Petersburg Assembly backs commercial red king crab proposal, opposes a reallocation to personal-use permits

The Petersburg Borough Assembly unanimously adopted Resolution 2025-02 on Jan. 6 endorsing Alaska Department of Fish and Game Proposal 243 and opposing Proposal 242, ahead of the Alaska Board of Fisheries meeting in Ketchikan scheduled for Jan. 28–Feb. 9, 2025.

Local fishermen and industry representatives addressed the assembly during the agenda-related public comment period urging support. John Jensen said he supported Proposal 243 and described the economic importance of any red king crab harvest to Petersburg: "At $25 a pound, it's good money for people of Petersburg, for the fleet, for the crews," Jensen said, noting 31 of the 58 Southeast permits are held by Petersburg residents. Craig Evans, president of Petersburg Vessel Owners, described nearly a decade of work with the department to restore access to the red crab fishery and said the department planned to sponsor a proposal similar to 243 with industry support. "This year...we're working with the department again to come up with a proposal that we think can pass the board," Evans said.

During assembly discussion members expressed support while acknowledging limits to the department's research capacity. Member Marsh said he would vote in favor but raised "heartburn" with a recital in the resolution that unqualifiedly praises ADF&G science, noting that budget and staffing constraints can limit sampling and surveys the department undertakes. Several assembly members agreed the resolution was a step toward restoring local commercial opportunity and would be transmitted to the Board of Fisheries as part of the borough's correspondence.

The resolution passed by unanimous roll-call and will be submitted prior to the Board of Fisheries meeting in Ketchikan.