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Alaska Board of Fisheries seeks input on hatcheries at Waterfront to improve fisheries management.

Dedicated stakeholders in Alaska are gearing up for a significant regulatory meeting later this month to address the ongoing debate over hatchery salmon production. The proposal at the center of the discussion aims to reduce the permitted egg take of pink and chum salmon by 25% at Southeast hatcheries. This proposal, put forth by former Board of Fisheries Member Virgil Umphenour, has sparked controversy among hatchery industry leaders, stakeholders, and conservationists.

Umphenour has long been an advocate for regulating hatchery production, citing concerns about competition with wild salmon populations and genetic diversity. The proposal to cut production has faced opposition from industry leaders who fear potential bankruptcies and job losses. Hatcheries play a significant role in Alaska’s economy, providing thousands of jobs and generating substantial earnings for fishermen.

The debate over hatchery production is not limited to Southeast Alaska but spans across the state, with significant implications for the salmon industry. Umphenour and other proponents of production cuts argue that reducing hatchery salmon releases is crucial for the health of wild salmon populations. However, opponents question the effectiveness of such measures and highlight the economic consequences of cutting hatchery production.

The upcoming Alaska Board of Fisheries meeting in Ketchikan will be a critical juncture for stakeholders to voice their concerns and perspectives on the proposal. The decision made by the Board will have far-reaching implications for the future of hatchery salmon production in Alaska.

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Photo credit www.ketchikandailynews.com

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