NOAA discloses halibut enforcement cases

These items are taken from a NOAA fisheries enforcement report to the International Pacific Halibut Commission.

• A $64,260 NOVA (notice of violation and assessment) was issued to Brian Kandoll, the operator of the F/V Providence, for harvesting 10,344 pounds of halibut in Area 3A and reporting that he harvested that halibut from Area 3B in 2011.

• Nikolai Yakunin was ordered to pay a fine of $3,000 and placed on three years of probation and Kristjansson Laxfoss was ordered to pay a fine of $2,000 and placed on two years of probation for their roles in retaining, processing and transporting halibut with the C/P Lady Gundy and the F/V Wonder Worker without the proper permits.

• A $19,750 NOVA was issued to Christopher Dutton and Aquatic Edge Expeditions for operating a vessel in Area 2C with one or more charter vessel anglers onboard that caught and retained halibut without an original charter halibut permit onboard in August of 2011. The NOVA also included one count of possessing halibut that had been cut into pieces smaller than allowed by regulations.

• A $30,300 NOVA was issued to Sidney Bouschour for operating a vessel in Area 3A with one or more charter vessel anglers onboard that caught and retained halibut without an original charter halibut permit onboard in August of 2011.

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Theft, Jan. 7 — Vessel captain reported a new crewmember had absconded after the captain had purchased his flight to Unalaska and had bought him new fishing gear.

Environmental, Jan. 8 — A small skiff sank at the Bobby Storrs Harbor and released a small amount of oil or fuel into the water. The owner was advised and harbor officers initiated a cleanup response.

Assistance rendered, Jan. 12 — Officers responded to a request first for help with a passenger who had not paid his taxi fare, and then to a report that said passenger had fallen into the water while climbing onto his boat. The passenger was out of the water and in his galley by the time officers arrived, and declined any medical care. He then paid for the taxi ride.

Wrangell crabber charged with two violations

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sumner Strait
Type: Commercial fish closed season
On 1/10/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Petersburg Post, issued Charles Gadd, 28, of Wrangell, a summons to appear in court on charges of commercial fishing in a closed season for Dungeness crab and unlawful storage of commercial Dungeness gear. Gadd, the permit holder on the F/V Sara Dawn, had Dungeness crab gear in fishing condition in Sumner Strait after the closure of the commercial Dungeness season in the area. Arraignment set for 1/29/13 in Petersburg District Court.

First defendant sentenced in Trident theft case

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

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Environmental, Jan. 3 — Plant security reported a diesel spill by one of their housing units, and said that cleanup efforts were already under way. An officer verified the information and appropriate authorities were advised.

Environmental, Jan. 4 — Officer advised the driver of a pickup, in the bed of which numerous ravens and eagles were snacking, that he needed to ensure that his garbage was disposed of in such a way that it did not create a nuisance.

Environmental, Jan. 4 — Plant security reported that the previous day's diesel spill had begun seeping into the bay. Officers confirmed the report and ensured that various authorities were apprised.

Metlakatla man charged with fish ticket violation

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Ketchikan
Type: Fish tickets
On 1/2/13 Freeman McGilton, 67, of Metlakatla, was issued a summons by Alaska Wildlife Troopers for failing to submit Alaska Department of Fish and Game commercial fish tickets within seven days. A mandatory court appearance was set for 1/18/13 in Ketchikan District Court.

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Suspicious activity, Dec. 25 — Officers followed a set of footprints which went to multiple vehicles in the airport long-term parking lot, through an open gate at the airport and across the runway, out the airport at another gate, stopping finally at Magone Marine. Officers were unable to identify the person having made said footprints.

Welfare check, Dec. 25 — Officers checked on a drunk who was stumbling along the roadway, and advised him to continue his trek on the sidewalk conveniently located next to the road.

Drunk disturbance, Dec. 25 — Three drunken fishermen attempted to crash a private party and after being told to leave, expressed their displeasure by urinating on the door of the apartment. Odiferous moisture flowing under the door prompted the partiers to more forcefully encourage the gate-crashers to leave, resulting in a broken window and several damaged walls in the common area of the complex. No injuries were reported and no arrests were made.

Trespass, Dec. 25 — Three drunken fishermen were given trespass advisements, per UniSea security, for all UniSea property.

Traffic roads, Dec. 26 — Caller reported a buoy in the roadway.

Ambulance request, Dec. 29 — EMS personnel provided care and transport for an injured fisherman arriving by tug.