Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Crabber nets $2K fine for undersized Dungeness

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Conviction
On 12/22/15 Peter Roddy pled guilty in Sitka District Court to one misdemeanor count of possession of undersized commercial Dungeness crab, as part of an agreement through the Sitka District Attorney's Office. Roddy was fined $6,000 with $4,000 suspended and the undersized crab previously seized were forfeited. Roddy was placed on probation for one year. An additional charge of failing to complete a fish ticket was dismissed as part of the agreement.

Troller kept undersized kings, troopers say

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Possess undersized king salmon
On 12/28/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted the fishing vessel Pacific Pearl during an offload of commercial troll-caught king salmon. Investigation showed that permit holder Maxwell L. Royall, 26, of Sitka, had retained five undersized king salmon. He was cited for possession of undersized king salmon with an arraignment set in Sitka District Court. The undersized fish were seized. Royall also was cited for employing an unlicensed crewman.

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Report highlights major Alaska enforcement cases

The NOAA Office of Law Enforcement recently released its first-ever annual report.

Go to page 13 for a summary of significant Alaska cases.

Two salmon seiners fined after guilty pleas

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Conviction
On 12/22/15 Steven Thomassen pled guilty in Sitka District Court to one count of commercial seining during a closed period. He was fined $3,000 with $2,000 suspended and placed on probation for one year. On 9/1/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Thomassen, 51, of Wrangell, for salmon seining aboard the F/V Marauder prior to the opening of the Deep Inlet seine fishery. Troopers documented the violation on 8/30/15.

Location: Sitka
Type: Conviction
On 12/22/15 Thomas Scott McAllister pled guilty to one count of commercial seining in closed waters. McAllister was fined $3,000 with $1,500 suspended, ordered to pay $80 restitution, and placed on probation for one year. On 9/1/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited McAllister, 62, of Juneau, for salmon seining on 8/24/15 in the closed waters of Katlian Bay aboard the F/V Owyhee.

Friday, December 25, 2015

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Harassment, Nov. 9 — Crab observer reported that a member of a film crew had attempted to thwart her data collection efforts onboard her vessel. The captain and film crew for the vessel provided a somewhat different version of events, but were warned nonetheless about interfering with observer duties. The captain also was advised to address his other concerns with the observer's employer and/or the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Environmental, Nov. 11 — Caller reported the roof to her house was being blown off by high winds and asked police for assistance. Officers confirmed that the roof was blowin' in the wind but were unable to detain it.

Assist other agency, Nov. 13, 1259 hours — Officer accompanied an Alaska State Troopers wildlife tech onboard a vessel whose fishing practices and crew were under investigation. Several citations were served to the crew.

Warrant arrest, Nov. 13, 1545 hours — Blake M. Platt, 23, was arrested on an outstanding warrant. Platt was located onboard a vessel that was being investigated by Alaska State Troopers.

Suspicious person, Nov. 28 — Officer watched an intoxicated man stroll along the Bobby Storrs boat harbor floats, peering into vessels. The man was contacted after he boarded a boat, and told police that he was an employee who had permission to stay on the vessel. He was unable to provide the name of the captain or any other person who had given him such permission, and was told to leave when officers were unable to contact anyone responsible for the boat.

Harassment, Nov. 28 — Officer investigated a complaint that certain men were being harassed at work, where coworkers were calling them ISIS terrorists. The officer advised those involved that such actions could have unintended consequences, including criminal charges.

Theft, Nov. 30 — Rental company reported that yet another vehicle had been stolen after having been left at a dock by departing vessel crew. Officers located the vehicle. Under investigation.

Environmental, Dec. 1 — Ravens attacked a load of garbage conveniently left in the bed of pickup truck, scattering debris around the parking area and roadway. The vehicle owner was contacted and agreed to dispose of the trash as soon as possible.

Assistance rendered, Dec. 11 — Captain asked for assistance with a potentially uncooperative crewman who was being ordered off the vessel. Officers notified the man he was not allowed to return to the boat, and stood by until he departed the area.

Suspicious activity, Dec. 12 — Vessel captain who had recently fired one of his employees reported that several hundred dollars worth of hand tools were missing from the boat. Under investigation.

Public safety, Dec. 14 — Caller reported kids throwing snowballs at moving vehicles and running across the roadway willy-nilly. Officers were unable to locate the rapscallions.

Sunday, December 20, 2015

Troopers cite Bristol Bay salmon fisherman

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Naknek
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 12/6/15 Jared Payne, 43, of Friday Harbor, Wash., was cited for commercial fishing in closed waters of the Naknek-Kvichak District within Bristol Bay. Payne was the drift gillnet salmon permit holder and vessel operator during the offense on 7/15/15.

Friday, December 4, 2015

Petersburg seiner penalized $15K; troopers say explosives used to herd salmon from closed area

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Driving salmon from closed waters
On 10/12/15 Andrew W. Kittams, 43, of Petersburg, pled guilty to a count of driving salmon from closed waters while commercial seining in 2013. Kittams was fined $3,000 and ordered to pay $12,375 in restitution to the state of Alaska. An additional charge of using explosives to drive salmon was dismissed as part of a plea agreement. The conviction stems from a July 2013 incident at Hidden Falls Hatchery where Kittams' crew, onboard the F/V Sara Dawn, was documented using explosives to drive salmon from a closed area into an active seine set.

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Assistance rendered, Nov. 1 — Officers responded to a report that a man was in the water near the UniSea plant, but found instead that an intoxicated fisherman had simply passed out in the galley of a fishing vessel other than his own.

Vehicle theft, Nov. 4 — A rental vehicle was stolen from the Carl E. Moses dock and found some hours later. Brandon S. Ober, 44, was identified as the culprit and subsequently was charged with vehicle theft.

Trespass, Nov. 5 — Officers stood by while a drunken sailor, who had been fired from his most recent place of employment, collected his belongings and left said location.

Assist other agency, Nov. 6 — FBI agents asked for assistance locating a man suspected of having fled to Unalaska following his involvement in several West Coast crimes.

