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Hal Bernton

Hal Bernton

Commission again sets Pacific halibut harvest at rock-bottom levels amid U.S.-Canada tensions

Commission again sets Pacific halibut harvest at rock-bottom levels amid U.S.-Canada tensions

A Trump appointee threatened sanctions on Canadian halibut exports if the country’s negotiators didn’t accept a cut to the British Columbia catch, according to multiple sources.

Halibut managers contend with scientific uncertainty as fishery hits record lows

Halibut managers contend with scientific uncertainty as fishery hits record lows

Scientists remain hopeful halibut will rebound, as in decades past. But they are unsure when that will happen.

Bottom trawlers that snagged orcas are testing new technology to avoid them

Bottom trawlers that snagged orcas are testing new technology to avoid them

The trawl industry has scrambled to try to find a way to keep the whales out of their nets after nine were accidentally taken in 2023.

In Alaska, fishing skippers and hungry orcas vie for halibut pulled from the deep

In Alaska, fishing skippers and hungry orcas vie for halibut pulled from the deep

An intensifying arms race between fishermen and the whales has crews testing cutting edge equipment.

Bottom trawlers face renewed scrutiny amid halibut decline

Bottom trawlers face renewed scrutiny amid halibut decline

The bottom trawl fleet accidentally catches and kills millions of pounds of halibut each year, stoking a fierce, long-running debate.

Shrinking prize: Amid halibut's decline, challenges mount for Alaska and Washington fishing crews

Shrinking prize: Amid halibut's decline, challenges mount for Alaska and Washington fishing crews

Scientists haven't reached a consensus about the forces that have driven down halibut stocks. But the decline is hitting the harvest hard.

How a risky state investment in seafood cost Alaskans millions and left a fishing town in crisis

How a risky state investment in seafood cost Alaskans millions and left a fishing town in crisis

There were warning signs ahead of the bet on Peter Pan Seafood, which is expected to cost Alaskans more $29 million.