Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Troopers ticket two Tyonek fishermen

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Soldotna
Type: Fail to register
Alaska Wildlife Troopers issued a citation to 55-year-old Ernest S. Standifer of Tyonek for failing to register for his commercial fishing area for the 2009 fishing season.

Location: Soldotna
Type: Fail to register
Alaska Wildlife Troopers issued a citation to 66-year-old Daniel Standifer of Tyonek for failing to register for his commercial fishing area for the 2009 fishing season.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

The Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter, as reported by the Unalaska Advertiser:

Welfare check, Dec. 14 — A 911 hang-up call was received from a number associated with a local processing facility. Plant security was called and after checking the area, reported no signs of emergency.

Suspicious activity, Dec. 16 — Caller reported she didn't feel comfortable living in her new abode and reported people walking around and making strange noises in the alley near her home. An officer responded and found several male cats courting a female in heat.

Suspicious activity, Dec. 16 — Caller reported a woman being sexually assaulted in a local bunkhouse. Officers responded and caught two consenting adults in flagrante delicto.

Disorderly conduct, Dec. 17 — Officers responded to the PCR after receiving a report that two patrons were arguing in such a way that an escalation seemed likely. Investigation revealed that one party was attempting to "scare straight" the other, who allegedly allows his vehicle to idle an inordinate amount of time outside a house of ill repute.

Theft, Dec. 18 — An employee at the Harbor View Grill accused another employee of taking approximately $20 from a cash box. Shortly after the accusation was made the money miraculously reappeared. The suspect denied taking any money but did admit that perhaps his hand had accidentally fallen into the cash box. The victim did not wish to pursue charges.

Animal, Dec. 18 — A yellow Labrador retriever walked into the Public Safety building and turned himself in as lost. A short while later the dog's owner also walked into the Public Safety building. Both dog and owner left together.

Disturbance, Dec. 20 — Caller reported having heard a woman yelling on top of Strawberry Hill. Officers responded and found a stoned, drunken woman engaged in a singalong with her companion. The woman turned over a small amount of marijuana and some paraphernalia. She was advised she would be arrested if she drove.

Kodiak man accused of fishing out of season

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Kodiak
Type: Commercial fish closed season
On 10/19/09 the Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Brian Blondin, 22, of Kodiak, while conducting a commercial fishing compliance check aboard the F/V Sabrina C in Uyak Bay. Blondin subsequently was cited on 12/21/2009 for commercial fishing during a closed season, failure to mark buoys, and failure to register for area.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Observer fined, banned for harassing colleague

From the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement:

Dec. 17, 2009

NOAA Fisheries observer fined, prohibited from observing for 10 years

A NOAA Fisheries groundfish observer who admitted he sexually harassed and created a hostile work environment for another observer paid $1,000 with an additional $9,000 suspended for five years and was issued a permit sanction that prohibits him from being employed as a NOAA Fisheries observer anywhere in the country for 10 years.

Benjamin Lewis Michlig, originally of Wausau, Wis., and a former employee of Saltwater Inc. and Alaskan Observers Inc., admitted creating a hostile work environment and sexually harassing another observer over a period of several days while they were housed in a bunkhouse in Kodiak, Alaska, in September 2008.

The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act governs commercial fishing activities within the waters of the United States and authorizes observer programs, such as the North Pacific Groundfish National Observer Program. Observers collect catch and bycatch data from U.S. commercial fishing and processing vessels and play a vital role in providing real-time scientific data for effective conservation and management of fishery resources.

The Magnuson Act also provides heavy penalties for individuals who sexually harass or create a hostile work environment for observers.

"It is important for the entire commercial fishing industry to understand that it does not matter whether you are a vessel captain, crewmember or another observer — if you harass a NOAA Fisheries observer you will be punished," said Special Agent Frank Bonadonna of NOAA Office of Law Enforcement's Alaska Division. "The law is unequivocal and is in place for the protection of observers wherever they may be during the course of their official duties."

These violations were reported to and investigated by NOAA OLE's Alaska Division and prosecuted by NOAA Office of General Counsel for Enforcement and Litigation. The $9,000 suspended will be discharged at the end of the five-year period provided Michlig does not commit any violation similar to any of those violations charged in the Notice of Violation.

The mission of NOAA OLE is to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations enacted to conserve and protect our nation's marine resources. To report a suspected violation, contact the NOAA OLE national hotline at 1-800-853-1964.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Plenty of trouble for the Sea Venture

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Unalaska
Type: Fish ticket
On 12/12/09 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted the owner of Sea Venture LLC, Daniel T. Gunn, age 58, of Seattle. Investigation revealed that Sea Venture LLC obtained and sold commercially caught fish without first filing a fish ticket with Alaska Department of Fish and Game within the seven-day time limit. Gunn was summonsed to appear in court for failure to file a fish ticket within seven days of landing and for unlawful possession of fish. Arraignment is scheduled for 1330 hours on 12/30/09 in the Unalaska Court.

Location: Dutch Harbor
Type: Fish ticket
On 12/12/09 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted the skipper and permit holder of the Sea Venture, Gerald A. Meals, age 48, of Sparks, Nev. Investigation revealed that Meals commercially fished for and landed groundfish within state waters without first obtaining the proper landing permits. Further investigation revealed that Meals then failed to provide the Alaska Department of Fish and Game with a fish ticket of his catch within the required seven-day time limit. Meals was summonsed to appear in court for permit requirements and for failure to file fish ticket within seven days of landing. Arraignment is scheduled for 1330 hours on 12/30/09 in the Unalaska Court.

Location: Dutch Harbor
Type: Arrest warrant
On 12/12/09 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Maxwell L. Jamison, age 24, of Anchorage, while conducting a boarding on the Sea Venture at the Coastal Progress Dock in Dutch Harbor. Investigation revealed that Jamison had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for failure to appear for arraignment, original charge of unsworn falsification. Jamison was arrested, transported and remanded to the Unalaska City Jail on $500 cash bail.

Crewman cited for lack of license

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Dutch Harbor
Type: Commercial fish without license
On 12/13/09 Dutch Harbor Wildlife Troopers issued a citation to Nicholas Anthony Lovelady, 23 years of age, of Vancouver, Wash., for commercial fishing without a 2009 Alaska commercial fishing crewmember license in his possession. Arraignment is scheduled for 1310 hours on 12/28/09 in the Unalaska District Court.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Four crabbers cited for boarding ladder violations

From the U.S. Coast Guard:

Boarding teams in October issued fisheries violations to four Bering Sea crab boats lacking safe boarding ladders.

The boats were the Wizard, the Adventure, the Kiska Sea and the Kodiak.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Unlicensed crewman results in citation

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Coastal Dock, Dutch Harbor
Type: Employ unlicensed crewmember
On 11/29/09 Dutch Harbor Alaska Wildlife Troopers issued a citation to Kenneth Christian Mishler, 44 years of age, of Mount Vernon, Wash., for employing an unlicensed crewmember onboard the F/V Clipper Express. Arraignment is scheduled for 1310 hours on 12/14/09 in the Unalaska District Court.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Skipper accused of assaulting crewman

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Kodiak
Type: Assault
On 11/26/09 at approximately 1500 hours a 43-year-old male resident of Kodiak reported to AST that he was assaulted by the skipper of the fishing vessel upon which he was a crewmember. The incident is under investigation.

License fib nets Soldotna fisherman a ticket

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Soldotna
Type: False statement on crewmember license
On 11/28/09 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted 41-year-old Daniel Roberts, of Soldotna, during a residency investigation. The investigation revealed Roberts had purchased an Alaska resident fishing crewmember license before he qualified for Alaska residency. Roberts was issued a summons for making a false statement of material fact on his 2008 crewmember fishing license. Bail was set at $310.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

The Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter, as reported by the Unalaska Advertiser:

Drunk disturbance, Nov. 19 — Officers responded to the Harborview Inn after receiving a report of a fight in progress, and found that UniSea security had successfully detained two drunken sailors who had been whaling on one another in the hotel. Neither suspect was capable of providing adequate information about what had occurred, though it was clear that at some point pieces of cheesecake were involved. Robbie Osborne Jordan, 21 yoa, and Marcus Torgerson, 22 yoa, both of Washington, were arrested for disorderly conduct.

Trespass, Nov. 19 — Two men who had been engaged in cheesecake combat in their hotel room were issued trespass advisements, per UniSea management.

Liquor law violation, Nov. 21 — Anonymous caller reported a minor female was consorting and drinking with an older man employed on a vessel at Westward Seafoods. Officers searched the boat and contacted the minor's parent, but did not locate either of the parties in question.

Welfare check, Nov. 22 — Officers contacted two drunks who had recently been barred from virtually all hotels in the community, and informed them they were not allowed to sleep in the airport either. One of the drunks readily agreed to leave while the other provided a civics lesson on taxpayer dollars, police salaries and the obligations of cities to provide lodging to drunken, unemployed fishermen.

Bering Sea crabber cited for gear violation

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Bristol Bay
Type: Gear violation
On 11/18/09 Dutch Harbor Wildlife Troopers issued a citation to Joshua Edward Songstad, 33, of Arlington, Wash., for commercial red king crab fishing with a pot that did not contain a biodegradable escape mechanism that was at least 18 inches in length on the side panel of his king crab pot. Arraignment is scheduled for 1310 hours on 12/2/09 in the Unalaska District Court.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Troopers issue multiple citations at Dutch Harbor

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Spit Dock, Dutch Harbor
Type: Employ an unlicensed crewmember
On 11/18/09 Dutch Harbor Wildlife Troopers cited Murray W. Gamrath, 48, of Las Cruces, N.M., for employing a crewmember onboard his commercial fishing vessel while the crewmember did not have a 2009 Alaska commercial fishing crewmember license in his possession. Arraignment is scheduled for 1310 hours 12/3/09 in the Unalaska District Court.

Location: Spit Dock, Dutch Harbor
Type: No crewmember license
On 11/18/09 Dutch Harbor Wildlife Troopers cited William J. Fenner, 46, of Edmonds, Wash., for commercial fishing without having a 2009 Alaska commercial fishing crewmember license in his possession. Arraignment is scheduled for 1310 hours 12/3/09 in the Unalaska District Court.

