Author: Joe Viechnicki

It’s been a woeful year for hatchery chum salmon returns in Southeast Alaska. Hatchery managers are taking unusual steps just to ensure they’re able to collect enough eggs for future generations. It’s a far cry from the bumper crop that has bolstered commercial salmon catches in the region for many years.

The commercial fishing season for pink salmon in Southeast Alaska is nearing its peak. Its going pretty close to forecast so far – that is to say, not great.

Most of Southeast Alaska shuts down to commercial salmon trolling just before midnight Thursday, August 6th. The fleet will have their second shot at king salmon this summer season over a week later.

Alaska State Troopers have identified the driver in last week’s fatal motor vehicle wreck on Mitkof Island about 27 miles south of Petersburg.

Petersburg’s assembly Monday agreed on the date and format for a community forum on an emergency ordinance. There’s been significant opposition this summer to updating the local government’s law on emergency measures and responsibilities. A question and answer session with a moderator is planned for next month, before the assembly takes its final vote on the ordinance.