As a 50-year resident involved in commercial salmon harvests and conservation issues, I can attest to what former Gov. Frank Murkowski stated in his Oct. 13-14 opinion piece.
Alaska does not have a problem with salmon habitat in its streams and rivers. As commercial fishermen, we pay 3 ½ percent from every fish we catch that goes directly into fisheries enhancement.
However, there are big problems with the ocean food chain. By our own observations, the enormous biomasses of herring that the governor referred to that we took for granted in the past have been reduced to small pockets here and there.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game will tell you that the numbers of salmon leaving the streams are healthy and strong. Something happens to them after they enter salt water which we don’t fully understand, but addressing the food chain is a good place to start.
There is no need or excuse for imposing more restrictions on resource development. State and federal regulations are already in place to adequately protect our waterways. Ballot Measure 1 falls right in line with The Spotted Owl Initiative, The Roadless Rule and the push to protect the so called “Alexander Archipelago Wolf.” It is designed to stop any form of economic growth in Alaska. For the sake of the future of Alaska, and our children’s futures, don’t vote for another measure funded by outside interests. Vote no on Ballot Measure 1.
Andy Rauwolf,
Ketchikan
• My Turns and Letters to the Editor represent the view of the author, not the view of the Juneau Empire.