In the Loop Bringing the Aleutians East Borough, the AEB School District and Eastern Aleutian Tribes together by sharing common goals. Scientists Recommend a 19 Percent Reduction for Halibut Fishery; Area 3B Could Experience a 32 Percent Cut Area 3B could see a 32% decline in its commercial halibut harvest level if the IPHC approves recommendations. In the Loop This week, the scientific staff of the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) announced its recommendations on catch limits for the 2012 season, and the news isn’t good for commercial fishermen in the Aleutians. Overall, scientists are recommending a 19 percent cut across the board for the halibut fishery. Area 3B could see a 32 percent decline in its harvest levels if the commission moves forward on the recommendations. The staff is recommending a catch limit of slightly more than 5,000,000 pounds for the 2012 season in Published by the Aleutians East Borough Dec. 2, 2011 Page 1 Area 3B. That compares to 7.51 million pounds for the previous year. Scientists say the reason for the recommended cuts is what they call “unspecified mortality”. In a nutshell, halibut are disappearing from the population, and managers can only speculate as to why it’s happening. One possible reason could be a parasite infection. The commission will consider staff’s recommendations at its Jan. 24 - 27, 2011 annual meeting in Anchorage. Read more - AEB Fish Blog Below are the numbers, expressed in millions of pounds. Area 2011 catch limits 2012 recommendations % change 2A 0.91 0.99 +9 2B 7.65 6.63 -13 2C 2.33 2.62 +12 3A 14.36 11.92 -17 3B 7.51 5.07 -32 4A 2.41 1.57 -35 4B 2.18 1.87 -14 4CDA 3.72 2.47 -34 Steller Sea Lion Case Scheduled for Dec. 21st The controversy surrounding proposed fishing restrictions to protect the endangered Steller sea lion will take center stage in court later this month. Last year, the state and organizations within the Alaska fishing industry sued the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The state argues that the drastic measures proposed by NMFS were not supported by the best available Oral arguments in scientific information and were unnecessary given the overall health of the court are scheduled st for Dec. 21 . In the Loop Published by the Aleutians East Borough Dec. 2, 2011 Page 2 Steller sea lion population. The Alaska Seafood Cooperative and the Freezer Longline Coalition also filed suit. Oral arguments in court are scheduled to take place on Dec. 21st. Read more - Deckboss Groundfish ABCs, WASSIP Report Discussed at AEB Fishermen’s Meeting in Seattle By Ernie Weiss, AEB Natural Resources Director The North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s (NPFMC) Groundfish Plan Teams for the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands (BSAI) met at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center in Seattle November 14 -18, 2011 to study and refine catch limits and the Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) reports. The following are some of the recommended Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC)’s for 2012: The 2012 ABC for GOA Pacific cod (pcod) is recommended to be 87,600 tons; up 1,000 tons from 2011. The 2012 ABC for BSAI pcod is recommended to be 314,000 tons; up 79,000 tons from 2011. The 2012 ABC for sablefish is recommended to be 17,280 tons; up 7% from 2011. The 2012 ABC for GOA Pacific cod is recommended to be 87,600 tons. The 2012 ABC for GOA Pollock is recommended to be 108,440 tons; up 22% from 2011. The 2012 ABC for BSAI pollock is recommended to be 1,220,000 tons, up from a report to the team recommendation of 1,088,000 tons. The apportionment for GOA Pollock stays the same as 2011 for the A & B seasons. For the C & D seasons, there is a slight increase for the central gulf and a slight decrease for the western gulf. The AEB maintained a booth at the Pacific Marine Expo in Seattle Nov. 17 - 19, 2011. Since so many AEB fishermen attend the Expo, an AEB fishermen’s meeting was held at the nearby Silver Cloud Hotel. The recommended pcod ABC’s were shared with fishermen at the meeting. There was also an update of State Board of Fish actions and upcoming meetings. At the Oct. meeting, the Board set the pot cod opening for seven days after the federal season closes or In the Loop Published by the Aleutians East Borough Dec. 2, 2011 Page 3 March 7, whichever is later, as requested by AEB fishermen. We expect Alaska Peninsula salmon to be the topic at the February 2013 Board of Fish meeting. Denby Lloyd, the AEB representative on the Western Alaska Salmon Stock Identification Project (WASSIP) Advisory Panel (AP) gave a report on those proceedings at the fishermen’s meeting. One topic of concern to many AP members is the grouping of Central Western Alaska salmon stocks without much specificity. The final report from the group is due June 2012. The next meeting of the AP and Technical Committee