Unprovoked Attack on Chinook Salmon in Trawler Infested Waters

It’s impossible for Chinook Salmon, or any other fish, to enjoy their time in their home waters any longer. Alaskan trawlers attack from every angle, during any time of the day, without warning. If continued at this rate we are sure to wipe-out a keystone species in the next few years.

Dams and habitat destruction are not the only reasons for the dwindling salmon numbers. Trawlers and bycatch are perhaps just as detrimental to their survival.

An article in the Seattle Times reports how an Alaskan pollock fishery got shut down early in the season for exceeding the “allowable” bycatch quota.

Nearly 20,000 Chinook salmon, a crucial food source for endangered Southern Resident Orcas, were caught in the Alaska pollock fishery. This bycatch exceeded the allowable limit and forced an early shutdown.

The incident reignited concerns about the struggling Chinook salmon population and the endangered Southern Resident Orcas. Experts believe the current fishery management practices are outdated and don't consider the strain on the ecosystem. Some possible solutions include relocating fisheries or compensating fishers to reduce pressure on wild salmon stocks.

More detail below -

———————————

The Bycatch Crisis

The bycatch of nearly 20,000 Chinook salmon in the Gulf of Alaska pollock fishery is a reminder of the devastating impact industrial fishing can have on marine ecosystems. This incident highlights the urgent need for more effective bycatch mitigation measures and stricter regulations to protect vulnerable species.

The Impact on Orcas

Chinook salmon are a critical food source for endangered southern resident orcas, and their decline poses a serious threat to the survival of these special marine mammals on the endangered species list, of which only 74 are left. 

The Economic Toll

The closure of the Gulf of Alaska trawl fishery has significant economic implications for the region, affecting both commercial fishermen and related industries. While the immediate impact may be severe, the long-term benefits of sustainable fisheries management and protecting valuable marine resources far outweigh the short-term economic costs. And money can always be found and allocated by the government - but extinction is forever. 

Key Solutions and Calls for Action summarize from the aritcles

• Improved Bycatch Mitigation: Implementing more effective bycatch reduction measures, such as gear modifications and electronic monitoring systems, is essential to protect Chinook salmon and other vulnerable species.

• Stricter Regulations: Enforcing stricter regulations on fishing practices, including limits on bycatch and quotas, is the only way to ensure healthy marine ecosystems.

• Habitat Restoration: Investing in habitat restoration projects to improve spawning grounds and nursery areas for Chinook salmon can help bolster their populations.

• Observer Coverage: Increasing observer coverage in fisheries to monitor bycatch and ensure compliance with regulations is vital for effective management.

• Community-Based Management: Empowering coastal communities to participate in fisheries management decisions can lead to more sustainable and equitable practices.

• Shift to More Sustainable Fishing Methods: Encouraging a transition to more sustainable fishing methods, such as hook-and-line or trolling, can help reduce the impact on marine ecosystems.

The Trouble with Observation and Quota Numbers

One of the challenges in addressing the Chinook salmon crisis is the difficulty in accurately measuring bycatch and enforcing quotas. Despite technological advances, monitoring efforts can be limited by factors such as the vastness of the oceans and the complexity of fishing operations. Improving observation capabilities and developing more robust quota systems are essential for effective fisheries management.

A Call for Action

The Chinook salmon crisis is a wake-up call for all stakeholders, from fishermen and policymakers to consumers and conservationists. By working together and implementing meaningful solutions with a true sense of urgency, erring towards action instead of inaction that maintains the status quo, we can protect these iconic species and ensure a sustainable future for our oceans.

Know where your fish comes from.