January 14, 2009
Wednesday

On November 6th, the Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published a request for public comments in the Federal Registry regarding listing Southeast Alaska Pacific Herring Stocks as "Threatened or Endangered." Shortly thereafter, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced plans for yet another record herring harvest in Sitka Sound. Out of the seven largest stocks, this herring biomass just happens to be the LAST REMAINING MAJOR HERRING STOCK left in Southeast Alaska. At least five were over exploited under ADF&G management.

Has ADF&G considered the ramifications of this action, and the potential disastrous impact this may bring about to all of the communities of Southeast Alaska?? Just for starters, how about the tens of millions of dollars it could cost each community for upgrades to municipal wastewater discharges? What about the cruise ship industry, and further restrictions on all forms of shipping and marine transportation? No more Logging? No more Mining? No more bait or subsistence herring roe gathering? What new restrictions would be placed on charter and commercial fishing boats? What about new prohibitively costly groundwater run-off standards for commercial and residential construction, and tighter restrictions on placing fill or putting in docks? The list is endless.

This administration took a strong stand against the listing of polar bears as threatened or endangered for this very reason. Why are they allowing this act of total irresponsibility to take place on their watch? Get ready folks, we may soon be heading back into the Dark Ages!!

Andy Rauwolf
Ketchikan, AK

Received January 10, 2009 - Published January 14, 2009

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