CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
SUMMARY OF FISHERIES AND MARINE MAMMAL NEWS
FOR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS FOR THE
MONTH OF JULY, 1997
[NOTE: This is the final July 1997 report and supersedes prior July
weekly reports. Next issue will start over with August information.
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BUT FIRST -- QUOTABLE QUOTES:
"We must also protect our global environment, working to ban the
worst toxic chemicals and to reduce the greenhouse gases that
challenge our health even as they change our climate."
-- President Clinton, State of the Union February 4, 1997
"We do not see things as they are, we see things as we are."
--Talmudic Saying
"Why was government instituted at all? Because the passions of men will
not conform to the dictates of reason and justice without restraint."
--Alexander Hamilton (1757-1804), American statesman in
"The Federalist, No.15".
====================================================
EDITOR'S NOTE: The US Congressional Research Service provides this
weekly cumulative summary of recent fisheries, aquaculture and marine
mammal news to members of Congress. Recently public distribution of this
list has been severely curtailed, and it is no longer directly available to
the
public except through Congressional offices. These reports have been a
main feature of FishLink News in the past, and by special arrangement will
once again be made available to our readers through this newsletter on a
weekly basis. For those of you who have seen it before, it has also been
expanded and we will be sending the weekly versions as well as the
monthly summaries to help provide the most timely information. Back
issues of CRS summaries will be posted onan archive page on the World
Wide Web in the near future.
====================================================
CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE CUMULATIVE
SUMMARY OF FISHERIES AND MARINE MAMMAL NEWS
FOR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS FOR THE MONTH OF JULY
Fisheries and Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 8/01/97
Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division of the Congressional
Research Service
New info and changes since 7/25/97 are bracketed {...}.
New info and changes since 7/31/97 are double bracketed {{...}}
.
MARINE FISHERIES
.
{Coral Reef Protection. On July 31, 1997, the House Resources
Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans has
tentatively scheduled a markup of H.R. 2233, the Coral Reef Conservation
Act of 1997.} [personal communication]
.
{LA Oil Spill Lawsuit. On July 31, 1997, three LA commercial
fishermen filed a lawsuit in LA state district court against Texaco, Texaco
Pipeline, and 9 oil cleanup companies, seeking damages to brown shrimp
and oyster harvests and habitat from a May 16, 1997, oil spill from a
ruptured pipeline at Lake Barre. The lawsuit seeks to have a class-action
declaration and alleges negligent cleanup activities. A hearing on the
lawsuit was scheduled for Aug. 1, 1997, before Judge Timothy Ellender.}
{{On July 31, 1997, LA public health officials announced that oyster beds
closed since the May 1997 oil spill were scheduled to be reopened for
harvesting on Aug. 1, 1997.}} [Assoc Press]
.
{{UK Quota Hopper Court Decision. On July 31, 1997, the British
High Court ruled that foreign trawlers illegally denied the right to fish in
British waters were entitled "in principle" to compensation from the British
government, but could not claim punitive damages. The suit was filed by
97 vessel owners and managers, most of them from Spain, after the 1988
Merchant Shipping Act outlawed quota hopping, wherein foreign vessels
registered for an allocation of the UK fish harvest. The 1988 Merchant
Shipping Act was subsequently overturned in 1992 by the European Court
of Justice -- the first law by the British Parliament reversed by a EU
court.}}[Dow Jones News]
.
{{EU Bans Bangladesh Shrimp Imports. On July 30, 1997, EU
officials announced that the European Community's Veterinary Council had
imposed a temporary import ban on shrimp from Bangladesh for
non-compliance with EU health standards; no shrimp from Bangladesh will
be accepted for 3 months after Aug. 15, 1997. After a review on Nov. 30,
1997, by EU officials, the import ban will be removed or extended.}}
[Reuters]
.
{AL Crab Processor Probe. On July 30, 1997, the Mobile Register
published a story reporting that business records of about a dozen South
AL crab processors had been subpoenaed in a federal probe of alleged sales
of undersize blue crabs.} [Assoc Press]
.