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Groundfish harvester accused of VMS violation

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Seward
Type: VMS
On 10/21/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers issued a summons to Eros F. Kuzmin, 41, of Homer, on the F/V Navigator for failing to have an activated vessel monitoring system as required while participating in the state waters parallel groundfish fishery. Arraignment set for 12/1/15 in Seward District Court.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Fire response, Oct. 26 — Fire personnel responded to a fish-processing complex regarding a reported fire in a second-story apartment. Fire personnel determined the smoke was actually steam from a boiler and that no emergency existed.

Assault, Oct. 27, 0140 hours — Two drunken men went into the water following an argument about "thug life" onboard their vessel. Both men, who were out of the water and in dry clothing by the time officers arrived, refused medical attention. Neither cared to provide further details about the altercation.

Ambulance request, Oct. 27, 0251 hours — EMS personnel responded to a different dock, where a caller reported hearing someone yelling as if he were in the water. The intoxicated patient, who had indeed been in the water, refused medical attention.

Welfare check, Oct. 27 — Caller asked police to check on the occupants of a home at which the electricity had recently been cut off. The occupants, both inebriated, were watching a blank TV and were quite well aware they had no power.

Assist other agency, Oct. 27 — Officer helped Alaska State Troopers investigate an assault which had occurred onboard a vessel in state waters near the Pribilof Islands.

Ambulance request, Oct. 27, 2314 hours — EMS personnel responded to yet another dock where yet another intoxicated man had fallen into the water.

Animal, Oct. 28 — Caller reported an entangled whale drifting close to town.

Civil, Oct. 30 — Two recently fired fishermen complained to police that their former employer, who had provided the men with $250, had not given them enough money for lodging. The employer offered to pay directly for a hotel room provided the men returned the $250 cash. They declined.

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Juneau crabber fined $3K after no contest plea

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Juneau
Type: Sentencing
On 11/6/15 Dennis J. Capua, 60, of Juneau, pled no contest in Juneau District Court to one count of operating commercial Dungeness crab gear during a closed season. Capua was fined $6,000 with $3,000 suspended and placed on probation for 18 months. The charges stemmed from an investigation by Juneau Wildlife Troopers which showed that Capua had failed to remove at least 64 crab pots from the waters of Stephens Passage before the summer season closed on 8/15/15.

F/V Katie Ann crewmen charged with assault

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Dutch Harbor
Type: Assault
On 10/27/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers issued citations to Tyler Wootan, 20, of Bremerton, Wash., and Douglas Moimoi, 20, and Sunia Moimoi, 18, both of Port Orchard, Wash., for assaulting and punching a fellow crewmember while they were commercial fishing. The incident occurred on 10/26/15 while aboard the F/V Katie Ann near St. Paul Island. Arraignment was set for 11/3/15 in Unalaska District Court.

Location: Dutch Harbor
Type: Assault
On 10/27/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers issued a citation to Toumante Dia, 36, of Philadelphia, Pa., for assaulting and punching a fellow crewmember while they were commercial fishing. The incident occurred on 10/25/15 while aboard the F/V Katie Ann near St. Paul Island. Arraignment was set for 11/3/15 in Unalaska District Court.

Friday, October 9, 2015

Troopers cite two sea cucumber divers

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Kasaan
Type: Commercial fish closed area
On 10/6/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Prince of Wales Island Post, contacted divers on the F/V Resurrection after they commercially harvested sea cucumbers in closed waters near Kasaan. Both divers, Thomas Trumper, 67, of California, and Charles Bremer, 38, of Ketchikan, were issued summonses to appear in Craig District Court. The fish product was seized pending forfeiture to the state of Alaska.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Crewman charged with assault on Bering Sea vessel

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Dutch Harbor
Type: Assault
On 9/24/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers issued a citation to Samuel W. Everett, 28, of Sedro-Woolley, Wash., for assaulting and punching a fellow crewmember several times while they were commercial fishing. The incident occurred on Sept. 22 aboard the F/V Alaska Mist near the Pribilof Islands. Arraignment set for 10/13/15 in Unalaska District Court.

Saturday, September 19, 2015

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Suspicious activity, Aug. 3 — Caller reported what appeared to be a white and blue, approximately 500-gallon, fuel tank floating in the ocean. U.S. Coast Guard personnel identified the floating object as a stationary mooring buoy.

Environmental, Aug. 8 — Approximately 50 gallons of diesel fuel spilled from a vessel docked at the spit when the fuel tender quit tending the fuel tank and walked away for several minutes. Cleanup efforts were underway by the time the incident was reported.

Drunk disturbance, Aug. 14 — Officers responded to a vessel on which a captain had reported an intoxicated, unruly crewmember who refused to leave the vessel. The man left willingly enough after five officers arrived on scene.

Missing person, Aug. 21 — Vessel captain reported his ship's engineer had left the vessel with their rental truck the previous evening and had not returned. Officers checked several areas for the rental vehicle but did not locate it. The engineer returned to his vessel of his own accord.

Trespass, Aug. 24 — A drunk toddled to the UniSea docks and planted himself in a doorway from which he initially refused to leave. Kiril Zahary Basargin, 36, finally left the doorway and wandered into the processing plant, at which point he was arrested for criminal trespass.

Welfare check, Aug. 31 — Caller expressed concern over an extremely intoxicated individual at the airport. Officer contacted the sot and found he was drowning his sorrows over the loss of his job. Several of his coworkers stepped up and agreed to ensure his safety.

Ambulance request, Sept. 1 — EMS responded to assist with a patient aboard a vessel.

Traffic, Sept. 4 — Harbor Department assisted in contacting a vessel whose sodium lights were causing a traffic concern.

Sunday, September 6, 2015

Two salmon seiners cited at Sitka

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 9/1/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Thomas Scott McAllister, 62, of Juneau, for commercial salmon seining in the closed waters of Katlian Bay on 8/24/15 aboard the F/V Owyhee. Arraignment set for 9/22/15 in Sitka District Court.

Location: Sitka
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 9/1/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Steven H. Thomassen, 51, of Wrangell, for commercial salmon seining aboard the F/V Marauder prior to the opening of the Deep Inlet fishery. Troopers documented the violation on 8/30/15. Arraignment set for 9/22/15 in Sitka District Court.

