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.

Yukon River citations issued

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Lower Yukon River
Type: Commercial fishing; boating safety
During the weekend of July 4th, while on Lower Yukon River commercial fishing patrol via state float plane, Alaska Wildlife Troopers from St. Marys issued citations to the following: Robert Jones, 26 yoa, of Bethel, for failing to have any ID while commercial fishing. Citations were also issued to Simeon Phillip, 24 yoa, of Alakanuk, and Edward Post, 50 yoa, of Alakanuk, for failing to have proper vessel numbers while commercial fishing. Ignatius Murphy, 20 yoa, of Nunam Iqua, was issued a citation for not having a commercial crewmember license, and Cyril Murphy, 46 yoa, of Nunam Iqua, was issued citations for employing an unlicensed crewmember and for not being present for the operation of his commercial fishing gear. Jonathon Borkowsi, 20 yoa, of Emmonak, was issued a citation for failing to have his boat registered.

Suspect sought in $100,000 theft from AMCC

From the Anchorage Police Department:

July 6, 2009

Request for assistance of the public
Subject: Nonprofit fraud suspect sought


Detectives with Anchorage Police Department Financial Crimes Unit are seeking the assistance of the public in locating a person they believe has stolen over $100,000 using company credit cards, company accounts and false reimbursements. The victim of these crimes was the Alaska Marine Conservation Council, a nonprofit organization and the suspect is a former employee. The crimes are believed to have taken place over several months. As a result of these thefts, all paid employees were put on furlough and several employees have lost their jobs.

The suspect, Travis Robinson, a 36-year-old Anchorage resident, 5-foot-8, 190 pounds, brown hair and green eyes, is wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant which includes the charges of theft 1st, scheme to defraud, fraudulent use of an access device, and tampering with physical evidence.

Anyone with information which may help further this investigation is asked to call APD at 786-8900 or Crime Stoppers at 561-STOP or to submit your tip anonymously using the secure Web site: www.anchoragecrimestoppers.com.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Another dandy Dutch Harbor report

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

Assault, June 23 — A drunken fisherman, upon being told by his captain that he was too intoxicated to be aboard the boat, struck his captain and broke two windows in the wheelhouse of the boat. Iliodor Merculieff Jr., 43, of Anchorage, was charged for Assault 4 and Criminal Mischief 3. He was additionally found to be in violation of his probation.

Animal, June 21 — Caller reported that two eagles, who clearly had a dislike for each other, had locked talons mid-air and subsequently ensued in a spiral dive into the ground. The two eagles had then spent the next three hours, talons still locked, pecking violently at each other. An officer arrived and encouraged the eagles to settle their differences somewhere other than the middle of the roadway. The eagles obliged and flopped themselves off the road, both heavily injured.

Assault, June 22 — Two women, after an evening of drinking on the town, returned to their quarters aboard a fishing vessel. One of the women suddenly decided that the other was a slut, and proceeded to physically assault her for it. Sheila Johnson, 27, of Anchorage, was arrested for Assault 4.

Drug law violation, June 26 — UniSea turned over a package of a suspicious substance. The substance was determined to be chewing tobacco.

Fish cops stay busy in Bristol Bay

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 6/30/09 Iosif V. Kuzmin, 22 yoa, of Woodburn, Ore., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters in the Egegik District. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/9/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Improperly marked driftnet buoy
On 6/27/09 Dennis Matson, 47 yoa, of Pilot Point, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing with an improperly marked driftnet gear buoy in the Egegik District. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/9/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed water
On 7/2/09 Michael D. Bridges, 48 yoa, of Moab, Utah, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters in the Egegik District. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District court on 7/10/09.

Location: Naknek
Type: Unlit driftnet
On 7/1/09 James E. Berg, 51 yoa, of Lake Forest Park, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing after sunset with an unlit driftnet in the Naknek District. Bail was set at $250.00.

Location: Egegik
Type: Fail to report lost driftnet
On 6/25/09 Larry Christensen, 48 yoa, of Freeland, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for failure to report a lost driftnet within 15 hours to ADF&G while fishing in the Egegik District. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/10/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Unlit setnet buoy
On 7/2/09 Sid C. Bissonette, 45 yoa, of Anchorage, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing after sunset with an unlit setnet in the Egegik District. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/15/09.

Location: Egegik
Type: Unlit drift gillnet
On 7/2/09 John Culmine, 75 yoa, of Bellingham, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing with an unlit drift gillnet in the Egegik District. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/15/09.

