Representatives from over 100 Alaska Native tribes and villages, as well as commercial fishing and fishery representatives, gathered in downtown Anchorage to address concerns about the declining salmon population crisis. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council is collecting testimony to potentially implement federally-backed bycatch rules in the future. The U.S. Department of Commerce has proposed management measures to reduce chum salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea pollock fishery.
Many tribal members stressed the cultural, health, and economic impacts of declining salmon populations on their communities. Concerns were also raised by commercial fishing and fishery industry leaders about potential restrictions on bycatch and their businesses, as well as offering suggestions for solutions. Thaddeus Tikiun Jr., chairman of the Association of Village Council Presidents, expressed worry about the future of salmon populations and the time it may take for numbers to recover.
Stephanie Madsen, executive director of the At-sea Processors Association, highlighted the complexities of identifying salmon versus pollock on fish sonar and the natural interaction between chum salmon and zero-aged pollock. Public testimony is ongoing at the Hilton Downtown Anchorage Hotel, with a focus on discussing possible bycatch regulations to protect salmon populations and support sustainable fishing practices. The outcome of these discussions will likely have far-reaching implications for both Alaska Native communities and the commercial fishing industry.
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