{Southern Bluefin Tuna. On July 30, 1997, TRAFFIC Oceania, a
trade monitoring program of the World Wide Fund for Nature, released a
report "The Review of the Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishery: Implications for
Ecologically Sustainable Management." The study concluded that southern
bluefin tuna are below a biologically safe level (the population mature
southern bluefin tuna is estimated to be less than 9% of its 1960
abundance) and are at risk of commercial extinction if fishing continues at
the current high level. Unregulated fishing by Taiwan, Indonesia, and South
Korea was identified as particularly problematic since it occurs outside the
guidelines of the Convention for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin
Tuna.} {{In addition, the study called for quota reductions by the
Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna.}} [Assoc
Press, Dow Jones News, Reuters]
.
{Minimata Bay Declared Safe. At a press conference on July 29,
1997, Kumamoto Governor Joji Fukushima declared fish in Japan's
Minimata Bay safe for human consumption. This declaration was
necessary before nets could be removed to allow fish to migrate beyond the
Bay; consumption of Bay fish was linked by a May 1973 report to possible
mercury poisoning and death of local residents. The net is scheduled to be
removed by the end of Sept. 1997. Results of a fish survey were released
earlier in July 1997, indicating that mercury levels in fish were below
safety
standards for the third year in a row.} [Dow Jones News, Reuters]
.
{Canadian Groundfish. On July 29, 1997, Canada's Fisheries
Resource Conservation Council released a report on efforts to save
Atlantic groundfish.} [personal communication]
.
{Hurricane Danny Aftermath. In late July 1997, LA and AL
commercial shrimp trawlers requested that NMFS temporarily exempt
them from using turtle excluder devices (TEDs) in light of the debris from
Hurricane Danny. The shrimpers contend that abundant debris clogs TEDs
and allows shrimp to escape.} [Assoc Press]
.
{NJ Horseshoe Crab Regulations. On July 24, 1997, NJ officials were
reported to be considering new regulations to permit a restricted horseshoe
crab harvesting to better protect migratory shorebirds that feed on
horseshoe crab eggs. On July 29, 1997, Gov. Christie Whitman imposed
new restrictions prohibiting horseshoe crab trawling for the remainder of
1997, replacing an emergency ban on all horseshoe crab harvesting. Limit
hand-harvesting will be allowed, and no new crabbers will be licensed in
1998.} [Assoc Press]
.
NMFS Oversight Hearing. On July 24 1997, the House Resources
Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans {held} an
oversight hearing to review the authority and decision-making processes of
NMFS's Northwest Region. [Congr. Record]
.
Swordfish Quotas. {{On July 25, 1997, NMFS published proposed
regulations outlining}} more stringent swordfish quotas to help restore
overfished stocks, with different regulations for fisheries in the North and
South Atlantic. While the 1997 North Atlantic quota would be reduced to
2,458 metric tons from a 1996 quota of 2,625 metric tons, a separate
South Atlantic quota for U.S. fishermen would be set at 187.5 metric tons.
North Atlantic quotas would decline further in 1998 and 1999. Four public
hearings will be held on this proposal, with written comments due by Aug.
21, 1997. [Assoc Press, NMFS press release, Federal Register]
.
CITES Hearing. On July 17, 1997, the House Resources
Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans held an
oversight hearing on the results of the recent meeting of CITES
(Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna
and Flora) Parties in Zimbabwe. [Congr. Record]
.
Atlantic Herring and Mackerel Fishery. On July 16, 1997, the House
Committee on Resources marked-up on H.R. 1855, proposing a
moratorium on the use of large fishing vessels in the Atlantic herring and
mackerel fisheries, and ordered this measure reported. {On July 28, 1997,
the U.S. House approved H.R. 1855, proposing a moratorium on the use
of large fishing vessels in the Atlantic herring and mackerel fisheries, by
voice vote.} [Federal Register, Assoc Press]
.
PRC Fishery Agreement. On July 16, 1997, President Clinton
transmitted to Congress an agreement between the United States and the
People's Republic of China concerning fisheries off the coasts of the United
States, extending a 1985 governing international fishery agreement until
July 1, 1998. [White House press release]
.
Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle Nesting. On July 16, 1997, a U.S.
Geological Survey biologist reported that nine Kemp's ridley sea turtle
nests have been found along the TX coast between Corpus Christi and
South Padre Island so far this summer. This is an increase over the 6 nests
found in 1996, and the 4 discovered in 1995. [Assoc Press]
.
NMFS Candidate Species List Revisions. On July 15, 1997, NMFS
announced that it was updating and revising its list of species that are
candidates for possible addition to the List of Endangered and Threatened
Species. While the 1991 version of the List contained 44 candidate species
under NMFS jurisdiction, 37 are being removed and 15 are being added,
including 6 species of Pacific salmon and anadromous trout, for a new total
of 22 species. [NOAA press release]
.
