Official Salmon Harvest Summary Shows Disappointing Numbers for Norton Sound
This year’s Norton Sound’s salmon harvest has been valued at $290,302. That’s according to a preliminary salmon harvest summary from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Norton Sound Communities Look To Build Commercial Reindeer Economy
“If we did it right,” says Savoonga tribal chief Delbert Pungowiyi, the Bering Straits region “could become Alaska’s reindeer capital.”
Alaska National Guard Turns Over Rural Armories for Public Use
The Alaska Army National Guard is handing over ownership of over 60 armories in rural communities, mostly to municipalities.
Jellyfish Numbers Rising in Bering Sea; Scientists Studying Potential Impacts
According to researcher Mary Beth Decker, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has been recording jellyfish numbers in the Bering Sea for the last 40 years using their trawls. In recent years, the population has spiked, and researchers know that they have impacts on the ecosystem, because they feed on things that fish eat. But the question is: what is the extent of their impact?
Environmental Concerns Are Cited in Opposition to Mining Projects Like ‘Rivers of Gold’
Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation (NSEDC), Kawerak Inc., and Bering Straits Native Corporation (BSNC) released a joint statement opposing large placer mining in Safety Sound, the Bonanza Channel, and Golovnin Lagoon. ADEC is waiting on more information and data from the mining company, and until that is received, Rivers of Gold is not allowed to operate or discharge in U.S. waters.
In Norton Sound, Expect Strong Salmon Runs This Summer
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game says salmon runs in the Norton Sound district are expected to be at least as strong as last year, with the exception of king salmon.
Norton Sound Herring Bait Harvest Breaks 10-Year Record
The herring bait fishery has seen the best harvest numbers since 2008 and could break the 1997 record if the 100-ton quota is met.
Daylight Saving Time Doesn’t Affect Iditarod Race, But the Clock is Certainly a Factor
About seven days into the race, Sunday morning at 2am, the entire state of Alaska sprung forward one hour. Iditarod Race Marshal Mark Nordman explains there is no need to adjust mushers’ times or change race clocks when the Iditarod ends, because the computers automated that process yesterday.
Problems and Solutions in Unalakleet: Wind, Sun, Water
Improving life in rural Alaska often involves many small solutions put together. Volunteer Gabe Colombo, just back from a reporting trip in Unalakleet, shares his story of how the remote community is using renewable energy — especially wind power and solar panels — to reduce their astronomical energy costs.
Red King Crab Fisheries Set to Open This Weekend, One Buyer Available for Norton Sound Crabbers
The Norton Sound winter commercial red king crab fishery as well as the Community Development Quota (CDQ) fishery open at noon on March 3rd. Registered permit holders who do not have a catcher-seller permit can only sell crab to one buyer, Norton Sound Seafood Products (NSSP).