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Crabber fined $3K, must pay $4K in restitution

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Juneau
Type: Conviction
On 8/21/15 Michael Walker, 55, of Juneau, appeared for arraignment in Juneau District Court, where he pled guilty to the offense of retaining undersized Dungeness crab. He was fined $6,000 with $3,000 suspended and placed on probation for two years. Additionally, Walker must pay restitution in the amount of $4,110 for the retention of the undersized crab. The case stemmed from an inspection Alaska Wildlife Troopers conducted on 8/14/15 on the F/V Dundas. Walker, the captain and permit holder on the vessel, was found to be in possession of 411 undersized Dungeness crab, or approximately 26 percent of his catch.

Friday, August 21, 2015

Two seiners cited at Ketchikan

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Ketchikan
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 8/14/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Anthony George, 38, of Bellingham, Wash., for commercial fishing during a closed period. The incident took place during the Neets Bay salmon seine fishery. A mandatory appearance is set for Ketchikan District Court.

Location: Ketchikan
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 8/14/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Bryan Howey, 48, of Sitka, for commercial fishing during a closed period. The incident took place during the Neets Bay salmon seine fishery. A mandatory appearance is set for Ketchikan District Court.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Southeast seiners charged with illegal fishing

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Prince of Wales Island
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 8/12/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers on the P/V Interceptor contacted the seine vessel Spicy Lady west of Craig fishing in waters closed to commercial salmon seining. The captain, Derek Gibb, 34, and the permit holder, Jaqueline Martens, 62, both of Petersburg, were served with a summons for commercial fishing during a closed period. Arraignment set for 9/1/15 in Craig District Court.

Troopers seize undersized crab, charge skipper

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Juneau
Type: Undersized Dungeness crab
On 8/14/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers conducted an inspection of Dungeness crab on the F/V Dundas. An investigation revealed that the captain and permit holder, Michael Walker, 55, of Juneau, was in possession of 411 undersized crab, or approximately 26 percent of his catch. The undersized crab were seized and Walker was issued a misdemeanor summons to appear in Juneau District Court for retaining undersized commercial Dungeness.

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Theft, July 5 — Staff of the ferry M/V Tustumena reported that a stowaway had stolen a radio as he was being chased from the vessel between Akutan and Unalaska. The description of the suspect closely matched that of a man recently incarcerated for other crimes. Under investigation.

Animal, July 5 — Fisherman reported an eagle had some line and possibly a snagging hook wrapped around itself. Officers and the fisherman attempted to capture the eagle, but it escaped and swam away under a nearby pier.

Assist other agency, July 8, 0311 hours — U.S. Coast Guard reported having received a distress signal from an EPIRB associated with the F/V Pacific Knight. Officers confirmed that the vessel, which has been unoccupied and tied to the dock for a number of years, was still afloat. They also determined that the EPIRB was missing from the vessel's sea shelter. Other mariners later reported the EPIRB in the harbor.

Assistance rendered, July 8 — Unalaska Department of Public Safety forwarded information to the U.S. Coast Guard regarding the location of a small plane which had touched down on a remote beach but which could not take off for the return trip to Unalaska. The pilot and passenger, who were both unharmed and in sporadic contact with their families, declined emergency rescue, spent the night in the sand and were collected by a friend the next morning. The plane was left at the beach for recovery at a later date.

Assistance rendered, July 11 — Officers assisted crew with a bald eagle that had flown into and become stuck in an RSW tank onboard a fishing vessel.

Trespass, July 15 — Officers responded to a fishing vessel regarding a recently terminated employee who was dragging his heels about packing his gear and leaving the vessel. The ex-employee sped up, marginally, after officers arrived on scene and was eventually escorted to the dock.

Assist other agency, July 17 — Officers transported firearms belonging to the U.S. Coast Guard to the airport.

Ambulance request, July 27 — EMS personnel provided care and transport for a man who fell unconscious after breathing fishmeal dust.

Harassment, July 29, 2339 hours — Officers responded to a fishing vessel whose captain refused to address drunken behavior onboard and wished instead for police to deal with the matter. Officers found a drunken woman who was adamantly not reporting a sexual assault but who wanted to leave the vessel because her roommate had touched her naked body as she lay upon her bunk. The drunken woman left the vessel.

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Troopers cite several Bristol Bay fishermen

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Ugashik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/12/15 Gregory Basargin, 23, of Homer, was cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters 428 feet west of the west boundary line of the Ugashik District. Barsargin was cited into Naknek District Court.

Location: Ugashik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/8/15 Eric Hesselroth, 64, of Bothell, Wash., was cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters 240 feet west of the west boundary of the Ugashik District. Hesselroth was cited into Naknek District Court.

Location: Nushagak
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 7/11/15 Karl Isaksen, 58, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., was cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters 9 minutes and 29 seconds after the closure of a commercial fishing period. Isaksen was cited into Naknek District Court.

Location: Egegik
Type: Grounded net
On 7/4/15 David L. Kopra, 63, of Homer, was cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing with a drift gillnet grounded above the waterline. Kopra was cited into Naknek District Court.

Location: Naknek
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/4/15 Jon R. Lawler, 30, of Los Angeles, Calif., was cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters. Lawler was cited into Naknek District Court.

Location: Naknek
Type: Unmarked setnet site
On 7/6/15 Frederik S. Munro, 22, of Homer, was cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing from an unmarked setnet beach site. Munro was cited into Naknek District Court.

Fishing vessel seized at Togiak

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Togiak
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 7/2/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers in a state aircraft were conducting a routine patrol of a commercial salmon fishery near Togiak. During the patrol, the F/V Good Deal was observed commercial fishing with a drift gillnet in an area closed to commercial fishing. The vessel's owner, operator and permit holder, Kevin Harless, 53, of Togiak, was charged with commercial fishing during a closed period. The fishing vessel was seized. The investigation is ongoing.

Southeast seiner accused of fishing out of bounds

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Chatham Strait near Hawk Inlet
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/23/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers on the P/V Enforcer patrolled the closed waters area of Chatham Strait near Hawk Inlet. The Enforcer crew observed the F/V Anduril commercial seine fishing outside the open area as described in the weekly news release published by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The captain of the fishing vessel, Malcolm Ross, 52, of Homer, was contacted and issued a summons for commercial fishing in closed waters. He must appear in Juneau District Court.

