Alaska

Published on: September 16, 2025

Alaska Opens Pacific Tuna Harvesting as Warm Waters Bring Opportunity

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has launched a new commercial fishing opportunity in Southeast Alaska waters, issuing commissioner’s permits for Pacific tuna harvesting in response to unusual conditions that have drawn these warm-water species into the eastern Gulf of Alaska.

Commercial harvesters can now obtain the specialized permits, which remain valid through December 31^st, 2025, marking the first formal recognition of tuna as a targeted commercial species in Alaska waters. The permits become available immediately upon issuance, creating an unprecedented fishing opportunity in a region traditionally known for salmon and groundfish.

Rhea Ehresmann, who leads the Region 1 groundfish project for the ADF&G, explained that the permit system emerged from direct industry requests. “The commercial fleet approached us about targeting Pacific tuna, given the significant tuna presence we’re seeing in waters outside of Sitka,” she noted.

Published on: September 9, 2025

Grounded Alaska Fishing Vessel Reaches Port After 3,500 Gallon Fuel Spill

by Nigel Stacey

The commercial fishing vessel that ran aground near Alaska’s Afognak Island, spilling thousands of gallons of diesel fuel into surrounding waters, was successfully towed to safety Friday September 5^th, 2025, according to state environmental officials.

The 120-foot F/V SEA ERN arrived at Kodiak Harbor at approximately 7 a.m., completing a carefully coordinated salvage operation overseen by the U.S. Coast Guard and Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The vessel has since been moved to drydock at the City of Kodiak shipyard.

Environmental officials estimate between 3,000 and 3,500 gallons of diesel fuel leaked from the vessel after a 12-foot gash tore through its bow, rupturing two fuel tanks. The F/V SEA ERN was carrying approximately 16,290 gallons of fuel at the time of the grounding, with 12,790 gallons remaining aboard.

Published on: July 29, 2025

New State Funding Boosts Alaska Seafood Workforce Development

by Nigel Stacey

Alaska’s seafood industry is getting a significant boost in workforce development thanks to new state funding through the Technical and Vocational Education Program (TVEP). This initiative supports five key programs for both seafood harvesters and processors.

For processors, the Alaska Seafood School will offer three programs focusing on crucial areas: food and processing regulations, automated equipment and refrigeration, and plant management.

Fishermen across Alaska will benefit from two TVEP-funded projects launching this fall: the Skipper Apprentice program in Bristol Bay, providing essential training and mentorship for new crew, and the innovative “Scaled Seafood” project, offering vital fisheries business training.

Published on: July 16, 2025

Tsunami Warning for Southern Alaska Coast

by Nigel Stacey

A powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off Alaska’s Aleutian chain today, triggering a TSUNAMI WARNING for a 700-mile stretch of the state’s southern coast, from Homer to Unimak Pass. The quake, hitting 54 miles south of Sand Point shortly after 12:30 p.m., has put coastal communities on high alert.

Communities like King Cove, Unalaska, and Kodiak have issued immediate calls for residents to move to higher ground. Unalaska officials specifically advise moving at least 50 feet above sea level or a mile inland. Emergency shelters are reported to be open in Kodiak.

While initial reports indicate no significant damage from the first waves in Sand Point, authorities are treating this seriously. “We’re making sure communities are notified so they can activate their evacuation procedures,” stated Jeremy Zidek of the state’s emergency management division.

Published on: July 15, 2025

Dredging Project Begins at Unalaska Dutch Harbor in Alaska

by Nigel Stacey

A critical infrastructure project is officially underway in Alaska, which will significantly enhance navigation and strengthen the economy for one of the nation’s most vital fishing ports. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Alaska District has announced the beginning of dredging operations for the Unalaska-Dutch Harbor Channels Project. Work began in June, targeting a shallow bar that has been a challenge for larger vessels attempting to enter Iliuliuk Bay and access Dutch Harbor.

Dutch Harbor, consistently ranking among the top fishing ports in the United States by volume and value, is the cornerstone of the Alaskan and national seafood industry. However, the shallow bar at the entrance to Iliuliuk Bay has historically restricted the size of ships that can safely navigate the channel, particularly during certain tides. This hurdle has caused delays and increased operational costs for fishing fleets and cargo vessels as well as limiting growth and efficiency within the port.

The $9.2 million project, awarded to J.E. McAmis Inc. of Chico, California, is a collaborative effort with the City of Unalaska. Funded 75% by the federal government and 25% locally, the completed project should alleviate the historically long navigational constraints. The primary objective is to remove approximately 172,000 cubic yards of sediment from the channel. This will create a new, expanded channel measuring 600 feet by 600 feet, with a significantly increased depth of 58 feet. This deeper and wider passage will allow larger, more modern vessels to access Dutch Harbor with greater ease and safety, regardless of tidal conditions.