Location: Coastal Dock, Dutch Harbor
Type: No 12-inch ADF&G numbers displayed on vessel
On 11/17/09 Dutch Harbor Wildlife Troopers cited Murray W. Gamrath, 48, of Las Cruces, N.M., for operating a fishing vessel without having his 12-inch Alaska Department of Fish and Game numbers displayed on the vessel. Arraignment is scheduled for 1310 hours 12/2/09 in the Unalaska District Court.

Location: Dutch Harbor
Type: Fail to affix ADF&G triangle to vessel
On 11/15/09 Dutch Harbor Wildlife Troopers issued a citation to Norman James Lenon, 44, of Kodiak, for failing to permanently affix his Alaska Department of Fish and Game metal triangle plate to his commercial fishing vessel. Arraignment is scheduled for 1310 hours 11/30/09 in the Unalaska District Court.

Craig shrimper nets $1,500 fine for gear violations

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Klawock
Type: Conviction — shrimping violations
On 11/18/09 Ronald Durgan, age 20, of Craig, pled no contest in Craig District Court to the commercial fishing charges of operating shellfish pots with no biodegradable escape mechanisms and failing to attach buoys to both ends of more than five longlined shrimp pots. Durgan was sentenced to a fine of $2,500 with $1,000 suspended.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Sitka Dungeness crabber cited for buoy violation

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Peril Strait
Type: Improper buoy marking
On 11/13/09 at approximately 1400 hours, Sitka Wildlife Troopers cited Reginald I. Baggen, age 31, of Sitka, for improperly marking Dungeness crab pot buoys. Investigation revealed Baggen was using buoys on his gear that were not identical as required by regulation. Arraignment is set for 12/1/09 in Sitka Court.

Commercial fishermen help search for lost hunters

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Haines
Type: Overdue hunters
On 11/11/09 at 1535 hours, Alaska State Troopers contacted several commercial fishermen and the Alaska Marine Highway ferry M/V LeConte reference two overdue hunters. The hunters were reported to have gone deer hunting in an 18-foot open skiff on Sullivan Island south of Haines and planned to return by 1400 hours. As darkness and high winds increased, Alaska State Troopers began organizing search efforts including the U.S. Coast Guard. At 1711 hours, the hunters contacted their family via cell phone stating they were making their way back in the skiff. Search efforts were suspended until they were called off at 1815 hours when the hunters returned home with no injuries.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Flurry of crew license citations issued in Seward

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Seward
Type: Unsworn falsification
On 11/5/09 Marinss J. Sarach, 32 yoa, of Dutch Harbor, was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers for making a false statement on a resident commercial crewmember license. Arraignment was set in the Seward District Court on 12/15/09.

Location: Seward
Type: Unsworn falsification
On 11/5/09 Nicholas M. Kozorra, 19 yoa, of Seward, was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers for making a false statement on a resident commercial crewmember license. Arraignment was set in the Seward District Court on 12/15/09.

Location: Seward
Type: Unsworn falsification
On 11/5/09 Brett A. Mclennan, 23 yoa, of Seward, was cited by
the Alaska Wildlife Troopers for making a false statement on a resident commercial crewmember license. Arraignment was set in the Seward District Court on 12/15/09.

Location: Seward
Type: Unsworn falsification
On 11/5/09 Daniel H. Jones, 47 yoa, of Seward, was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers for making a false statement on a resident commercial crewmember license. Arraignment was set in the Seward District Court on 12/15/09.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

The Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter, as reported by the Unalaska Advertiser:

Alarm, Nov. 1 — Officer investigated an alarm aboard a moored vessel. Personnel from the nearby plant responded and silenced the alarm.

Assistance rendered, Nov. 1 — A family member of a crewman recently rescued from a vessel in distress contacted Public Safety requesting information about the where the displaced crew was currently lodged. Public Safety was unable to locate the man’s brother, but passed on information indicating that the crew of the vessel had been spotted the previous day with a film crew.

Fire safety, Nov. 2 — Fire officer responded to a report of black smoke emanating from the area of a Harbor Crown warehouse. The smoke was determined to be from a properly functioning, but filthy, piece of equipment.

Assault, Nov. 3 — Sean Doran, 42 yoa, of Washington, was arrested on one count of assault after officers responded to a report of a disturbance aboard a vessel and found that Doran had struck another in an argument over loaned money.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Possible bogus mayday at Angoon triggers search

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Angoon
Type: Suspicious circumstances — mayday unfounded
On 11/9/2009 at 1630 hours, the Angoon village public safety officer received a report of a single mayday call from an unknown location. Attempts to make contact by VHF with the vessel were unsuccessful. The U.S. Coast Guard was notified of the call and dispatched a helicopter from Sitka to the search the area in and around Angoon. No contact was made. The USCG helicopter will continue a search in the morning. The Angoon VPSO has not received any reports of overdue or missing hunters or boaters from the village.

Anyone who may have additional information pertaining to this case should notify the Alaska State Troopers at (800) 478-0061 or the Coast Guard.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Troopers charge pot fisherman with gear violation

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Bristol Bay
Type: Illegal biodegradable escape mechanism
On Nov. 9, Dutch Harbor Wildlife Troopers issued a citation to Glenn Ethan Casto, 39 years of age, of Snohomish, Wash., for commercial fishing groundfish pots with illegal biodegradable escape mechanisms. Arraignment is scheduled for Dec. 2 at 1310 hours in the Unalaska District Court.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Klawock shrimper cited for overtime fishing

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Prince of Wales
Type: Shrimping in closed season
On 11/06/09 Klawock AWT contacted Timothy Demmert, of Klawock. Investigation revealed that Demmert, a CFEC permit holder, had 50 commercial shrimp pots still fishing after the closure in District 3A. The closure was on Nov. 1 at 1600 hours. Demmert was issued a summons for commercial fishing for shrimp during a closed season. Arraignment is set for the Craig District Court 11/07/09 at 1330 hours.

Credit card fraud reported at Trident in Akutan

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Akutan
Type: Fraudulent use of credit card
At approximately 1150 hours on 10-22-09, manager Ken McHugh of Trident Seafoods in Akutan reported that unauthorized charges in the amount of over $3,000 to date had been charged to the credit cards of at least five of the company's employees. A suspect has been identified, and investigation is continuing.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Editor's note

I suspect some people have experienced difficulty posting comments on The Brig.

I've made some adjustments to make commenting easier.

Please let me know if you still have trouble. And by all means, post a comment!

Deckboss

The Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter, as reported by the Unalaska Advertiser:

Domestic disturbance, Oct. 27 — Officers responded to Westward Seafoods regarding an ongoing dispute between a man and woman. Officers determined that no crime had been committed this night but received information indicating the woman may have been assaulted some days earlier. Under investigation.

Harassment, Oct. 29 — A local processing plant employee contacted Public Safety to report an incident of harassment in the workplace. Further investigation revealed that in addition to making numerous unkind and untoward statements, the complaint’s coworker had become physically aggressive and placed her in fear of being assaulted. As a result, Carmelita Orteza was summonsed for assault and disorderly conduct.

Suspicious person, activity, Oct. 30 — A caller reported that "everyone" aboard a local fishing vessel was doing drugs. Officers responded to the vessel, discovering that it had only recently arrived in port and the majority of the crew had gone to sleep. After speaking with the sole alert crewmember aboard, officers found no evidence of illicit activity aboard the vessel.

Liquor law violation, Nov. 1 — A polite, severely inebriated bar patron was advised that he was too intoxicated to remain on licensed premises. The man left without incident.

Liquor law violation, Nov. 1 — A belligerent, severely inebriated bar patron was advised that he was too intoxicated to remain on licensed premises. The man left without incident.

$20,000 purse seine reported stolen at Chignik

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Chignik Bay
Type: Theft
On 11/05/09 Alaska State Troopers based in King Salmon received a report of theft from a watercraft. Alec Douglas Pedersen, age 56, of Kodiak, reported that a purse seine had been stolen from his barge, located near Chignik Bay, sometime during August of 2009. The purse seine is valued at about $20,000. The investigation is ongoing.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Undersized Tanner crab cost skipper $1,500

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Dutch Harbor
Type: Retained undersized Tanner crab
On 8-25-09, James E. Wolkoff, age 54, of Anchorage, pled guilty in the Valdez District Court to the charge of retaining undersized Tanner crab. Wolkoff, who is the skipper and permit holder aboard the F/V Zone Five, was fined $3,000 with $1,500 suspended and placed on two years probation. The charge of unlawful possession of fish was dismissed.

Troopers: Crewman got resident license falsely

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Unalaska
Type: Unsworn falsification
On 10-30-09, Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Maxwell L. Jamison, age 24, of Anchorage, while conducting a crewmember license check onboard the F/V Sea Venture at the Coastal Dock in Dutch Harbor. Investigation revealed that Jamison had obtained a resident commercial crewmember license without first meeting the residency requirements. Jamison was summonsed for unsworn falsification with arraignment scheduled for the Unalaska Court on 11-4-09.

Crewman arrested at Dutch Harbor on warrants

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Dutch Harbor
Type: Warrant arrest
On 10-23-09, Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Zachar W. Nye, age 28, of Homer, while conducting a crewmember license check onboard the F/V Kona-Kai at Icicle Seafoods' floating processor plant in Dutch Harbor. Investigation revealed that Nye had two outstanding warrants for his arrest: an AST warrant for furnishing alcohol to a minor, and a Kodiak PD warrant for failure to appear on the original charge of driving while license suspended. Nye was arrested by troopers and transported to the Unalaska Jail on $1,750 bail.