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Animal, June 29 — Caller reported having received several lacerations, requiring medical attention, after being attacked by one of the pair of nesting eagles at the Dutch Harbor Post Office. Additional warning signs were provided for the parking lot.

Suspicious activity, June 29 — Caller reported seeing a man carrying a gas can disappear into the stacked crab pots across from the Dutch Harbor Post Office. Officers responded to the area and observed a skiff with two occupants leaving from the beach in this same general area.

Alcohol, July 1, 0715 hours — Caller reported an intoxicated man lying on a trail near the Alyeska Trading Co., passed out with his genitals exposed. The man claimed to officers that he was the captain of a fishing boat but could not provide much other information. He was taken into protective custody.

Public safety, July 3, 0220 hours — Officer confirmed that an inebriated man in the mud along the roadway was in fact capable of returning himself to his vessel. Several of his comrades agreed that taking a taxi might be a good idea.

Welfare check, July 3 — Mother asked for help locating her son, who had told her three weeks earlier that he had a job on a fishing boat and would contact her again via email. The mother had not heard from her son and did not know the name of the vessel. An officer obtained a description of the son in the event he should be seen about town.

Roads, July 4 — Caller carped that the condition of Captains Bay Road was the worst he had ever seen. Information passed on to the Roads Department.

Monday, July 6, 2015

More fishermen cited at Bristol Bay

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/2/15 Kyle M. Gleason, 34, of San Rafael, Calif., was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/2/15 William J. Manos, 66, of Ketchikan, was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters. Manos is scheduled to appear on 7/9/15 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 7/5/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Andrey Martushev, 34, of Homer, for commercial fishing with a drift gillnet in a closed period. This violation was observed on 6/19/15 in the Egegik District. A mandatory court appearance is set for 7/16/15 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Nushagak
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 7/5/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Peter E. Basargin, 37, of Homer, for commercial fishing with a drift gillnet in a closed period. This violation was observed on 7/3/15 in the Nushagak District. A mandatory court appearance is set for 7/15/15 in Dillingham District Court.

Location: Nushagak
Type: Driftnet too close to setnet
On 7/5/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Hans Nicholson, 62, of Wasilla, for entangling his commercial drift gillnet on a commercial setnet site. A mandatory court appearance is set for 7/21/15 in Dillingham District Court.

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Slew of gillnetters cited at Bristol Bay

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/18/14 Curtis E. Marble, 50, of La Conner, Wash., was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters. Court appearance set for 7/8/15.

Location: Nushagak
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 7/2/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Frederick Johnson, 66, of Dillingham, and Gust McCarr, 56, of Kodiak, for commercial fishing as duel permit holders off the same vessel with a drift gillnet in a closed period. They must appear on 7/14/15 in Dillingham District Court.

Location: Naknek
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 7/2/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Karl B. Isaksen, 57, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for commercial fishing with a drift gillnet in a closed period in the Naknek-Kvichak District. This was observed on 7/11/14. He must appear on 7/17/15 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Nushagak
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/2/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Moses Chythlook, 29, of Aleknagik, for commercial fishing with a drift gillnet in closed waters outside of the Nushagak District. He must appear on 7/14/15 in Dillingham District Court.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/1/15 Tam V. Tran, 57, Vallejo, Calif., was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters. Court appearance scheduled for 7/8/15.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 6/27/15 Tyler R. Rasmussen, 34, and Carl Rasmussen, 24, both of Nevada, were cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing during a closed period. Both are scheduled to appear on 7/8/15 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/1/15 Paul B. Gloko, 52, of Manokotak, was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters. He is scheduled to appear on 7/8/15 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/1/15 Benjamin L. Chernikoff, 49, of Egegik, was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers for negligently commercial fishing in closed waters. He is scheduled to appear on 7/8/15 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 7/1/15 Christopher B. Zorotovich, 51, of Bellingham, Wash., was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in a closed period. He is scheduled to appear on 7/8/15 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/30/15 Ari W. Manos, 22, of Tacoma, Wash., was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters. He is scheduled to appear on 7/8/15 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/1/15 Alexander J. Kaul, 25, of Bozeman, Mont., was cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers for negligently commercial fishing in closed waters. He is scheduled to appear on 7/8/15 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/30/15 William J. Manos, 66, of Ward Cove, was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers for negligently commercial fishing in closed waters. He is scheduled to appear on 7/8/15 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Naknek
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/2/15 Greta Susan Cox, 49, of Kenai, was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters. Cox is scheduled to appear on 7/2/15 in Naknek District Court.

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Troopers cite three Bristol Bay drifters

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Nushagak Bay
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/25/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Dillingham Post, cited Brent Dawson, 37, of Walla Walla, Wash., for commercial fishing a drift gillnet in closed waters. He must appear on 7/6/15 in Dillingham District Court.

Location: Nushagak Bay
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/29/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Dillingham Post, cited Mark Niver, 57, and Bryce Niver, 19, both of Wasilla, for commercial fishing as duel permit holders off the same vessel with a drift gillnet in closed waters. They must appear on 7/6/15 in Dillingham District Court.

Sand Point post office burglary impacts fishermen

Details in this U.S. Department of Justice news release.

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Drift gillnetters cited at Juneau

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Juneau
Type: Commercial fish closed area
On 6/28/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Cynthia Adams, 53, of Haines, captain and permit holder on the F/V Lady Hawke, after observing her operating a drift gillnet in the waters of District 11A, which is closed to gillnets. Adams was cited and must appear in Juneau District Court.

Location: Juneau
Type: Commercial fish closed area
On 6/28/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Samuel Carter, 32, of Sitka, captain on the F/V Julie Ann, and David Adams, 29, of Sitka, permit holder on the boat, after observing them operating a drift gillnet in the waters of District 11A, which is closed to gillnets. Carter and Adams were cited and must appear in Juneau District Court.

Location: Juneau
Type: Commercial fish closed area
On 6/28/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Brian Bitz, 56, of Hoonah, captain and permit holder on the F/V Prospect, after observing him operating a drift gillnet during a closed period in the waters of District 11A, which is closed to gillnets. Bitz was cited and must appear in Juneau District Court.

