Sage Smiley, KSTK - Wrangell
Tribal, commercial fishing groups call for drastic reductions in trawl salmon bycatch
Fisheries managers allow whitefish trawlers to inadvertently scoop up halibut, crab and salmon in their nets. The bycatch rate is relatively low, but because the trawlers catch so much of their target species, the unintended harvest adds up.
State government shutdown could close Alaska fisheries
If Alaska state leaders can’t resolve an impasse over the budget, large swaths of state government will shut down in July. That could include Alaska’s lucrative summer salmon fisheries, which is causing concern across coastal communities.
Wrangell’s new wildlife trooper knows what it’s like to make a mistake
Wrangell's wildlife trooper shot and killed a sub-legal moose earlier last year and turned himself in to the agency he works for. But he said it's made him a more empathetic trooper.
Remembering Kurt Brodersen, the ‘MacGyver of Union Bay’
Broderson was rescued from the boat he was living on last November after it sank in a storm.
Federal fisheries council, citing profanity, tightens comment policies
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council says recent profane comments prompted it to tighten commenting policies, but some fishermen and community organizers say that’s a bunch of bull.
Study: Tongass holds more than 40% of all carbon stored by national forests
Tribes say the study shows the importance of conserving the rainforest from logging.
State data shows 2020 Southeast salmon harvest was among worst on record
For sockeye, the harvest was the second lowest since 1962, while the king salmon harvest was in the bottom five.
Port Protection man featured on reality show missing after fire
Gary Muehlberger was featured as a cast member of the National Geographic reality TV show “Life Below Zero: Port Protection,”
Lawmakers consider relaxing conflict of interest rules for game and fisheries boards
Alaska’s House Fisheries Committee is considering a bill that would allow members of the Board of Fisheries and Board of Game to join in those discussions of the citizens boards that set the rules for fishing and hunting on state lands — even if they’ve declared they have a financial stake in the matter.
10,000-year-old bone from Wrangell area hints how domesticated dogs may have traveled to the Americas
A dime-sized fragment of dog bone — more than ten-thousand years old — has given researchers new clues about how domesticated dogs first made their way to the Americas.
Plunging fish tax payments raise concerns for coming years, Southeast officials say
Fishing is an economic engine in Southeast Alaska, and city governments rely on the money it provides. But after a dismal 2020 season, many are worried about lack of funds — and the future of the fisheries.
‘Pretty much sums up 2020’: Wrangell makes do with anonymous holiday tree installation
Despite its desultory appearance, the tree has sparked joy. And the Wrangell Chamber of Commerce has not yet rescheduled its official tree-lighting ceremony.
Shipwrecked in storm, retired fisherman gets unexpected rescue in Southeast Alaska
70-year-old Kurt Broderson was floating in a survival suit in waves the size of houses when Coast Guard rescuers arrived to save him. He says the event changed his life.
Wrangell left high and dry by sparse winter ferry schedule
The blue and gold ferries will sail repeatedly within 20 miles of the island town — but only stop twice.
Navy pledges no serious harm to Alaska marine life; environmentalists skeptical of claims
The U.S. Navy says it doesn’t know how many marine mammals it actually disturbs or harms each year. But, it predicts its exercises and maneuvers in Southeast Alaska waters won’t cause the death of any marine mammals.
State House candidate Becker speaks about controversial blog posts
In an interview the following day, she said her writings were meant to be prayers on the behalf of others.
GOP hopeful Leslie Becker backs natural resource ‘stewardship,’ budget reforms
Leslie Becker is running unopposed in the Republican primary for State House District 36. That means she’s set to challenge incumbent Dan Ortiz, a Ketchikan independent in November’s general election.