subsistence

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.

Surveyors with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game are knocking on doors in Unalaska this week and asking questions about salmon.

Qawalangin Tribe President Harriet Berikoff said it was a tough year for subsistence fishing in Unalaska. Rough boating weather and low salmon numbers meant most families weren't able to fill their freezers. Last week, September 7th, the Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska donated $22,000 worth of sockeye salmon to its tribal members.