OPINION: Sustaining Alaska's salmon heritage

In the heart of winter, as the snow dumps down on my hometown of Homer and I move through the Kodiak crab season, I find myself reflecting on the critical role salmon play in our state.

Alaska’s salmon are not just a resource; they are the lifeblood of our communities, the foundation of our economies and a key part of our cultural identity. Now more than ever, our collective actions and decisions regarding salmon are of utmost importance. The urgent call to action is clear, and it resonates not only in Homer but in every corner of our state.

As the president of United Fishermen of Alaska and a commercial fisherman myself, I am acutely aware of the challenges and opportunities that surround our salmon fisheries. Every season, we cast our nets and lines into our waters, in pursuit of a catch that not only feeds our families but also supports the livelihoods of countless Alaskans. Our salmon fisheries are a testament to responsible and sustainable management, where science guides our actions, and conservation is paramount.

Yet, this year, we face an extraordinary challenge in the form of Proposal 43, which will be heard and voted on at the Upper Cook Inlet Board of Fisheries meeting in Anchorage at the end of February. This proposal seeks to significantly reduce hatchery pink salmon production, impacting not only commercial fishermen but also the sport, subsistence and public-use fishermen who rely on the abundant salmon runs in our region.

We understand the concerns raised by some who argue that hatchery fish may affect wild salmon populations and ecosystems. However, it is crucial to recognize that decades of scientific research and data do not support the notion that Alaska’s hatcheries are detrimental to wild salmon. Instead, we have witnessed their coexistence. The evidence of this coexistence is steady increases in wild salmon returns in regions with hatcheries since these programs began in the early 1970s. We’ve seen many record years of wild salmon returns, even in the past decade.

It’s important to stress that hatcheries and wild salmon are not adversaries but rather complementary components of our fisheries. Together, they contribute positively to the social and economic well-being of Alaskans. Hatchery programs have enabled us to meet the growing demand for salmon while preserving wild stocks and their habitats. They have also provided a buffer against the variability of wild salmon runs, ensuring a stable and consistent supply for commercial, sport and subsistence fishermen.

In light of these facts, I call upon all stakeholders who rely on Alaska’s salmon fisheries to join us in this critical moment. We need your voices, your expertise, and your unwavering commitment to salmon. I urge you to submit public comments regarding Proposal 43 and, if possible, to testify at the Upper Cook Inlet meeting in Anchorage, taking place February 23-March 6.

Whether you are a commercial fisherman in Bristol Bay, a sportfishing guide in the Southeast, a subsistence harvester in the Interior, or a seafood processor on the Aleutian Islands, your input matters. Alaska’s salmon belong to all of us, and their future depends on our collective actions.

In the spirit of unity and a shared commitment to preserving our salmon heritage, let us come together, listen to the science, and make informed decisions that will sustain our salmon fisheries for generations to come. Our livelihoods, our communities, and the very essence of Alaska are at stake. Together, we can ensure that our salmon continue to thrive, supporting Alaskans from all walks of life.

Matt Alward is a commercial fisherman, president of the United Fishermen of Alaska, and a resident of Homer.

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