The U.S. Coast Guard issued a safety alert following a deadly explosion aboard the F/V KIM THU, an uninspected commercial fishing vessel, in Hawaii on April 26, 2024. In a recent update, U.S. Coast Guard officials provided further details about the blast, while the Department of Law Enforcement confirmed that…
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…
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…
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…
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…
A 75-year-old Sitka fisherman died Monday, August 19, 2024, following a fatal accident in the engine room of his fishing vessel. Alaska State Troopers identified the victim as Barry McKee, who was fishing aboard his troller LISA JEAN near Salisbury Sound, approximately 20 miles northwest of Sitka. According to reports,…
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…
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…
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…
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…