Members of the Alaska Pollock Fishery Alliance are applauding an Alaska Board of Fisheries decision made in Cordova in opposition to a proposed ban on trawling in Prince William Sound.
In a statement issued on Dec. 16 from Cordova, the Alliance cited the board’s decision as a “collaborative victory for science-based fisheries management, sustainable fishing practices, and Alaska’s coastal communities.”
“It was also a profound moment of solidarity for sustainable fisheries among stakeholders who sometimes compete for resources in these challenging economic times,” the Alliance said.
Julie Bonney, executive director of the Alaska Groundfish Data Bank, said the decision was “a victory for every fishing family, crew member, and processor who depends on sustainable Alaska fisheries to keep our coastal communities alive.”
“When Alaskans stick together, we are stronger – and this meeting proved that,” she said.
The fishermen, Bonney added, “understand that we are all connected. From salmon to pollock, our fisheries must work together. The success of pink salmon in Prince William Sound relies in part on pollock harvests, and the local fishing community understands that more than anyone.”
“While an advocacy group pushed misleading information online and at the meeting in attempts to sway the board, the Board of Fisheries and public alike saw through these efforts and testimony underscored that well-designed conservation management measures are the appropriate response to fishery challenges,” the Alliance said.
The Alliance defended the Prince William Sound trawl fisher as a clean fishery with a minimal rockfish bycatch, when compared with incidental catch in other fisheries.
“It was heartening to see salmon and trawl fishermen stand shoulder-to-shoulder on this issue,” said Paddy O’Donnell, board president of the Alaska Whitefish Trawlers Association and skipper of the Kodiak-based F/V Caravelle. “We don’t always agree, but we recognize now is the time to support each other. When fishermen join forces and speak the truth, others listen.”
