Salty
2009-02-03 20:57:41
Proposal 320 (Personal comments by Eric Jordan)
Move uncaught winter king quota into spring troll fisheries instead of all into the summer.
I support this proposal. I have authored numerous proposals over the years to try and improve troll opportunity during May and June when we are catching the highest percentage of Alaska Hatchery Chinook. Several years ago the Alaska Trollers Association supported improvements to the various guideline caps and percentages were improved by BOF action. This has helped provide better access and improved our Alaska Hatchery Harvest.
Fred’s proposal asks the Board of Fisheries to continue their trend of making more treaty Chinook available when they are more valuable and when they contribute to helping harvest Alaska Hatchery Harvest. These moves provide more revenue to Alaska, help with the troll shortage of their allocated share of SE enhanced salmon, and give the department a little more flexibility in opening areas when and where hatchery Chinook might be available to trollers.
This does not take any fish away from the summer share as in most years the winter quota has been caught or nearly caught. What it does do is give us more and better opportunity to harvest Alaska hatchery Chinook.
Along those lines, Yakutat is very interested in participating in the Spring Fisheries. While they don’t have a significant number of hatchery fish coming by they do have some. Adopting this proposal and directing the Department to make some available for Yakutat for an “experimental” spring fishery conducted in a manner to protect Sitkuk Chinook stocks would be a great idea.
kingquota
2009-02-05 04:55:21
Hi Salty,
Walter here again. I might just as well respond to this post as well for I still thank you for your support. Since i believe that if anyone post a idea diffent than mine, I should respond if it is important enough
But as for the 1000 fish mentioned on another post from a Yakutat resident,he even states that not one of those 1000 fish has been caught by us. What good is it to us to have on the book. The strict guidelines that are attached to the 1000 fish will never be reached. If the ever the guldelines would be met, it would be in the later part of June before it is even open.
We are not looking for a hand out nor a restricted fishing periods. We are just asking for a fair chance at a fishery resourse, set by the Federal government Pacific Salmon Treaty King Salmon Quota that is supposed to be for all CITIZENS OF THE USA!! Trollers have a certain percentage that is set by the State of Alaska and a Bi-lateral agreement between USA and Canada. NOT ONLY FOR THOSE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO LIVE NEAR A HATCHERY (Under 180m miles).
Whatever the reason or the purpose behind one of our residents to be openly fighting all of the rest of our attempts to open a fishery denied us, is beyond our justified reasoning. He may have some good points to all of you that fish during May and June, but for us that cannot make a living during those times, it is beyond belief. Maybe if he gets on the Board of ATA He will change his mind, YEAH, RIGHT!! This is the only time two positives make a negative.
Eric, I came out of retirement for this because it is an injustice. A saying often quoted and is noe hanging in out Yakutat High School wall by Ms Peratrovich come immediately to mind, "I, who barely out of savagery to the gentleman who has 5000 years of civilazation behind him, must remind him of the Bill of Rights"! There may be a few words misplaced but the entire idea is there. WAJ
Salty
2009-02-05 06:53:21
Walter,
I hope you aren't upset at me. I am one troller who has supported more opportunity in the Spring and have lobbied ATA to consider "market" openings in the spring in addition to "hatchery" openings that would give some of you not near a hatchery some opportunity in the spring. But, as a person who has fought long and hard to get more opportunity in the Winter and Spring, with some success if you consider our improved opportunity in the winter and spring in recent years, I know that you can't do it alone and that it takes time, allies, luck, and well thought out strategies that incorporate long term strategic thinking in addition to the battle immediately ahead.
Finally, you must satisfy conservation concerns that might arise. You must deal with them even if they are red herrings. I know you know all this Walter but by typing them out it reinforces my thinking about working the issues important to me at the Board of Fish.
I don't know who you are referring to about someone taking a different stance. I have done that all my life as my father and grandfather's on both sides did before me. It is the diversity of views and thoughts and the careful weaving of them into the fabric of your case and your presentations that makes for the strongest basket.
I am about to become a grandfather for the third time tonite. So my thoughts are waxing a bit philosophical as I think of the world we will leave her/him.
Always good to hear from you. How are you related to Paul Johnson who used to coach here at Edgecumbe?
kingquota
2009-02-09 00:25:01
Hi Salty (Eric),
Nah, I am not upset at anyone that is trying to help Yakutat survive. I am very strong and single minded in my asperations and goals toward helping Yakutat get their rightful fishing time. Since 1985, Yakutat has been excluded from trolling (All salmon) for 75 days out of the year. our trollers number 87 today. When you exclude 87 families from making an income or even a partial income, that community has a downward economic spiral forthcoming. Once started it is difficult to stop. In order to garner support to correct a wrong, one must be strong and right. Is there any reason to doubt that Yakutat is right in trying to save their community? WAJ
ps: check my post to Dale of ATA. Thanks
kingquota
2009-02-12 03:43:33
Hi salty (Eric),
Even tho' normally I would go along with this proposal, since it is tied in with the spring fishery for kings for which at the present time we trollers in Yakutat are exempt from fishing, it would take away the very limited number of fish we could catch from the summer season. Especially when we have been closed for sixty days prior to the summer season and trying to make up for our two non-income months.
The department and cohorts did a fine job on me. As it stands right now I will not be going to Sitka for the meeting. I was looking forward to seeing you and the rest of my friends down there that I have not seen for quite a while. Well anyway some can rest easy knowing I'm not going down. I might make it if amiricle happens. Don't think so tho'. you have a great time in Sitka. WAJ