Some Valdez cases

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Valdez
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6-28-09 Jerome Kummerfeldt, 44 yoa, of Granite Falls, Wash., was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Valdez Post. Kummerfeldt was issued a citation for commercial fishing in closed waters outside the Eshamy District, western Prince William Sound. Arraignment scheduled in the Cordova Court on 7-29-09.

Location: Valdez
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6-27-09 Matthew Romens, 41 yoa, of Cordova, was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Valdez Post. Romens was issued a citation for commercial fishing in closed waters outside the Eshamy District, western Prince William Sound. Arraignment scheduled in the Cordova Court on 7-29-09.

Location: Valdez
Type: Commercial fish w/o crewmember license
On 6-29-09 Alexis Hankins, of Oregon, was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Valdez Post. Hankins was issued a citation for commercial fishing aboard a tender without a 2009 commercial crewmember license in the Eshamy District, western Prince William Sound. Bail set at $260 in the Cordova Court.

Location: Valdez
Type: Employ unlicensed crewmember
On 6-29-09 Fred Hankins, 43 yoa, of Oregon, was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Valdez Post. Hankins was issued a citation for employing an unlicensed crewmember while working in the Eshamy District. Bail set at $260 in the Cordova Court.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Nushagak crackdown at Bristol Bay

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Nushagak
Type: Commercial fishing closed period
On 07/01/09 Blunka R. Blunka, 42 yoa, of New Stuyahok, 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 fishing closed period
On 07/01/09 Geoff Wyman, 61 yoa, of Oak Harbor, 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 fishing closed period
On 06/30/09 Mike Scott Saarheim, 49 yoa, of Astoria, Ore., 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 fishing closed period
On 06/30/09 Andrew Charles Peitsch, 40 yoa, of Astoria, Ore., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Enforcement Troopers for commercial fishing during a closed period in the Nushagak District.

Location: Nushagak
Type: Commercial fishing closed period
On 07/01/09 Kavik O. Anderson, 32 yoa, of Kodiak, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Enforcement Troopers for commercial fishing during a closed period. Arraignment is scheduled in Dillingham District Court on 07/13/09.

Location: Nushagak
Type: Commercial fishing closed period
On 07/03/09 Peter Erofeeff, 21 yoa, of New Angel, Ore., 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 07/07/09.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Copter spots alleged Cook Inlet fishing violator

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Soldotna
Type: Commercial fishing closed period
On 6-25-09 while on routine helicopter patrol of the Cook Inlet commercial fishery Alaska Wildlife Troopers observed the fishing vessel Redoubt with ADF&G number of 55759 fishing after the closure near Ninilchik. Troopers contacted 36-year-old Iosif T. Martishev of Homer and issued a summons to appear in court.

Bristol Bay setnet sites too close, troopers say

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Naknek
Type: Setnet too close to another setnet
On 7/1/09 Eli Kriegh, 24 yoa, of Eugene, Ore., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for having setnet gear within 300 feet of another setnet. Arraignment is scheduled in Naknek District Court on 7/10/09.

Costs hit $259,265 in IFQ false reporting case

Here's more information on a federal fisheries enforcement case we first reported on June 2:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

July 1, 2009

NOAA Imposes Fine and Penalty for False Reporting in Alaska Fishery

A hired master, vessel owners and permit holders of the Alaskan fishing vessel Trident have agreed to pay more than $18,000 in penalties and $241,000 worth of sanctions for falsely reporting areas fished by the vessel on five trips during 2006 and 2007.

The violations were detected and investigated by the Alaska division of NOAA’s Fisheries Service Office of Law Enforcement, and the charges were brought by NOAA’s Office of General Counsel.

Under the individual fishing quota (IFQ) program, fishermen are allotted specific amounts of halibut and sablefish they may catch in specific areas in order to keep the fish population sustainable. A hired master and permit holders who fished aboard the Trident reported the catches as being taken from more remote areas when they were actually harvested in regulatory areas closer to port.

“These violations affect not only the management of Alaska’s well-managed halibut and sablefish IFQ fisheries, they are also unfair to the fishermen who abide by the rules and fish in the correct areas,” said assistant special agent in charge Ken Hansen of the Alaska division of NOAA’s Fisheries Service Office of Law Enforcement.

