National Fisherman

Charlie Ess

Contributor

Charlie Ess is the North Pacific Bureau Chief for National Fisherman.

Author Archive

Chinook salmon. NOAA photo.

Alaska salmon troll fleet under the gun over chinooks and killer whales

The National Marine Fisheries Service turned down a request from Bering Sea crabbers for emergency closures including pelagic trawl, pot gear, and longline gear for 180 days from Jan. 1 to June 30, 2023. NMFS graphic.

With area closure denied, Bering Sea crabbers keep focus on incidental catches

Dungeness crab. Oregon Sea Grant photo.

Northwest, Alaska crabbers strike for better prices

Alaska pollock. NMFS photo.

North Pacific council hears renewed demands on bycatch

Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association photo.

Alaska board sets new Bristol Bay net rules

Captain Shawn McManus proudly holds a pot-caught blackcod on the F/V Vansee. Courtesy Shawn McManus photo.

Blackcod fishermen’s ‘gear switching’ challenges Pacific Fishery Management Council

Juvenile blackcod. NMFS photo.

Surveys look promising for blackcod and halibut

Plans building a new $238 million ferry to replace the aging M/V Tustamena, which sails a route covering part of Prince William Sound, Kodiak and ports along the Alaska Peninsula and Dutch Harbor. Alaska Marine Highway System photo.

Alaska state planners move to renovate ferry system

Gill net fishing practices on Kotzebue Sound are among many issues on the agenda for the Alaska Board of Fisheries meeting season starting in October. ADF&G photo.

Cod, salmon at top of agenda as Alaska Board of Fisheries gears up

Alaska divers’ geoduck, sea cucumber fisheries on rebound