OPINION: Unpacking contradictions in Alaska’s hatchery debate

In a recent op-ed published in the Anchorage Daily News, professor Peter Westley of the University of Alaska Fairbanks urged a more humble and evidence-based discussion regarding Alaska’s salmon hatcheries. While I appreciate the call for humility, it’s essential to address a significant contradiction within his argument. On one hand, Westley encouraged open-mindedness, suggesting that all participants in the hatchery dialogue should accept the possibility that their beliefs might be partly incorrect. On the other hand, he boldly asserted that hatcheries have not yielded as much benefit to Alaskans as believed and have detrimentally affected wild salmon productivity while reshaping ecosystems unpredictably.

Let’s break this down. If we’re embracing humility, it’s vital to recognize that the data-driven, scientific approach supports a different narrative. Contrary to some assumptions, regions with hatcheries in Alaska have witnessed steadily increasing wild salmon returns since the early 1970s, when these programs were established. (This correlation between returns is demonstrated in graphs by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game’s data and can be easily found on the ADF&G website.) Not only have hatcheries not replaced wild salmon, but some of the highest wild salmon returns on record in the state have occurred in areas where hatcheries coexist. This is hardly detrimental to wild salmon; it’s a testament to the successful coexistence of hatchery and wild stocks.

Moreover, it is essential to emphasize the substantial multinational body of research and data that exists on conditions in the North Pacific, total biomass, salmon-specific biomass and salmon interactions, hatcheries, and more. Scientists and researchers are well aware of the gaps in our knowledge of our changing oceans, where certainty is elusive, especially when it comes to hatchery salmon. Alaska’s hatchery pink salmon make up less than 1% of the total nektonic biomass in the North Pacific, citing data spanning the years 1990-2015 (as researched by Greg Ruggerone and Jim Irvine in 2018). Put simply, nektons are animals large and strong enough to control where they swim. If we are to claim a certain fact based on 1% placement of hatchery salmon in the North Pacific biomass, much more than humility and open-mindedness will be required. Asserting that the enormous body of research that exists points to only one conclusion — that hatchery salmon have been a detriment to wild salmon returns and ecosystems, does not support the processes of true scientific rigor.

While a call for humility is commendable and on point in any public discourse, it should apply universally. Let’s humbly acknowledge that evidence also supports the positive coexistence of hatchery and wild salmon in Alaska for nearly 50 years. We must also recognize the significant gaps in our knowledge about our changing oceans, even if it raises more questions than answers for even the most seasoned expert researchers.

The data-backed perspective portrays a story of collaboration, growth and sustainable salmon fisheries. Continuous research is vital, reflecting the significance of responsible fisheries management and hatchery production. Thankfully, the state of Alaska is deeply involved in both endeavors. To truly foster an evidence-based dialogue, let’s thoroughly examine the multifaceted benefits that both wild and hatchery salmon bring to Alaska.

Eric Jordan is a third-generation Southeast Alaska salmon troller, as well as a fisheries and conservation activist. He is a former member of the Board of Fisheries, a National Fisherman Magazine Highliner, and has held numerous other founding and volunteer positions in Alaska’s fishing industry. He lives in Sitka.

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