Friday, June 26, 2015

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Assist other agency, June 16 — Army EOD unit advised they would be traveling to Unalaska to destroy some unexploded ordnance on a nearby beach, and asked for assistance getting to/from the UXO site.

Trespass, June 19, 1610 hours — Officer issued a trespass advisement, per vessel captain, to a man no longer welcome onboard the boat.

Drunk disturbance, June 19, 1617 hours — Officers responded to a vessel on which an intoxicated man was causing a disturbance and allegedly making threats to commit suicide. The subject in question was taken into protective custody.

Dungeness crabber cited at Wrangell

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Wrangell
Type: Undersized Dungeness crab
On 6/18/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers onboard the P/V Enforcer issued Breanna E. Miethe, 23, of Wrangell, a summons for retaining undersized commercial Dungeness crab. Arraignment set for 7/8/15 in Wrangell District Court.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Juneau man charged with trolling in closed area

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Hoonah
Type: Commercial fish closed area
On 6/23/15 Thomas T. Emerson, 24, of Juneau, was cited for operating commercial troll gear in a closed area. Emerson was observed by state aircraft trolling near Point Couverden when that area was closed. Arraignment set for 7/15/15 in Hoonah District Court.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Sitka fisherman fined in unlawful sales case

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Conviction
On 6/16/15 Matthew L. Wilson, 57, of Sitka, pled guilty in Sitka District Court to two misdemeanor counts each of unlawful commercial fishing practices and filing a false fish ticket. Wilson was fined $4,000 with $1,500 suspended, ordered to pay joint restitution with a separate defendant, and placed on probation for two years. Two charges of unlawful possession of commercial fish were dismissed. The case resulted from a 2014 investigation which showed Wilson sold king salmon on at least two occasions from another fisherman who was not licensed to fish commercially. Wilson also falsely reported taking the fish himself as well as misreporting the areas the fish were taken.

Burglary reported at Trident Seafoods in Akutan

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Akutan
Type: Burglary, theft
On 6/20/15 the Akutan village public safety officer received a report of a theft from Trident Seafoods. Investigation revealed Allan Aguirre, 26, of Ontario, Calif., entered living quarters for Trident workers and stole property valued at over $250. Aguirre was arrested for burglary in the second degree and theft in the third degree and held at the Akutan holding facility pending arraignment.

SE gillnetter accused of fishing too near creek

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Lynn Canal
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/21/15 Juneau Wildlife Troopers observed the F/V Yarrow commercial gillnetting within 500 yards of Bessie Creek in Lynn Canal. Bessie Creek is a documented salmon stream, and commercial fishing is prohibited within 500 yards of salmon streams. The captain and permit holder on the Yarrow, Stefan Fritz, 45, of Lakebay, Wash., was issued a citation for commercial fishing in closed waters. Fritz has a mandatory court appearance in Juneau District Court.

Juneau troller charged with fishing closed waters

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Juneau
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/13/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers observed a commercial hand troll vessel trolling in the area of False Point Retreat, nearly 15 miles from the nearest area open to trolling. Troopers contacted the permit holder on the vessel, Richard Catrett, 41, of Juneau. Investigation revealed Catrett had trolled in closed waters, and further retained two king salmon under the legal size limit of 28 inches. All of Catrett's catch was seized and he was issued two misdemeanor summonses for commercial hand trolling in closed waters and retaining undersized king salmon. Catrett has a mandatory court appearance in Juneau District Court.

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Animal, June 7 — A motorist struck and killed two bald eagles, and injured two others, near the landfill. The investigation was turned over to the Alaska State Troopers, who later advised that the motorist would be charged.

Suspicious person, June 8 — Vessel captain reported that a balding man with a mustache, wearing a long dress and fishnet stockings, had been walking up and down the roadway near his boat since early this morning and was now inside a pickup, on the dock next to his boat, pleasuring himself. The captain was primarily worried that some of his young and female crew might be offended. Officers contacted the suspect, who admitted to some elements of the complaint, and advised him that he might be better off pursuing his activities in a private location.

Animal, June 12 — A patron of the Dutch Harbor Post Office was attacked by a nesting eagle as she wheeled a package cart into the building. The woman was treated at the clinic for several puncture wounds to her scalp and ear.

Public safety, June 12 — Postmistress, who advised that four postal patrons had been attacked in the last week, asked for additional signage warning of the threat posed by a pair of nesting national symbols.

Assault, June 13 — Two adult males who had been bickering like children ever since they began working together on a fishing boat engaged in an altercation involving some choking, punching and threats by one or both parties. No charges were filed per the district attorney and the vessel captain said he intended to have the two men put on different boats.

Friday, June 19, 2015

Sitka troller nets $1,000 fine after guilty plea

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Conviction
On 6/9/15 Barry McKee, 66, of Sitka, pled guilty in Sitka District Court to one count of commercial trolling in a closed period. He was fined $3,000 with $2,000 suspended and placed on probation for one year. On 5/24/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers observed the F/V Ocean Gem operating power troll gear in an area not open to commercial fishing.

Sunday, June 7, 2015

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Environmental, May 28 — Caller reported strong winds had left a barrel rolling, rolling, rolling on East Broadway. An officer secured it off the roadway.

Environmental, May 28 — Strong winds blew another barrel and some buoys onto the roadway in the Standard Oil and Strawberry Hill areas. An officer secured this debris as well.

Assistance rendered, May 29, 1716 hours — Vessel captain requested that an officer be present while he terminated an employee who he suspected might cause problems.

Trespass, May 29, 1752 hours — Officer issued a trespass advisement, per vessel captain, to a former employee no longer welcome onboard the boat.

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Sitka fisherman cited over undersized king salmon

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Undersized king salmon
On 5/19/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers in Sitka received a report from Alaska Department of Fish and Game survey staff of the F/V Oslo attempting to offload undersized king salmon at a local processor. Investigation revealed Ryan Jones, 30, of Sitka, had retained seven king salmon less than the required length of 28 inches. The seven fish comprised a total of 10 percent of the vessel's overall catch for that fishing trip. Jones was issued a misdemeanor summons.