Sleep costs Copper River fisherman his net

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Cordova — Copper River Flats
Type: Gillnet operations violation
On 08-18-09, at approximately 1300 hours, David J. Totemoff Jr., age 42, of Anchorage, contacted Alaska Wildlife Troopers from Cordova Post to report that he had lost his drift gillnet while fishing in the Copper River Flats area. Investigation revealed that Totemoff had set his net and went to sleep for approximately 7 hours. When he awoke he discovered that his net had separated from his vessel and was missing. Totemoff was charged for not personally supervising the immediate operation of his gillnet and was summoned to appear in Cordova district court for arraignment on 11-25-09.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Troopers charge Outside man on license violations

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Soldotna
Type: License violations
On 10/23/09 Herbert W. Freitag, 72 yoa, from either Oconto Falls, Wis., or Mesa, Ariz., was charged with five misdemeanor counts of personal use fishing as a nonresident and two misdemeanor counts of falsification of application for commercial crewmember license. The Soldotna Post had received an anonymous tip that Freitag was a nonresident fishing in Alaska as a resident. Investigation revealed that Freitag was purchasing resident licenses in Wisconsin up through 2008. Arraignment is scheduled for 11-20-09 in the Kenai District Court.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Cordova fisherman indicted on tax violations

Here's a press release from the U.S. attorney's office in Anchorage.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Possible child sexual abuse reported in Kodiak

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Kodiak
Type: Sexual abuse of a minor, 1st degree
On 10/21/2009 at approximately 0950 hours, Alaska State Troopers and U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service received a report of a possible sexual abuse of a minor. Investigation revealed that 2-year-old female of Kodiak was possibly sexually assaulted. Investigation is ongoing.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

The Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter, as reported by the Unalaska Advertiser:

Assault, Oct. 13 — An intoxicated John Galaktionoff, 47 yoa, of Unalaska, punched his brother in the eye after his brother refused Galaktionoff’s orders to consume a pink energy drink. Galaktionoff was arrested on one count of assault.

Traffic, Oct. 16 — Several crab pots fell off a truck after a restraining strap broke. The pots, which blocked an entire lane of traffic, were removed and reloaded onto the truck.

Suspicious activity, Oct. 17 — Officer contacted a man and a woman who were engaged in sexual intercourse on top of an electrical box near an apartment building. After confirming with the female that the sex was consensual, the officer advised the two to refrain from further such activity until they had reached the confines of their hotel room.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Lack of CFEC card hooks halibut fisherman

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Seward
Type: No CFEC card
On 10/15/09, Kenneth S. Phippen, 34 yoa, of Sitka, was charged by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Seward Post, for possessing and attempting to land approximately 24,000 pounds of commercially caught halibut without a 2009 CFEC card. Arraignment was set in the Seward District Court on 11/17/09.

Location: Seward
Type: No photo ID
On 10/15/09, Jesse J. Jeske, 29 yoa, of Sitka, was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Seward Post, for failing to have a photo ID when using his CFEC card in lieu of a commercial crew license. Arraignment was set in the Seward District Court on 11/17/09.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Two Quinhagak men net big fines after guilty pleas

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Bethel
Type: Commercial fishing violations
On 10/12/09 William D. Sharp, age 52, and Robert F. White, age 41, both of Quinhagak, pled guilty in Bethel District Court to one misdemeanor count each of commercial fishing in closed waters, commercial fishing during a closed period, and unlawful possession, transportation and sale of fish. Sharp was sentenced to a total of $5,500 in fines, forfeiture of proceeds totaling $1,987, and two years probation. White was sentenced to fines totaling $3,500 with two years probation. The charges stem from the men fishing closed waters in the Kanektok River with commercial gear, fishing District W-4 Quinhagak four hours before the fishing period opened, and possessing, transporting and selling approximately 4,500 pounds of illegally taken fish.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

The Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter, as reported by the Unalaska Advertiser:

Environmental, Oct. 5 — A woman reported seeing odd flashes of lights above the clouds. A second person confirmed having seen the same phenomena. Officers, who did not witness any of the odd light effects, determined it was likely an atmospheric disturbance of some type.

Trespass, Oct. 6 — UniSea security requested that officers issue a trespass advisement to a man who had recently been arrested at a party on their property. So issued.

Liquor law violation, Oct. 8 — An intoxicated man blowing kisses at a police officer was advised he was too intoxicated to remain on a licensed premise. The inebriate attempted to purchase a beer for the officer prior to leaving the bar, but his offer was politely declined.

Trespass, Oct. 9 — Per UniSea management, officer issued a trespass advisement to a man recently involved in several minor fracases on their property.

Traffic, Oct. 9 — Roads crew asked officers to contact some crab fisherman whose fishing gear was obstructing part of the roadway.

Environmental, Oct. 9 — Small oil spill reported in the vicinity of the Alyeska boat launch. An officer determined this particular bit of contamination was part of a larger spill that had already been reported directly to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Troopers make belated fishing case in Cordova

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Prince William Sound
Type: Commercial fishing closed waters
On 10-10-09 at approximately 1600 hours, Alaska Wildlife Troopers from the Cordova Post contacted Andrew Larson, age 29, of Stanwood, Wash. Investigation revealed that Larson was operating a drift gillnet in waters closed to commercial fishing aboard the F/V Mud Dog on 06-17-09 in the Eshamy District. A summons was issued to appear in the Cordova District Court for arraignment on 10-28-09.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Troopers: Fisherman sold halibut without permit

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Cooper Landing
Type: Possess and sell fish without a permit
On 9/30/09 Gary Elde, 47 yoa, of Seward, was cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Cooper Landing, for possessing and selling fish without a Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission permit. Investigation revealed Elde was fishing aboard the F/V Hungry Raven. At the time of delivery Elde had failed to obtain his 2009 CFEC permit. 1,534 pounds of halibut was seized and Elde was cited into the Seward District Court with an arraignment date of 10/13/09.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

The Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter, as reported by the Unalaska Advertiser:

Welfare check, Sept. 28 — 911 call received from a local dock, but no additional information was transmitted. An officer responded to the area and found nobody in need of assistance.

Welfare check, Oct. 1 — Another 911 call received from a local dock, with no additional information transmitted. An officer responded to the area and found nobody in need of assistance.

Welfare check, Oct. 2 — Yet another 911 call received from a local dock, with no additional information transmitted. An officer responded to the area and found nobody in need of assistance.

Assault, Oct. 4, 0112 hours — Officers responded to the galley of a fishing vessel regarding a brawl in which one intoxicated man had somehow fallen overboard. Officers determined that the intoxicated man had begun arguing with other, less inebriated crew shortly after boarding his vessel and had mysteriously fallen overboard soon after punching another man in the mouth. The drunk was able to swim to shore. No charges were filed per the victim’s request.

Ambulance request, Oct. 4, 0114 hours — EMS personnel provided medical care to a drunken man who had just spent some time in the frigid green waters of the Bering Sea.

Theft, Oct. 4, 0116 hours — The taxi driver who drove the inebriated man back to his vessel reported that the man had failed to pay his cab fare. Another crewmember, apparently uninvolved in the earlier altercation, agreed to pay the drunk’s cab fare so that he wouldn’t have to go to jail.

Protective custody, Oct. 4, 0136 hours — The inebriate who had fallen into the water was taken into protective custody after he was released from the clinic, due to the danger he clearly posed to himself.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Two arrested in burglary at research institute

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Aleknagik Lake
Type: Burglary
On 10/03/09 at 0915 hours, the Alaska State Troopers in Dillingham received a report from Daniel Chythlook of Aleknagik Lake that the Fishery Research Institute campus in Aleknagik Lake had been burglarized. Investigation revealed that Alexie McCarr, 22, and Bernard McCarr, 27, both of Aleknagik Lake, used burglary tools to break into three campus dwellings causing $500 in damage to each dwelling. During the crime spree, the McCarrs gained access to the campus's office building. The estimated value of stolen items for the three dwellings and the office building was estimated to be over $50. The McCarr brothers were arrested and transported to the Dillingham correctional facility, where they were lodged pending their arraignments.

Troopers cite longliner for keeping lingcod

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Cordova, Icy Bay subdistrict
Type: Commercial fishing closed season
On 10-04-09, at approximately 1600 hours, Alaska Wildlife Troopers from Cordova Post contacted Randy Kraxberger, age 55, of Port Townsend, Wash. Investigation revealed that Kraxberger had been fishing in a longline fishery for sablefish when he caught and retained approximately 407 pounds of lingcod during a period when lingcod retention was closed by Alaska Department of Fish and Game emergency order. Kraxberger was summoned to appear in Cordova district court for arraignment on 10-28-09.

Friday, October 2, 2009

The Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter, as reported by the Unalaska Advertiser:

Trespass, Sept. 21 — Per UniSea security, officer issued a trespass advisement to a man who was on UniSea property but neither lived nor worked at the facility.

Environmental, Sept. 22 — Caller reported an extensive diesel slick spreading across Captains, Nateekin and Broad bays. Information turned over to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Assault, Sept. 23 — Officers responded to Westward Seafoods regarding an altercation between several roommates. Investigation revealed a room with one drunken roommate had assaulted two others. Mark Rivera, age 23, of Stockton, Calif., was arrested for assault.

Drunk disturbance, Sept. 25 — Caller reported a drunken man was pounding on his door and attempting to gain entry to the caller’s room, from which he had been asked to leave due to his obnoxious behavior. The suspect had left the area by the time officers arrived. UniSea security told officers they would address the matter internally.

Trespass, Sept. 27 — UniSea management requested that two men who had been smoking weed in the Harborview Inn be given trespass advisements. An officer issued same.

Theft, Sept. 27 — Complainant reported his backpack, containing $7,000 in cash, had been stolen from the Harborview Bar. Officers later determined that a friend had removed the backpack from the bar and placed it in a more secure area. No items were missing from the pack, and officers learned that the complainant had in fact never had $7,000 in his possession, simply a personal log of work he had done which he believed was worth $7,000. The complainant was strongly warned about making fraudulent reports.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Cordova coho 'molested,' troopers say

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Cordova
Type: Molesting of fish
On 09-28-09, at approximately 1630 hours, Alaska Wildlife Troopers from Cordova Post contacted a 17-year-old juvenile, of Cordova, as he was shooting at a school of coho salmon in a pond next to the roadway. A .22-caliber rifle was confiscated. The case will be referred to juvenile intake in Valdez.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

The Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter, as reported by the Unalaska Advertiser:

Theft, Sept. 13 — A woman reported her vehicle had been stolen from Amelia’s Restaurant and left at the Alaska Ship Supply liquor store. Investigation revealed that an unidentified man had taken and removed her truck because it was blocking his own vehicle. The woman elected not to pursue charges because she is “old-school Dutch,” and believes the unidentified man will learn some manners if he’s in the community long enough.

Sexual assault, Sept. 13 — Captain of a fishing vessel reported a crew member may have been sexually assaulted the last time his vessel was in Unalaska. Under investigation.

