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Marine Conservation News & Updates
November 10, 2011
Join AMCC at the Pacific Marine Expo 2011:
November 17th-19th, Seattle, WA
AMCC will be back again at this year’s Pacific Marine Expo
(Fish Expo) in Seattle. Fish Expo is the largest fishing and marine trade show
on the west coast. Stop by AMCC’s booth, attend an AMCC-cosponsored conference
session on fishing vessel fuel efficiency and don’t miss the very popular
Fishermen’s Reception on Friday November 18th- this year at the Silver Cloud
Hotel! Read on for more information on Pacific Marine Expo and how to get into
the show for free.
VISIT AMCC AT OUR BOOTH!
AMCC will have a booth in the Alaska Aisle -#544. Stop by, renew your membership, learn more about our programs, take action and pick up some new gear including long sleeve t-shirts and hoodies!
ATTEND A CONFERENCE SESSION ON FISHING VESSEL FUEL EFFICIENCY
Don’t miss this AMCC co-sponsored conference session at Expo:
Using an Energy Audit for Commercial Fishing Industry Vessels
When: Friday November 18th; 9:30 am
Where: Room C1, Century Link Field
As fuel prices increase, fishermen look for ways to reduce fuel consumption. The University of Alaska and AMCC along with other partners and consultants have developed a series of vessel energy audit templates for various vessel types. This workshop explains the principles of fuel conservation, walks participants through energy audit templates, and outlines how to use the information. Click here for a conference program schedule.5th Annual Fishermen’s Reception During Pacific Marine Expo: Celebrating & Protecting Bristol Bay & Bering Sea Fisheries
When: Friday November 18th, 5-7pm
Where: Silver Cloud Hotel Ballroom, across from Century Link Field (formerly Qwest Field), corner of 1st Ave and South Royal Brougham Way
One of the hottest events at Expo is happening again this year and it’s all to help celebrate and protect the amazing fisheries resources of Bristol Bay and the Bering Sea. Join AMCC and other cosponsors for food, drink and to learn more about what’s happening related to offshore drilling and mining in Bristol Bay and the southeast Bering Sea. Meet people working on the campaigns and learn how you can help.
*One free drink per attendee, delicious appetizers, and no host bar.
Pacific Marine Expo welcomes members of the Alaska Marine Conservation Council and extends a free invitation to attend the show Nov. 17-19 in Seattle. Simply mention code 102392 when pre-registering to secure your free admission to the exhibit hall, a $30 savings! To pre-register visit www.pacificmarineexpo.com or call 800-454-3005.
For over 40 years, Pacific Marine Expo has been the longest running show for the Northwest commercial marine industry. At Pacific Marine Expo you can do it all; meet and troubleshoot with product experts, negotiate directly with multiple suppliers, discuss the latest advancements in vessel technology, and locate the yard that will work on your schedule.
This year’s show will include hundreds of exhibits, new products and several new and returning special events, including a daily happy hour. This show is THE place where you can get your business done and have a great time.
Visit www.pacificmarineexpo.com for show information, including online registration, event schedule, session descriptions and speakers, the complete exhibitor list, special events, parking information, travel information and more.
October 25, 2011
Kodiak Ocean Boogie
Get
ready to get down for marine conservation Saturday, November 5th, at
Tony's Bar in Kodiak. Live music by Little Ronnie & the Tube
Screamers, awesome prizes to bid on in silent and live auctions,
delicious complimentary appetizers from Mill Bay Coffee, desserts and
more! Bring your friends and family and help AMCC raise some funds for
our important community-based fisheries conservation work.
Raffle Winners Announced!
AMCC would like to thank everyone that came out for our Homer Ocean Boogie last weekend and those who participated in our cash raffle. These important fundraisers brought in over $23,000 to support AMCC's work. Congratulations to our raffle winners and please look for tickets for next year's raffle this spring!
