Deliveries in the IFQ halibut fishery are lining up very similar to last year's, with deliveries to Seward leading statewide so far. A total of 9.4 percent of the 57 million pound Alaska quota was caught through March 31, compared with 9.1 percent at the same time last year. Deliveries in Area 3A, which includes Homer, have led the way with 3.6 million pounds crossing the docks so far, compared to 1.3 million pounds in Area 2C (Southeast) and 0.5 million pounds in 3B, which covers the south end of Kodiak to Unimak Pass. Deliveries have been extremely limited in the Aleutians and the Bering Sea. Prices have faltered somewhat, dropping from a starting high of $3.25 to $3.45 per pound to $2.70, $2.90 and $3.10 depending on size. While there is frequently a slump in halibut prices around the Easter holiday, this price decline doesn't appear to be connected. Some buyers related that there seemed to be resistance to higher prices at the retail level and anticipated the dock price dropping perhaps as low as $2.60 to $2.80 per pound in the near future. Harsh weather and extreme tides have made deliveries into Homer somewhat spotty, but conditions are expected to improve over the weekend.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries and the University of Alaska Sea Grant College Program are hosting a conference this month titled, "Managing Fisheries, Empowering Communities." Taking place in Anchorage April 21-23, this conference will look for ways for Alaska coastal communities to gain a voice in local fisheries management. Taking into account the rich fishing history and diverse culture of coastal communities, the conference will look at the role of fishing and the private economy as government spending declines. According to the conference announcement, in recent years fishery managers have focused on managing fisheries for biological and economic sustainability. Often, the challenge of addressing overcapitalization has led to limited-entry programs, which use tools such as limiting the number of permits in a fishery or creating IFQ programs.

The announcement goes on to say, "Fishery management regulations, and limited access in particular, clearly impact fishing communities. While there are considerable benefits to limiting access, such as longer fishing seasons, increased efficiency, improved product quality, and increased value of the fishery, there also has been a trend of fishing activity and supporting industries migrating from rural coastal communities to more urban areas. This out-migration of fishing activity can result in weaker local economies and a less certain future for Alaska's coastal communities." The conference will address such questions as: Are there ways to develop effective policies and programs that do not foreclose opportunities to coastal communities? What aspects of "coastal communities" are we trying to protect? How can communities be considered under the federal and state fishery management systems? What do we need to know in order to assess community impacts? Are there better ways for communities to participate in the development of fishery management programs and plans? How can community members take advantage of the provisions of existing programs?

The conference is designed for Alaska coastal community residents, fishermen, processors, fishery managers and others interested in this topic. Speakers, panels and breakout work sessions will address these questions. A conference report will summarize the exchanges. More information including costs and registration is available online at http://www.uaf.edu/seagrant/index.html or by calling Sherri Pristash at (907) 474-6701 in Fairbanks.

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced the availability of $14.3 million in grants that will support the development of value-added business ventures and support President Bush's plan to develop alternative sources of renewable energy. Although the grant program was designed for farmers and ranchers, it is available to commercial fishermen. Johanns said priority consideration will be given to those grant applications that have at least 51 percent of project costs dedicated to activities for a bio-energy project. Awards will be made on a competitive basis. Applications must be received no later than May 6, 2005. Detailed information about application and program requirements will be included in the April 7, 2005, publication of the Federal Register. USDA Rural Develop-ment's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development and critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's Web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

Cristy Fry has commercial fished in Homer since 1978, and has also designed and built gear for the industry. She currently longlines for halibut and sablefish, and gillnets salmon in Upper Cook Inlet aboard the F/V Realist.