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West Coast fishermen back ballot measure

Published 1:46 pm Tuesday, October 30, 2018

By Juneau Empire

Seine boats wait in line to set their nets at Amalga Harbor in July. (Kevin Gullufsen | Juneau Empire)
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Seine boats wait in line to set their nets at Amalga Harbor in July. (Kevin Gullufsen | Juneau Empire)

Seine boats wait in line to set their nets at Amalga Harbor in July. (Kevin Gullufsen | Juneau Empire)
Seine boats wait in line to set their nets at Amalga Harbor in July. (Kevin Gullufsen | Juneau Empire)

The largest commercial fishing trade organization on the West Coast announced Monday its support for Ballot Measure 1, which would change how the State of Alaska permits development on certain fish habitat.

The Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations represents members from San Diego to Alaska. Its voting board doesn’t have Alaska representation.

“Alaska’s fisheries are the richest in the nation, annually supporting a $5 billion seafood economy,” said Glen Spain, Northwest Regional Director for the group. “In the case of salmon, the health of fisheries is directly tied to the health of their freshwater spawning and rearing habitat. Alaska’s freshwater habitat is right now second to none, but many threats large and small are advancing.”

Ballot Measure 1 is up for a vote at the statewide general election on Nov. 6.

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