Molly Dischner

The National Marine Fisheries Service today announced that it is implementing a new tracking program for seafood imports, meant to help combat illegal fishing and seafood fraud. Importers will have to track where fish was caught, the type of gear that was used and where it was landed.

Governor Bill Walker announced five nominations to the board of the Alaska Fish and Game on Tueeday. On the list again this year for a fish board seat is Robert Ruffner of Soldotna, who would replace Fritz Johnson, a commercial fisherman from Dillingham. If confirmed, it will be the first time the fish board would not have a member from Bristol Bay. Download Audio

The newest member of the state Board of Fisheries is planning to resign after less than a year on the job.

Last April, ten of Alaska’s major salmon buyers asked to rejoin the sustainability label they dropped in 2012. Negotiations failed at first, but eventually the Alaska Salmon Processors Association – led by Silver Bay Seafoods – agreed to hand over the certificate to the Pacific Seafood Processors Association, which has finally occurred.

The Alaska Food Policy Council has created a memorial fund for Roland Briggs, a Ugashik fisherman who went missing at sea this fall.

The state Legislature released 31 pre-filed bills today. That's the legislation submitted before lawmakers convene, that they plan to discuss – and possibly vote on – in the next several months.

Alaska’s credit rating dropped a notch Tuesday from AAA to AA+. During a press conference, Gov. Bill Walker says that isn’t likely have a short-term impact on the state using bonds to fund capital projects or other state spending in the future.

The Board of Fisheries’ new coastal change committee will hold its first meeting next month. The committee is helping the board develop some guidelines for how it deals with commercial fishing boundaries that change along with Alaska’s coastline.Download Audio

Tournament organizer Heath Day said the Alaska Fellowship of Christian Athletes organized the tournament to give teams from across Alaska a chance to play each other before the state tournament in region.Download Audio

While Alaska’s governor was unveiling his budget proposal on Dec. 9, the state Boards of Fisheries and Game were grappling with how to accommodate future budget cuts.