NPFMC May Start Ocean Zoning Work Next Week
Next week the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council may start work on zoning the ocean – something it began in 2005, when it protected the coral gardens of the Aleutian Islands. This time, sea skate nursery areas are being considered. The Council’s preferred alternative would avoid restricting fishing in these areas, instead directing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to keep an eye on them. But this issue may set the stage for deliberations later this year on two large canyons in the Bering Sea that are full of corals, sponges and skates.
Study Names Nome, Port Clarence As Best Region For Deep Water Arctic Port
The state’s long held dream of an Arctic deep water port has moved one step closer to reality. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a draft report Wednesday that names the Nome/Port Clarence region as the best location for the port. It will be the subject of an upcoming feasibility – level study which will help further determine a site.
New Legislation May Change Charter School Authorization Process
Right now, if you and a group of like-minded individuals want to set up a charter school in your community, you need to petition your local school board to get the plan approved. A new bill could change that and open authorization up to universities, other government agencies, and nonprofits.
Murkowski Working On Making In-State LNG Line More Feasible
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski is trying to make a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope more feasible. Environmentalists are welcoming a stretch of pipeline through Denali National Park. Senator Murkowski introduced a bill that would allow a seven-mile stretch of pipeline to run through the National Park. For that to happen, Congress needs to pass a law granting approval.
Mat-Su Borough Offering To Give Away Ice Breaking Ferry
The Matanuska Susitna Borough is offering to give away the ice breaking ferry “Susitna.” Borough officials want to give away the ship to federal, state or local governments, because it is costing the Borough too much money to maintain it.
Alaska Whooping Cough Cases On The Rise
Last year the rate of pertussis or “Whooping Cough” in Alaska reached epidemic proportions and it’s likely the epidemic is ongoing.
Eco Marketing Campaign Backs Young Growth Timber
One of Southeast’s most prominent environmental organizations has started a marketing campaign – for timber. The Sitka Conservation Society recently printed a glossy brochure selling the virtues of second-growth Tongass timber for projects from furniture to housing. The only problem is: There’s no way – yet – to economically harvest and process second growth.
Earthquake Rattles Sitka; NO Tsunami Danger
Many Sitka residents felt an earthquake just before 1 a.m. Thursday. The quake did not set off any tsunami alerts, and the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer reported shortly afterward that there is NO tsunami danger.
APOC Reduces Lobbying Fine for Coffey
The Alaska Public Offices Commission has approved a consent agreement worked out by its staff and former Anchorage Assembly member Dan Coffey.
Charges Against Former BBNC Board Member Dropped
The State of Alaska’s sexual assault case against former-Bristol Bay Native Corporation Board Member Sergie Chukwak has been dismissed.
Tsunami Debris Problem Gets Worse in Alaska, with Little Clean Up Funding In Sight
Refrigerators, foam buoys and even ketchup bottles are piling up on Alaska's beaches. It's debris from the devastating Japanese tsunami in the spring of 2011. One of the hardest hit beaches is on Montague Island at the entrance to Prince William Sound. APRN's Annie Feidt visited the beach with a marine debris expert and has this story.
Bill Pushes For Increased School Funding
In the legislature, a bill that would increase funding for schools has been introduced. A team of nine Democrats want to peg what’s called the “Base Student Allocation” to inflation. That allocation gives school $5,680 for every student they have enrolled, and it’s remained at the same level for the past three years.
Public Comments On Gov. Parnell’s Oil Tax Cut Proposal
The public got its first chance to comment on Gov. Sean Parnell’s proposal to cut taxes on oil companies on Tuesday, and most of the testimony broke along familiar lines.
Unalaska Works To Ward Off Eagle, Human Encounters
Eagle-human relations in Unalaska are usually relatively peaceful. But for a few months each springtime they can turn violent as the eagles attempt to protect their nests. Last week, the city took preemptive action to ward off future attacks.
Havermeister Dairy Fills Niche Dairy Market
Matanuska Valley’s dairy industry has shrunk to two farms since the shutdown of the Matanuska Creamery in December. A new dairy enterprise may keep both of them afloat for the time being.
Anchorage Police Search For Shooting Suspect
There was a shooting in a West Anchorage apartment Tuesday afternoon. Police say the victim was seriously injured and knew the suspect, who is still being sought. They say there were several other people in the apartment at the time - no identities released yet. Officers say the place was full of bear spray when they arrived, but were not yet ready to say why.
Head of BP’s Alaska Operation Gets Promotion
John Minge will leave his Alaska job and move up to become the Chairman and President of BP America in a couple of weeks. Minge has headed BP's Alaska operations since 2009. He will replace Lamar McKay, who is moving up to head the oil giant's Upstream operations worldwide.
NOVA: Who Killed Lindbergh’s Baby?
Watch Who Killed Lindbergh's Baby? Preview on PBS. See more from NOVA.
In the aftermath of his 1927 solo transatlantic flight, Charles Lindbergh became the most famous human being on earth. When he and his wife, Anne, had a son, Charlie, the press dubbed him Little Lindy. Wednesday 1/30 @ 8:00pmBill Allows Tribes To Directly Apply For Federal Disaster Aid
Alaska did not receive any money in the Sandy relief bill that cleared the Senate Monday night. The bill did include a provision that will allow tribes to directly apply to the federal government for future disaster aid.
Board of Fisheries Adopts New Kuskokwim River Plan
The Board of Fisheries adopted a new management plan for the Kuksokwim River which includes stronger language supporting the King salmon subsistence fishery.