Assault, Sept. 14 — A woman reported a fight in progress in front of Stormy’s Restaurant. Officers arrived to find a hysterical woman crouched next to a melodramatic man who stated first that he had been choked, and then that he had been struck with a chair and finally that he had been struck with a television, though officers observed no injuries other than a black eye. A third, rather calm man advised officers that he had struck the man on the ground twice in the face after being spit upon and pushed. Subsequent investigation revealed that the histrionic victim had likely initiated the altercation. No charges were filed.

Ambulance request, Sept. 14 — EMS personnel attended to a histrionic man who demanded an ambulance for his internal injuries.

Fisherman cited for lack of vessel number plate

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Seward
Type: No number plate, commercial vessel
On 9/17/09 Dia A. Kuzmin, 22 yoa, of Delta Junction, operator and permit holder on the F/V Automatic, was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Seward Post, for failing to have a number plate aboard or attached to his vessel. Bail was set at $110.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Fisherman charged with excess ling cod bycatch

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Seward
Type: Exceed maximum bycatch
On 9/20/09 Vonifanti I. Basargin, 58 yoa, of Nikolaevsk, operator and permit holder on the F/V Eleon, was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Seward Post, for possessing 67.9 percent of bycatch (ling cod) in a directed groundfish fishery when the limit is 20 percent. Proceeds from the sale of the excess fish were seized by the state. Arraignment was set in the Seward District Court on 9/29/09.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

The Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter, as reported by the Unalaska Advertiser:

Trespass, Sept. 7 — An intoxicated, problematic ex-employee intent on visiting his wife ignored requests from Westward Seafoods security to leave the premises. The man left the area after an officer advised him he would be arrested if he did not do so. The man was also advised to contact management if he wished to visit his wife again.

Suspicious person, Sept. 9 — A UniSea security officer found an intoxicated, inarticulate man asleep on the steps inside the Harborview Inn. An officer was eventually able to wake the man, who said he was a guest at the inn but had sat down before getting to his room and had promptly fallen asleep. The officer helped him back to his room.

Assist other agency, Sept. 9 — Dispatch received information regarding a distress signal sent by a hiker on a two-week journey from the south end to the north end of Unalaska Island. Unalaska Department of Public Safety coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard, who sent a rescue helicopter to pick up the injured backpacker and his dog.

Suspicious person, Sept. 9 — Caller reported a man running and performing calisthenics in the middle of the roadway. Officers contacted the suspect, who was indeed running and otherwise exercising in the roadway.

Drunk disturbance, Sept. 9 — Harborview Bar staff requested assistance with an intoxicated patron who had been cut off but refused to leave. The patron, who stated he owned more than half of the bar, told an officer he had given the bartender $100 and had received no change, and would get the Homeland Security tapes to prove it. In spite of this, the officer advised the inebriate to leave and not return for a week, per bar management.

Theft, Sept. 12 — An intoxicated man took a cab back to his boat and told the cab driver he would return with the taxi fare. The rider subsequently disappeared onto the boat. An officer located the captain of the vessel, who agreed to pay the nearly $50 fare.

Suspicious person, Sept. 13 — One of three men fled as soon as he saw an officer approaching, scampering up some stairs and over a roof before disappearing from sight. The other two men denied a third person had ever existed, though officers later located the absquatulating individual, who said it was just a natural reaction on his part to run away from police officers.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Troopers cite Yukon River fishermen

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Lower Yukon River
Type: Commercial fishing
On 9/10/09, during Lower Yukon River game and commercial fishing patrol via state float plane, Alaska Wildlife Troopers from St. Marys issued citations to Billy Charles, 53 yoa, of Emmonak, for failing to have a CFEC permit and for employing an unlicensed crewman. A citation was also issued to Isaiah Charles, 21 yoa, of Emmonak, for failing to have a commercial crewmember license.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

The Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter, as reported by the Unalaska Advertiser:

Assist other agency, Aug. 31 — An Alaska state trooper asked an officer to take over an investigation of an assault. The officer determined that Andrew B. Knapp, 41 yoa, of Washington, had struck a crewman in the face several days earlier and had then struck the captain of the vessel when the captain told Knapp he was fired. Knapp was arrested on two counts of assault.

Ambulance request, Aug. 31 — EMS assisted a man who had possibly broken his arm after being crushed by a block of frozen fish.

DUI, Sept. 1 — Caller reported two possibly intoxicated men driving down Ulakta Road after igniting seal bombs at the top of Ballyhoo. With the help of the U.S. Coast Guard, an officer determined the suspects were crewmen aboard a USCG cutter. The matter was referred to federal authorities.

Welfare check, Sept. 4 — A very intoxicated man wanted to take his equally intoxicated friend home by placing him in a wheelbarrow and wheeling him down the street. An officer advised both drunks that it was probably not a particularly wise course of action, and instead provided transportation for the one man back to his home.

Trespass, Sept. 4 — Westward security reported a drunken man refused to leave their premises in spite of being asked to do so several times. An officer contacted the inebriate in question and told him to leave. He did.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Setnetters cited on waste, gear, crew violations

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Tsiu River
Type: Waste of salmon, gear violation
On 9/6/09 Sean P. Brownell, 44 yoa, of Haines, was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Cordova Post. Brownell, the permit holder of a Tsiu River setnet site, was cited for waste by throwing chum salmon overboard and for a gear violation, setting his net over more than half of the Tsiu River. Brownell's arraignment date was set for 10/28/09 in the District Court of Cordova.

Location: Tsiu River
Type: Employing unlicensed crewmember
On 9/6/09 Jeremiah Pavlik, 29 yoa, of Yakutat, was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Cordova Post. Pavlik was cited for employing Tiffany Pavlik as a crewmember on his setnet site without a current 2009 Alaska crewmembers license in her possession. Bail is set at $260 in the District Court of Cordova.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Seiner trashed in Old Harbor, suspect identified

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Old Harbor
Type: Criminal mischief
On 09-05-2009 at approximately 0926 hrs Alfred Cratty Jr, 54, of Old Harbor, phoned Alaska State Troopers and reported his fishing vessel F/V MARKELYA DAWN was damaged in excess of $7,000. AST flew to Old Harbor to investigate. AST investigation indicates that the F/V MARKELYA DAWN, a 48-foot seiner, incurred damages to the bow from striking the Old Harbor city dock. AST has identified a suspect. Alcohol was a factor in this incident.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Pebble copter helps rescue plane crash survivors

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Koliganek
Type: Aircraft crash, rescue
On 9/2/09, at approximately 1300 hours, a float plane piloted by Kirk Gay, age 65, of Anchorage, crash landed in the tundra approximately 6 miles northeast of the village of Koliganek. Gay and another fishing guide had flown two fishing clients into the area to fish on the Nushagak River from their lodge on Six Mile Lake. They were on their way back to the lodge when the aircraft's engine stalled and Gay made an emergency landing. No one was injured as a result of the crash, but the aircraft's floats were badly damaged. Using a satellite telephone, Gay was able to contact the Iliamna Air Taxi Service in Iliamna, who alerted authorities of the crash. AST Dillingham was eventually notified and an AWT aircraft and two troopers were dispatched to the scene. RCC Anchorage was also notified, along with the FAA and the NTSB. The Pebble Mine in Iliamna was contacted and they agreed to donate a helicopter from their operation to retrieve Gay and the three other members of his party. The four men were picked up by the helicopter approximately 1630 hours and they were returned the fishing lodge at 1800 hours.

Homer fisherman charged with sablefish violation

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Cook Inlet
Type: Commercial fish closed season
On 9/4/09 Steve Kalugin, 41 yoa, of Homer, was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Seward Post, for taking sablefish in the Cook Inlet Management Area (North Gulf Coast) when closed by emergency order. Arraignment was set in the Seward District Court on 9/29/09.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

The Dutch Harbor report — seal bombs away!

From the local police blotter, as reported by the Unalaska Advertiser:

Welfare check, Aug. 25 — Caller reported an intoxicated man lying on the side of the road. Officers found Robert Lewan McLean, 60 yoa, of Kenai, sleeping amongst some wildflowers at that location. McLean told officers he didn’t know how he got there, but thought it was very pleasant to wake up in a field of flowers. McLean, who reeked of alcohol and tilted to one side while standing, was ultimately arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to comply with alcohol screening.

Weapons, Aug. 25 — Dispatch received several calls regarding what may have been gunshots toward the end of Ballyhoo Road. Officers determined the noise was from seal bombs, and eventually located two drunks who admitted they had been on the hillside throwing seal bombs towards the roadway. One of the men, Erin Swinford, 26 yoa, was prohibited by court order from drinking and was arrested for violating conditions of release.

Welfare check, Aug. 27 — Officers spoke with an extremely intoxicated and urine-soaked man in front of the Harborview Inn, and determined he was still capable of caring for himself. The man took a taxi back to his vessel and officers ensured he was able to safely board same.

Found property, Aug. 28 — Seal bomb, at the airport. An officer secured the seal bomb for future destruction.

Death investigation, Aug. 28 — A man who had allegedly fallen while on board a tramper died at the clinic several hours after he was admitted. Cause of death in under investigation.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

The Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter, as reported by the Unalaska Advertiser:

Welfare check, Aug. 17 — Several 911 calls which originated from a U.S. Coast Guard vessel were received in dispatch. Investigation revealed the land-line system for the vessel was set up in such a way that long-distance calls might mistakenly dial 911 rather than the intended recipient.

Drunk disturbance, Aug. 18 — Officers responded to a drunken shoving match on board a fishing vessel and found two intoxicated men who provided sketchy stories about whatever had occurred between them. Neither party wished to pursue any charges and the men were instructed to separate for the night.

Animal, Aug. 18 — An incensed caller reported a young woman had abandoned a 3-month-old puppy in the middle of the road. The caller had already given the young woman a tongue-lashing regarding her reprehensible behavior but wanted police to be aware of the situation. An officer contacted the woman, who maintained that her puppy had jumped out the car window and that she’d had every intention of returning for it later. The responsible citizen who found the puppy in the roadway told police he would like to keep it and provide it with a good home.

EMS, Aug. 19 — A man who was bleeding from a large gash on the top of his head came to the Unalaska Department of Public Safety to report having been attacked by eagles near City Hall. The man was provided with basic first aid and transport to the clinic.