NC Commercial Fisheries Moratorium. On July 15, 1997, the NC
Senate Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources
began consideration of the package of fishery reform measures recently
passed by the NC House. The Committee continued its consideration on
July 17. On July 22, 1997, the NC Senate Committee on Agriculture,
Environment, and Natural Resources approved the package of fishery
reform measures. The package next must be considered by two additional
Senate Committees. {On July 29, 1997, the Senate Finance Committee
approved an amendment to the package of fishery reform measures,
reducing proposed license fees for out-of-state fishermen.} [Assoc Press]
.
New England Groundfish. On July 10, 1997, the New England
Fishery Management Council received a report indicating the first signs of
cod, haddock, and yellowtail flounder stock recovery on Georges Bank.
Similar signs of recovery are not yet reported to be evident in the Gulf of
Maine. {On July 29, 1997, the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted, boarded,
and seized the catch of an NC fishing vessel found fishing in a closed area
133 miles southeast of Cape Cod. The catch was to have been sold with
the proceeds held in escrow while the case is prosecuted.} [Assoc Press]
.
Internet Seafood Exchange. On July 9, 1997, International Custom
Pack Inc., a shrimp processor, announced that it had reached an agreement
in principal to acquire Innovative Internet Marketing Systems Inc.
(Anchorage, AK; Seattle, WA; Boston, MA), with plans to launch an
interactive worldwide Fishmart Seafood Exchange on the Internet using
Innovative Internet Marketing System's on-line, real-time auction software.
The Exchange will allow buyers to bid on lots being auctioned by seafood
producers and processors. [Dow Jones News, International Custom Pack
press release]
.
Red Tide Virus. On July 9, 1997, the Japanese Fisheries Agency
announced that it had succeeded in cultivating a Heterosigma akashiwo
virus (HAV) capable of killing the Heterosigma akashiwo plankton
responsible for certain red tides. Within 10 years, the Agency aims to
cultivate large quantities of HAV and be able to spread it on marine waters
to selectively kill only this red tide plankton. [Dow Jones News]
.
European Fleet Restructuring. On July 9, 1997, the EU Council
formally confirmed, by a qualified majority, its decision on the new phase in
restructuring eu fishing fleets. For the period from Jan. 1, 1997, through
Dec. 31, 2001, a reduction in fishing effort of 30% will be the objective for
fish stocks threatened with extinction and 20% for overexploited stocks.
On July 11, 1997, the European Commission released its annual report on
restructuring of the European fishing industry (MAGP III), confirming that
the UK and the Netherlands failed to achieve fleet tonnage reduction goals
by the end of 1996. In addition, France and Italy failed to achieve their
obligations for reducing engine power. At the other extreme, Portugal,
Spain, Denmark, and Germany reduced their fleets well below
Multi-Annual Guidance Programme (MAGP) requirements. As a whole,
between 1991 and 1996, the European fishing fleet was reduced 15% in
tonnage and 9.5% in engine power. [Agence Europe via Reuters]
.
Striped Bass Reauthorization. On July 8, 1997, the House
Resources Committee reported H.R. 1658, reauthorization and amendment
of the Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act. [H.Rept. 105-169]
.
Van Camp Seafood Sale. On July 8, 1997, International Home Foods
Inc. (the recent purchaser of Bumble Bee Seafoods) offered $110 million
for Van Camp Seafood Co. Inc.'s assets. The sale of Van Camp to IHF
would require Dept. of Justice approval due to concentration of the canned
tuna market. A Tri-Union Seafoods offer for Van Camp expires on July
12, 1997. [Dow Jones News]
.
Small-Scale Fishing Assistance. On July 8, 1997, the European
Commission announced a pilot program to fund projects to assist
small-scale coastal fishing. The program's objectives include encouraging
vocational training, reinforcing representation structures, exchanging
experiences between fishermen, and promoting women fishermen. Two
calls for proposals will be made, with a total budget of 4 million ECUs.
[Agence Europe via Reuters]
.
Bycatch Reduction Device Settlement. On July 8, 1997, U.S.
District Judge Anthony A. Alaimo announced a settlement in a federal
lawsuit against the GA Dept. of Natural Resources over regulations
requiring shrimpers to use bycatch reduction devices. Under the
settlement, GA shrimpers will be required to use bycatch reduction devices,
but will be allowed to test a different model to determine if shrimp loss can
be reduced. [Assoc Press]
.