Alexus Kwachka – Kodiak
Janis Harsila – Shoreline, WA
Deborah Greenberg – Anchorage
$1500
Aaron Brakel – Douglas
$10,000
Ben Jones - Anchorage
$250
Raychelle Daniel – Anchorage
Malcolm Milne – Homer
Mackenzi Peterson – Kodiak
Michael Kennedy – Homer
Eileen Mullen – Homer
Everett Thompson – Naknek
Kathy Lochman – Gustavus
April Leuzinger – Anchorage
Paula and Adam Bauer – Homer
Charlie Peterson – Kodiak
Eileen Mullen – Homer
October 3, 2011
Get Ready to Boogie for Healthy Fisheries in Homer on Saturday, October 15
Live
bluegrass by Anchorage's Hot Dish, awesome prizes to bid on in silent
and live auctions, delicious seafood chowder, desserts and more! Plus
hotel discounts at both Land's End and the Beluga Lake Lodge (just
mention Ocean Boogie when you book) for those who want to make it a
weekend. Bring your friends and family and help AMCC raise some funds
for our important community-based fisheries conservation work.
Click here to download the flyer!
September 27, 2011
Fisheries & Environmental Policy Workshop Coming to Homer
Join Sea Grant and NOAA staff along with members of the NPFMC Advisory Panel to discuss the basics of NEPA, the NPFMC process and how to effectively participate in decisions that affect your fisheries, livelihoods, and communities.
- Are you interested in learning more about fisheries and environmental policy?
- Do you want to be informed on environmental decision-making processes?
- Want to learn more about the NPFMC process & how to be effective?
WHEN: Thursday, October 13th, 5:00pm-7:30 pm
WHERE: Homer United Methodist Church, 770 East End Road
What: Introduction to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) & the North Pacific Fishery Management Council Process: A Workshop for Residents & FishermenFree food & drinks will be provided!
For more information contact: Izetta Chambers at Izetta.chambers@alaska.edu, (907) 842-8323 or Amy Snider at amy@akmarine.org, (907) 277-5357
August 2, 2011
The United States Navy has decided to go ahead with the sinking of two derelict ships a year as part of its annual summer exercises in the Gulf of Alaska. AMCC's Executive Director responded in the press with concerns about potential impacts of the activities to our valuable Gulf fisheries.Listen to the KMXT 100.1 FM radio interview.
Fishery Managers Establish First Ever Limit on King Salmon Bycatch in the Gulf of Alaska
On Sunday, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) voted to establish the first ever limit on Chinook salmon bycatch in the Gulf of Alaska pollock fishery. In 2010 the groundfish fleet caught over 51,000 Chinook salmon. This all-time high number reinvigorated a call from coastal Alaskans and members of the NPFMC to pursue a limit for future years.
The NPFMC voted to set the cap at 25,000 kings--higher than the 15,000 that AMCC, fishermen and coastal residents initially called for. AMCC Kodiak Outreach Coordinator, salmon fisherman and member of the NPFMC Advisory Panel Theresa Peterson framed the decision in this way:
AMCC has worked closely with fishermen and coastal residents over past months to put in place protections for Gulf Chinook. AMCC collected signatures on two sign-on letters with over 500 signatures that were presented to NPFMC supporting a cap on king bycatch in the Gulf. Staff and members presented testimony to the NPFMC and were continuously engaged in the decision-making process that led to this important outcome.
Renewed Action Needed on King Salmon Bycatch!
In March, hundreds of fishermen, coastal residents and communities issued a call to fishery managers demanding solutions to reduce unacceptable levels of Chinook bycatch in the Gulf of Alaska. That outpouring of support was leveraged at the North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (NPFMC) April meeting where managers voted to move toward the first ever conservation measures for Gulf king salmon. The NPFMC voted to support a preferred alternative for a cap of 22,500 incidentally caught king salmon in the pollock trawl fishery. While the alternative is higher than the 15,000 cap that AMCC and many fishermen supported, the vote is viewed as an important first step. The NPFMC is scheduled to take final action on the subject at their June meeting in Nome. Your voice is needed to ensure a good outcome for Gulf Chinook and the people and communities who depend on them.