Suspicious person, Aug. 20 — Caller reported a man in camouflage crouched on a hilltop near the Dutch Harbor post office with what appeared to be a weapon. An officer located the potential terrorist, who turned out to be a photographer with a very large lens.

Assistance rendered, Aug. 23 — A woman whose life had been changed by a man she met in Texas called to ask police if he was really a resident of Unalaska and whether police had contact with him in the past. She was considering moving to Unalaska but wanted to make sure this life-changing man wasn’t a fake. An officer advised her that police indeed know the man. The woman also asked if she should move to Unalaska to be with him. The officer suggested that perhaps she consider why she was calling the police to make this kind of decision.

Troopers bust up illegal halibut sales scheme

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Klawock
Type: Selling federal caught subsistence halibut
On 08/06/09, at 1354 hours, Klawock Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Donald Nickerson Jr., age 44, of Klawock, for posting a sign outside the Klawock post office advertising fresh halibut for sale. At approximately 1430 hrs, Klawock AWT caught Nickerson attempting to sell federal caught subsistence halibut from his motor vehicle in Craig. The case was documented by AWT and forwarded to the National Marine Fisheries Service. Nickerson Jr. is being charged by NMFS with the illegal sale of federal caught subsistence halibut.

Seiner charged with fishing violation at Ketchikan

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Ketchikan
Type: Commercial fishing closed waters
On 08/11/2009 John R Liddicoat, 45 yoa, of Washington, was cited for commercial fishing in closed waters. Liddicoat was cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers after he was contacted while commercial salmon seining aboard the F/V Endurance. Investigation revealed the F/V Endurance was fishing in a closed area near Grant Cove. Arrangement was scheduled in Ketchikan for 08/17/2009.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Sen. Kookesh to fight subsistence fishing citation

On Aug. 6 the Alaska State Troopers issued the following press release about subsistence salmon fishing citations issued to state Sen. Albert Kookesh and others.

Here's an Associated Press story about how Kookesh plans to fight the charge.

Location: Angoon
Type: Take overlimit of subsistence salmon
On 7/12/09 Alaska Wildlife Troopers from Hoonah contacted Albert Kookesh Sr., Scott Hunter, Stanley Johnson and Rocky Estrada Sr. while they were in possession of 148 sockeye salmon they took subsistence fishing with a beach seine in Kanalku Bay near Angoon. These individuals and one other person on scene each had a valid subsistence permit allowing them to take and possess a total of 75 sockeye salmon collectively. The additional 73 sockeye salmon in their possession were provided to the senior center in Angoon. At the conclusion of the Troopers investigation, Albert Kookesh Sr., Scott Hunter, Stanley Johnson and Rocky Estrada Sr. were each cited for one count of taking an overlimit of subsistence salmon which is a mandatory court appearance. Court appearance date is 8/12/09 in Angoon District Court.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Cordova troopers make marijuana bust

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Cordova
Type: Misconduct involving a controlled substance
On 8/23/09 Robert W. Erickson, 49 yoa, of Kodiak, was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Cordova Post. Erickson was cited and released for smoking marijuana in public behind the Cordova Fish and Game office. The arraignment date was set for 9/30/09 in the District Court of Cordova.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Troopers ticket Kodiak fisherman, seize salmon

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Kodiak
Type: Commercial fish during closed period
On 8/22/09 at about 1139 hours, Alaska Wildlife Troopers received a report of a fishing vessel in Izhut Bay, fishing after the closure. Troopers responded and contacted Michael Clemens, age 50, of Las Vegas, Nev. Clemens was given a summons for commercial fishing during a closed period and released. Approximately 5,000 pounds of salmon was seized by troopers.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

The Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter, as reported by the Unalaska Advertiser:

Assist other agency, Aug. 9 — Robert L. Troup, 40 yoa, of Georgia, was arrested on an extraditable warrant out of Oregon for criminal nonsupport. Troup was located on a local fishing vessel and was taken into custody without incident.

Assistance rendered, Aug. 9 — Mother called requesting information on how to reach her daughter, who works on a vessel moored several miles from Unalaska. The mother was provided with contact numbers to reach the vessel.

Assault, Aug. 11 — Officers responded to Westward Seafoods, where it appeared a man and woman were fighting with one another. Investigation revealed the fight consisted only of the man holding and pushing the mildly intoxicated woman away from a bottle of alcohol he had just thrown away. The woman was additionally found to be on probation, with conditions including no alcohol consumption. Her probation officer was contacted and elected not to remand the violator.

Trespass, Aug. 12 — Westward security requested officer presence while a recently terminated employee was given a trespass advisement.

Traffic crime, Aug. 14 — UniSea security officer reported a man driving poorly through their facility, and suspected the driver might be intoxicated. The driver was found to be sober and was given a warning about driving carefully through private property.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Cook Inlet setnetter charged with crew violation

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Ninilchik
Type: Employ unlicensed crewmember
On 08-14-09 at approximately 1930 hours, Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Howard Ryherd, age 62 of Soldotna, at the Soldotna Wildlife Trooper Post. Investigation revealed that Ryherd employed James Ryherd, who did not possess a valid crewmember license for the summer of 2009. James Ryherd worked for Howard Ryherd at a commercial setnet site on the Ninilchik Beach near Mile 129 of the Sterling Highway. Howard Ryherd was issued a citation with bail set at $260.

Kodiak skipper charged with DUI, assault

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Afognak Island
Type: DUI and assault
On 8/13/09 at approximately 1604 hours a crewmember of the F/V Neva reported the captain, Kyle Mead, age 32 of Kodiak, had assaulted him on the boat. Investigation revealed that the assault and injury to the crewman took place while under way near Afognak Island. Further investigation revealed Mead was also navigating the F/V Neva while impaired by alcohol. Mead was arrested for driving while under the influence and assault.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Seiner fished illegally at Ketchikan, troopers say

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Ketchikan
Type: Commercial fishing closed waters
On 08/11/2009 John R. Liddicoat, 45 yoa, of Washington state, was cited for commercial fishing in closed waters. Liddicoat was cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers after he was contacted while commercial salmon seining aboard the F/V Endurance. Investigation revealed the F/V Endurance was fishing in a closed area near Grant Cove. Arrangement is scheduled in Ketchikan on 08/17/2009.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Cordova fishermen net tickets on crew licenses

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Cordova
Type: Employ unlicensed crewmember
On 8/11/09 Bruce Privett, 41 yoa, of Wasilla, was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Cordova Post. Privett was cited for employing a crewmember, Bryson Patula, who didn't have a current 2009 Alaska crewmember license in his possession. Bail is set at $260.

Location: Cordova
Type: No crewmember license
On 8/11/09 Bryson G. Patula, 27 yoa, of Reno, Nev., was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Cordova Post. Patula was cited for commercial fishing without a current 2009 Alaska commercial crewmember license in his possession. Bail is set at $260.

Location: Cordova
Type: False statement on crewmember license
On 8/13/09 Trevor Clark, 21 yoa, of Juneau, was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Cordova Post, for making a false statement as to a material fact on his 2009 Alaska commercial crewmember license. The arraignment date was set for 9/30/09 in the District Court of Cordova.

Charter boat operator cited on logbook violations

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Seward
Type: Logbook violations
On 8/14/09 Mark A. Clemens, 50 yoa, of Seward, was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Seward Post, for failing to meet weekly mail-in dates on saltwater charter logbooks for vessels in his employ. Bail was set at $420.

Troopers cite Kodiak salmon fisherman

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Kodiak
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 8/15/09 Timothy Gossett, 54 yoa, of Kodiak, was cited by Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing for salmon in the Inner Kitoi Bay Section of the Afognak District after the 3 p.m. commercial closure.

'Cannonball' theft reported in Angoon

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Angoon
Type: Criminal mischief, theft
On 8-13-09, at 1531, Juneau AST and the Angoon VPSO responded to a report of criminal mischief and theft from a vehicle in Angoon. The owner of the vehicle reported that several windows on his van had been broken and several commercial fishing "cannonballs" had been stolen. The investigation in on going.

Friday, August 14, 2009

The Dutch Harbor report

From the Unalaska police blotter, as reported by the Unalaska Advertiser:

Trespass, Aug. 8 — UniSea security asked officers to locate a man who consistently causes problems at their facilities, and advise him he is no longer allowed on any of their premises.

Public safety, Aug. 8 — Courtesy call about the use of flares during a marine safety exercise.

Troopers ticket Maine man on permit violations

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Quinhagak
Type: Un-sworn Falsification II
On 8/13/09 Bethel Wildlife Troopers summonsed Henry F. Mark, age 47, of Pownal, Maine, on four counts of Un-sworn Falsification II. Mark is accused of making false statements on applications for Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission permits. Mark is scheduled for arraignment in Bethel District Court on 9/2/09.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Petersburg processor ticketed on two charges

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Petersburg
Type: No processor's code plates, no fisheries business license
On 08/07/09 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Petersburg Post, issued a summons to Tonka Seafoods of Petersburg for purchasing commercially caught fish while having no code plates and no fisheries business license. An investigation by troopers revealed Tonka Seafoods made 43 purchases of commercially caught fish this year, totaling 2,627 pounds of fish, without having 2009 processor's code plates or a 2009 fisheries business license. Arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 13 in the Petersburg District Court.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Another Dutch Harbor report

From the Unalaska police blotter, as reported by the Unalaska Advertiser:

Suicide, July 27 — Officer responded to a processing plant where an employee was allegedly threatening to commit suicide. Subsequent investigation determined an employee was disgruntled over the amount of hours he was allowed to work after accidentally chopping off the tip of his finger, but had no intention of harming himself.

Drunk disturbance, July 28 — A drunken hotel patron whose service dog was roaming the hallway and howling complained about having to pay cash for drinks at the Harbor View bar and demanded that UniSea, a company for which he does not work, fly him to another community in the Aleutians. The patron had a litany of other complaints.

Trespass, July 28 — UniSea security reported two possible trespassers on the cliffs above their bunkhouses. Officers contacted two young men who were cycling there and advised them that the area was both dangerous and private property.