Jamaican Fishing Vessel Interception. On July 8, 1997, the U.S.
Embassy in Jamaica issued a statement accusing the Jamaican government
of provocative behavior relating to the British/United States interception
and questioning of the crew on a Jamaican fishing vessel, Silver Dollar,
about 1.5 miles inside Jamaican national waters, stating that the Jamaican
vessel had not been detained, boarded, or searched. [Dow Jones News,
Assoc Press]
.
Alien Ocean Premiere. On July 8, 1997, a 30-minute documentary,
Alien Ocean, on the problem of alien species introductions into U.S.
harbors, bays, and estuaries produced by the MD Sea Grant Program
premiered at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. [MD Sea Grant Program
press release]
.
Ocean International Acquisition. On July 8, 1997, Corsaire
Snowboard Inc. (San Diego, CA) announced that it had signed a letter of
intent to acquire a controlling interest in Ocean International Production
SA de CV (Puerto Penasco, Sonora, Mexico) for 4 million common shares.
Ocean International has exclusive contracts with 150 fishermen in the Sea
of Cortez and processes crab. On July 15, 1997, Corsaire Snowboard Inc.
announced that it was nearing completion of its acquisition of Ocean
International Products SA de CV. {On July 28, 1997, Corsaire Snowboard
Inc. announced that it had completed its acquisition of Ocean International
Products SA de CV.} [Dow Jones News, Corsaire Snowboard press
release]
.
Taiwanese Investment in Alaska. On July 7, 1997, Taiwan's
Nationalist Party approved a loan of $16 million by it's Central Investment
Holding Company to be matched by $16 million from the Alaska Seafood
Center to build a seafood packing operation in Anchorage, AK. The $126
million project will also be funded by a $50 million low-interest loan from
the state of AK, $35 million in leased equipment, and $9 million in bank
loans. Construction of the $126 million project began in mid-July 1997.
[Dow Jones News]
.
NC Seafood Poisoning. In early July 1997, seven people who ate fish
at a Chapel Hill, NC, restaurant became ill after eating grouper. On July
21, 1997, 7 new cases of possibly ciguatera fish poisoning were reported to
NC health officials serving Orange and Wake Counties; the affected
individuals reported they had purchased grouper from a grocery market.
Grouper was immediately removed from grocery shelves. [Assoc Press]
.
Japan-Taiwan Fishery Accord. On July 4, 1997, Taiwanese officials
announced that Japan and Taiwan had reached a tentative accord on fishing
in disputed waters between the two nations, that would allow Taiwanese
fishermen to fish in waters adjacent to the Tiaoyutai/Senkaku Islands.
[Taipei Chung-Kuo Shih-Pao via Foreign Broadcast Information Service]
.
Japan-Russia Fishery Agreement. On July 4, 1997, Russia and
Japan negotiators meeting in Moscow were reported to have concluded a
preliminary fisheries accord on jurisdiction in waters surrounding four
disputed islands lying between the two nations. The accord seeks to
provide for the safety of Japanese boats fishing in this area. Talks will
reconvene in September 1997 in Tokyo to determine how much Japan will
pay Russia for access, what areas can be fished, and how much fish can be
caught. [Tokyo Kyodo via Dow Jones News, Tokyo Asahi Shimbun via
Foreign Broadcast Information Service, Interfax]
.
New England Seafood Cases. On July 2, 1997, the Coast Guard
boarded a RI vessel fishing in closed waters 130 miles off Provincetown,
MA; in addition, the vessel was fishing with an illegal net liner. The
vessel's catch was seized and will be sold, with the proceeds held in escrow
until the case is decided. On July 6, 1997, the U.S. Coast Guard boarded a
NY vessel fishing in the Nantucket Lightship closed area 70 miles south of
Cape Cod, MA; the catch of butterfish and whiting was seized and will be
sold, with the proceeds held in escrow until the case is decided. [U.S.
Attorney's Office press release, Assoc Press]
.
Japanese Oil Spill. On July 2, 1997, the Panamanian-registered
tanker Diamond Grace ran aground on a shallow reef 22 miles south of
Tokyo, spilling about 390,000 gallons of light crude oil. Japanese
authorities fear oil could reach coastal fishing areas north and east of the
spill site. On July
5-6, 1997, Japanese officials completed cleanup of the spilled oil, using
almost 400 oil-skimming vessels. On July 5, 1997, fishermen resumed
fishing on an experimental basis. [Assoc Press, Dow Jones News]
.