- Click here for more information & to sign on to the new letter calling for solutions to king salmon bycatch
- Support AMCC's "Cash for Kings" drive
April 21, 2011
New 'Faces of Climate Change' Videos Released
'Faces of Climate Change' is a series of three short videos in which scientists and Alaska Natives share their stories and insights into changes that are happening in Alaska's Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean. These videos were produced by AMCC in collaboration with Alaska Sea Grant, Alaska Observing System, and COSEE Alaska. Watch the videos.
April 5, 2011
North Pacific Fishery Management Council Votes for Chinook Bycatch Cap of 22,500 in the Pollock Fishery as Preferred Alternative
At their recent meeting, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council voted in favor of conservation measures to protect Chinook (king) salmon from being caught as bycatch in the pollock trawl fishery in the Gulf of Alaska. In 2010, Chinook bycatch in the Gulf of Alaska reached record-setting levels at 51,000 fish incidentally caught. Final action on this issue is scheduled to be taken during the June meeting of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council. Read AMCC's press release to learn more. More Marine Conservation News.
March 3, 2011
Take Action to Reduce King Salmon Bycatch!
In 2010, levels of king salmon (Chinook) bycatch in the Gulf of Alaska groundfish trawl fishery hit a record high of 51,000 fish incidentally caught. Residents of the Kenai Peninsula, Homer and Kodiak are demanding action from fishery managers to address this unacceptable level of waste that puts their businesses, jobs and livelihoods at risk. AMCC is working closely with these fishermen and other stakeholders to spur decisions needed lower the amount of Chinook bycatch in the Gulf of Alaska pollock fishery.
- Tell the North Pacific Fishery Management Council to reduce Chinook bycatch. (Sign-on letter now closed. Stay tuned for new ways to make your voice heard!)
- Click here for the latest news, information and to learn how you can help!
February 15, 2011
Show Your Love of Bristol Bay Salmon by Marching with AMCC in the Fur Rondy Parade!
February 9, 2011
AMCC Board Chair Dave Kubiak Speaks Out Against "Frankenfish"
The Anchorage Daily News recently published a great Compass piece on the dangers of genetically modified salmon (aka frankenfish) written by AMCC's board chair, Dave Kubiak. Frankenfish pose threats to both the economic value and the biological integrity of Alaska's wild salmon populations. Alaska Senators Mark Begich and Lisa Murkowski are on the right track in opposing the approval of this dangerous fish. Read the full Compass piece.
January 28, 2011
AMCC Seeks Summer Intern for Paid Position - Apply by February 15th
December 27, 2010
AMCC Pilots Community
Supported Fishery
AMCC is excited to announce a wonderful opportunity to be the first recipients of a shipment of delicious Kodiak Tanner crab through a pilot of our Community Supported Fishery (CSF) program! CSFs are popping up across the country and are modeled on the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs that link consumers directly to the farmer. In this case, we are linking our members and supporters directly to our network of conservation minded, independent family fishermen. This January, we are offering a choice of 10 or 25 lb boxes of Tanner crab to our members and supporters. Orders must be placed by January 19th and picked up in Anchorage. Click here for more details on how to get your Tanner shipment!
December 7, 2010
Pick. Click. Give. for Healthy Fisheries, Oceans & Communities!
Pick.
Click. Give. provides a safe and secure way to make a donation, and it's available to all Alaskans who file online.
