIVE FOR FISHERMEN OF THE YUKON­ KUSKOKWIM DELTA REGION EXPERIENCE

"I was born and raised in the delta region I've been a fisherman most of my life. I know and understand the needs, the issues, the -Four years - Representative for District 26 problems we are faced with. Fisheries are our most important economic resource, and improv;ng them is a high priority of mine. As fishermen we have to increase our role in fisheries management and development at both industry and regulatory levels. I hope to LEADERSHIP make a contribution towards improving our fishing induistry as a Representative of the Fishermen of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta." -House Resources Co-Chairman

Paid lor by Bob Charles lor Slate HOIJse MICHAEL F CHASE Chairman P a Box 1084 Bethel -Fisheries Issues Chairman Alaska 99559 -Bush Caucus Chairman -Member of Joint Special Committee on Foreign Trade -Member of Finance Subcommittee on Fish and Game BUdget -Member of Transportation Committee • -Appointed to Citizens Advisory Commission on Federal Areas -Appointed to Pacific Fisheries Legislative Task Force QUESTION. ¥EFFECTIVENESS What is the only brokerage company specializing in Bristol Bay? -Community Health Aid Bill What brokerage company stays on top -Vocational Education Survey for the District of the market with offices in -Intent Language urging the University of Alaska Dillingham and Anchorage? to explore potential for development of a Community College in the Bristol Bay region What brokerage company fully discloses -Found solutions for fish waste problems sales prices and commissions up front? -Legislation for wholesale price for salmon -Legislation allowing Fish and Wildlife access to What brokerage company is expert in fish ticket information Alaska State Loan preparation? -Construction projects throughout the district

WEARE THE ANSWER. ADELHEID HERRMANN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Western Alaska DISTRICT 26 8rokerage Company

1577 C Street #266 '0" "I'd appreciate your Anchorage, Alaska 99501 I.~ - ~ (907) 279-9070 and 277-2575 support in the primary . ., x Dillingham: (907) 842-1221 _JJ'O VHF ch.6 (June/July/August) election August 26."

John F. Mitchell, Broker

PAID FOR BY HERRMANN FOR STATE HOUSE. BOX 63, NAKNEK, AK 99633 ______August 1986/Bering Sea FishermanJPage 15