is Jan. 17-18, 2012 in Anchorage. As a member of the NPFMC, Sam Cotten gave an update at the fishermen’s meeting on issues to be discussed at the December Council meeting. Pacific cod A season opening dates for 2013 will be discussed as well as Chinook bycatch in all fisheries, the sector split and the Salmon Fishery Management Plan. Five-year review crab issues on the agenda are crew compensation, active participation and binding arbitration. The Council th meetings begin Dec 5 at the Anchorage Hilton. Visit the link below to view the Chinook bycatch in all fisheries, the Pacific cod A season opening dates for 2013, and the sector split will be discussed agenda: at the December Council meeting. http://www.alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/npfmc/PDFdocuments/meetings/1211AGENDA.pdf Borough Draws Large Number of Visitors to Fish Expo Display Booth in Seattle If the amount of interest expressed by visitors to the AEB display booth at Seattle’s Pacific Marine Expo (a.k.a. Fish Expo) was an accurate gauge, then the event was a success. The booth showcased large photos of harbors in Sand Point, King Cove and in False Pass. Another photo showed the progress made of the small boat harbor under construction in Akutan at the Head of the Bay. The Borough featured a photo of Nelson Lagoon’s boat haul-out and dock. Photos of Cold Bay’s terminal building were also displayed to promote the space available for lease. Flyers of each community’s harbor/infrastructure King Cove Harbormaster In the Loop Published by the Aleutians East Borough Dave Bash discusses harbor amenities with booth Dec. 2, visitors. 2011 Page 4 were also available for visitors to take with them, in addition to the popular 2012 Borough calendar and pens. Those who made the pilgrimage to Seattle to staff the Borough’s booth included AEB Mayor Stanley Mack, Borough Administrator Sharon Boyette, AEB Assemblyman Paul Gronholdt, Borough Finance Director Roxann Newman, AEB Clerk/Planner Tina Anderson, Borough Natural Resources Director Ernie Weiss, AEB Communications Manager Laura Tanis, Borough Fisheries Consultant Sam Cotten, Administrative Manager Bonnie Folz, King Cove Harbormaster Dave Bash and incoming King Cove Harbormaster Charles Mack. Some visitors were surprised to learn that so much progress had been made and numerous amenities were available in the AEB communities. Overall, many people commented that the Borough had assembled an impressive exhibit. King Cove Hosts Successful 100-Year Celebration If you weren’t able to make it out to King Cove in late October for the community’s 100-year birthday celebration, you missed an incredible party. From fun-filled festivities to a feast, there’s no doubt this City knows how to celebrate. Residents weren’t the only ones commemorating King Cove’s remarkable history. On Oct. 28, 2011, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, Lt. Governor Mead The community filled the gym in the multi-purpose center during King Cove’s celebration banquet. Photo by Mark Hickey. Treadwell, Alaska Senator Lyman Hoffman and Representative Bryce Edgmon arrived in King Cove to take part in the festivities. The school choir serenaded the delegates with America the Beautiful. U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, Lt. Governor Mead Treadwell, Alaska Senator Lyman Hoffman and Representative Bryce Edgmon arrived in King Cove to take part in the festivities. Photo by Mark Hickey. In the Loop “To see the young people and the enthusiasm in their eyes make it a pleasure and a wonderful Published by the Aleutians East Borough Dec. 2, 2011 Page 5 opportunity to be here,” Senator Murkowski said. The King Cove Aleut Dancers also performed for the special guests. Afterwards, Murkowski and Treadwell shared remarks with residents about the celebration, the City’s rich history and its bright future. “There is such a diverse history here in King Cove,” said Murkowski. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now than where we are here today in King Cove.” Later in the day, King Cove residents were treated to a banquet of king crab and prime rib. The community’s elders were honored with biographies and photos adorning the walls of the multi-purpose center. During the evening, the community voted for the new City of King Cove flag design. There was also a photo contest. The following day (Oct. 29, 2011) featured several action-packed activities. At noon, residents participated in a cook-off, craft fair, Alaska Senator Lyman Hoffman visits with King Cove School students during the City’s 100-year carnival games, boat exhibit, scavenger hunt, celebration. Photo by Mark Hickey. free throw and a three-on-three basketball tournament. The community barbeque fired up later in the afternoon. The wide variety of events planned during the two-day celebration emphasized the community’s fascinating history and its promising future. King Cove was “born” as a permanent settlement in 1911 when the Pacific American Fisheries cannery began operating. It didn’t take long for the founding families to turn this cannery into a well-functioning community. Years later, the cannery evolved into the present-day Peter Pan Seafoods. Some of the City’s recent accomplishments include the Delta Creek hydroelectric facility, which produces more than 50% of the The King Cove Aleut Dancers entertained dignitaries and the crowds during the City’s celebration. Photo by Mark Hickey. In the Loop Published by the Aleutians East Borough Dec. 2, 2011 Page 6 community’s annual power demands. For the past 15 years, this renewable energy facility continues to be the most prolific, single-site hydro facility in Alaska. “When you think about how the community has advanced to accommodate the economy through the use of hydroelectric power, it’s amazing,” said Murkowski. “Since I was last here in 2006, there have been numerous changes such as the paving of the city streets and the new school. This is a community that is not sitting still and letting moss grow on its feet.” “There is no question that this community has vision,” said Treadwell. “The people who live here are dedicated to making sure that it’s a great place to live.” One of the community’s future goals is to see a one-lane gravel road corridor built through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, linking the remote City of King Cove to the Cold Bay Airport. The road corridor would provide residents with safe and reliable transportation to the all-weather airport and the outside world for health and quality-of-life reasons. “I told the kids here that they live in a very important place. It’s a place that has been argued about on the floors of the U.S. Senate and the House,” said Treadwell. “I knew one of the families who lost a daughter here while trying to medevac a sick person out of King Cove. Building a small road to save lives should not be an issue. I have driven on roads and wildlife refuges throughout the country, and I don’t see any threat here. We’re in the environmental impact statement phase right now. The fact that it’s taken so long to get this project completed is very frustrating,” he said. Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell said residents are dedicated to making sure King Cove is a great place to live. Photo by Mark Hickey. “The decades-old push to get the road built between King Cove and the Cold Bay Airport so that we can have greater access for transportation is going to be a critical ingredient in that thriving economic future going out for the next 100 years,” Murkowski said. The Secretary of the Interior will decide next year whether that will become reality after the environmental impact statement process is completed. Read more: Cordova Times article Read more - Legislative Update from Rep. Bryce Edgmon In the Loop Published by the Aleutians East Borough Dec. 2, 2011 Page 7 King Cove Translator Up and Running King Cove’s KSDP translator is currently up and operating at full capacity. Crews completed the job last month. The new translator, located next to the AEB office, allows residents to receive the radio broadcast from a local transmitter, providing a high-quality feed from almost anywhere in the community. King Cove’s KSDP translator is located next to the AEB office. Two engineers, Chuck Laykatis and Bobby Bouy, who work for Alaska Broadcasting, Inc., flew out with KSDP General Manager Austin Roof on October 16th to work on the project. Two riggers, Adam Kiffmeyer and Kelly Nolan from the Nolan Bros. company, built the tower within four days. “KSDP is very excited about this development. The installation went very smoothly,” said Roof, “We hope this enriches the lives of the people in King Cove.” EAT Welcomes its New Director of Operations By Eastern Aleutian Tribes staff After an extensive statewide search for a new Director of Operations, Eastern Aleutian Tribes is pleased to announce that Edgar Smith, an Unga Tribal Council member, has accepted the new role as our Director of Operations / Chief Operating Officer. Edgar will oversee many of the operational functions and needs of our community clinics as well as assisting the staff at each site in their role of providing great patient care. He will be involved in strategic development and in ensuring management excellence and will also play a key role in resource management and in engaging partners to build collaboration and Edgar Smith is EAT’s new Director of Operations. In the Loop Published by the Aleutians East Borough Dec. 2, 2011 Page 8 support from community leaders throughout our region. Edgar has been a role model who has promoted EAT’s values and mission. He was raised in Sand Point and knows the region well. In the past, he has been a representative on the Unga Tribal Council Board and has been instrumental in making sure his voice was heard to ensure