A group of fishermen stranded in the remote Western Pacific were recently rescued, thanks in large part to a personal locator beacon they had with them, according to a U.S. Coast Guard search coordinator. According to a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam, the six fishermen became stranded about 30 miles north ..read more

Commercial fishing is currently facing a range of challenges that include overfishing, climate change, illegal fishing that is depleting stocks, regulatory changes, and economic changes that include higher fuel prices, equipment costs, and labor costs. In response, commercial fishermen are increasingly pivoting to adapt. Fishermen are also investing in advanced technology and collaborative efforts to ..read more

On August 20, 2024, a fishing vessel caught fire about 50 miles off the coast of Brookings, Oregon. The MARIAH K was carrying three fishermen at the time of the blaze. Crew member Emanuel Silveira is currently in critical condition after suffering severe burns. According to Petty Officer Briana Carter of the U.S. Coast Guard ..read more

The U.S. Coast Guard has confirmed plans to purchase a commercial icebreaker and deploy it in Juneau, Alaska, the agency announced on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. This decision follows an earlier preliminary announcement and comes just days after the HEALY, a 27-year-old icebreaker, was forced to abandon its Arctic mission due to an electrical fire ..read more

American Seafoods Group, the largest at-sea processor of wild Alaska pollock and hake in the United States, has reintroduced its grant program under a new name: The American Seafoods Community Partnership Program. Based in Seattle, Washington, the company recently announced the relaunch, indicating a significant expansion in its support of organizations in Western Alaska. The ..read more

On Sunday August 11th, 2024, at 8:56 p.m., the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Northern New England command center watchstanders received a mayday call from the F/V THREE GIRLS stating that the vessel was on fire, and all aboard were preparing to abandon ship. The vessel was located about 105 nautical miles east of Portsmouth, New ..read more

Salmon advocates are expressing grave concerns after a recent cyanide spill at Victoria Gold’s Eagle Mine, fearing that the pollution, which has not been fully contained, could harm the Yukon River’s already struggling salmon populations. Following a major equipment failure at Victoria Gold’s Eagle Mine, the Government of Yukon has taken charge of a comprehensive ..read more

On July 24, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling that could reshape fisheries management in Alaska. The decision, centered on trawl bycatch practices, underscores the ongoing tension between environmental conservation and commercial interests. By invoking the legal principle of Chevron deference, the Court has mandated stricter regulations on bycatch, which could have significant ..read more

Commercial fishing citations are on the rise this Bristol Bay sockeye season. As the sockeye run begins, Alaska State Troopers from all over gather to patrol and ensure that commercial fishers are following all rules and regulations. With so many regulations in place, some waters are closed at certain times while others remain open. According ..read more

Federal disaster relief is coming to help many commercial fishing permit-holders. The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) will be administering the payments of three federal awards. For more information, you can visit their current disasters page. Permit-holders and processors need to submit their applications to the PSMFC in Portland, Oregon or upload applications through the online portal before August 24th. Crew and subsistence users have until September 28th to submit their applications. The PSMFC mailed out applications on June 26th, 2024. If you have not received a ha ..read more