Petersburg’s Borough Assembly voted unanimously to write a letter opposing a move to add Gulf of Alaska king salmon to the Endangered Species List.
In June, the National Marine Fisheries Service found that a petition to list Gulf king salmon as endangered warrants further scientific review. The Washington-based conservation group, Wild Fish Conservancy, authored the petition. The Fisheries Service’s finding is just the first major step in a longer regulatory process, but many say it could have far-reaching implications for Alaska’s fishing industry and coastal communities.
At Petersburg’s assembly meeting on August 19, assembly member Thomas Fine-Walsh spoke in support of the letter. He said if king salmon land on the Endangered Species List, he fears the harm it would cause commercial fishing interests in Petersburg — and beyond.
“I think an endangered species listing would be highly problematic — even for fisheries that [aren’t] targeting chinook, or king salmon,” said Fine-Walsh. “It would really be unfortunate. So, I hope people will hear the communities and their problems with this, and the Wild Fish Conservancy won’t be successful here.”
The National Marine Fisheries Service is accepting comments on their evaluation to determine whether to list Gulf of Alaska king salmon until September 6.