the best possible health care that EAT can give the members of all our communities. Edgar graduated from Sand Point School and has been a commercial fisherman. He moved to Anchorage in the mid 90’s. In his spare time in between fishing seasons, he achieved a computer science degree. He has gained significant knowledge in this complex arena and has excelled in that field. Edgar was Eastern Aleutian Tribe Director of Information Technology before he accepted this new position. He will gradually train Calvin Mack, an Agdaagux Tribal member, as the new Manager/Director of IT while learning his new position. The Director of Operations really touches all areas of the organization. Edgar is a distinguished health care professional who will continue to improve EAT’s operations, ensuring and creating a better experience for both the patients and for all our team members. Please join us in welcoming Edgar Smith to his new position as he continues to be an important part in EAT’s growing success. EAT Announces Other New Hires Eastern Aleutian Tribes is delighted to announce its new team members as of Monday, November 28th: Deborah Daisy, Director of Grants – Deb is a lifelong Alaskan with extensive experience in marketing, small business, and has been a successful grant writer for several Tribal Organizations in Alaska. Deb will be located out of the Anchorage office. Patricia Moore, Behavioral Health Clinician – Patti is a Licensed Professional Counselor and comes to EAT from California with experience in crisis intervention, home-based school therapy, was a native American liaison as a social worker, family and group therapy and a therapist for an inpatient unit. Patti will be located in Sand Point. Edward Smith, IT Technician – Ed is an Aleut originally from Sand Point. Ed comes to EAT with an AAS Degree in Computer Science in Networking Technology from Charter In the Loop Published by the Aleutians East Borough Dec. 2, 2011 Page 9 College. Before going into IT, Ed was working in the social services field with Southcentral Foundation, Assets, and was also a seasoned commercial fisherman in the Aleutians. Ed will be located out of the Anchorage office, with travel support for all sites. EATs Colorectal Screening Rates Outstrip Statewide Numbers By Eastern Aleutian Tribes staff EAT’s colorectal screening rates have increased by 254% during the last five years, and have surpassed the statewide rate. Under EAT’s Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) grant, EAT has increased from a 2006 screening rate of 19% to 2011’s figure of 67.2%. This exceeds the statewide level of 58.4%. Working in conjunction with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium’s Colorectal Cancer Control Program, EAT has held numerous health fairs throughout the region, emphasizing colon care and featuring “Nolan the Colon”, a giant walk-through colon designed to demonstrate the differences between healthy and diseased colons. With the work of our excellent clinical staff, we look forward to meeting and exceeding the Center of Disease Control’s 2014 goal of 80%. In the Loop Published by the Aleutians East Borough Dec. 2, 2011 Page 10 Dental Team Continues Visits By Eastern Aleutian Tribes staff The EAT dental team of Dr. Michael Costa - DDS, Becky Howe - Dental Hygienist, Chelsea Shoemaker- DHAT, and Erik Linduska – DHAT, continue to visit our communities. This quarter, dental clinics have been conducted in Cold Bay, Sand Point, Nelson Lagoon, False Pass, King Cove, Adak, and Akutan, and treated 464 patients. Chelsea and Erik will be receiving their certification in January 2012. This will allow even better coverage for EAT’s communities, and will allow both Sand Point and King Cove to have an independent dental practitioner on site 95% of the time. EAT is working in conjunction with the Aleutian East Borough School District to improve our fluoride rinse program at the schools. Plans for next year include working with the medical providers to ensure that all our pregnant moms are being referred to dental clinics to help reduce the risk of preterm miscarriages. Our dental team received “honorable mention” by the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) Awards this year for most improvement with respect to their dental GPRA objectives. Dr. Blahut, Deputy Director of the Division of Oral Health, IHS (and the GPRA lead for the dental measures) recognized EAT in 2011 for most improvement on these measures. Retinal Imaging Update By Eastern Aleutian Tribes staff Retinal imaging has taken place throughout the EAT service area this year with approximately 60% of all diabetic patients receiving the imaging from their community. Images taken on each patient have successfully transmitted directly to the Phoenix Indian Medical Center from each site through the IT In the Loop Published by the Aleutians East Borough Dec. 2, 2011 Page 11 platform established specifically