Alaskan economy mainly survives on strong and sustainable fishing sector. Fishing industry is the state’s largest private sector employer and generates $5 billion in annual economic activity. It is fact that Alaska produces more than half the seafood landed in the United States.
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council, which manages fisheries in federal waters, is widely recognized as a leader in ocean conservation and sustainable fisheries. The council has strict controls on harvest, and to ensure compliance, the fleet is monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard, National Marine Fisheries Service and one of the world’s largest observer programs.
The council has restricted bottom trawling or other fishing activities to protect corals and other habitats. It is said that the council and pollock industry have initiated numerous measures to reduce and control bycatch, such as an in-season program to move the fleet away from high bycatch areas and gear modifications that allow salmon to escape their nets. The result shows that the bycatch rate is significantly lower in 2008. Through June, the chinook bycatch stood at just 16,000, a 77 percent reduction from the previous year. But the industry recognizes that more needs to be done.
It si said that in this changing climate concrete work should be done to improve the science and conservation programs so Alaska’s fisheries will continue to be the sustainable foundation upon which subsistence, personal use, recreational and commercial users can all rely.
