Jacob Resneck, CoastAlaska - Juneau
Judge orders FDA to study dangers of wild release of genetically engineered salmon
A federal judge in San Francisco has ordered federal regulators to re-evaluate the safety of genetically modified salmon, which grow faster than wild salmon.
Canada’s relaxes COVID-19 border rules for Alaskans in Hyder
The Southeast Alaska town’s only road out runs through British Columbia and since March, its residents hadn't been allowed to cross the border.
Southeast Alaska reacts to CDC lifting no-sail order for cruise ships
Industry representatives and local officials are cautiously optimistic about the CDC’s lifting of the no-sail order on cruise ships.
Sealaska subsidiary’s mislabeled halibut recalled by FDA
A labeling mistake has led the FDA to order the recall of more than two tons of packaged halibut filets produced by a subsidiary of Sealaska, the Juneau-based Alaska Native regional corporation.
Feds drop appeal to Tongass timber sale lawsuit on Prince of Wales
The federal government has withdrawn its appeal of a court ruling that halted one of the largest old growth timber sales in the Tongass National Forest.
State withholds Prince of Wales wolf population estimate from subsistence council
Officials refused to share their wolf numbers with a regional council tasked with advising subsistence hunting and trapping on federal land, even as petitioners look to list the wolves as "threatened."
Alaska Supreme Court hears challenge to fish landing tax
Alaska’s Supreme Court is weighing the legality of a raw fish tax that’s pumped at least $25 million into coastal communities over the past five years.
Alaska Marine Highway accepting bids for fleet’s fast ferries
Reducing the size of the state’s ferry fleet was among the cost-saving recommendations from a work group looking to make the Alaska Marine Highway System more efficient so the state is redoubling its efforts to sell its two fast ferries.
‘Another broken promise’: Tribes say feds ignored their input on Roadless Rule exemption for Tongass
““We refuse to endow legitimacy upon a process that has disregarded our input at every turn.” reads a letter written by nine tribes to the U.S. Agriculture Secretary.
Hecla Greens Creek Mine plans expansion of Admiralty Island tailings storage
The public can examine and comment on the company’s plans to expand its tailings and waste rock storage by about 5 million cubic yards: or about 1,500 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
State offers extension for mine lease payments until September 2021
An announcement by the Department of Natural Resources last month says “the COVID-19 virus places an inequitable burden on Alaska’s miners to comply with state statutes through no fault of their own, but rather through an act of God.”
Fisheries to receive $50M from state for COVID relief
A proposal would split the money roughly equally between processors, commercial fishermen, and charter guides.
Alaska Marine Highway taskforce finalizes recommendations
The group tasked with reshaping the future of the state-run ferry system is recommending the creation of an executive board, fewer vessels, and at least two years of forward funding for the cash-strapped ferries.
Glacier Bay National Park acquires ancestral site of Hoonah’s Tlingit
The park service is promising "forever" access to the tribe.
Neighbors in Hyder, Alaska and Stewart, B. C. ask Canada to ease border restrictions
The town of 65 is stuck on the American side of the border with nearly impassable travel restrictions.
Governor’s ferry task force affirms support for Alaska Marine Highway
A working group reviewed a proposal for privatizing the ferry, but came to the conclusion that it wouldn't be profitable.
Forest Service revives Prince of Wales timber sale blocked by court
A federal judge ruled last year that the Forest Service had failed to provide site specific information in advance of the timber sale.
Board of Fish nominees get chilly reception from commercial, subsistence groups
A Sept. 3 meeting drew pointed questions from lawmakers on Gov. Dunleavy's appointments to the Board of Fish.
Native rights group backs Kake in lawsuit over emergency subsistence hunt
An Alaska Native rights group is backing the federal subsistence board’s decision to allow a village in Southeast Alaska to hunt out of season during the pandemic.
Owner of historic Wolf Creek Boatworks digs in as Forest Service sets deadline
The U.S. Forest Service has given the owner of a boat shop on Prince of Wales Island until mid-December to tear down the historic complex and leave.