for this purpose, in conjunction with the Indian Health Service Joslin Vision network (IHS-JVN) program. In the past, the only option has been to have diabetic patients traveling to Anchorage to receive the service. Once images are read in Phoenix by a specialist, reports are sent to each clinic directly for dissemination to each patient. EAT currently has one trained staff member traveling from site to site conducting the retinal screening. Melinda Johnson, our new Diabetes Management Care Coordinator, will attend JVN Camera Training in January 2012. Sand Point Joins the Great American Smokeout By Eastern Aleutian Tribes staff The Sand Point Clinic, in conjunction with Aleutian East Borough School District and the City of Sand Point held a Smokeout on November 17th. More than 60 people attended, and enjoyed presentations by the youth group “Fighting Against Teens Smoking” (FATS); as well as displays and games. Hot dogs and hamburgers were served thanks to the generosity of the Alaska Commercial Company. Prizes were courtesy of Peter Pan Seafoods, Trident Seafoods, Toys Plus, Alaska Commercial Company and Eastern Aleutian Tribes. Thank you to everyone who contributed and participated. For more EAT news, visit the links below: http://www.eatribes.org/ and http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eastern-Aleutian-Tribes-Inc/301254469887961 In the Loop Published by the Aleutians East Borough Dec. 2, 2011 Page 12 Apply NOW for short-term cm introductory classes that can lead to a great-paying career in construction. .WELDING ELECTRICAL Applications and program updates .PLUMBING are available at: .TRADES MATH HEALTH 8? SAFETY BALL BOO-4704 a? qabb m2 m?rllipJuu Megm?mym mummk-I? . . . . smut-ruminan- In the Loop Published by the Aleutians East Borough Dec. 2, 2011 Page 13 Department nf Energy . . . 0 Energy Ef?raenny and Renewable Energy Hatlrn?l Lam'm?n? ToEaI'Energy @ragrem - Summer Intems?rp @rogmm . Apply to: Postmarked. February 17, 2011 Sandra K. Eegay-Camphell Location: Sandia National Laboratories Sandia National blur-??e, Albuquerque, New Mexico Pt} Bu: Albuquerque, New Merico MISS-0TH Telephone: [505} 544?5415 Internship Dnratrnn: 11 weeks 51:11an (man din-g? Background: The Tribal Energy Program promotes tribal energy su?cienoy, economic development and employment on tribal lands ?n'ough the use of renewable energy and energy ef?ciency technologies. Eligibility: l[Iiurrent college iqiper-clasmien and graduate students, 1who are familiar with Native American culture and tribal issues. are needed to support the Tribal Energy Program efforts with technical project tasks. Students are needed to assist a cross?disciplinary team to perform speci?c tasks. Interactions 1will be with Sandia's renewable energy staff, Native American tribes interested in renewable systems and Sandia?s American Indian Outreach Committee. Instant inunersinn in these activities is o??a'ed inworln'ng directly 1with experienced and internationally recognised peers. Travel will be required, including ?eld visits to renewable energy projects. Required: As authorized by the Tribal Energy Program, the student applicant must be a US Citizen andbe a Native American as de?ned as a member ol' a recognized Federally-recognized Tribe, Alaska 1Village ori-Uaslca Corporation (not state-recognized, not hands or groups, or ?rst peoples of Guam or Hawaii}. Speci?c interest in renewable energy is required. NDTE: Applicants mast pass a socnr'lty check [local federal law enforcement, driver?s history, personal references, educational, credit employ-eat checks}. Application Instructions: 1/ Apply to contact address listed at the top of the announcement prior to the deadline. 1K Apply using a personal resume including GPA {3.2 Bachelors, 3.5 Masters, and all releyant work experience and outside actin'ties. Include your phone number email address. 1" Include all college transcripts [of?cial copies are required]. 1/ Complete the questionnaire 3.: essays requested, which are included nith this announcement. Salary dz Relocation Expenses: - Salary commensurate with number of hours completed by the end of the Hill Fall semester in an appropriate technical major - Sandia still pay relocation expenses {mileage and per diem or round-trip airfare} for a school site a 50 miles from Albuquerque, New Mexico In the Loop Published by the Aleutians East Borough Dec. 2, 2011 Got News? If you have news you’d like to share, please email ltanis@aeboro.org or call AEB Communications Manager Laura Tanis at (907) 274-7579. Thank you for reading In the Loop. If you would like to subscribe or unsubscribe, please send an email to ltanis@aeboro.org. For more information about our communities, our people, and our fisheries, please visit us at www.aleutianseast.org and www.aebfish.org, and check out our blog at http://aebfishblog.blogspot.com/. In the Loop Published by the Aleutians East Borough Dec. 2, 2011 Page 15