Halibut in Trouble: Who's to Blame?
The Decline of Halibut Numbers
Alaska's halibut population is rapidly declining, posing a significant threat to small fishing businesses. Fishermen report seeing fewer fish each day, leading to reduced income and job opportunities for those dependent on fishing.
The Impact of Big Trawling Ships
Large trawling ships contribute to the problem through bycatch—catching fish they don't intend to keep. Between 2019 and 2023, pollock trawlers caught 574 metric tons of halibut. These vessels are designed to catch mid-water fish but still inadvertently capture halibut and other species.
Unfair Regulations
Small fishermen face strict regulations, limiting their catch and hurting their livelihoods. In contrast, big trawlers can catch and discard vast amounts of fish without similar restrictions. This disparity in rules raises concerns about fairness.
Marine Mammal Casualties
Trawlers also inadvertently catch and kill marine mammals, including whales, dolphins, and seals. Additionally, while trawlers are permitted to catch 45,000 chinook salmon from the Bering Sea, subsistence fishermen on the Yukon River are barred from catching any. This creates a significant hardship for those who rely on fishing for food.
The Alaska Board of Fisheries Decision
The Alaska Board of Fisheries has decided to halt chum salmon harvest on the Yukon River for two years. However, trawlers can still catch and discard unlimited chum salmon, highlighting the unequal treatment of small and large fishermen.
Call for Fairness and Accountability
Alaskans are demanding answers and fair regulations for all fishermen. Reporting on trawling practices helps raise awareness and hold responsible parties accountable.