Great American Fish Count. From July 1 through July 14, 1997,
volunteer divers and snorkelers will participate in a fish survey in four
National Marine Sanctuaries -- Flower Garden Banks, TX; FL Keys;
Channel Islands, CA; and Monterey Bay, CA. This activity is jointly
coordinated by NOAA's Marine Sanctuary program, the Marine
Conservation Network, the American Oceans Campaign, and the Reef
Environmental Education Foundation. [NOAA press release, Assoc Press]
.
Bumble Bee Seafoods Sale. On July 1, 1997, International Home
Foods, Inc. announced completion of the purchase of the canned seafood
business of Bumble Bee Seafoods, Inc. for $163 million cash and
assumption of certain liabilities. [Dow Jones News]
.
High Seas Driftnet Fishing. On July 1, 1997, the Guam-based U.S.
Coast Guard cutter Basswood intercepted a 130-foot fishing vessel,
reportedly claiming Chinese registry, and has been following the vessel
while checking to verify its port of registry. Although refuted by China on
July 3, 1997, the vessel claimed it was registered to China and appeared
headed for its claimed homeport at Zhoushan Dao Island. With registry
refuted, the vessel was considered "stateless" and subject to U.S. law. On
July 7, 1997, the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Basswood continued to pursue
the 140-foot Cao Yu 6025. On July 9, 1997, the U.S. Coast Guard seized
and boarded the Cao Yu 6025 70 miles southwest of Kyushu Island, Japan
in the East China Sea; the vessel and crew are being taken to Guam for
prosecution, with arrival estimated on July 20. Aboard the vessel were 12
miles of driftnet and 120 tons of fish, including tuna, swordfish, and
sharkfin. [Assoc Press, U.S. Coast Guard information release]
.
Canadian DFO Controversy. An article in the July 1997 issue of
Canadian Geographic is reported to allege that the DFO intervened to
prevent Atlantic cod from being considered for listing as an endangered
species. [Assoc Press]
.
SALMON ALONG THE PACIFIC COAST
.
{AK Pink Salmon Price. On July 30, 1997, commercial salmon
seiners from False Pass to Cordova, AK, remained in port, refusing to
accept a price as low as $0.05 per pound for pink salmon. Kodiak seiners
initiated the protest earlier in the week, after the United Seiners
Association had little success in obtaining processor commitments to a
minimum price of $0.15 per pound.} [Assoc Press]
.
{{Salmon/Steelhead at Bonneville Dam? In late July 1997, the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers began efforts to release an undetermined number
of salmon and steelhead trout that may have become trapped beneath the
fish ladder near the Bonneville Dam's powerhouse on the WA side of the
river. Debris from heavy spring runoff had ripped holes in a grating
allowing fish to become trapped. Some biologists estimate as many as
1,000 fish may be trapped. In addition, the Corps has been asked by
federal, state, and tribal managers to shut down the dam's second
powerhouse for several weeks so that debris can be removed to clear the
fish passage system before the peak steelhead/fall chinook run arrives.
However, the Corps contends that pumping water from the fish passage
system and subsequent debris removal could not be completed in time to
benefit this year's fish.}} [Assoc Press]
.
{Columbia River Flow Management. In late July 1997, the U.S.
Bureau of Reclamation announced that it would begin spilling water at
Grand Coulee Dam, WA, and Hungry House Dam, MT, in order to meet
NMFS flow objectives for the Columbia River.} [Dow Jones News]
.
NMFS Oversight Hearing. On July 24, 1997, the House Resources
Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans {held} an
oversight hearing to review the authority and decision-making processes
{for Columbia River salmon management by NMFS's Northwest Region.
A continuation of this hearing is scheduled on Aug. 15, 1997, in Boise,
ID.} [Congr. Record, personal communication]
.
{Cook Inlet Salmon Fishery. On July 23, 1997, AK Fish and Wildlife
Protection officers began boarding 41 gillnet vessels alleged to have been
fishing for sockeye salmon beyond the legal 3-mile limit in Cook Inlet.
Charges are pending for 15 vessels, while 26 were charged with
misdemeanor counts of fishing in closed waters.} [Assoc Press]
.