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Troopers twice ticket Sitka salmon troller

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Commercial troll closed waters
On 5/13/15 troopers patrolling the waters of Sitka Sound in a state aircraft observed the F/V Saturday fishing more than two-tenths of a mile into closed waters. Investigation revealed Bradley Anderson, 31, of Sitka, and Kristopher Foster, 39, of Sitka, were the captain and deckhand aboard the vessel. Both men admitted fishing in the area and denied any knowledge the area was closed to commercial fishing. Anderson was issued a misdemeanor summons. Foster was issued a minor offense citation.

Location: Sitka
Type: Commercial troll closed waters
On 5/23/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Sitka Post, cited Bradley Anderson, 31, of Sitka, after an investigation showed he was fishing on 5/3/15 more than two miles into an area not open to commercial trolling. Anderson is the permit holder and operator of the F/V Saturday. Arraignment set for 6/9/15 in Sitka District Court.

Saturday, May 23, 2015

F/V Blue Attu racks up citations at Dutch Harbor

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Dutch Harbor
Type: Assault
On 5/22/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Dutch Harbor Post, issued a citation to Steven Gilvaja, 26, of Hickory, N.C., for assaulting a fellow commercial fisherman aboard the F/V Blue Attu near St. Paul Island on 4/20/15. Arraignment set for 6/9/15 in Unalaska District Court.

Location: Dutch Harbor
Type: Crew license
On 5/22/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Dutch Harbor Post, issued citations to Renee Perez, 51, of Waco, Texas, and David Main, 35, of Old Town, Florida, for commercial fishing aboard the F/V Blue Attu without a valid license. Wayne Oxton, 55, of Rockport, Maine, was cited for employing unlicensed crewmembers.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Suspicious activity, May 11 — An itinerant told police that the sounds of sex in the parking lot in which he was sleeping had kept him awake for at least five hours. When he tried to locate the source of the sounds, disembodied voices began calling him a pervert and threatening to kill him, all of which he believed was in reference to the pornography he had earlier viewed on the library computer. The itinerant later advised an officer that he thought the voices were probably just in his head, and that he planned to attend Bible study in the morning.

Assist other agency, May 12 — Officer assisted Alaska State Troopers with the investigation of an alleged assault that had occurred in state waters.

Criminal mischief, May 15 — Vessel personnel reported that a rental vehicle, which had been left undamaged at their dock about 12 hours earlier, had a shattered rear window. No items were reported stolen and the responding officer noted that there was little to no glass inside the vehicle.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Ambulance request, March 10 — EMS personnel provided care and transport to a man whose fingers had been crushed in a piece of processing equipment.

Trespass, March 12, 2325 hours — Officer issued a trespass advisement to a drunken misogynist whose extraordinarily discourteous behavior had made him unwelcome with the barmaids.

Liquor law violation, March 12, 2341 hours — Officer advised a drunken misogynist that he was not allowed to enter or remain at any other licensed liquor establishments this night. The inebriated chauvinist, who threatened to defecate on the responding officer's patrol car, finally left after making several sexist remarks.

Assault, March 15 — Two men got into a fight after one man, attempting to protect his buddy's Tater Tots, told the Tater-taker that he was the bigger and badder man. The Tater Tots skirmish ended with one bloody nose and two ripped shirts.

Assistance rendered, March 15, 0225 hours — Officers responded to a dock regarding a man who had fallen off a vessel but had been caught by lines strung between dock and boat. The man had already been extricated by the time officers arrived, and refused medical care.

Assault, March 15, 0242 hours — A fight, of indeterminate origin, broke out on the vessel from which a man had recently fallen. The four involved men were all intoxicated and could not explain exactly how or why the fight started. No significant injuries were reported.

Found property, March 22 — A wallet, in a crab pot.

Traffic, April 3 — Complaint about a reckless driver. An officer located the suspect vehicle and learned that the driver had been responding to a report that his boat was sinking. The vessel crew was warned about reckless driving.

Assault, April 4 — The captain of a fishing vessel told police that one of his crew had, against orders, returned both late and inebriated to the vessel. The crewman had, after being told several times that he was an idiot for having done so and an idiot for then arguing about it, punched his captain in the neck. The captain did not wish to pursue charges but asked for help getting the angry inebriate off the vessel.

Welfare check, April 4 — A welfare check was requested for an individual who was reported to be intoxicated and possibly on drugs while using power tools on a docked fishing vessel.

Fatality, April 5 — Officers responded to a vehicle that had rolled off the hillside just above a local boat harbor. Driver of the vehicle perished due to injuries sustained in the accident.

Assault, April 9 — Officers responded to seafood plant for a report of an assault. It was found that a harassing party participant had a gash on the back of his head. Witnesses stated that he tripped and hit his head on a desk while the injured male stated that someone broke a bottle over his head. No parties wished to pursue charges.

Suspicious person, April 14 — Officers responded to a report of a male individual removing his clothing outside a bunkhouse. Officers found the individual on all fours with his pants at his ankles. The male individual stated that he was having a baby. He knew this because he was visited on 6/6/06 by an angel who told him that he would have a baby. Subject was taken to the clinic for observations.

Assault, April 14 — Officers responded to a report of a fight in progress at the local airport. Officers contacted the intoxicated individuals who were involved in the fight, which apparently was over a guy's little brother being fired from a vessel. Ofisa J. Asoau, 27, was arrested for assault.

Trespass, April 16 — Officers trespassed unwanted deckhand from vessel upon request of vessel manager.

Assistance rendered, April 18 — Officers assisted with a report of an individual in the water at the Spit Dock. The on-duty harbor officer was already on scene and with the individual when officers arrived. The inebriated subject was extracted from the water and transported to the clinic. Other than exposure, subject suffered no injuries.

Drunk disturbance, April 21 — Caller reported an individual passed out on the stairwell at a local hotel. Police responded and found the harbor officer and security helping a Hispanic male stand up. The intoxicated subject stated he drank until he ran out of money. A coworker was located nearby and agreed to bring the inebriate back to his room at a local processing plant.

Environmental, April 29 — U.S. Coast Guard officer reported that a fishing vessel spilled about 100 gallons of diesel fuel into the bay. Officers responded to the scene and found that the cleanup was under way.

