Virus cited as factor in assault aboard trawler

Federal prosecutors have charged a crewman aboard the Bering Sea factory trawler Seafreeze America with assault.

United States Seafoods posted this statement on its website:

United States Seafoods (USS) is disappointed by the assault that took place on board our vessel, the SEAFREEZE AMERICA, on March 23rd. Fishing on the Bering Sea is a challenging and fast paced profession and our boats house diverse crew members from all walks of life. Conflict can and does arise on occasion, but we at USS take safety and non-violent conflict resolution seriously.

While we know that the authorities are doing their part, we want to do our part in addressing some misinformation regarding this incident. It is our understanding that the crewmembers involved had conflicts prior to the COVID-19 health crisis and that the conflict resulting in charges did not have its roots in COVID-19 prevention protocols. We know that COVID-19 is at the top of everyone’s mind now and there is understandably a lot of uncertainty and worry about what happens next. Rest assured that at USS, the health and safety of our crew and of Alaska communities are our number one priority. We do not have all the answers, but we are agile and making changes every day to our operations to follow the recommendations of the CDC, WHO, and the State of Alaska.

We know that someday we will all be on the other side of this crisis. Until then, Alaska seafood will continue to be an essential need of people all over the world. We are here and prepared to put on our Xtratufs and Grundens — and now our face masks and gloves — to ensure that need continues to be met.

Haines shrimper charged with multiple violations

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Haines
Type: Multiple violations
On 3/13/20 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Caullen Taylor, 24, of Haines, after an investigation revealed he had commercial shrimped in the waters of District 15 near Haines after the closure of the commercial shrimp fishery on 2/28/20. Further investigation revealed Taylor did not own or possess a 2020 shrimp permit, or a 2020 catcher-seller permit as required. It was also discovered that Taylor had filed late fish tickets on multiple occasions. Taylor was issued a misdemeanor summons for commercial shrimping during a closed period, no commercial shrimp permit, no catcher-seller permit, and filing late fish tickets.

Fines issued in observer sexual harassment cases

NOAA has fined crewmembers aboard two factory trawlers for making sexual advances toward fishery observers.

One fine was $30,000 and the other $55,000.

The two cases are discussed here. The vessels involved are not named.

Troopers: Shrimp catcher-processor lacked permit

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Prince of Wales Island
Type: Reporting requirement and permit violations
On 10/24/19 Alaska Wildlife Troopers on Prince of Wales Island were notified by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game of an issue with several overdue commercial shrimp tickets from the F/V Angie Lee. Investigation into the matter revealed that the captain of the Angie Lee was Travis Hagen, 29, of Craig. Hagen had been processing his catch by boxing and freezing his shrimp without the required catcher-processor permit. Hagen also had not been completing shrimp tickets as required by regulation. Hagen was issued two citations for the violations.

Two charged in Egegik processing plant burglary

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Egegik
Type: Burglary
On 10/15/19 Alaska State Troopers received a report of a burglary at a fish-processing plant located in the village of Egegik. Trooper responded. Investigation revealed George Chernikoff, 42, and Timothy Olsen, 21, both of Egegik, burgled a bunkhouse and net locker storage facility. Chernikoff and Olsen caused approximately $1,100 in damage and stole items valued at approximately $200. Chernikoff and Olsen were subsequently arrested, transported and remanded into the King Salmon jail, without incident, on charges of burglary, criminal mischief, theft and criminal trespass.

Fisherman charged at Cordova with illegal catches

Alaska authorities have charged Keith D. Edens, 29, with two counts of illegally fishing within 500 yards of a freshwater salmon stream.

The case is pending in the District Court at Cordova.

On Aug. 26, Alaska State Troopers received a report that the F/V Lady Kay, later determined to be skipped by Edens, was commercial fishing in closed waters in Bainbridge Passage, court papers say.

Two witnesses observed the Lady Kay making sets, and one of the witnesses — a fish spotter — took photos and video, the papers say.

Troopers noted Edens filled out two fish tickets on Aug. 26, dropping off 101,454 and 61,394 pounds of salmon and receiving $48,854.40 for the fish, the court papers say.

Trident accused of multiple infractions

The Alaska State Troopers have charged Trident Seafoods Corp. with multiple counts of "unlawful possession of fish."

The charges stem from inspection of Trident tenders offloading seine-caught salmon in Ketchikan, troopers press releases say.

Trident was cited for three counts of unlawful possession of fish after an inspection on Aug. 13.

"Investigation revealed Trident Seafoods had retained 40 king salmon and one steelhead that were not reported on any commercial fish tickets as required," troopers said.

Trident was cited for another count of unlawful possession of fish after an inspection two days later.

"Investigation revealed Trident Seafoods had retained eight king salmon and two steelhead that were not reported on commercial fish tickets as required," troopers said.

A number of tendermen also were charged.