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Deal Reduces Salmon
by Angela Krenzien
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The United States and Canada have agreed to harvest less salmon over the next 10 years. The agreement is part of the Pacific Salmon Treaty, originally negotiated in 1985. The treaty looks to prevent overfishing and interception, which is the harvest of one country's salmon by the other country's anglers.
Alaska will take a 7.5 percent reduction in the amount of fish that can be harvested. Canada will see a 12.5 percent reduction; Oregon and Washington's harvests will be reduced by between 5 and 15 percent, according to the Pacific Salmon Commission.
Dozens of Alaskans spent more than three years negotiating the deal, balancing conservation and access to fisheries. The 59 members approved the agreement unanimously.
Governor Bill Walker worked with fishing groups and advocated for a one-year delay. Even though that didn't happen, he says the negotiators worked hard to get the best possible deal for Alaska.
"I regret the reduction of even one salmon available to Alaskans for harvest," Gov. Walker said. "However, this treaty agreement protects the health and sustainability of our salmon stocks and guarantees Alaska's ability to directly manage our fisheries without federal interference."
Related Pages:
International 10-year Salmon Preservation Plan Advances by Gillian Flaccus, Star Tribune, 9/17/18
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