Victory! Progress Made Towards Protecting Kodiak Tanner Crab
A multi-year, collaborative effort amongst local Kodiak fishermen and the Alaska Marine Conservation Council (AMCC) to safeguard the Tanner crab population, their seafloor habitat and the Kodiak Island small-boat crab fishery from adverse impacts of bottom trawling has finally produced positive results. On October 10th, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council reached a decision to prohibit bottom trawling in waters vital to crab on the north end of Kodiak Island in Marmot Bay and imposed strong measures to enhance the accuracy of information on Tanner crab bycatch in groundfish fisheries. While the decision was a compromise and not all areas crab fishermen and AMCC were requesting protection for were adopted, the end result is a big step in the right direction for Tanner crab and the fishing families who rely on them. Click here to read the full story.
October 4, 2010
Join AMCC in Homer and Kodiak for our Annual Ocean Boogie Fundraisers
This month AMCC will host our annual Ocean Boogie fundraisers in Homer on October 15th at Alice's Champagne Palace, and in Kodiak on October 23rd at Tony's Bar. Both events will feature a light dinner, silent and live auctions, delicious locally-made desserts, and live music by great local bands. Go to our events calendar to learn more.
September 29, 2010
AMCC Joins the Fight Against Genetically Engineered Salmon
AMCC is standing alongside other fishing and conservation groups as well and members of Congress in an effort to halt the Food and Drug Administration from forging ahead with approval for consumption of genetically modified salmon. AMCC signed on to a statement with 51 other organizations and businesses endorsing a letter sent to the FDA by members of Congress including Alaska Senator Begich. Begich is leading the charge to keep the "frankenfish" off our grocery store shelves.
For more:
-
See the endorsement statement by AMCC and a previous sign on letter with our concerns on "frankenfish"
September 7, 2010
Bristol Bay Supporters and Fishermen Shower Thanks Upon Secretary Salazar
Last Friday, Bristol Bay supporters and fishermen greeted Secretary Salazar before he entered a press conference in Anchorage to say thank you for protecting our wild fisheries stronghold. Calling Bristol Bay a "national treasure" on March 31 Salazar announced planned offshore oil and gas leases in Bristol Bay were canceled and President Obama put in place an executive withdrawal protecting the area from drilling until 2017. AMCC helped to organize the thank you rally which drew around 20 people dressed in Bristol Bay t-shirts holding colorful signs, stuffed salmon, and standing around a giant sockeye salmon. The Secretary stopped on his way into the press conference to shake hands with folks and talked once again about how Bristol Bay was too special to risk. Salazar said he appreciated the positive show of support from Alaskans on the issue. AMCC and partners are asking Secretary Salazar and the Obama administration to support permanent protection of the region from offshore drilling.
Click here for more photos of the welcome for Salazar.
July 29, 2010
EPA Administrator Visits Dillingham, Residents Make Their Opposition to Pebble Mine Clear
The administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, Lisa Jackson recently visited Dillingham and local residents came out in force to declare their opposition to the proposed Pebble Mine. Read the full story in the Cordova Times.
July 22, 2010
Obama Takes Important Steps Toward a National Oceans Policy
The Obama Administration announced the final recommendations of the Ocean Policy Task Force on July 19th. The recommendations, along with an accompanying framework for marine spatial planning, and the creation of a National Ocean Council, mark a bold move toward improving ecosystem health. Read the full final recommendations.
July 19, 2010
BP's Deepwater Horizon Spill: The Ultimate Wake-up Call for Bristol Bay
- Photo: US Coast Guard
On April 20, 2010 BP's offshore oil rig, the Deepwater Horizon experienced a deadly blowout and two days later sunk into the Gulf of Mexico. Massive amounts of oil have spewed uncontrollably into the ocean, causing immeasurable harm to the Gulf's marine life as well as to the region's fishermen, communities and local economies. The Deepwater Horizon incident is a clear example of the dangers of offshore drilling and serves as the ultimate wake-up call for Alaska's fish-rich Bristol Bay, which has been a target of the oil industry for more than 30 years and is not yet permanently protected. Read AMCC's publication on the causes and effects of the Gulf oil spill and what it means for Bristol Bay.