Letters C::....:..on_t_in_u_e_d_'_ro_m-'-p_a.:::g_e_1_1 _ fishermen, the Japanese had 300 harvest. The first had no provi­ Exclusive Registration? American JV's to protect their sion for monitoring that cap; the high-seas salmon fisheries on second did. Both of these put a Never Heard Of It American stocks. In January cap on the Japanese harvest. The 1986, Young's office organized first had no provision for Most Western Alaska herring fishermen realize that Alaskan joint venture telegrams monitoring that cap; the second exclusive registration is a hard law to enforce. Every year to join those from the Seattle JV did. Both were officially rejected fishermen report seeing herring boats show up in the more fleet calling for an end of the by the U.S. salmon industry, but northern fisheries with fresh herring scales allover the boat, State Department's withholding no one suggested that we have no and every year they ask the Division of Fish and Wildlife Pro­ of bottomfish allocations. agreement as an alternative. tection for more enforcement. Local fishermen are convinced With the threat of withholding Alaskan fishermen were willing that most of the offenders are slipping through the law's net of bottomfish allocations was to take what they could get, of enforcement (which, some argue, is like a herring slipping over, the Japancese high-seas especially when there was a way through a king salmon net). salmon interceptors and their to monitor the Japanese, even Perhaps the outside fishermen who fish several of the exclu­ American JV allies were home though it was not everything they sive areas felt they weren't getting a sporting contest out of free. Don Young then announced wanted, I hardly think that con­ enforcement personnel. What else could explain the follow­ a 70% success in reducing stitutes "trusting" Japan. ing excerpt from the Vessels section of the June issue of Japanese interception of Third, I do not know where you "Pacific Fisherman"? American salmon and steelheads. got the idea that anyone in Con­ "A herring skiff that can throw a roostertail like a Congressman Young is alone in gressman Young's office organiz­ hydroplane: that's what K-Beck Welding of Kalama believing the new agreement pro­ ed a mail compaign in January Washington built for fishermen Ken Krumall and Brian tects U.S. salmon. to force the State Department to Osentowski ... The vessel was built to conform with the new These same joint ventures release Japanese allocations. As 30-foot limit in the newly opened Nunivak and Nelson Island operate with impunity in their is mentioned above, Con­ herring fisheries. It will also be fished at lbgiak:' bycatches: 300,000 chum gressman Young office organized salmon in 1984, nearly 1 million a mail campaign in January to immature crabs in 1985 and over force the State Department to 2 million lbs. of halibut in 1985. release Japanese allocations. As Their bycatch exacerbates the I mentioned above, Congressman conservation burden and failing Young is on record as opposing BSFA members pack a wallop economies of the existing the release of allocations. If the Alaskan salmon, halibut and crab T he Bering Sea Fishermen's priate legislation. and through joint venture fleet elects to make Association (BSFA) has about 1500 educational programs; fleets. its "iews known to the State member fishermen from more than 3. Representing western Alaska The new agreement is bad. Department, that is its right, just 30 villages from Bristol Bay to fishermen before the Board of Stevens, Murkowski and Gov. as Alaskan salmon fishermen ex­ Sheffield all agree. Young's per­ ercise their right to oppose Kotzebue Sound. Founded in 1979 Fisheries, the State of Alaska to assist fishermen in entering and and the federal government: formance is an affront to the ma­ allocations. However, to claim competing in commercial fisheries. and jority of Alaska's commercial and that anyone in Congressman BSFA has continued to grow and 4. Working towards prohibiting sport fishermen of salmon and Young's office organized such as work on a variety of issues impor· foreign boats from taking sal· steelhead. Crab and halibut effort is a misstatement. tant to western Alaska fishermen. mon and herring within the fishermen face conservation pro­ No one is completely happy blems of their own from Young's with the agreement that was BSFA is active in: 2oo·mile limit. 1. Supplying information and BSFA has a central office in JV promotions. We in western reached, and I do not blame you training in marketing, financ- Anchorage and five field agents Alaska always acknowledge our for being frustrated with what ing, fish handling. boats. gear operating along the coast. Member- painful situation and our debt to was achieved. However, publicly and regulations: ship fees are $10.00 per year and Young. propounding inaccuracies and 2. Protecting fishery resources include a subscription to The Ber- misstatements will not get us a and fish habitat through appro- ing Sea Fisherman. Harold SpaTck Bethel, Alaska better agreement; it will only serve to further divide the Alaskan fishing indUStry, thereby Bering Sea Fishermen's Association YOUNG'S AIDE REPLIES emphasizing our differences, not our common goal of eliminating Membership Form Dear Harold, the high-seas harvest of Alaskan Please fill out this form and mall with $10.00 In annual dues to: I read with interest your open salmon. letter to "National Fisherman," Bering Sea Fishermen's Association which was printed in the April Rod Moore 632 Christensen Drive 25, 1986 edition of the "Bristol Staff - Merchant Marine and Anchorage, Alaska 99501 Bay Times." Since you got some Fisheries Committee ~ of your information twisted, I Name: • thought a reply would be helpful. Mailing Address: _ First, Congressman Young did not complain that the wrong pro­ cedure was followed in attemp­ ting to reduce Japanese high­ seas salmon harvests. The quote you referenced was mine, and I repeat it in its entirety: "We overestimated the importance of groundfish relative to the salmon fishery in Japan, and we underestimated the willingness ESKIMO BOATS of the Japanese to really hang tough and stick it to us on a vatie­ Aluminum Workboats ty of products:' I repeat: Congressman Young did not sat that. I did, and 1 • over 50 boats in use believe the facts bear me out. , in Bristol Bay At the request of Congressman Young, Senators Stevens and 22'x8' Set Net • 114" bottoms, 3116" sides Murkowski, Governor Sheffield Skiff • and Alaskan fishermen, the State Department withheld all but - • built in tanks and 10,000 metric tons of Japan's in­ flotation itial allocations in 1986. The result? Stonewalling by the Japanese at our Seattle salmon • highest quality negotiations, and - as is further at a low price reported in the same "National Fisherman" article - a near freeze on the export of fish (including 25'x81f2' Set Net • stock designs or built salmon) to Japan. and Drift Skiff to your specificiations , Second, you mention the volun­ tary agreement that was negotiated with the Japanese P.O. Box 492 • Preston, WA 98050 salmon fleet in 1981, but you neglect to mention the one negotiated in 1983. Both of these (206) 222·7244 put a cap on the Japanese . - . Page 16IBering Sea Fishermanb4.ugust 1986 _

