Commercial fishing is Alaska's number one employer. The Bristol Bay Salmon fishery is one of the largest fisheries in the state of Alaska .Every summer Bristol Bay's various river systems witness the largest return of wild Sockeye Salmon in the world.This fishery is a national treasure.

The Bristol Bay Salmon fishery is an employer of thousands of hard working Alaskans and Americans as fishermen, fish processors, guides, pilots, taxi drivers, mechanics, store keepers and other support workers. Most who are very dependent on these seasonal jobs. Many villages in this Alaska region have extremely limited economic opportunities. Residents heavily rely on employment and subsistence from this fishery.      

Now, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, our state and nation has witnessed the highest unemployment rates since the great depression. Due to a legitimate fear of the Covid 19 virus striking Bristol Bay villages, several local leaders have called for you to consider preventing the Bristol Bay from opening for this year's Salmon season. 

Govenor Dunleavy, we simply ask that you and your team find a way to open this vital fishery and to protect the areas residents from Coronavirus. To quote New York Governor Cuomo, if we can send men all the way to the Moon and back, safely, we can find a way to make this happen. You are surrounded by a very smart and caring team and we believe you can do this.