Tri Fish LLC and the owners and permit holders of the Trident have agreed to pay $10,000 for falsely reporting areas fished by their vessel. The settlement agreement also suspends vessel owner and permit holder Michael Lang’s Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands sablefish IFQ for the 2010 fishing season and vessel owner and permit holder Barry McKee’s Aleutian Islands sablefish IFQ for 2010.

McKee and Lang also are barred from hiring skippers to fish their IFQ shares for them next year. They will have to be on their boats when their share is fished.

In a separate enforcement action, NOAA’s Office of General Counsel cited IFQ permit holder Richard Swartz for falsely reporting where the vessel fished. Swartz, who is not an owner of the Trident, paid an $8,265 penalty and had 2,000 pounds of his Western Gulf sablefish IFQ suspended for one year.

Permit sanctions against IFQ and quota shares prohibit the harvest of the sanctioned pounds for the fishing year. The estimated value of the sanctions was calculated using current prices of halibut and sablefish.

A third settlement agreement bars vessel operator Kenneth Spjut from serving as the captain of a fishing vessel on the West Coast of the United States for five years. Spjut was the captain and hired master on some, but not all, of the falsely reported trips.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Col. Folger addresses Yukon 'protest fishery'

From the Alaska Department of Public Safety:

June 30, 2009

Alaska Wildlife Troopers Investigate Claims of Illegal Fishing on Yukon

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Alaska Wildlife Troopers are in the process of conducting an investigation into reports of illegal subsistence fishing near the village of Marshall, located along the lower Yukon River. These reports came about in part from statements made to reporters by villagers. The reports allege that residents from Marshall participated in a king salmon harvest when the season was not opened.

The Yukon River salmon run is jointly managed by both the Federal and State government. The king salmon forecast for this year was projected to be low. Alaska Wildlife Troopers participated in many community meetings before the season to help ensure the message of possible reduction in fishing times were likely. To date, subsistence salmon fishing opportunities for local residents in the area have been reduced from normal fishing periods along with net mesh size restrictions.

"Alaskans are a unique people in the fact that everyone values their natural resources. One common goal shared by most everyone is the desire to ensure future opportunities for our children to enjoy the bounties of our fish and wildlife," said Col. Gary Folger, director of the Alaska Wildlife Troopers. "Alaska Wildlife Troopers, along with citizens of Alaska, stand on guard protecting our resources across this great state. While we wish there was an abundance of king salmon along the Yukon River for everyone to enjoy, that is not the case this year."

"If in fact a protest fishery occurred, I am very disappointed," said Col. Folger. "We will conduct an investigation and if it discloses criminal behavior occurred, we will present our findings to the District Attorney’s Office for review."

As with most fish and game violations, this type of crime is considered a misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $5,000 and/or one year in jail. Depending on the severity of the incident, equipment used could also be seized. The type of violation, prior criminal history and impact on the resource are all taken into account when sentencing occurs.

Monitoring our natural resources is not an exact science. Whenever possible, we want to err on the side of sustaining our bounty for the future. When protest fisheries occur, not only are participants hurting themselves, they also hurt opportunities for villages to participate along the river system, and we could easily find ourselves with a loss of the resource similar to many wild fisheries stocks in the Lower 48 states.

If you are aware of a fish and game violation or have knowledge of illegal fishing, please contact the Alaska Wildlife Safeguard at 1-800-478-3377. Tipsters may be eligible for a reward.

'Civil disobedience' on Yukon?

State troopers are looking into reports of illegal king salmon subsistence fishing on the Yukon River, where the chinook run is weak this year.

Details today in The Tundra Drums.

Illegal Copper River fishing charged

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Cordova
Type: Commercial fish closed period, illegal possession, waste of
salmon
On 6/21/09 the Alaska Wildlife Troopers in Cordova were given information and photographs of the F/V Sushi fishing eight hours prior to the opener on the Copper River flats. A search warrant was granted for the F/V Sushi, a 33-foot bowpicker, ADF&G #75459. The boat was located fishing on the west side of Prince William Sound and a boarding was conducted. The skipper of the F/V Sushi, a Nikolai P. Reutov, 39 yoa, of Homer, was interviewed. Reutov stated that he was seen and photographed on the night in question. A full confession and account of the facts was given. The search/seizure warrant was executed for the F/V Sushi. On 6/26/09 Reutov agreed to drive his boat back to Cordova were it was seized and pulled out of the water. On 6/30/09 Reutov was charged with commercial fishing during a closed period, illegal possession and waste of salmon. The arraignment date was set for 7/22/09 in the District Court of Cordova.