Trespass, July 29 — Officers issued a trespass advisement, per company management, to two women who were visiting men in a company bunkhouse. The women, both underage, were also warned against consuming alcohol prior to coming of age.

Ambulance request, July 31 — EMS volunteers and UniSea safety officers provided medical care to a man with severe diabetic complications.

Disorderly conduct, Aug. 1 — Two men began arguing about tattoos in a company bunkhouse, resulting in one of them placing a call to police alleging that the other was smoking marijuana. The investigating officer found nothing to substantiate this assertion, and encouraged the two to separate for the night.

Welfare check, Aug. 1 — Caller requested assistance with a man who would not stop talking. Officers encouraged the loquacious individual to go elsewhere so the complainant could sleep.

Two Yukon fishermen plead guilty to chum waste

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Anvik
Type: Waste of salmon — after arraignment
On 7/15/09 Aniak Wildlife Troopers received reports that fish were being wasted during the Y4A commercial fisheries near Anvik. Investigation revealed that Gabriel J. Nicholi, 35, and Richard A. Nicholi, 54, both of Grayling, had wasted at least 80 chum salmon. Both men pled guilty on 8/5/09 in Aniak District Court to one count each of waste of salmon. Gabriel was fined $4,000 with $2,000 suspended, ordered to serve 30 days in jail with all 30 suspended and placed on probation two years. Richard was fined $2,000 with $1,000 suspended, ordered to serve 15 days in jail with all 15 suspended and placed on probation two years.

Here's an earlier press release the troopers issued on July 17 about this case:

Location: Anvik
Type: Waste of salmon
On 7/15/09 Aniak Wildlife Troopers received reports that fish were being wasted during the Y4A commercial fisheries near Anvik. The Y4A fishery is directed at the harvest of chum salmon roe. Investigation revealed that during a commercial opening on 7/13/09, Gabriel Nicholi, 35, of Grayling, had failed to utilize at least 80
chum salmon and Northern pike, by cutting the fish in half and depositing them in the river. Nicholi was issued a summons to appear in Aniak Court.

Troopers on Yukon patrol ticket fisherman

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Lower Yukon River
Type: Commercial license
On July 20 during Lower Yukon River commercial fishing patrol via state float plane, Alaska Wildlife Troopers from St. Marys issued a citation to Amos Prunes, DOB of 8/18/82, for failing to have a commercial crewmember license while commercial fishing.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Bunkhouse beating reported at Peter Pan cannery

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Port Moller
Type: Assault
The morning of 7/29/09, J. Christopher Burton, age 43, of Tacoma, Wash., a crew member aboard a commercial fishing boat, was severely beaten by another fisherman inside the Peter Pan cannery bunkhouse in Port Moller. Burton's injuries were treated by the PA at the cannery clinic. On 8/1/09 Burton was flown into Anchorage, where he received additional treatment at Alaska Regional Hospital before being released to return to his home in Washington on 8/2/09. The incident is under investigation by AST.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Petersburg crabber pinched on Dungeness catch

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Petersburg
Type: Undersize commercial Dungeness crab
On 07/31/09 at 1000 hours, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Petersburg Post issued a summons to Thomas D. Parker, 44 yoa, of Petersburg, in the Wrangell Narrows near Petersburg for possessing undersize commercially caught Dungeness crab. An investigation by troopers revealed Parker was in possession of four undersize commercially caught Dungeness crabs out of a total of 44 Dungeness crabs aboard the F/V Mad Meg, resulting in 10 percent undersize crabs on board. Arraignment is scheduled in the Petersburg District Court for 08/13/2009.

Friday, July 31, 2009

A sharp reporter and a flying peach hit Dutch

From the Unalaska police blotter, as reported by the Unalaska Advertiser:

Assistance rendered, July 23 — A female reporter writing about life in Dutch Harbor arrived in town several days ago after a “friend” told her he had made arrangements for her to stay in a hotel while she completed her article. Upon arrival she found that her “friend” hadn’t quite told her the truth and expected her to stay with him in his employer-provided room. The reporter quickly learned this was a less than ideal situation but was unsure what options were available to her. An officer helped her find alternative lodging with a local shelter.

Trespass, July 23 — UniSea security reported having difficulty with an intoxicated man at the Grand Aleutian. Upon arrival, inebriate Warren Elachik, 29 yoa, of St. Michael, began running about threatening and spitting at both security and police officers. Elachik was eventually captured and subdued, and arrested on three counts of Harassment I and one count Assault IV.

Criminal mischief, July 23 — Officers responded to UniSea after receiving a report that a fire extinguisher had been activated in and then stolen from one of the bunkhouses; the extinguisher fumes had subsequently activated the fire alarm, prompting an evacuation of the building. Interviews with a variety of possible witnesses turned up one woman with a warrant for counterfeiting as well as suspect Clifton Lewis, 28 yoa, of California. Lewis told officers that he had activated the extinguisher because alcohol affected his judgment. Lewis was arrested for Terroristic Threatening II and Criminal Mischief IV.

Criminal mischief, July 23 — Harbor officer reported a window on a building at the U.S. Coast Guard dock had been damaged; it was unclear if the damage was intentional or due to recent high winds, but there did not appear to be anything missing from within.

Animal, July 20 — Deceased cat removed from the roadway.

Assault, July 20 — Caller reported he had been assaulted with a peach. Responding officers found the victim with the syrupy remnants spattered on his back. The victim did not wish to pursue charges but asked that officers speak to the suspect.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Goodnews Bay fisherman nets $1,500 fine

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Goodnews Bay
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 7/22/09 Peter B. Roberts, age 61, of Goodnews Bay, pled guilty in Bethel District Court to one count of commercial fishing during a closed period. Roberts was fined $7,000 with $5,500 suspended, three years probation and was ordered to forfeit the illegally taken fish.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Some Dutch Harbor action

From the Unalaska police blotter, as reported by the Unalaska Advertiser:

Welfare check, July 16 — UniSea security officer saw a drunken man attempting to board a vessel and then seconds later noticed the man was gone. The security officer found the man in the water, rescued him and took him to the UniSea dispensary for medical care. The intoxicated and belligerent victim refused treatment and fled the area. Hours later the victim phoned Public Safety and reported he was in fact uninjured.

Trespass, July 18 — Officer issued a trespass advisement, for all UniSea property, to a recently terminated employee per UniSea management’s request.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Two indicted in subsistence halibut scheme

From the Justice Department:

July 24, 2009

Juneau men indicted by federal grand jury for illegal halibut sales

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that David Skrzynski and Jason Maroney, both of Juneau, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Anchorage on charges of violating the Lacey Act by selling halibut that was taken in violation of federal regulations.

The nine-count indictment names Skrzynski, 58, and Maroney, 38, as the sole defendants.

According to the nine-count indictment, Skrzynski holds a valid Subsistence Halibut Registration Certificate (otherwise known as a “SHARC card”), which allows him to fish for halibut for subsistence purposes. However, federal regulations prohibit the commercial sale of subsistence halibut.

Maroney was the owner of Doc Waters Pub in Juneau. The indictment alleges a continuing scheme from July 2005 to February 2008 where Skrzynski sold subsistence halibut to Maroney for resale in Doc Waters Pub.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder, who presented the case to the grand jury, indicated that the law provides for a maximum total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

The indictment also includes a criminal forfeiture count for Skrzynski’s vessel, the Drommen.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Law Enforcement, Alaska Enforcement Division, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

May we come aboard? Please?

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Dutch Harbor
Type: Fail to allow inspection of commercial fishing vessel
On 7/10/09 Mitchell S. Hull, 51 yoa, of Seattle, the skipper of the fishing vessel Ocean Peace, pleaded guilty to the offense of failing to allow inspection and boarding of a commercial fishing vessel. Hull was cited for the offense on April 29 in Dutch Harbor Captains Bay after he attempted to impede troopers from boarding and inspecting the F/V Ocean Peace. Troopers boarded and inspected the vessel and Hull was subsequently charged for the offense. At his sentencing Hull was fined $1,500 with none suspended.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Incident at Graveyard Point

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Graveyard Point, Bristol Bay
Type: Misconduct involving weapons, reckless endangerment
On 7-11-09 the Alaska State Troopers in King Salmon were notified of an incident that occurred at the old Koggiung Cannery site at Graveyard Point. It was reported that Robert Gallimore, age 46, of California, had shot a rifle into one of the buildings. Investigation revealed that Gallimore fired 5 rounds from his .45-70 rifle into a building that was being used as temporary housing for a setnet crew. No one was injured during the shooting. Gallimore was arrested on five counts of misconduct involving weapons in the second degree and one count of reckless endangerment. Gallimore was remanded to the King Salmon jail where bail was set at $10,000.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Copper River gillnetter pays dearly for violation

Here's a follow-up from the Alaska State Troopers on a poaching case we first reported back on July 1:

Location: Cordova
Type: Commercial fish closed period, waste of salmon
On 7/02/09 Nikolai P. Reutov, 39 yoa, of Homer, pled guilty in Anchorage District Court to the charges of commercial fishing closed period and waste of salmon. Information from a commercial fisherman was instrumental in this investigation. Investigation revealed that Reutov was the skipper of the F/V Sushi, a 33-foot bowpicker. Reutov admitted to commercial fishing during a closed period and waste of salmon on the Copper River flats. For commercial fishing closed period Reutov received a $15,000 fine with $5,000 suspended and 90 days in jail with 90 suspended. On the waste of salmon he received a $500 fine. Reutov further forfeited his catch of the day on 6/21/09 of approximately $900 and his vessel the F/V Sushi along with fishing nets involved. Reutov was given the ability to purchase his vessel back at a price of $20,000. Reutov was to pay $100 in court fees and was placed on probation for 6 years. The Alaska Wildlife Troopers again would like to thank the concerned commercial fisherman involved.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Another slew of Bristol Bay citations

From the Alaska State Troopers

Location: Naknek
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 7/5/09 Dorwin L. Malsbury Jr., 38 yoa, of Oldtown, Idaho, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing closed waters south of the south line in the Naknek commercial salmon district. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District court on 7/15/09.