Published on: June 17, 2025

Morning Midas Still Ablaze Off Alaskan Coast

by Nigel Stacey

The U.S. Coast Guard is actively working to extinguish a persistent fire aboard the car carrier MORNING MIDAS, located approximately 220 miles south of Adak, Alaska. The first salvage vessel has now reached the scene, joining the ongoing efforts.

The incident began on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025, when smoke was detected on a deck full of electric vehicles. The MORNING MIDAS was transporting cargo from Yantai, China, to Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico, when the fire erupted. Despite the crew’s emergency response and the activation of onboard fire suppression systems, the blaze intensified, forcing all 22 crew members to abandon ship.

The crew evacuated via lifeboat and were subsequently rescued by the merchant vessel COSCO HELLAS. Currently, the tug vessel GRETCHEN DUNLAP is on site with salvage personnel working to assess the conditions.

Published on: May 20, 2025

Battling the Bering Sea: The High Stakes of Safety for Commercial Fishermen

by Nigel Stacey

Alaska’s commercial fishing industry, a significant part of the state’s economy, involves working in challenging marine environments. The pursuit of seafood means confronting hazardous conditions, which leads to injuries and fatalities each year. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Understanding the safety measures in place and the legal avenues available, such as the Jones Act, is important for those working at sea.

Working as a commercial fisherman in Alaska carries a greater risk of injury and death than many other jobs. Several factors contribute to these risks:

Challenging Weather and Icing: Alaska’s marine weather can change quickly. Sudden storms, strong winds, and large waves can make fishing difficult. Ice accumulating on vessels, particularly during colder seasons, can affect a boat’s stability.

Published on: May 14, 2025

Empowering Alaska Fishermen Through Insurance Cooperatives

by Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC

House Bill 116 is currently under consideration by the Alaska State Senate, representing a potential turning point for the state’s commercial fishing industry. This legislation would authorize Alaskan fishermen to form their own insurance cooperatives, which would lower operating costs and ensure the financial stability of smaller operators facing increasingly difficult economic conditions. Having passed the House unanimously, the bill is now before the Senate, with a strong possibility of enactment this session.

The bill originated from the Joint Legislative Task Force Evaluating Alaska’s Seafood Industry, which analyzed and identified growing financial strains on commercial fishermen. As Representative Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, and Senate President Gary Stevens have emphasized, the combination of record-high operating costs and record-low fishing market prices calls for innovative solutions to support this vital sector of Alaska’s economy.

The primary concern driving this legislation is the increasing cost and decreasing availability of traditional insurance for fishing vessels. Underwriters are reportedly increasing premiums and becoming more selective with their customers. This has created a significant barrier for many independent fishermen seeking insurance. By enabling fishermen to collectively pool their resources, they can create a larger, potentially lower-risk insurance pool, theoretically leading to more attractive rates and greater access to coverage.

Published on: April 29, 2025

Alaska Senators Advocate for Seafood Worker Visa Exemption

by Nigel Stacey

A bipartisan effort led by Alaska U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski and supported by fellow coastal state senators has introduced new legislation aimed at providing relief to the Alaska seafood processing industry. The proposed “Save Our Seafood Act” seeks to exempt seafood processing companies from the federal cap imposed on the temporary H-2B visa program in order to secure the industry’s workforce and overall stability.

The Alaska seafood sector annually depends on international laborers, primarily from Mexico, the Philippines, and Ukraine. These workers fill essential processing roles during the intense, high-volume commercial fishing seasons. Before turning to the H-2B visa program, companies must demonstrate an inability to recruit enough American workers. Thousands of guest workers are hired each year to meet the demanding labor needs.

However, seafood processing companies compete for H-2B visas alongside various non-agricultural industries, including construction, landscaping, and hospitality. The current congressional cap of 66,000 visas per year, divided into two seasonal allocations, creates uncertainty and potential workforce shortages for the seafood industry.

Published on: April 1, 2025

Air Station Sitka Helicopter Crew Rescues Woman from F/V Nekton

by Nigel Stacey

On March 26, 2025, an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Sitka successfully conducted a medevac of a 37-year-old woman experiencing a medical emergency in Sitka Sound, Alaska. The woman, who was aboard the fishing vessel NEKTON, required immediate medical attention.

The aircrew responded swiftly to the distress call. After arriving on the scene, they skillfully maneuvered the MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter above the fishing vessel to safely execute the hoist operation. Despite challenges posed by the weather and the vessel’s movements, the U.S. Coast Guard team efficiently transported the patient aboard the aircraft.

Following the successful hoist, the helicopter crew transferred the woman to awaiting local emergency medical personnel in Sitka. The patient received further evaluation and care upon arrival, highlighting the seamless collaboration between the U.S. Coast Guard and local emergency responders.