Bristol Bay Alaska
I grew up in a commercial fishing family, all three generations still fish. I run a set net site in Egegik district of Bristol Bay which considered the greatest sockeye salmon run in the world (2022 had over 76.5 million sockeye salmon returning- the largest run ever recorded for this area). Its a complex, sustainable and highly managed fishery, with NO hatcheries or fish farms and has been managed commercially for wild salmon for over 130 years. We are just guests on this land, to learn more about the communities and to support those working to protect their home and the salmon go to United Tribes of Bristol Bay.
Little me and my brother at another one of our family’s remote fishing camps
Commercial fishing in 2018. Photo by Boas Schwarz
Bristol Bay Conservation
Threats to Bristol Bay
One of the key issues to address with brown bears is the threat of the Pebble Mine to Bristol Bay Alaska, home to the last great wild sockeye salmon run. Life in Bristol Bay revolves around salmon. With over 30 Native Tribes in Bristol Bay alone, sockeye salmon play a huge role in culture including the traditional subsistence way of life. The fishery, which is considered on of the best managed in the world, also provides jobs for over 14,000 people and is valued at over $1.5 billion.
How can you help?
For over a decade fishermen (both commercial and sport), guides, United Tribes of Bristol Bay , lodge owners, conservationists, scientists and more have come together to fight the Pebble Mine. For more information on how to help click here. Support the United Tribes of Bristol Bay
Alaska Bears
I’ve teamed up with the founder of Friends of McNeil River and Alaskabears.earth to help spread more information about the proposed Pebble Mine’s effects on Alaska Peninsula bears.
“Despite all of these developments over the last year, one thing has not changed: the unprecedented alliance of Alaska Native communities, commercial fishermen, sport fishermen, seafood processors, chefs, business owners, conservationists, and others working together to protect Bristol Bay’s salmon fishery from the Pebble Mine. In fact, these allegiances are stronger than ever..”
