Episode 4 - Laine Welch | A Longtime Fishing Industry Reporter Who “Can No Longer Remain Silent”
Salmon Wars Executive Producer and Host Cody McLaughlin is joined by Laine Welch, a longtime pro-commercial fisheries reporter and advocate, retired radio host, and the blogger behind AlaskaFish.News - which covers happenings in Alaska’s fisheries all across the state, who is choosing to speak out now after a career in and around the commercial fleet (including trawl) because, in her own words, ‘she could no longer stand by’. The conversation focuses on the declining salmon populations in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, which is a significant conservation issue. Laine and Cody discuss the cultural and economic importance of salmon to the region, as well as the various factors contributing to their decline, such as trawling, ocean warming, and competition from hatchery fish. They also highlight the lack of effective fisheries management and the influence of outside interests on Alaskan fisheries. The conversation raises concerns about the future of salmon and other fish species and the potential loss of cultural traditions and economic opportunities. The conversation explores the long-term ramifications of the decline in salmon and halibut populations in Alaska due to increased bycatch by the trawl fleet. The warming oceans and off-kilter ocean chemistry are affecting the entire food web, including species like pollock, herring, and black cod. The conversation highlights the need for better bycatch regulations and the inclusion of traditional knowledge from Alaska Native communities. Key policy decisions to protect salmon in perpetuity include setting limits on salmon removal by the trawl fleet, ending bottom trawling in sensitive areas, and reevaluating definitions and regulations related to midwater trawls. It is crucial for individuals to voice their concerns at the federal level to bring about change.
Takeaways
The decline of salmon populations in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest is a significant conservation issue with cultural and economic implications.
Factors contributing to the decline include trawling, ocean warming, competition from hatchery fish, and ineffective fisheries management.
Outside interests, particularly from Washington and Oregon, have a significant influence on Alaskan fisheries.
The loss of salmon and other fish species could result in the erosion of cultural traditions and economic opportunities.
There is a need for stronger conservation measures and better collaboration between stakeholders to protect salmon populations. The decline in salmon and halibut populations in Alaska due to increased bycatch by the trawl fleet has long-term ramifications for the ecosystem and the economy.
The warming oceans and off-kilter ocean chemistry are affecting the entire food web, including species like pollock, herring, and black cod.
Better bycatch regulations and the inclusion of traditional knowledge from Alaska Native communities are necessary to protect salmon and other species.
Key policy decisions to protect salmon in perpetuity include setting limits on salmon removal by the trawl fleet, ending bottom trawling in sensitive areas, and reevaluating definitions and regulations related to midwater trawls.
Individuals should voice their concerns at the federal level to bring about change and ensure the sustainability of Alaska's fisheries.
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