Location: Naknek
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 7/4/09 Olin Thomas Green, 37 yoa, of Vancouver, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing closed water south of the south district line in the Naknek commercial salmon district. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/15/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 7/4/09 Robert Brockhoff, 56 yoa, of Grayland, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing during a closed period. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/10/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 7/1/09 Jeffrey Corrick, 48 yoa, of Olympia, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed water in the Egegik District. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/15/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 7/6/09 Nicholas W. Jordan, 21 yoa, of Blaine, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed water north of the north line in the Egegik commercial salmon district. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/15/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Illegal operation of gear
On 7/9/09 Joshua C. Phelps, 24 yoa, of St. Helena, Calif., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing with setnet gear that was being operated illegally in the Egegik District. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/17/09.

Location: Kvichak District
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 7/6/09 Howard J. Knutson, 79 yoa, of Anchorage, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing during a closed period in the Kvichak District west of the open Naknek District boundary line. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/15/09.

Location: Naknek
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 7/8/09 Giuseppe Torrente, 28 yoa, of Gloucester, Mass., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed water in the Naknek-Kvichak District. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/10/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 7/6/09 Lawrence O. Higgins, 54 yoa, of La Conner, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed water north of the north district line of the Egegik commercial salmon district. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/15/09.

Location: Naknek
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 7/5/09 Peter J. Guerra, 62 yoa, of Monterey, Calif., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing closed water south of the south district boundary line of the Naknek commercial salmon district. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/15/09.

Location: Nushagak
Type: Improper display of ADF&G numbers
On 7/6/09 David John Mathison, 54 yoa, of Kodiak, was cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers for improper display of his vessel ADF&G 12-inch numbers. Bail is set at $210.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 7/7/09 Travis Lynn Battreal, 42 yoa, of Brownwood, Texas, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fish closed water north of the north line in the Egegik commercial salmon district. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/15/09.

Location: Nushagak District
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 7/7/09 Robert Lebovic, 48 yoa, of Asheville, N.C., was cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing closed period in the Nushagak District. Arraignment is scheduled in Dillingham District Court on 7/13/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Fail to register drift boat
On 7/9/09 Ronald A. Abalama, 49 yoa, of Old Harbor, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in the Egegik District with an unlicensed drift boat. Bail was set at $200.

Location: Nushagak District
Type: Illegal driftnet
On 7/5/09 William Charles Nelson Jr., 52 yoa, of Ekwok, and Jimmy W. Petla, 51 yoa, of Koliganek, were cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers for commercial drift gillnet fishing with 25 fathoms of commercial drift gillnet over the allowed amount of drift
gillnet for a "D" fishing vessel in the Nushagak District. Arraignment is scheduled in Dillingham District Court on 7/13/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 7/7/09 Bryce L. Hatch, 50 yoa, of Twin Falls, Idaho, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in the closed water north of the north line of the Egegik commercial salmon district. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/17/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 7/7/09 Phillips D. Hayman, 25 yoa, of Twin Falls, Idaho, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in the closed water north of the north district line in the Egegik commercial salmon district. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/17/09.

Location: Nushagak District
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 7/5/09 Russell Dyasuk, 20 yoa, of Dillingham, was cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters. Arraignment is scheduled in Dillingham District Court on 7/13/09.

Location: Nushagak District
Type: Commercial fish closed period
on 7/5/09 Joshua Lewis, 57 yoa, of Kodiak, was cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing curing a closed period. Arraignment is scheduled in Dillingham District Court on 7/13/09.

Location: Kulukak Bay
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 7/6/09 Frank Logusak, 58 yoa, of Togiak, was cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters. Arraignment is scheduled Dillingham District Court on 7/14/09.

Location: Togiak
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 7/9/09 Oliver Mark, 28 yoa, of Twin Hills, was cited by Dillingham Wildlife Enforcement Troopers for Commercial Fishing in closed waters. Arraignment is scheduled in Dillingham District Court on 7/14/09.

Location: Rocky Point
Type: Commercial fishing closed water
On 7/9/09 Joey Pavian, 19 yoa, of Togiak, was cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters. Arraignment is scheduled in Dillingham District Court on 7/14/09.

Location: Rocky Point
Type: Commercial fishing closed water
On 7/6/09 Peter Lockuk, 54 yoa, of Togiak, was cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters. Arraignment is scheduled in Dillingham District Court on 7/14/09.

Location: Kulukak Bay
Type: Commercial fishing closed water
On 7/9/09 Darren Byayuk, 28 yoa, of Togiak, was cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters. Arraignment is scheduled in Dillingham District Court on 7/14/09.

Location: Nushagak District
Type: Commercial fishing closed period
On 7/6/09 Timurphy Pavella, 52 yoa, of New Stuyahok, was cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing during a closed period. Arraignment is scheduled in Dillingham District Court on 7/14/09.

Location: Naknek
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 7/2/09 Jami Greenfield, 20 yoa, of Chinook, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing during a closed period in the Naknek section. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/15/09.

Some Cook Inlet cases

Location: Soldotna
Type: Commercial fishing closed period
On 7/10/09 Alaska Wildlife Troopers issued a summons to appear in court to 24-year-old David W. Reutov of Homer for commercial fishing during a regularly closed period of the of the Upper Cook Inlet commercial fishery on Thursday, June 25.

Location: Soldotna
Type: Commercial fishing closed period
On 7/10/09 Alaska Wildlife Troopers issued a summons to appear in court to 44-year-old Lazar I. Reutov of Homer for commercial fishing in a closed period in the Kasilof Section of the Upper Cook Inlet commercial fishery per ADF&G emergency order No. 9.

TNT, Silver Surfer, Shameless and Tommyknocker

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Cordova
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7-2-09 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Arvo Tomrdle, age 36, of Kenai, for commercial fishing in closed waters near the Coghill District in Prince William Sound on the F/V TNT. Arraignment is scheduled for 7-29-09 in Cordova District Court.

Location: Cordova
Type: Gillnet operation
On 7-5-09 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Colten Tutt, age 19, of Homer, for operating a drift gillnet in a manner not conforming with its basic design near Green Island on the F/V Silver Surfer. Arraignment is scheduled for 7-29-09 in Cordova District Court.

Location: Cordova
Type: Gillnet operation
On 7-5-09 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Mark D. Adams, age 46, of Blaine, Wash., for operating a drift gillnet in a manner not conforming with its basic design near Port Chalmers on the F/V Shameless. Arraignment is scheduled for 7-29-09 in Cordova District Court.

Location: Cordova
Type: Gillnet operation
On 7-5-09 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Nathan Doll, age 32, of Cordova, for operating a drift gillnet in a manner not conforming with its basic design near Port Chalmers on the F/V Tommyknocker. Arraignment is scheduled for 7-29-09 in Cordova District Court.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Medical emergency at Egegik

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Egegik
Type: Medical assist
On 7/3/09 at approximately 0950 hours, the F/V Roser reported that a member of their crew, Jerry Foster, 48 yoa, had collapsed on the deck of the fishing vessel from a suspected cardiac arrest. The State Troopers patrol vessel Stimson responded to the distress call. Trooper personnel boarded the F/V Roser at which time Foster was treated and stabilized. Foster was subsequently attended to by troopers and crew members and transported by the F/V Roser to the Egegik clinic for a medevac transport.

Troopers cite several Bristol Bay fishermen

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Naknek
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 7/2/09 Thomas Tormala, 30 yoa, of Kodiak, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed water in the Naknek section. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/15/09.

Location: Naknek
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 7/6/09 Ingi C. Huswick, 23 yoa, of Lake Stevens, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed water in the Naknek District. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/15/09.

Location: Naknek
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 7/6/09 Darrin S. Manor, 44 yoa, of Bainbridge Island, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed water in the Naknek District. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District court on 7/15/09.

Location: Naknek
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 7/6/09 Timothy Stanton, 23 yoa, of Arlington, Va., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed water in the Naknek District. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District court on 7/15/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Unlit driftnet
On 7/4/09 Scot O. Niver, 50 yoa, of Palmer, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for failing to display a light on driftnet gear during hours of darkness. Bail was set at $250.

Location: Naknek
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 7/6/09 Peter Francis, 49 yoa, of Salt Lake City, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for fishing in closed water. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/15/09.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Two Sitka cases

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka — Hidden Falls Terminal Harvest Area
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/6/09 at approximately 1347 hours the Juneau office of the Alaska Wildlife Troopers on board the PV Sentry issued Jason L. Miller, age 31, of Petersburg, a summons for commercial fishing outside of the Hidden Falls THA boundary, in closed waters. Arraignment is set for Sept. 1, 2009, at 1330 hours in the Sitka District Court.

Location: Sitka — Hidden Falls Terminal Harvest Area
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/5/09 the Juneau office of the Alaska Wildlife Troopers on board the PV Sentry issued John R. Liddicoat, age 45, of Seattle, a summons for commercial fishing outside of the Hidden Falls THA boundary, in closed waters. Arraignment is set for September 1, 2009, at 1330 hours in the Sitka District Court.

Costly catches in Bristol Bay's Nushagak District

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Nushagak
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 07/06/09 Bryan D. Hodgson, 25 yoa, of Aleknagik, pled no contest in Dillingham District Court to charges of commercial fishing during a closed period in the Nushagak District. He was fined $6,000 with $2,000 suspended, forfeited 239 pounds of seized fish and on probation for two years with no other commercial fishing violations.

Location: Nushagak
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 07/06/09 Dimitian Kalugin, 19 yoa, of Homer, pled no contest in Dillingham District Court to charges of commercial fishing in closed waters of the Nushagak District. He was fined $3,000 with $1,200 suspended with probation for two years with no other commercial fishing offenses.

Location: Nushagak
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 07/07/09 David W. Pedersen, 64 yoa, of Dillingham, pled no contest in Dillingham District Court to charges of commercial fishing during a closed period in the Nushagak District. He was fined $6,000 with $2,000 suspended with probation of three years with no commercial fishing violations.

Location: Nushagak
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 07/07/09 Peter Erofeeff, 21 yoa, of New Angel, Ore., pled no
contest in Dillingham District Court to charges of commercial fishing in a closed period in the Nushagak District. He was fined $3,000 with $1,500 suspended, forfeit 7,424 lbs of fish and on probation for two years with no commercial fish violations.