El Nino. On July 18, 1997, the Peruvian government reinstated a
coastwide ban on anchovy fishing, based on lowered harvests related to El
Nino conditions. In mid-July 1997, Chilean officials projected a significant
increase in anchovy harvest due to displacement of anchovy southward
from Peru by warmer El Nino currents. [Dow Jones News, Dow Jones
News]
.
ID Hatchery Chinook. On July 17, 1997, the ID Fish and Game
Commission voted to open more areas to fishing for abundant
hatchery-bound chinook salmon and to increase the catch limits in several
areas. [Assoc Press]
.
Hatchery Impacts. On July 15, 1997, the Independent Scientific
Review Panel reported 35 recommendations to the Northwest Power
Planning Council (NPPC) after reviewing fish and wildlife projects
proposed for FY1998 funding, including one recommendation that the
Council not approve funding for new fish hatcheries in the Columbia River
basin until the impact of such facilities on wild fish and river ecology is
better understood. Other recommendations concerned measures
addressing juvenile salmon migration and resident fish. Public comment on
the Panel's recommendations will be received through Aug. 26, 1997.
[NPPC Congressional Update]
.
Wild Coho Salmon. On July 14, 1997, NMFS published interim
regulations for protecting wild coho salmon in northern CA and
southwestern OR. Prohibitions against incidental take would be waived in
OR for salmon hatcheries, ocean harvest and freshwater sport fishing for
other species, habitat improvement projects, and research as long as they
comply with the provisions of OR's coho salmon restoration plan.
However, cattle grazing and logging activities that harm salmon could be
punished with fines as high as $100,000 plus a year in jail. In CA, the
waiver from regulations would apply only to ocean fishing and some
research. These regulations take effect on Aug. 15, 1997, with comments
accepted through Sept. 15, 1997. {{On July 29, 1997, U.S. District Judge
Susan Illston ruled the NMFS acted properly in accepting OR's coho
salmon recovery program, and not immediately listing OR coho salmon as
endangered or threatened. In addition, Judge Illston ordered the case
moved from San Francisco to Portland, where the Portland court will
decide whether OR's recovery plan is sufficient to restore coho salmon
populations.}} [Assoc Press, NMFS press release]
.
Kuskokwim River Chum Salmon Fishery. On July 9, 1997, AK Dept.
of Fish and Game managers closed the Kuskokwim River to commercial
and sport fishing for chum salmon in response to low numbers of fish;
subsistence fishing will be allowed to continue. [Assoc Press]
.
Upper Columbia River Basin Ecosystem Management Plan. On
July 9, 1997, officials of the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land
Management, and other federal agencies have scheduled a meeting at Boise
State Univ. to introduce draft environmental impact statements for the
four-year, $35 million Upper Columbia River Basin Ecosystem
Management Project. [Assoc Press]
.
Bristol Bay Salmon Fishery. On July 4, 1997, the AK Dept. of Fish
and Game imposed an emergency closure of the Naknek-Kvichak district
fishery for sockeye; catches are poor and spawning escapement is low since
warm, dry weather has kept most of the fish offshore. The Togiak District
fishery was ordered to close early on July 9. In early July 1997, the Univ.
of Washington's Fisheries Research Institute issued a revised forecast of
returning Bristol Bay sockeye stocks, reducing the estimated catch by
about 30% to fewer than 17 million fish. On July 13, 1997, the Bristol Bay
Borough Assembly declared a local emergency in light of weak salmon
returns. On July 14, 1997, AK Dept. of Fish and Game officials reported
that this year's Bristol Bay sockeye harvest may be the smallest since 1988.
The sockeye harvest estimate has been reduced from 25 million to 15
million fish. Although the reason for the weak returns is not clear,
decreased marine survival is suspect. On July 16, 1997, the sockeye
harvest estimate was lowered to 13 million fish, which would be the lowest
catch in 19 years. On July 18, 1997, AK governor Tony Knowles declared
the Bristol Bay area an economic disaster due to the poor salmon harvest,
providing for state aid. As of July 18, slightly less than 12 million
sockeye
salmon had been harvested. The estimated lost income totals more than
$80 million, reflecting the poor catch and low salmon prices. {In late July,
1997, fishermen were reported to have caught just 7.5% of the forecast
harvest for the third worst harvest of the century for this fishery.} [Assoc
Press]
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END OF PART ONE -- GO TO PART TWO
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