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Raising awareness in Alaska is critical to the future of hatcheries. Would you be willing to support these efforts in any other ways?

Let us know! Thank you for your support.

I'd be willing to sign onto an opinion piece in the newspaper in support of hatcheries. Please contact me.

Feel free to use an appropriate statement of support from my public comment in a social media post.

Do you plan to be in Cordova Dec. 10-16 and attending the Board of Fisheries meeting? *

Yes, I'll be attending.

No, I can't attend.

I'm uncertain.

I am writing to express my opposition to Proposal 78, which seeks to reduce hatchery-permitted pink and chum salmon egg take levels by 25% in Prince William Sound. This proposal would severely undermine the economic and sustainability that hatcheries provide to Alaskan coastal communities.

Yes - Include this statement in my public comment.

Economic Significance of Hatcheries: Hatchery programs are a cornerstone of Alaska’s economy, generating $576 million in annual economic output and providing the equivalent of 4,200 jobs statewide. In Prince William Sound alone, hatcheries contribute to over 2,200 jobs, $100 million in labor income, and $315 million in total economic output. Reducing hatchery production by 25% would have disastrous economic consequences for communities such as Valdez,Seward and Cordova, which rely heavily on the steady stream of hatchery-produced salmon to support their economies. This reduction would result in lost jobs, decreased tax revenues, and reduced income for commercial fishermen, processors, and local businesses. It would also impact Whittier, Chenega, Tatitlek, and various lodges in the region.

Yes, Include this statement in my public comment.

Preserving Access for All User Groups: Hatcheries are critical to ensuring that salmon remain available to all user groups, including commercial, sport, personal use, and subsistence fishermen. These programs ensure that Alaskans, regardless of their fishing style, have access to sustainable salmon harvests. Without hatchery supplementation, wild salmon stocks would be under increased pressure, particularly in years of lower abundance. Hatcheries play a crucial role in mitigating this pressure, safeguarding wild stocks, and providing economic stability for all user groups.

Yes - Include this statement in my public comment.

Sustainability and Responsible Management: Hatchery programs in Alaska are built on a strong foundation of sustainability and are subject to rigorous oversight from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Hatchery-produced salmon are managed through sound scientific practices, ensuring that they complement, rather than harm, wild salmon stocks. Moreover, Alaska’s salmon fisheries, including hatchery-origin fish, are consistently certified as sustainable by both major certification bodies – the Marine Stewardship Council and Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM). This demonstrates that hatchery production aligns with Alaska’s broader goals of responsible resource management.

Yes - Include this statement in my public comment.

Impacts of Proposal 78: Proposal 78 would reduce hatchery production at a time when salmon-dependent communities need it most. Reducing pink and chum salmon production by 25% would cause significant harm to fisheries tax revenues, disrupt the economic flow that hatchery salmon provide, and weaken the support hatcheries provide to wild stocks by decreasing the harvest pressure from user groups. This proposal would be highly disruptive to the sustainability of Alaska's hatchery programs, setting in motion an alternative oversight process in conflict with existing hatchery regulation. This process will introduce uncertainty in the production of Alaska hatchery salmon, impacting a hatchery association to plan production and its ability to service loan obligations. This proposal does not account for the well-documented role hatcheries play in supplementing wild returns, stabilizing economies, and ensuring long-term sustainability for coastal communities. Additionally, the data regarding hatchery impact on wild salmon populations needs to be more conclusive and support the drastic reductions proposed in this measure.

Yes - Include this statement in my public comment.

For 50 years, Alaska’s hatcheries have been a critical component of sustainable fisheries management. They provide for the livelihoods of thousands of Alaskans and create a stable and reliable source of salmon for all user groups. I urge the Board of Fisheries to reject Proposal 78 and instead continue supporting hatcheries as a vital part of Alaska’s economic and cultural fabric.

Yes - Include this statement in my public comment.