Katherine Rose, Author at KCAW

Sitka AC reviews over a dozen herring proposals ahead of Board of Fish meeting

Winter is the time when most Sitkans turn their attention to other pursuits besides fishing, but not the members of the local Fish & Game Advisory Committee. During November and December, the local Fish & Game Advisory Committee considers hunkers down with a thick book of proposals for changes in the management in Southeast’s fisheries. Over the last two weeks, they’ve focused exclusively on herring.

Sitka Coast Guard crew rescues three fishermen west of Yakutat

(Screenshot from USCG rescue video) A Sitka Coast Guard helicopter crew rescued three fishermen...

Sitka Assembly narrowly passes agreement with cruise dock

The City of Sitka has its first agreement with the local, privately owned cruise dock. When the Sitka Assembly met last night, it approved a “Memorandum of Understanding” or MOU with the Sitka Dock Company. But the assembly was split on whether the document would be effective or necessary.

Sitka Assembly welcomes new finance director

Sitka’s city finance director is stepping down. Finance Director Melissa Haley informed the city of her resignation in early October. When the Sitka Assembly met on Tuesday (11-12-24), it approved the promotion of her replacement, controller Brooke Volschenk.

Assembly postpones vote on cruise dock agreement

The city of Sitka has brokered a “Memorandum of Understanding” with the local cruise dock. And while some assembly members were on board with approving the agreement as-is, they postponed a vote until the next meeting after a number of community members said they needed more time to review the document.

October 22, 2024: Here’s what’s on the agenda when the Sitka Assembly meets tonight

The last cruise ship of 2024 arrived in Sitka on Monday (10-21-24), on what was arguably one of the nicest days of the “shoulder season.” While cruising is finally winding down, the assembly has two big tourism-related issues on its plate when it meets tonight.

Assembly looks for solutions after volunteers were barred from Sitka Animal Shelter

A dispute over the management of the Sitka Animal Shelter at least two years in the making came to a head this summer, when the police department barred volunteers from the facility. The ousted volunteer group brought its complaints to the Sitka Assembly this week, hoping not just to be allowed back in, but to set a new course for the troubled operation.

Can Japan sustain the rebound of its ‘phantom fish’?

While the rebound in Japanese herring is the result of government investment, management of the fisheries is largely unregulated -- except by the fishermen themselves. Is this sustainable? Many don't think so. Part 5 of "Phantom Fish: The return of Japan's vanished herring fishery."

As Japan’s consumer tastes change, marketers hope to create the next hot herring product

While Japan's obsession with seafood may never change, it's tastes are evolving. Alaskan herring roe -- kazunoko -- is finding its way snack foods, and other non-traditional products. But there is strong competition from domestic herring, too. This is Part 4 of "Phantom Fish: The return of Japan's vanished herring industry."

While local herring are more affordable and accessible in Japan, some still look to Alaska for eggs

Japanese consumers are readily adjusting to the improved size and quantity of domestically-produced herring. But Alaska herring has niche in sushi -- and an alluring wild "brand" that still sells. Part 3 of KCAW's "Phantom Fish: The return of Japan's vanished herring industry."