“It's just an attempt to take care of our home," said George Pletnikoff, of the Pribilof community of St. George. "It’s dying, and you know it’s dying."
A proposed marine sanctuary in the Pribilof Islands has drawn major pushback from the commercial fishing industry, ever since the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration accepted the sanctuary nomination last June. The Aleut Community of St. Paul says the sanctuary designation would give the tribe greater authority to protect the region’s vast ecosystems and resources, including rich fishing grounds and habitat for the federally protected northern fur seal.
The halibut and black cod fisheries got underway last weekend, and deliveries have been sparse so far. Prices were comparable to early deliveries for the last couple years, with the first load of halibut delivered in Homer selling for $6.50 straight. There have been no black cod deliveries so far statewide.