September 07, 2010
Tuesday

Commercial fishermen who participate in the groundfish fisheries in Alaska thanked Governor Parnell for taking a strong position on the Endangered Species Act tregarding Stellar sea lions.

"The Pacific cod fisheries of the Aleutians should not be closed based on the fact that sea lion populations are increasing. This fishery is important for Alaska and we greatly appreciate that Governor Parnell has been so responsive in reviewing and opposing the federal government's plan to close waters where the fisheries occur," said Linda Kozak, a Kodiak based fisheries consultant.

Rob Wurm, managing director of Alaskan Leader Fisheries stated, "Governor Parnell has been a strong advocate for the commercial fishing fleet and coastal communities. We can't thank him enough for his leadership on this important issue and for challenging the federal government on their proposals to close fisheries needlessly.

Governor Parnell has petitioned the federal government to remove the eastern stock of Stellar sea lions from the endangered species list as a result of a strong population growth. The eastern stock has surpassed the recovery objectives and needs to be de-listed.

The Stellar sea lion population in the western area has increased in the last ten years and is trending toward recovery goals. Governor Parnell has submitted comments to National Marine Fisheries Service asking them not to put unnecessary fishery closures in place.

Related:

State Petitions to De-List Steller Sea Lions - The State of Alaska this week petitioned the federal government to remove the Eastern distinct population segment (DPS) of Steller sea lions from the list of species protected by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The state coordinated its filing with Oregon and Washington, which also filed a similar petition this week. - More...
Friday - September 03, 2010

Source of News:

Alaskan Leader Fisheries

Kodiak based fisheries consultant Linda Kozak

 

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