subsistence

The road would give King Cove residents access to potentially life-saving medical care, but it could threaten key subsistence species and create a dangerous precedent.

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council, which manages federal fisheries off Alaska’s coast, wrapped up its February meeting Tuesday, with one issue dominating discussions: salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea. The 15-member council unanimously approved a motion that inches forward a decision that will finally put to bed the issue of pollock trawlers’ chum salmon bycatch, which has become the biggest fisheries issue in over a decade.

The issue pits a multibillion-dollar industry against Western Alaska subsistence communities struggling with record-low salmon returns — with climate change in the background.

Members of a federal subsistence board are meeting in Unalaska this week to hear the public’s thoughts on potential changes to fish and shellfish regulations.

While blue mussels are a traditional source of subsistence food in Unalaska, in recent years, reduced numbers and concerns about paralytic shellfish poisoning, or PSP, have limited the amount locals can safely harvest.

An Unalaska resident has been charged with 10 counts of illegal subsistence fishing violations. Fifty-nine-year-old Juliann Tucker received the citation Wednesday after a nearly three-month investigation.

The Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska held their 26th annual Camp Qungaayux̂ earlier this month. The weeklong camp brought nearly 80 kids from across the region to Unalaska's Humpy Cove for a celebration of Unangax̂ tradition. Check out our highlights reel.

KUCB's Hope McKenney sits down for a discussion with the Qawalangin Tribe’s new resilience project manager.

A Camp Qungaayux̂ fact sheet provided by the Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska

Unalaska’s local tribe is working to stop the spread of a concerning strain of avian flu that could be killing birds in the Aleutian region. The tribe's biggest concern is the virus making the leap from animals to humans.