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Troopers cite Sitka troller

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Commercial troll closed period
On 5/3/15 at approximately 0820 hours, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Sitka Post, responded to a complaint of unlawful fishing by vessels participating in the commercial troll fishery in Sitka Sound. Troopers contacted the F/V Shelley J operating commercial power troll gear in waters not open to commercial fishing. Terry L. Friske, 66, of Sitka, the owner and operator of the vessel, was cited for trolling during a closed period, with arraignment set in Sitka District Court.

Saturday, May 9, 2015

Southeast seiner fined, ordered to pay fish tax

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Conviction
On 4/28/15 Christian Buschmann, 27, of Petersburg, operator of the F/V St. Teresa, pled guilty in Sitka District Court to one count of filing false fish tickets. Buschmann was fined $3,500 with $1,500 suspended and was ordered to pay $1,121 in unpaid fish tax to the Department of Revenue. The charge resulted from a 2013 investigation where the St. Teresa was documented seining for salmon in the Hidden Falls area by Hidden Falls hatchery staff. The catch from Hidden Falls was later reported by Buschmann to another area. Hidden Falls, at the time of the fishing, had a 20 percent tax in place. The area the catch was falsely reported into had a 3 percent tax.

Friday, April 3, 2015

Opilio crabber charged with illegal possession

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Dutch Harbor
Type: Illegal possession of female opilio
On 4/2/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers issued a citation to Derwin H. Hostetler, 59, of Seattle, for illegal possession of female opilio crab onboard the F/V Bering Star. Arraignment set for 4/23/15 in Unalaska District Court.

Troller fined after conviction in Sitka court

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Conviction
On 4/2/15 Courtney Howard was found guilty at a bench trial in Sitka District Court on one count of commercial trolling during a closed period. Howard was fined $1,500 with $1,100 suspended and placed on probation for one year. Howard, 31, of Sitka, was cited after his power troll vessel, F/V Nordic Lass, was observed by troopers operating gear west of the Sitka Sound winter troll line on 2/24/15.

Friday, March 20, 2015

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Drug law violation, Feb. 23 — Captain of fishing vessel turned over some drug paraphernalia and a small quantity of as yet still illegal marijuana, which he had found in the stateroom of one his crew.

Assault, Feb. 27 — Officer responded to a local seafood processing facility at which two senior citizens had allegedly been fighting. Investigation revealed the two oldsters had been smearing fish guts in one another's face due to some longstanding enmity.

Theft, Feb. 28 — An extremely intoxicated person attempted to persuade police that he had been forced from his pickup by three police or U.S. Coast Guard officers who then fled in his vehicle. The inebriate was unable to remember anything else that happened in the preceding 24 hours except that he had been drinking. Officers later determined the vehicle in question had never been in his possession and had not, in fact, been stolen by renegades with short hair.

Roads, March 4 — Caller reported several buoys had fallen into the roadway from the back of a truck. An officer removed the buoys from the road but did not locate the truck from whence they came.

Suspicious activity, March 4 — A boat owner who had recently replaced a lock on his vessel door discovered that the lock had been broken and determined that persons unknown had clearly been sleeping in the vessel. Witnesses described two possible suspects. Under investigation.

Fraud, March 7 — Fisherman reported someone had made $1,700 worth of fraudulent purchases from his California bank account. An officer provided the man with information regarding additional investigation and reporting options.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Sitka troller falsified Chinook sales, troopers say

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Multiple offenses
On 3/13/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers issued Matthew L. Wilson, 57, of Sitka, a summons to appear in court after an investigation in 2014 revealed Wilson had sold king salmon on two separate occasions that were not harvested under his own commercial troll permit, but rather were harvested unlawfully by a non-permitted fisherman. Wilson sold the fish while knowing they were taken unlawfully, reported the fish as his own, and falsified fish tickets as to the dates and locations of catch. Arraignment set for 4/7/15 in Sitka District Court.

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Trespass, Feb. 11 — Officers advised a drunken fisherman who had just been fired that he was not allowed to return to the vessel and he should deal with any employment contract issues during the business day, preferably in a sober state.

Assault, Feb. 15 — Officer investigated an alleged assault and discovered that a headlock may have been confused with a hug; that one of the participants had lied about being in the military and killing people; and that one man was upset because another told him that the liquor store was open when in fact it was closed.

Assistance rendered, Feb. 17 — Officer mediated a dispute, involving a $10 cab fare and some derogatory language, between two processors.

Drunk disturbance, Feb. 19, 0029 hours — A group of processing plant employees whose inebriation had violated conditions of their contracts was told that they were all terminated but were welcome to spend the night in the company bunkhouse pending their exit interviews in the morning. Due to the aforementioned intoxication, the group was unable to understand or take advantage of such company largess and instead continued to disturb the peace until they were escorted from the premises by police.

Disorderly conduct, Feb 19, 1455 hours — Officer responded to a processing vessel regarding an alleged trespasser, and found that a previously terminated employee who had returned for his final paycheck was taking advantage of the opportunity to mouth off at some of his former coworkers. The officer advised the man to leave and not return, or else risk arrest.

Disorderly conduct, Feb. 19 — Minutes later, an officer was called back to the processing vessel because the terminated employee had returned to demonstrate more clearly why he no longer had a job. He had fled by the time the officer returned.

Suspicious person, Feb. 19 — Caller reported a man walking along the roadway carrying a sign that said "Need Weed." The man was not creating a hazard nor was he violating any laws.

Suspicious activity, Feb. 20, 0257 hours — Caller reported two apparently unconscious women being carried over the shoulders of two men. Officers contacted a laughing woman and two men, who all explained that they had been having a footrace and that the second woman had already gone inside her home. They all appreciated the department's concern.

