Conservation Group Sues Over Pollock Trawl Seal Protections

0:00It's April 13, I'm Cory with the story. This is Anchorage News Today, driven by AI. A conservation group just hit federal fisheries managers with a lawsuit over catch limits in the Baring Sea Pollock Troll Fishery. They say the rules fall short on protecting northern fur seals, especially the nursing females on St. Paul Island, who depend on Pollock to feed there. Pups, Filed Wednesday in Alaska's U.S. District Court, is the Center for Biological Diversity, calling out NOAA Fisheries for weak safeguards. These seals have dropped 70% on islands since the 1970s, and the suit claims NOAA ignored federal laws by not tightening. Those annual harvest specs for trawlers. NOAA pushed back in March, saying there's not enough evidence that the Pollock Trolls are messing with the seals in a way that breaks the rules. Meanwhile, the fishery pumps billions into Alaska's economy and supports thousands of jobs, but opponents blasted for environmental harm and unwanted. Sam and Ketches, despite mirrors long battles over troll impacts on stellar sea lines in

1:02Western Alaska, where fishing bucks heads with wildlife needs. The case lands with senior judge H. Russell Holland, so we'll see if stronger protections drop or if business rolls on in those vital waters.