Subsistence Harvesting

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.

The Aleut Community of St. Paul Island, the tribal government on St. Paul, hopes the project will open new revenue streams and lower prices in the island’s community store.

Fisheries technicians wrapped up the 2023 season at Unalaska's McLees Lake weir last week, reporting a total escapement of 26,945 sockeye salmon — the weir's highest count since 2016.

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

The Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska and KUCB are proud to present "Aqalix Qada!" — a traditional foods video series. The program features Unangax̂ elders and community members sharing their knowledge of traditional food preparation. In this 7th episode of the series, Shayla Shaishnikoff shows us how she learned how to make Qawax̂ stew from Unangax̂ elder Kathy Dirks.

The Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska and KUCB are proud to present "Aqalix Qada!" — a traditional foods video series. The program features Unangax̂ elders and community members sharing their knowledge of traditional food preparation. In this episode June McGlashan shows us how to make her famous alaadix and fish spread!

The Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska and KUCB are proud to present "Aqalix Qada!" — a traditional foods video series. The program features Unangax̂ elders and community members sharing their knowledge of traditional food preparation. "Aqalix Qada!" was filmed by Qawalangin Tribe staff members and edited by KUCB’s Kanesia McGlashan-Price. In our fourth episode, traditional foods expert Charlene Shaishnikoff shows us how to make deep fried chagix̂ (halibut)!

The Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska and KUCB are proud to present "Aqalix Qada!" — a traditional foods video series. The program features Unangax̂ elders and community members sharing their knowledge of traditional food preparation. In this fifth episode of the series, Genee Shaishnikoff shares how she makes a flavor-filled batch of unignax̂ (blueberry) jam!

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.