Alaska’s newly-appointed salmon task force has its work cut out for it as the Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers face yet another dismal year of salmon returns. The group has been tasked with conducting scientific research then developing a plan for sustainable management practices and submitting a final report to the National Oceanic and Atmopheric Administration and Congress by early in 2024.
The panel was formed as an outgrowth of the continuing salmon crisis last year, and it is hoped that the diversity of the members assigned to the task force will bring all conservation concerns to the table.
A standing complaint among local residents living along the coast and on the Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers has been a lack of indigenous representation in other federal and state panels. The task force includes three members – Oscar Evon, from Kwigillingok, Jacob Ivanoff, from Unalakleet, and Karla Jensen of Pedro Bay.
According to the congressional act forming the new panel, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo made selections in conjunction with Alaska governor’s office to ensure a diverse mix of members that include state and federal government, universities, fishermen and other users tied to salmon. The law mandates that at least two appointees are Alaska Natives, whose backgrounds have been steeped in subsistence issues.
From the federal side, Andrew Munro and Ed Farley represent the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and NOAA Fisheries, respectively.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game members include subsistence director Caroline Brown, Jim Templin and Katie Howard. Justin Leon represents the Alaska American Native Fish and Wildlife Society.
Michelle Stratton represents commercial fishermen and the Alaska Marine Conservation Council, and Mike Flores represents charter vessel interests. Tom Carpenter adds another commercial fishing voice to the group, and Steve Reifenstuhl represents the aqualculture industry.
Andy Piston represents the Pacific States Salmon Commission. Austin Eastbrooks, meanwhile, represents the At-Sea Processors Association.
From the academic and environmental communities, Megan McPhee and Tommy Sheridan will represent the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, with Noelle Yochum appointed to represent Alaska Pacific University.
