The Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska ecosystems are reeling.

For the first time in history, the Bering Sea snow crab fishery was shut down for the 2022/23 season. And for the second straight season, the 2022/23 Bristol Bay red king crab fishery was closed as well. Yukon River Chinook salmon returned in low numbers in 2023, and the chum salmon return is uncertain - leading state managers to close subsistence fishing in the Lower Yukon.

Meanwhile, trawlers pursuing pollock for fish sticks and fake crab continue to indiscriminately catch massive amounts of a multitude of fish species including salmon, crab and halibut. This harvest of non-targeted species, called bycatch, cannot be sold to market, is oftentimes considered “ waste,” and is dumped overboard.

While nearly every other sector of the Bering Sea based fishery suffers, the largest, most wasteful one continues full steam ahead. This must change. Urge NOAA fisheries to update guidelines for National Standards 4, 8, and 9 to better address environmental changes and inequity in federal fisheries management. Add your voice at the link below.