Today's Main Story: Murkowski Mandates Labels on GE Salmon, Supports AK Fisheries in Appropriations Bill Before Senate   A labeling mandate for genetically modified salmon is part of a Fiscal Year 2017 appropriations bill before the U.S. Senate. The provision was written by Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski who vowed earlier this year to require federal labeling laws for genetically engineered salmon after the FDA approved the sale of AquaBounty's fish last fall.  “Alaska is known around the world for our sustainably-caught, wild, delicious seafood. Requiring labeling of genetically engineered salmon helps us to maintain Alaska’s gold-standard reputation for years to come, and protects consumers,” Murkowski said. The bill goes to the Senate for full consideration and includes recommendations for nutritional advice on seafood, assistance for Alaska’s farmers, and support for critical food assistance programs in addition to the labeling mandate.  New Bedford's Whaling City Seafood Display Auction may periodically close in June since many of New England's groundfish boats expect to remain tied up for the month given another round of cod quota cuts to the region. Richard Canastra, co-owner of the Auction expects days where no auctions will take place, at least until July. This summer, New England's groundfish fleet will operate under a 62 percent cod quota cut to the Georges Bank fishery.  In other news, it appears the world's octopus, squid and cuttlefish stocks are actually increasing because of warming ocean conditions. A study from the University of Adelaide in Australia determined that higher water temperatures may have allowed cephalopods to grow more quickly to larger sizes while also allowing them to live longer. Populations may also be on the rise due a decline in natural predators. Meanwhile, scientists at the University of Washington want to test out fishing for lingcod in closed Pacific waters in an attempt to increase rockfish stocks. A study published this month found that selectively fishing for lingcod in protected areas actually avoided hampering the recovery of other fish, including rockfish species listed as overfished. “If we can use our specific knowledge of the ecosystem, we might be able to manage these conservation areas a bit more creatively — and hopefully benefit both the fishing and fish communities,” said lead author Kiva Oken. Finally, the Science Channel will profile the Alaskan pollock industry and specifically Trident Seafoods, in an upcoming episode of "Alaskan Mega Machines." The television show will feature Trident's pollock processing plant in Akutan where it produces IQF Fillets, frozen Fillet Blocks and Surimi. "We were honored to showcase the operation and the people that keep this facility processing millions of pounds of seafood day-in and day-out," said John Salle, Trident's Senior Vice President of Marketing and Innovation. The episode will premiere this Wednesday, May 25 at 10 pm EST (7 PST).