The Alaska Pollock Fishery Alliance (APFA) has commended the Alaska Board of Fisheries' decision to reject a proposed ban on trawling in Prince William Sound (PWS).
The APFA said it welcomes what it calls a "collaborative victory for science-based fisheries management, sustainable fishing practices, and Alaska’s coastal communities."
"The rejection of the proposals targeting trawling reflects not only a win for sound data and science but also a profound moment of solidarity for sustainable fisheries among stakeholders who sometimes compete for resources," the APFA said in a statement. "The realisation that, during challenging economic times, the survival of the Alaska seafood industry requires collective effort, has set a precedent for cooperation that all Alaskans can take pride in."
Community members, salmon fishers, and processors had expressed their opposition to the proposals. Beyond the economic contributions, testimony highlighted that many small businesses, processing workers, and fishing families rely on trawl landings for their survival.
"While a well-known 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," the APFA said. "Testimony underscored that well-designed conservation management measures – not blanket bans – are the appropriate response to fishery challenges.
"Contrary to the opposition’s claims, the PWS trawl fishery is a clean fishery with minimal rockfish bycatch, when compared with incidental catch in other fisheries. Additionally, testimony revealed that rockfish conservation proposals aimed at addressing real conservation issues saw no interest from the same advocacy group calling for the ban, calling their real motivations into question."
The APFA also mentioend Kodiak fishermen who delivered firsthand accounts of how trawl fishing works, the economic and cultural importance of maintaining the trawl fishery in PWS. The trawl fishermen also explained their co-dependance on the PWS salmon fishery to local Cordovan fishermen since many of these same trawl vessels tender salmon for the local salmon fleet.