unsplash.com stock image.

unsplash.com stock image.

Opinion: Vote yes on Ballot Measure 1

Alaskans should vote yes on Ballot Measure 1, which would protect wild salmon habitat, in the General Election this Nov. 6​. Why? Consider that Alaska’s salmon conservation is weaker today than it was when the 21s​t​ century got rolling. Since 2000, the Alaska Legislature cut the budget repeatedly for the Department of Environmental Conservation’s clean water program and the Department of Fish & Game’s Habitat Division. The Legislature, along with former Gov. Frank Murkowksi, also killed the Alaska Coastal Management Program, which provided for public and local community involvement in development projects and enforceable policies to sustain salmon. And just this year, three legislators introduced a bill that addressed many of the issues in Ballot Measure 1, but the Legislature did nothing and the effort died. When the Legislature fails to act on a pressing public interest then the people have the constitutional prerogative to put the issue on the ballot for the vote of the people. That’s why Ballot Measure 1 is legitimate, important and deserves our support.

We are witnessing big changes in our fresh watersheds as glaciers retreat, snowfields melt earlier than ever and rainfall patterns are less predictable. Scientists expect significant changes in the distribution and abundance of salmon in Alaska’s rivers. Ensuring clean water, protecting safe passage and conserving in streams and streamside habitat will be crucial in order to maintain abundant salmon runs. The fish come home to the rivers to spawn and raise the next generation. The rivers are where our actions can have the greatest benefit, especially since the state’s jurisdiction and responsibility is primarily in fresh water. That’s why Ballot Measure 1 rightly focuses on salmon watersheds.

Many of the salmon waters in the state are not even acknowledged by the State of Alaska. To be managed as salmon habitat a stream must be listed in the “Anadromous Waters Catalog.” The Department of Fish & Game states that the current catalog inventory “represents a fraction of the streams, rivers, and lakes actually used by anadromous species. Until these habitats are inventoried, they will not be protected under State of Alaska law,” and “Virtually all coastal water bodies in the state provide important habitat for anadromous fish … most have not been surveyed and are not included in the Catalog.” Ballot Measure 1 will ensure that all salmon streams are recognized and managed to sustain salmon. Measure 1 will also require Fish & Game approval of development projects, and if a developer damages a salmon stream they will restore that stream. These are the right practices and principles to follow.

If Ballot Measure 1 passes it will be implemented through a public process; everyone with an interest in the measure will be able to participate. If gaps or glitches become apparent then the Legislature has the ability, under the constitution, to amend the ballot measure. Passing Ballot Measure 1 and implementing it considerately will protect the salmon resources vital to salmon fishermen, seafood businesses, communities and Alaskans from many walks of life with little risk to other interests.

It’s high time we strengthen our commitment to salmon stewardship and Ballot Measure 1 gives us a solid way to do so. Here in Alaska, salmon touch nearly every family. Salmon are food, jobs, money, culture and tradition. Standing for salmon is standing for Alaskans. Voting yes on Ballot Measure 1 is our necessary commitment to sustain our salmon — Alaska’s first permanent fund — for our children’s children and beyond.


• A 36-year Juneau resident, John Sisk is a biologist, forester and conservationist who served on the Juneau Economic Development Council and as special assistant for natural resources for former Gov. Tony Knowles.


More in Opinion

Web
Have something to say?

Here’s how to add your voice to the conversation.

The author and her husband carry an American flag during the Fourth of July parade, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Juneau, Alaska. (Photo courtesy Kate Troll)
My Turn: Claiming the flag on the Fourth of July

Now, here cheering the flag were other immigrants with an uncertain future. What were they cheering about?

Doug Mills/The New York Times file photo 
President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin of Russia at a joint news conference in Helsinki, Finland, July 16, 2018.
Opinion: Mistaking flattery for respect

Last Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nominated President Donald Trump for… Continue reading

Win Gruening (courtesy)
My Turn: The millions add up. CBJ, get a grip on spending.

Ignoring essential basic services while spending money on projects and services that few want or need doesn’t make Juneau more affordable

(Juneau Empire file photo)
My Turn: Murkowski bought time for a new governor to do better

The senator said she added a provision that delays new federal penalties on Alaska for its high error rate in processing SNAP benefits.

Alexander B. Dolitsky
My Turn: When a writer’s courage against antisemitism shook a nation

Courage is doing what is necessary even when it’s difficult or scary.

Juneau Empire file photo
My Turn: At least you feel bad about the bill

Sen. Murkowski, you cannot say you voted with Alaskans in mind.

Cynthia Fancyboy (Courtesy photo)
My Turn: Cutting Medicaid hurts Alaska’s small villages and our children

Without Medicaid, I couldn’t afford the doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and hospital stays that have kept me healthy and working for Alaska’s kids over the years.

From left, Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) head to the Senate chamber at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday morning, July 1, 2025. Senate Republicans were racing on Tuesday morning to lock down the votes to pass their sweeping tax and domestic police bill, after an all-night session of voting and negotiating with holdouts left Trump’s agenda hanging in the balance. (Tierney L. Cross/The New York Times)
My Turn: Murkowski’s moment of shame

She has no excuse for not following the model Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., set when he killed Joe Biden’s biggest initiative in 2021.

Most Read