Screen Shot 2021-04-28 at 2.40.29 PM.png

HI THERE! THANKS FOR engaging & ADVOCATING FOR TUTKA BAY.

Salmon Hatcheries for Alaska aims to raise awareness about Alaska’s salmon hatchery program and the positive impact that the Tutka Bay Hatchery, operated by Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association, has on fisheries, communities, and harvesters in the Cook Inlet region. The Alaska State Legislature and the House Fisheries Committee are now reviewing House Bill 52 - "An Act providing that operation of the Tutka Bay Lagoon Hatchery in Kachemak Bay is compatible with the functions of Kachemak Bay State Park; and providing for an effective date." House Bill 52 will be taken up by the Fisheries Committee at 10 a.m. on April 29.

- LISTEN INTO THE HOUSE FISHERIES COMMITTEE LIVE AT 10 A.M. ON May 6, 2021 AND CONSIDER TESTIFYING IN SUPPORT OF TUTKA BAY -

Click on the TV icon that reads "LIVE NOW" at the time of the hearing (10 am, May 6 AKST)
and then click on the House Fisheries Committee to watch the hearing live.

HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR TESTIMONY: THE IMPORTANT IMPACT OF TUTKA BAY HATCHERY OPERATIONS AND PRODUCTION

The closure of Tutka Bay would immediately impact the region in the following ways:

  • Eliminate 25 jobs at the hatchery itself.

  • Negative economic impacts to the community of Homer through permit holder losses, processor profitability, fish transportation services, and other related business and services.

  • Closing the hatchery would starve both the sockeye and pink salmon commercial fisheries and the China Poot dipnet fishery of salmon stock and opportunity for all user groups from Kachemak Bay to Resurrection Bay. Closing the hatchery will eliminate the China Poot dipnet fishery along with Hazel and Kirschner sockeye stocking. Resurrection Bay and Bear Lake will not be eliminated but will be negatively impacted.

  • Negative economic impacts on fishing opportunities in Seward and Resurrection Bay’s significant charter boat and sports fishing economy.

Thank you in advance for lending your voice to this critical discussion. Thank you for your support and participation in this public process.