Location: Nushagak
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 07/06/09 Carey Charles Carscallen, 57 yoa, of Berrien Springs, Mich., pled guilty in Dillingham District Court to charges of commercial fishing during a closed period in the Nushagak District. He was fined $2,500 and forfeited 128 pounds of seized fish.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Some Chignik action

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Chignik Lake
Type: Assault
On 7/7/09 the Chignik Lake village public safety officer investigated a report of an assault. Investigation showed that a fisherman accused another fisherman of criminal mischief. An argument ensued and threats were made to one another. However, no physical assault occurred. Investigation is ongoing and the names of the fishermen are being withheld until the investigation is complete.

Location: Chignik Lake
Type: Criminal mischief
On 7/8/09 a Chignik Lake resident reported that someone unknown cut the line between his skiff and anchor. The boat did not float away. The lost anchor was valued at under $25. Investigation continues.

Three more Bristol Bay fishermen cited

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial dish closed waters
On 7-7-2009 Alaska Wildlife Troopers issued a summons to Bryce Lee Hatch, 50 yoa, of Twin Falls, Idaho, for commercial fishing in closed waters by drift gillnet outside of the Egegik Sockeye Salmon District. The case was documented by Trooper Fay in a state aircraft. Arraignment is set for the Naknek Court on July, 17, 2009.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7-7-2009 Alaska Wildlife Troopers issued a summons to Travis L. Battreal, 42 yoa, of Brownwood, Texas, for commercial fishing in closed waters by drift gillnet outside of the Egegik Sockeye Salmon District. The case was documented by Trooper Fay in a state aircraft. Arraignment is set for the Naknek Court on July 15, 2009.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7-7-2009 Alaska Wildlife Troopers issued a summons to Phillips Hayman, 25 yoa, of Twin Falls, Idaho, for commercial fishing in closed waters by drift gillnet outside of the Egegik Sockeye Salmon District. The case was documented by Trooper Fay in a state aircraft. Arraignment is set for the Naknek Court on July, 17, 2009.

'Deadliest' devotee departs Dutch disenchanted

From the Unalaska police blotter, as reported by the Unalaska Advertiser:

Missing person, July 4 — A young man who had watched far too many episodes of “Deadliest Catch” tried his hand at fishing in the Bering Sea but was unable to work due to extreme seasickness. After the penniless youth was booted from his boat in the village of Atka, a passing couple took pity on him and agreed to give him a ride back to Unalaska on their small vessel. Days later and pounds lighter, the young man disembarked in Unalaska and was not heard from again by the couple. They were concerned for his well-being and reported his absence to the police. Officers determined the disenchanted youth had likely sold his laptop for a plane ticket out of our fair community.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Two Kuskokwim cases

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Quinhagak
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 7/6/09 Bethel Wildlife Troopers on a routine commercial fisheries patrol in Kuskokwim District W-4 summonsed Gary A. Sharp, age 49, of Quinhagak, into Bethel District Court on one count of commercial fishing during a closed period. Sharp is scheduled for arraignment in Bethel Court on 7/22/09.

Location: Quinhagak
Type: Employ unlicensed crewmember
On 7/6/09 Bethel Wildlife Troopers on a routine commercial fisheries patrol in Kuskokwim District W-4 cited Nicolai W. Mark, age 43, of Quinhagak, for employing an unlicensed crewmember. Bail set at $250.

More Bristol Bay fishermen ticketed

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7-6-2009 Alaska Wildlife Troopers issued a summons to Walter N. Jordan, 21 yoa, of Blaine, Wash., for commercial fishing in closed waters by drift gillnet outside of the Egegik Sockeye Salmon District. The case was documented by a state aircraft. Arraignment is set for the Naknek Court on July 15, 2009.

Location: Egegik
Type: Improper vessel marking on a setnet vessel
On 7-6-2009 Alaska Wildlife Troopers issued a summons to George Tibbets, 36 yoa, of Anchorage, for improper markings on his setnet vessel. Arraignment is set for the Naknek Court on July 15, 2009.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7-6-2009 Alaska Wildlife Troopers issued a summons to Lawrence Higgins, 54 yoa, of La Conner, Wash., for commercial fishing in closed waters by drift gillnet outside of the Egegik Sockeye Salmon District. The case was documented by a state aircraft. Arraignment is set for the Naknek Court on July 15, 2009.

Location: Egegik
Type: Fail to attach light to gear while commercial fishing at night
On 7-6-2009 Alaska Wildlife Troopers issued a citation to George Tibbets, 36 yoa, of Anchorage, for failing to attached a light to the end of his gillnet while fishing at night. Bail is at $260 for the Naknek District Court.

Location: Nushagak
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 07/04/09 Ronald Brill, 54 yoa, of Mukilteo, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Enforcement Troopers for commercial fishing during a closed period in the Nushagak District. Arraignment is scheduled in Dillingham District Court on 07/13/09.

Location: Nushagak
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 07/04/09 Glen Davis, 47 yoa, of Belfair, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Enforcement Troopers for commercial fishing during a closed period in the Nushagak District. Arraignment is scheduled in Dillingham District Court on 07/13/09.

Boat rammed in Bristol Bay

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Egegik
Type: Prohibited operation of watercraft
On 7/7/09, at 0200 hours, Alaska Wildlife Troopers while patrolling the Egegik District received a report of a vessel being rammed in Egegik. Further investigation revealed that the F/V Tiger II had rammed/collided with the F/V Ayhan while it was at anchor. The skipper of the F/V Tiger II, Marc D. McKee, 38 yoa, was contacted and found to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. Additional charges are being forwarded to the District Attorneys Office for review and disposition. Investigation is ongoing.

Burglary at Adak Fisheries reported

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Adak
Type: Burglary/theft
On 7-1-09, approximately 0830 hrs, Alaska State Troopers investigated the report of a burglary at the Adak Fisheries plant in Adak which occurred sometime during the preceding two days. A Dell desktop computer valued at $1,300 was stolen. AST investigation continues.

Monday, July 6, 2009

27 Bristol Bay fishermen cited

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 7/1/09 Austin J. Adler, 26 yoa, of Kenai, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing during a closed period in the Egegik District. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/17/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 7/1/09 Greg C. Peterson, 47 yoa, of Edmonds, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed water north of the north line in Egegik. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/8/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 7/2/09 Melvin J. Wisenor, 48 yoa, of White Bird, Idaho, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed water in the Egegik District. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/10/09.

Location: Naknek District
Type: Fail to register as dual permit holders
On 6/30/09 Anthony J. Russo, 62 yoa, of Moss Landing, Calif., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing with dual permits aboard the F/V New Alaskan without both permits being registered with ADF&G. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/9/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 6/30/09 Clayton W. Hoy, 21 yoa, of Everson, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed water north of the Egegik north line. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/10/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Unlit setnet
On 7/4/09 Stephan Furman, 53 yoa, of Wasilla, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in the Egegik District with an unlit setnet after sunset. Bail was set at $250.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 7/1/09 Jeffrey Corrick, 48 yoa, of Olympia, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed water in the Egegik District. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/15/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 6/30/09 James A. Parker, 54 yoa, of Marysville, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed water in the Egegik District. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/9/08.

Location: Egegik
Type: Unlit Setnet
On 7/4/09 Eric Bayne, 49 yoa, of Everett, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing after sunset with an unlit driftnet in the Egegik District. Bail was set at $250.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 7/1/09 Charles G. Nash, 37 yoa, of Friday Harbor, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed water in the Egegik District. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/9/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 6/30/09 Guylen Hoy, 48 yoa, of Everson, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed water north of the Egegik north line. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/10/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 6/19/09 David T. Fletcher, 31 yoa, of Port Townsend, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed water south of the Egegik Commercial Salmon Fishing District. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/8/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Driftnet too close to Setnet
On 6/24/09 Peter Most, 51 yoa, of Egegik, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for operating a drift gillnet within 100 feet of the offshore end of a set gillnet in the Egegik District. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/9/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Unlit driftnet
On 7/4/09 Steven Fox, 53 yoa, of Seattle, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing after sunset with an unlit driftnet in the Egegik District. Bail was set at $250.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 7/2/09 Eric L. Marble, 18 yoa, of La Conner, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed water in the Egegik District. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/10/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fishing closed water
On 6/19/09 Leland S. Clark, 52 yoa, of Naselle, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed water south of the Egegik Commercial Salmon District. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/8/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 6/19/09 Charles Gordon, 57 yoa, of Vashon, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing during a closed period in the Egegik District. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/10/09.

Location: Nushagak
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 07/04/09 Jonathan D. OHara, 18 yoa, of Chugiak, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Enforcement Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters in the Nushagak District. Arraignment is scheduled in Dillingham District Court on 07/13/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Unlit driftnet
On 7/5/09 Cody C. Rice, 24 yoa, of Girdwood, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing after sunset in the Egegik District with an unlit driftnet. Bail was set at $250.

Location: Egegik
Type: Unlit driftnet
On 7/5/09 Jason Bakk, 28 yoa, of Nikiski, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing after sunset in the Egegik District with an unlit driftnet. Bail was set at $250.

Location: Egegik
Type: Unlit setnet
On 7/9/09 Josh Phelps, 24 yoa, of St. Helena, Calif., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing after sunset in the Egegik District with an unlit setnet. Bail was set at $250.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 7/3/09 James A. Parker, 54 yoa, of Lake Stevens, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed water in the Egegik District. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 7/5/09 Thomas C. Aliotti, 40 yoa, of Bellingham, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed water in the Egegik District. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court.

Location: Egegik
Type: Unlit driftnet
On 7/5/09 Henry Shavings, 85 yoa, of Anchorage, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing after sunset in the Egegik District with an unlit driftnet. Bail was set at $250.

Location: Egegik
Type: Unlit driftnet
On 7/5/09 Geoffrey Lynn Bower, 53 yoa, of La Conner, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing after sunset in the Egegik District with an unlit driftnet. Bail was set at $250.

Location: Egegik
Type: Grounding
On 7/2/09 Patrick Villani, 49 yoa, of Bellevue, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fish by grounding a drift gillnet in the Egegik District. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/9/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Unlit driftnet
On 7/4/09 Steven Haney, 24 yoa, of Palmer, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing after sunset in the Egegik District with an unlit driftnet. Bail was set at $250.