July 12, 2010
Act Now to Address Ocean Acidification
The US House and Senate are gearing up for a critical debate on pending legislation to redirect national energy policy to reduce carbon emissions. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich play key roles in Senate deliberations on the energy bill. Now is the time for Alaskans to urge them to safeguard our oceans and fisheries through effective carbon emissions reductions. Read AMCC's talking points and call your Senators today to tell them that now is the time to act.
May 17, 2010
New Site Focusing on Ocean Acidification in Alaska Launches
Alaskafisheries.org,
a site dedicated to AMCC's efforts to address ocean acidification in
Alaska's waters, launched today. This new resource is chock-full of
educational materials, multi-media resources, and information on actions
YOU can take to combat the evil twin of climate change. You can also
become a fan of the corresponding Facebook
page.
April 21, 2010
Outreach Meeting in Kodiak - Restructuring of Groundfish Observer Program
On April 29th from 9am-noon, representatives of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and the Alaska Fisheries Science Center will hold a public outreach meeting at the Kodiak Refuge Visitor Center in downtown Kodiak on the subject of the restructuring of the groundfish observer program. This will effect boats both under and over 60 feet that participate in the federally managed groundfish fisheries. Processors will also be affected. Vessels and processors of all sizes are encouraged to attend.
April 21, 2010
AMCC's Fish Speak and E-News now available on our website
Our website now has archived copies of AMCC's monthly E-news letter and Fish Speak, our report on select issues from the North Pacific Fishery Management Council meetings. Don't forget to sign up for E-news to receive both of these great publications in you inbox!
March 31, 2010
Victory! Obama Administration Grants Protection for Bristol Bay from Offshore Drilling
- Photo: Nick Hall
Alaska and the nation's commercial fisheries stronghold in Bristol Bay is receiving protection from offshore drilling, President Obama and Secretary Ken Salazar announced on March 31, 2010. Obama reinstated protection for the region from offshore drilling through 2017 by way of a presidential withdrawal of the area from leasing that had been in place under former administrations. This is a huge victory for AMCC and our Friends of Bristol Bay Program!
Read more.
March 15, 2010
Parnell Makes Nominations to North Pacific Fishery Management Council
Two members of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council are seeing their terms expire in August of this year. Governor Parnell recently submitted his nominations for Duncan Fields of Kodiak to serve an additional term, and for James Hubbard of Seward to fill the additional seat. He also named Sam Cotten of Eagle River and Matt Moir of Kodiak as alternate nominees. To read the full press release, click here. To learn more about the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, click here.
March 11, 2010
Learn About Ocean Acidification in Alaska - Participate in an Educational Webinar on March 23rd
- (c) NOAA/PMEL
Jeremy Mathis, a leading expert on ocean acidification in Alaska and professor at the School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences at UAF , will lead an educational webinar on Tuesday March 23rd. This is a great way to learn more about one of the most serious effects of climate change on our oceans. The purpose of this webinar will be to educate participants and promote dialogue between scientists, government, land and resource management, industry, and individual residents who need information related to climate change in Alaska to make well informed decisions. The webinar will take place between 10:00 and 11:00am on Tuesday March 23rd. Visit the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy's website for more information about how to participate.
March 4, 2010
Secretary Salazar Announces University of Alaska as Host of Nation's First Regional Climate Science Center
Click here to read the Department of Interior's press release.
February 11, 2010
AMCC staffer Dan Strickland's OpEd highlights role fishing industry can play in conservation
Click here to read Dan's OpEd which was recently published in the Juneau Empire. In his piece, Dan describes why it is not hypocritical for the fishermen whose vessels are powered by fossil fuels to advocate for tougher standards in the oil industry. Dan also describes the role that vessel owners can play in conservation.
February 11, 2010
Winter 2009/2010 Sea Change newsletter
available online.
