United Cook Inlet Drift Association | Update on status of North Pacific Fishery Council decision made on December 7, 2020

United Cook Inlet Drift Association | Update on status of North Pacific Fishery Council decision made on December 7, 2020

The UCIDA office team, Board members, retired ADFG staff, UCIDA and CIFF members and many other volunteers have been working hard over the past 4 years to convince the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council (NPFMC or Council) to carry out the instructions from the Ninth Circuit Court to develop a Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Cook Inlet salmon fishery “throughout its range.” The Ninth Circuit Court order was clear that the Council and NMFS must produce an FMP for the entire fishery in Cook Inlet. In the Magnuson-Stevens Act, “fishery” is defined as:

Murkowski Statement on NPFMC Closing EEZ Waters to Commercial Fishing in Cook Inlet

Murkowski Statement on NPFMC Closing EEZ Waters to Commercial Fishing in Cook Inlet

Following the announcement that the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council (NPFMC) has decided to close all Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) waters to commercial fishing in the Cook Inlet, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement:

“I am disappointed by the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council’s decision to close federal waters in Cook Inlet to commercial fishing, but I am also very concerned about the prospect of federal management over resources that have been, and should be, managed by the State of Alaska.

Cook Inlet Fishermen, Communities Call New  Alternative Salmon Plan “Appalling”, “Ludicrous”

Cook Inlet Fishermen, Communities Call New Alternative Salmon Plan “Appalling”, “Ludicrous”

Cook Inlet salmon management is tough enough, with several user groups lobbying for a bigger piece of the annual pie, but added to the challenge is its location. Cook Inlet is at the center of the state’s largest population density and, unlike other salmon areas in Alaska, accessible by road for more than 60% of Alaska’s population. The area has been ground zero for the ‘recreational vs commercial’ battle for generations.

USDA Seafood Trade Relief Program Update

USDA Seafood Trade Relief Program Update

USDA Seafood Trade Relief Program Update – https://www.farmers.gov/Seafood

APPLICATIONS STARTED MONDAY (9/14)
For the first time in history, fishermen are getting relief from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for trade impacts similar to relief given to farmers. You will need to show your 2019 landings which USDA will apply to a pre-determined formula.

COVID 19 Action Plan

COVID 19 Action Plan

This document expands on the ASA COVID 19 general action plan that proposes actions to conduct a viable commercial fishery throughout the Kenai Peninsula Borough in 2020.