Assault, Feb. 20 — Two processors engaged in a shoving match in their breakroom, with one man claiming the other hit him twice in the face. Witnesses said they had seen some sort of altercation, but were unable to specify what if any physical violence had occurred. No charges were filed.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Troopers cite Sitka troller

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Commercial troll closed period
On 3/1/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Courtney J. Howard, 31, of Sitka, after his commercial power troll vessel, F/V Nordic Lass, was observed by troopers operating gear west of the Sitka Sound winter troll line on 2/24/15. Arraignment set in Sitka District Court.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Seiner penalized $37K in salmon-driving case

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Drive salmon from closed waters — commercial seine
On 2/11/15 Nina Alber, 52, of Cordova, permit holder aboard the F/V Leading Lady, entered a guilty plea in Sitka District Court to one count of driving salmon from closed waters. The plea was part of a pre-trial agreement through the Sitka District Attorney's Office. Nina Alber was fined $3,000 with $1,000 suspended and ordered to pay $35,000 in restitution for illegally taken fish and placed on probation for one year. Charges against vessel operator Louie Alber were dismissed as part of the agreement. The charges stemmed from a July 2013 offense where crew on the F/V Leading Lady were documented driving salmon out of closed waters near Hidden Falls hatchery.

Monday, February 16, 2015

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Theft, Jan. 21 — Department store staff learned from security footage that a man identified as Pedro C. Parra, 34, had stolen a pair of Xtratuf boots by replacing his old, worn-out pair with a brand new pair and then walking out of the store. Parra, who was found onboard his vessel, was charged with one count of theft.

Missing person, Jan. 25 — Caller reported a crewman was missing and had last been seen about 24 hours earlier. Six minutes later the caller reported that the crewman had flown off the island.

Drunk disturbance, Jan. 31 — Officer contacted a woman who was punching walls on various company buildings, and learned that she was upset because of some unkind things a friend had said about her. The officer advised the woman she could be charged with a crime if she damaged property with her blows. A comrade agreed to get the woman safely back to her own room.

Welfare check, Feb. 1 — Caller reported two males carrying an unconscious female into the hotel, and asked that officers check into the situation. Officers found the three in the hotel parking lot, where the woman could be seen laughing loudly just before falling on her face. Officers determined that the woman was not in any danger from the men, one of whom was her boyfriend and agreed to take her home for the evening.

Traffic crime, Feb. 3 — Officer advised a man who had driven to the Unalaska Department of Public Safety for a tour of the facility that he was not allowed to drive until properly licensed.

Assault, Feb. 6, 0012 hours — A bar patron was attacked by, among others, a man with a greasy ponytail who was allegedly concerned about an unpaid bar tab. The victim wished to pursue the matter only if medical treatment was going to cost him money.

Trespass, Feb. 6, 0036 hours — The victim of an assault was issued a trespass advisement, per bar staff, after he responded poorly to teasing about being beaten up.

Criminal mischief, Feb. 7 — An intoxicated Letipan Maycry, 29, was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and criminal mischief after he broke the door to a stateroom, elbowed one man in the chest and attempted to punch another onboard the processing vessel Gordon Jensen.

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Kodiak pair charged with illegal cod fishing

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Marmot Bay area, Kodiak Island
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
Alaska Wildlife Troopers received a report from the U.S. Coast Guard that they had observed the F/V Loki with its Pacific cod pots fishing within the closed waters around Marmot Island. Following an investigation, Ty L. Rouse, 53, of Kodiak, and Tyler J. Obrien, 27, of Kodiak, were issued citations for commercial fishing in closed waters. Arraignment set for 3/20/15 in Kodiak District Court.

Two sablefish fishermen fined, lose catch value

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Sablefish overage
On 2/3/15 Cub Finney, 26, of Juneau, pled guilty to retaining an overage in the 2014 Northern Southeast inside sablefish commercial fishery. Finney was fined $500 and forfeited the overage proceeds of $4,396.73 to the state of Alaska.

Location: Sitka
Type: Sablefish overage
On 2/3/15 Richard Curran, 59, of Sitka, pled no contest to retaining an overage in the 2014 Northern Southeast inside sablefish commercial fishery. Curran was fined $500 and forfeited the overage proceeds of $3,343.45 to the state of Alaska.

Friday, February 6, 2015

Juneau sablefish harvester cited

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Juneau
Type: Sablefish overlimit
On 2/5/15 John C. Phillips, 56, of Juneau, was cited for retaining an excessive overage of commercially taken sablefish. Phillips retained 1,228 pounds (12 percent) over the quota set by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Arraignment set for 2/24/15 in Petersburg District Court.

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Kodiak fisherman cited over lack of VMS

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Kodiak
Type: VMS
On 2/2/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Keith Blondin, 27, of Kodiak. Investigation found Blondin had operated two vessels for commercial groundfish, but did not have the required vessel monitoring system aboard either vessel. Arraignment set for 3/6/15 in Kodiak District Court.

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Arrests made in Dillingham boat burglaries

Radio station KDLG has the story here.

Troopers cite Cook Inlet cod fisherman

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Seward
Type: Groundfish area registration
On 1/24/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers issued a summons to Yakov Reutov, 44, of Sterling, on the F/V Dynasty, for participating in the Cook Inlet commercial Pacific cod fishery without first registering for the fishery with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game as required. Arraignment set for 2/10/15 in Seward District Court.

Monday, January 26, 2015

Troopers cite Juneau sablefish fisherman

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Juneau
Type: Exceed sablefish quota
On 1/25/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Cub C. Finney, 26, of Juneau, for retaining more commercially taken sablefish than allowed under Department of Fish and Game guidelines. Arraignment set for 2/3/15 in Sitka District Court.

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Animal, Dec. 28 — Injured eagle, struck by a car. Alaska State Troopers took custody of the bird.

Trespass, Dec. 31 — Officer advised a fisherman, per a vessel owner, that he was not and never had been allowed onboard the vessel.

Theft, Dec. 31 — An employee at a processing plant reported that several items had been stolen from her luggage, though at what time or during what stage of her journey the theft occurred could not be determined.

Trespass, Jan. 3 — Caller reported a sleeping individual found on a vessel where no person, sleeping or otherwise, was supposed to be. The individual stated he was retrieving his belongings from the vessel. The individual was escorted off the vessel and told not to return.

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Chatham Strait sablefish harvester charged

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Chatham Strait
Type: Sablefish overage
Information from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and fish tickets indicated Richard Curran, 58, of Sitka, had unlawfully retained more sablefish in the Chatham Strait directed fishery than the annual amount of equal share quota specified. Curran took 11,042 pounds of sablefish when his quota was 9,679 pounds (a 14 percent overage). The value of the overage is $3,343.45. Curran was issued a citation to appear in court.