Click here to download the most recent edition of AMCC's newsletter. The current edition is chock full of updates on all of our programs and contains a message from our new board chair. You can also find past editions of Sea Change here.
January 25, 2010
Join AMCC on Facebook!
Did you know that AMCC is now on facebook? By adding yourself to our "cause" page you can stay updated on our work, learn about ways to take action, find out about events, recruit friends, donate, and network with other AMCC friends and supporters. Click here to check it out.
January 18, 2010
AMCC Welcomes New Executive Director, Kelly Harrell
AMCC is pleased to welcome Kelly Harrell as our new Executive Director! Kelly has been with the organization for over four years, most recently serving as Project Director for the Friends of Bristol Bay. Long-time AMCC staffer Dorothy Childers will remain with the organization, happily returning to her role as Program Director. Along with her years of first-hand experience with AMCC, Kelly brings to her new role an unwavering dedication to marine conservation and a strong educational background in the field.
Click here to learn more about Kelly and how to contact her.
December 7, 2009
Listen to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council Meeting Online
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council is meeting in Anchorage from December 7-15. Major topics include groundfish catch limits, Gulf of Alaska sector split, and salmon bycatch.
Find out what's happening by at the meeting! Click here to view the agenda, supplementary materials and listen to the meeting online.
November 9, 2009
Visit AMCC at Fish Expo in Seattle- Free Show Admission & Invitation to Fishermen's Reception
Pacific Marine Expo (aka Fish Expo), the longest running show for the commercial marine industry in the Northwest, will be held in Seattle from November 19-21. We invite folks to take advantage of free show admission and visit AMCC at our booth in the Alaska aisle, #524. AMCC also invites you to attend the third annual fishermen's reception during Pacific Marine Expo co-hosted by AMCC and other groups working to protect the rich waters of Bristol Bay and the Bering Sea from major industrial development threats. The reception will be held the first night of Expo- Thursday, November 19 from 5-7 pm at the Elysian Fields Brewpub near Qwest Field.
Click here for an invitation to the reception including more details.
Click here for information on free admission to Fish Expo.
October 28, 2009
Coastal Alaska Sends Unified Message Urging Senators to Support Climate Change Legislation
Residents from communities spanning thousands of miles across Alaska’s magnificent coastline gathered on Saturday, October 24 to send a unified message to Senators Murkowski and Begich urging them to support strong climate change legislation in 2009. Alaskans in the coastal communities of Homer, Kodiak, Ketchikan, Haines, Petersburg, Seward, Gustavus, Soldotna, Sitka, and Anchorage participated in the global climate day of action organized across the world by 350.org and sponsored locally by AMCC and Cook Inlet Keeper. Each community held one piece of a message that communicated support for renewable energy, energy efficiency standards, a sustainable green economy, and a cap on carbon dioxide emissions.
Coastal Alaska stands on the front lines of ocean acidification and climate change, both caused by global carbon dioxide and other emissions. The way of life and economy of people living in the participating communities, as well as others throughout Alaska, are at risk. Alaskans joined a global call for action asking our leaders to support action to address these threats.
The 350.org campaign is organized around a scientific data point. 350 parts per million carbon dioxide is considered by scientific experts as the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the campaign is targeted at lowering levels of the greenhouse gas below that threshold.
Click here to see a photo montage of the message from coastal Alaska.
Click here to see a video from the Homer climate action day event.
View photos from climate action day events around the world the day at: http://www.350.org/media-photos
October 14, 2009
NOAA Comments Support Protecting Bristol Bay from Drilling
A strong supporter for deferring plans for offshore drilling in the ecological and economic fisheries powerhouse that is Bristol Bay recently surfaced. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) submitted comments on September 21 on the proposed 5-Year Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2010-2015 that recommended reinstating presidential protections for Bristol Bay from offshore drilling.