False Pass continued from page 1

False Pass Seiners catching Sockeye and Chums during 1986JuneJishing. Photo by Johne Binkley

statistics to determine with cer­ has come in much stronger than Arvey points out that many of Fish and Game to announce a tainty the presence in (False expected. Bill Arvey, the acting this year's fall chums are five commercial fall chum opening. Passl of Western Alaska chums;' AYK regional manager, com­ year old fish rather than four The preseason harvest guideline Binkley said. "It will also mented that, "the test catches year olds. "We are seeing about was 0-110,000 fall chums to be generate run timing based on are already above our worst 50% five year olds. The usual is taken by the commercial fishery. scale analysis. We need more fears." 15 to 20%" Arvey said. "There should be no problem information." Arvey's 'worst fears' were bas­ The strong return of five year allowing 110,000" Arvey said, It appears that the False Pass ed on a low run and poor escape­ old fish, and the stronger than but added "we are going to play harvest limit has been suc· ment of chums in 1982; the expected return of four year olds cautious:' cessful. The Yukon fall chum run parent year for the '86 run. But has resulted in enough fish for • • • • IS erme raise evens rl I A bill introduced in the U.S. Senate Bill 2611 would require controlled and severe hazard to the Aleutian Islands from the Senate by Ted Stevens would that U.S. observers be on all marine mammals, fish and sea shore out to a distance of sixty make it possible to assess the foreign fishing vessels in U.S. birds. "Examination of one such miles. damage done to our fisheries and waters, and on Japanese salmon abandoned salmon driftnet Fishermen's groups and en­ other marine resources by vessels fishing in accordance revealed ninety nine dead vironmental groups are praising foreign high seas driftnet vessels. with the INPFC agreement. seabirds and more than 200 Senate Bill 2611 as a major step In introducing Senate bill 2611, Foreign vessels which are con­ salmon entangled in just a por­ towards assessing and reducing Stevens called these foreign drift· sidered unsafe for carrying an tion of the net" according to the damage caused by high seas • nets, "A devasting curtain of observer would be denied fishing Eisenbud's report. Stevens' Bill driftnets. "The net bounty death for all living marine permits. Observers would docu­ requires that a bounty system be system and the sea bird protec­ resources," ment the number of mammals, established to pay vessel tion zone will immediately reduce Demming Cowles, lobbyist for birds, and nontarget species operators who retrieve these much of the damage these nets United Fishermen of Alaska said taken by the driftnets. ghost nets. are doing. The observer program of Stevens' Bill, "It is the first For vessels fishing outside U.S. 1b reduce the tremendous will provide the information to positive step taken in Congress jurisdiction, the bill includes a number of seabirds that are prove what horrible damage the since the debacle of the [INPFC) provision to encourage coopera­ caught by high seas driftnets, the nets are capable of. Stevens is to agreement with the Japanese. It tion with the observer program. Bill establishes a "Seabird Pro­ be congratulatc:d heartily" is the first effort to rectify what "The bill states that no permits tection Zone." High seas drift­ Cowles said. (the U.S. State Department) was to fish within U.S. waters will be nets, will be prohibited around unwilling to do." given to a vessel of any govern­ The foreign driftnet fisheries ment that has not entered into have recently attracted attention such an agreement," says Mary for the number of sea birds, Munson of the Committee on DATES TO REMEMBER marine mammals and 'non­ Commerce,Science and target' fish they entrap. In addi­ Technology. "It forces them to tion, "The Japanese mothership come up with monitoring even September 12th is the deadline for and land based salmon fleets also though they are outside 200 harvest 8 million salmon of miles" Munson said, "If they proposals to the Board of Fisheries. North American origin each won't cooperate in international year" Stevens said. waters, they can't fish in our About 640 miles of these waters." gillnets are lost each year, and The Bill also requires the left to drift around the ocean in­ Department of Commerce to ATTENTION ADVERTISERS discriminately catching fish, report on the impact of the high birds and marine mammals. A seas driftnet fisheries, and to report by Robert Eisenbud supply the Congress with recom­ For current rate and deadline (Counsel for Oceans Policy to the mendations for solutions. The information for the spring issue Committee on Commerce, bill includes a provision that a Science and Technology) states study will be made into the prac­ of the Bering Sea Fisherman that "over 50,000 northern fur ticality of making biodegradable seals also become entangled and gillnets. If the nets were please call die each year in lost and discard­ biodegradable, once lost they ed nets and debris;' and that this would eventually break apart. mortality "suspected as the chief Lost nets, refered to as 'ghost Bering Sea Fishermen's Assn. cause of the continuing decline nets' continue to fish effectively of the fur seal population:' and are considered to be an un- (907) 279-6519