After permitting delays, construction of Sitka’s new marine haulout is underway, though there have been some unexpected snags. When the Sitka Assembly met last night (11-26-24), members approved another $500,000 in funding, along with a $300,000 grant that will cover some unexpected construction costs, along with a permanent concrete washdown pad.
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Finding solutions to address problem bears was at the top of the list when the Sitka Assembly and the Sheet'ká Ḵwáan Sitka Tribe of Alaska met on Monday (11-18-24) for the bi-annual government to government meeting.
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Winter is the time when most Sitkans turn their attention to other pursuits besides fishing, but not the members of the local Fish & Game Advisory Committee. During November and December, the local Fish & Game Advisory Committee considers hunkers down with a thick book of proposals for changes in the management in Southeast’s fisheries. Over the last two weeks, they’ve focused exclusively on herring.
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(Screenshot from USCG rescue video) A Sitka Coast Guard helicopter crew rescued three fishermen...
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The City of Sitka has its first agreement with the local, privately owned cruise dock. When the Sitka Assembly met last night, it approved a “Memorandum of Understanding” or MOU with the Sitka Dock Company. But the assembly was split on whether the document would be effective or necessary.
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Sitka’s city finance director is stepping down. Finance Director Melissa Haley informed the city of her resignation in early October. When the Sitka Assembly met on Tuesday (11-12-24), it approved the promotion of her replacement, controller Brooke Volschenk.
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The city of Sitka has brokered a “Memorandum of Understanding” with the local cruise dock. And while some assembly members were on board with approving the agreement as-is, they postponed a vote until the next meeting after a number of community members said they needed more time to review the document.
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The last cruise ship of 2024 arrived in Sitka on Monday (10-21-24), on what was arguably one of the nicest days of the “shoulder season.” While cruising is finally winding down, the assembly has two big tourism-related issues on its plate when it meets tonight.
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A dispute over the management of the Sitka Animal Shelter at least two years in the making came to a head this summer, when the police department barred volunteers from the facility. The ousted volunteer group brought its complaints to the Sitka Assembly this week, hoping not just to be allowed back in, but to set a new course for the troubled operation.
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While the rebound in Japanese herring is the result of government investment, management of the fisheries is largely unregulated -- except by the fishermen themselves. Is this sustainable? Many don't think so. Part 5 of "Phantom Fish: The return of Japan's vanished herring fishery."
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