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Crew members with the F/V Lady Louise cut hemlock branches loaded with herring eggs, packing them in boxes and bags for community members. (Emily Kwong/KCAW photo)

The F/V Lady Louise handed out 5000 lbs. of freshly harvested roe to Sitkans today (03-29-16). The crew distributed the salty subsistence food at New Thompson Harbor at 2:30 this afternoon (03-29-16).

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The F/V Lady Louise harvested 5000 lbs. of herring eggs to give to the community for free. Their work was funded by donations from the herring fleet. (Emily Kwong/KCAW photo)

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Zoe Trafton scored big with a whole bucket full of freshly harvested roe. (Emily Kwong/KCAW photo)

Captain Jeff Jackson, from Kake, said hemlock branches were pulled at 10:30 a.m. this morning from West Kasiana Island. Sitkans approached the vessel with plastic bags and thank yous, some munching on the spot.

F/V Lady Louise was hired to harvest by the Southeast Herring Conservation Alliance. As in year’s past, said SHCA Executive Director Steve Reifenstuhl, permit holders with the sac roe herring fishery funded the giveaway operation. The fishery closed on Monday, due to small fish and fast spawning.