Prince William Sound Fishermen Get Herring Opener, Looking For Buyers
Commercial harvesters in Cordova, Alaska say they’re excited about an announcement from state fisheries officials to open the Prince William Sound herring food and bait fishery in November for the first time since 1998, but only if there is a buyer.
The guideline harvest level, or GHL, announced Oct. 25, is for 500 tons of herring.
Fishermen have made inquiries to processors in Cordova, whose facilities are currently closed. As of Oct. 28, they’ve received no confirmation of processing facilities opening. Veteran fisherman Ken Jones noted that even last year, those canneries didn't open until May.
Back in the 1970s and 1980s, before the Exxon Valdez oil spill disaster, pretty much everyone was involved in the herring fishery; Jones said there are over 100 permits for commercia...
