A renewed debate over chum salmon bycatch in Alaska’s Bering Sea pollock fishery is drawing national attention as a U.S. lawmaker calls for strict limits to protect struggling salmon stocks.
Rep. Nick Begich III is advocating for “hard caps” on chum salmon bycatch, which would set firm limits on how many salmon can be incidentally caught during pollock fishing operations. Supporters argue that stronger protections are necessary as Western and Interior Alaska chum runs continue to decline, affecting subsistence users and local communities.
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council is reviewing options that include hard caps, incentive-based agreements, and improved salmon avoidance measures. Industry groups caution that strict caps could lead to early fishery closures and significant economic impacts on Alaska’s multibillion-dollar pollock sector.
Also Read: ADF&G Releases 400,000 King Salmon Smolt at Eklutna Tailrace
The council is expected to continue discussions in the coming months as it weighs conservation concerns alongside economic stability in one of the nation’s largest fisheries.
