As of Jan. 1, Julianne Curry will serve as the new executive director of the United Fishermen of Alaska.
UFA is a statewide commercial fishing trade association, and Curry has served as a leader of its member group the Petersburg Vessel Owners' Association for the last six years.
“I am excited and honored for the privilege of representing UFA. The fishing industry is one of Alaska’s primary economic drivers and employs thousands of individuals throughout the State. I am looking forward to helping UFA promote the fishing industry and provide a voice for Alaska’s largest private sector employer,” said Curry.
Curry succeeds Mark Vinsel, who has served in the executive position since 2004 after three years as UFA office manager and will transition back to an administrative role.
UFA President Arni Thomson has stepped down after nearly three years as UFA president, effective today. UFA Vice President Bruce Wallace will serve as interim President until the full board elects a successor at its February meeting. The UFA Executive Committee has named Paul Shadura to serve as interim V.P. until that time as well.
Callifornia crabbing: Here's a fun video shot on the decks of the Majestik while catching Dungeness crab off the coast of northern California.
Alaska fisherman and commercial fisheries activist Kevin Adams was elected chairman at the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute board of directors meeting on May 9 in Anchorage.
The governor-appointed board consists of seven members: five seafood processors and two industry representatives actively engaged in commercial fishing. Adams was appointed to fill a harvester seat by Gov. Frank Murkowski in 2004.
With 38 years of fishing experience in Bristol Bay, Adams has long been an active member in the Alaska fishing industry, ASMI says. He has worked for both the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation and the Bering Sea Fisherman's Association, and represents Alaska fishermen on numerous boards.
The Northeast Regional Planning Body, a group of state, tribal and federal representatives from New England who are working to implement the National Ocean Policy and address critical New England ocean issues, is holding a series of public meetings in May and June.
The meetings are being held to discuss draft regional ocean planning goals and associated potential actions. The planning body seeks input on these goals and actions. Additional information on the group's progress can be found here.
The meetings will also provide an opportunity to review draft maps and products from initial efforts to gather information on the natural resources and diverse uses of the ocean, including fishing, transportation, energy and infrastructure, aquaculture, and recreation.
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