Fish Factor: Government shutdown causing few problems in Alaska's fisheries

The government shutdown has caused few problems so far in Alaska’s fisheries, but concern is growing as it enters a third week.

The shutdown of nine out of 15 federal departments and agencies on Dec. 21 has furloughed about 800,000 workers nationwide, most with no pay, including fishery oversight and research jobs. In many cases, that means there’s no one to issue fishing permits, licenses or other documents and services required before setting out.

“I have not heard of any problems, but that’s not to say that there aren’t any,” said Forrest Bowers, acting director of the Alaska Dept. of Fish...