Matt Lichtenstein

Halibut management scientists this week reprised concerns that they’ve been overestimating halibut stocks for several years and repeated their recommendation for a 19 percent overall cut to the coast wide catch for this year.

The Native village corporation in Angoon, on Admiralty Island, is petitioning the federal government to take control of a major salmon fishery.

Guided anglers in Southeast Alaska may be able to keep some bigger halibut next summer. At a recent meeting, The North Pacific Fishery Management Council recommended a change in the size limit– that restricted charter businesses last season.

Petersburg will give up its legal challenge over redistricting. While they were not happy about losing their long-time legislators next year, the Mayor and the majority of city councilors Monday voted not to appeal the case to the Alaska Supreme Court.

After years of cuts, Southeast Alaska halibut fishermen might see a small increase in their catch next year, but the total quota could be down again coast-wide in 2012 and beyond.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game estimated the value of this year’s statewide salmon catch at $603 million. That’s the third highest since 1975 and Commercial Fisheries Division Assistant Director Geron Bruce says once the final revisions are in that ranking will rise.

A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators wants to extend the expiring Secure Rural Schools program for another five years.

The kind that will root around in your garbage if its not properly stowed. Many communities in Alaska know this type of bear well.

Northern Prince of Wales Island, Petersburg and Wrangell could be connected by a new year-round ferry service as soon as this spring.

The Alaska Mental Health Trust is changing its approach to a major land exchange with the federal government.