From the desks of the Alaska Salmon Alliance:
The Alaska Salmon Alliance is releasing the following statement regarding last night’s unanimous approval of a resolution from the City of Kenai opposing the proposed ban on setnetting in Cook Inlet. “Alaskans know a bad deal when they see one, so it’s no surprise to us to see the swift and overwhelming condemnation that this proposed measure has generated,” said Arni Thomson, executive director of Alaska Salmon Alliance. “This measure would instantly destroy the jobs of more than 500 hard-working families who make their living setnetting in Cook Inlet. Alaskans deserve better than this poorly-written, divisive initiative.” The Kenai Borough Assembly unanimously passed a similar resolution opposing the initiative at its Dec 3rd meeting. The initiative, which would primarily benefit wealthy, Outside sportfishing interests, would effectively ban setnetting in Cook Inlet. It’s currently slated to appear on statewide Primary ballots in August 2016.
The Alaska Salmon Alliance (ASA) is a 501(c)6 fisheries trade organization representing seafood processors and commercial fishermen of the Kenai Peninsula. We advocate for a thoughtful, process-oriented allocation of Cook Inlet salmon for the benefit of all Alaskans.