The detailed comments state that the Minerals Management Service (MMS) failed to adequately address the challenges of oil spill cleanup in Arctic and subarctic conditions and that environmental information is lacking to support oil and gas leasing on the current timeline.
AMCC applauded the NOAA comments and expressed hope that the Obama administration would heed the agency's call to protect the region.
Click here to read the full news release from AMCC.
Click here to read the comments from NOAA.
October 8, 2009
Crucial Step Taken Towards Protection for Kodiak Tanner Crab
Photos Revealed Extreme Crab Bycatch in Trawl Fisheries
Today the North Pacific Fishery Management Council received new photos showing high numbers of Tanner crab on a trawl vessel fishing for groundfish around Kodiak Island.
Taking an important step towards addressing this problem, federal fishery managers voted to evaluate a range of potential management measures including expanding no-trawl zones to exclude bottom trawl operations from areas of biological importance to Tanner crab. The decision represents an achievement for conservation and local fishermen who have been working over the last five years on proposals to the federal fishery body to reduce Tanner crab bycatch and protect seafloor habitat.
Click here to read the full news release.
Click here for high resolution photos of crab bycatch.
Hot Off the Press! Clean Boating for Alaskans
A new publication aims to help boaters maintain the health of the marine environment. AMCC collaborated with the National Park Service and the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program to produce the booklet “Clean Boating for Alaskans.” The booklet describes how boat operations affect the environment and how to minimize your impact. Learn how you can—immediately and in the future—operate your boat more efficiently and with more environmental responsibility, and save money at the same time. Tips include how to save fuel, keep your operation and maintenance green, mitigate marine debris, respect wildlife, and access the latest boat technology.
Click here to get your free copy of “Clean Boating for Alaskans.”
September 8, 2009
Alaska Fishermen Send Message to Leaders- "SOS- Acid Ocean"
Compelling Call for Protection Made by Over 100 Boats off of HomerMore than 100 fishing boats, sail boats, skiffs and kayaks took to the waters of Homer Alaska this past Sunday as commercial fishermen, mariners and others from coastal communities spelled out an urgent message to protect jobs and fisheries from the threat of ocean acidification. The boats arranged themselves in the ocean to spell out “Acid Ocean SOS” as part of a ‘Voices for the Ocean’ event hosted by the Alaska Marine Conservation Council (AMCC) and Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) with International Aerial Artist John Quigley.
Click here for more information on the event including links to high resolution video and photos.
August 26, 2009
New Research Highlights Increased Risks to Fisheries from Ocean Acidification
Recent news articles have highlighted potential dire consequences to Alaska's fisheries resources from ocean acidification. University of Alaska-Fairbanks Professor Jeremy Mathis discovered several sites during spring research cruises where mineral levels were low enough to have negative impacts on shell-building marine creatures like plankton and crabs. By causing a ripple of ecological effects starting at the very base of the food chain, acidification could take a toll on fisheries resources across the state. AMCC is working to support fishing industry voices calling for reduction in carbon emissions. Click here to learn more on our climate change program and ocean acidification.
Click here for the recent Anchorage Daily News story on ocean acidification.August 25, 2009
Obama Officials Hear from Alaskans at First Ocean Policy Task Force Hearing
Concerns expressed over climate change, healthy fisheries and offshore drilling
White House officials held the first Ocean Policy Task Force hearing in Anchorage on Friday, August 21. Hundreds of Alaskans from across the state packed the Dena'ina Center to voice their opinions on the health and management of our oceans. Major themes included concerns over climate change, bycatch, privatization of fisheries, involving Tribes and local communities in decision making as well as offshore oil and gas drilling in Bristol Bay and the Arctic. AMCC Executive Director Dorothy Childers was an invited speaker on the task force panel.
Click here for a copy of Executive Director Dorothy Childers' testimony to the Task Force.
Click here for a copy of Friends of Bristol Bay Project Director Kelly Harrell's testimony.
Click here to read the Anchorage Daily News Story on the hearing.