A coalition of fishing groups, conservation advocates and community organizations is calling for stricter oversight of midwater trawl fishing as the Alaska Board of Fisheries begins its Statewide Finfish meeting Tuesday in Anchorage.
The Alaska Healthy Habitat Alliance has submitted three proposals 163, 164 and 165 — aimed at strengthening enforcement of the state’s definition of midwater trawling, which prohibits contact with the seafloor.
The group says clearer rules and stronger accountability are needed to protect marine habitat and ensure fair fishing practices…