As someone who has personally borne witness to the devastating decline of king salmon in Alaska's Kenai River, I feel compelled to take action. Despite scientists attributing this to climate change and implementing stringent restrictions on commercial, sport, and subsistence fishing, trawlers are allowed to continue operating in Alaskan federal waters. This unsustainable practice wreaks devastation, effectively dragging the nurseries and decimating all life forms in their path.

Trawling's detrimental effects on the marine ecosystem are not merely theoretical. A reported 60% of marine species, including salmon, in areas exposed to bottom trawling have decreased (Piet and Quirijns, 2009). Moreover, unwanted bycatch–marine life unintentionally caught and typically discarded–accounts for 40% of global catches, the majority caught by trawlers (FAO, 2018).

In Alaska, where the economy heavily relies on fishing, and where communities rich in Native Alaskan heritage subsist on the bounty of the sea, this issue is more than ecological—it is intrinsically linked to the state's cultural and economic integrity.

We need to regulate our federal waters around Alaska and ban trawlers to protect not just our king salmon, but our heritage, economy, and the marine biodiversity imperative for our planet's health. Please sign this petition to ask for stringent regulations on trawling in Alaska's federal waters.

Petition to Ban Trawling in Alaska To: Governor Mike Dunleavy, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, U.S. Representative Nick Begich III, and Members of the Alaska State Legislature Subject: Urgent Call to Prohibit Trawling Practices in Alaskan Waters to Preserve Marine Ecosystems and Sustainable Fisheries Background: Trawling, a fishing method involving dragging large nets across the ocean floor or through the water column, has been a subject of growing concern in Alaska due to its significant bycatch—non-target species caught unintentionally. This practice poses a substantial threat to the sustainability of our marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. Recent Bycatch Statistics: Chinook Salmon: In 2023, the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) groundfish fisheries reported an incidental catch of 14,597 Chinook salmon, with 11,855 caught specifically in the Bering Sea pollock trawl fishery. In the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), the groundfish fisheries recorded an incidental catch of 21,118 Chinook salmon, with 18,115 attributed to the pollock trawl fishery. Halibut: Trawlers in 2023 were responsible for a bycatch of 4.4 million pounds of halibut, predominantly juveniles under 5 pounds. This is particularly alarming as commercial halibut longliners are prohibited from retaining halibut less than 32 inches (approximately 15 pounds) to allow for growth and sustainability of the species.

Impacts of Trawling: Ecosystem Degradation: Trawling disturbs the seafloor habitat, leading to the destruction of benthic ecosystems that are crucial for the health and diversity of marine life.

Economic Consequences: The depletion of key species like salmon and halibut adversely affects commercial and subsistence fisheries, undermining the livelihoods of Alaskan communities reliant on these resources.

Cultural Significance: Salmon and halibut hold profound cultural importance for Indigenous populations in Alaska, and their decline threatens traditional practices and food security.

Call to Action: We, the undersigned, urgently request that State and Federal Legislators introduce and support legislation to implement an immediate ban on trawling practices within Alaskan waters.

Governor Mike Dunleavy:
 Exercise executive authority to enforce a moratorium on trawling until comprehensive studies confirm that such practices no longer pose a threat to marine ecosystems and fish populations.

Alaska State Legislature:
 Collaborate with federal agencies to establish sustainable fishing practices that protect our marine environment and ensure the long-term viability of fisheries.

Alaska's identity and economy are deeply intertwined with the health of its marine ecosystems. By banning trawling, we take a decisive step toward preserving our natural heritage, supporting sustainable fisheries, and honoring the cultural traditions of Indigenous communities. We urge our elected representatives to act promptly and decisively in favor of this critical environmental and economic issue. 

 --- Contact Information for Alaska's Elected Representatives and Governor:

Governor Mike Dunleavy Address: P.O. Box 110001, Juneau, AK 99811-0001 

Phone: 907-465-3500

Email: [Contact via official website]

 U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski Address: 522 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510

Phone: 202-224-6665

Email: [Contact via official website]

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan Address: 302 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510

Phone: 202-224-3004 Email: [Contact via official website]

U.S. Representative Nick Begich III Address: 2314 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515

Phone: 202-225-5765 Email: [Contact via official website]

 Alaska State Legislature Members: [Contact information for individual state senators and representatives can be found on the Alaska State Legislature's official website.] We encourage all concerned citizens to reach out to their representatives to express support for this petition and advocate for the protection of Alaska's invaluable marine resources