February 07, 2013
Thursday AM

The recent legislation passed by the House allowing cruise liners to dump waste in Southeast waters is another example of poor stewardship to our beautiful State. How can we promote our pristine seafood and allow such devastation of natural resources in the same breath? Having worked as a deckhand and learned the value of the salmon species as well as the other sea creatures, it is a crime to dump raw sewage into the areas that we are eating from and swimming in on a frequent basis. Other industries are expected to and required by law to clean up after themselves and be good stewards to the environment and yet our lawmakers are allowing this travesty to occur. With the expulsion of these toxins we are inviting a slew of new health problems and bad press regarding the seafood industry. I cannot understand how one can bargain for the polluting and stripping of our resources in a way that could be avoided. Jobs are necessary but so is responsible stewardship of the ecosystem.

What will the effects be on the delicate balance of nature; which species will suffer most or even die out due to the millions of gallons of toxic waste being released into our waters? I know I am not the only one who has these feelings? Having been raised on the beach on North Tongass and appreciating all that nature has to offer I must ask how can we be reduced to allowing this? If others feel this way as well I would ask that you make yourself be heard on this matter.

Bruce Dixon
Ketchikan, AK

About: "42 year Ketchikan resident. Former commercial fishing deckhand and fisheries worker. Many years working in the restaurant industry in Ketchikan. Familiar with some of the many conservation and industry conflicts in Alaska and Southeast."

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