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Native America Calling: Will limiting commercial trawler bycatch save salmon in Alaska?
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
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Will limiting commercial trawler bycatch save salmon in Alaska?
The federal panel that oversees commercial and subsistence fishing in Alaska is putting a hard limit on the number of chum salmon that are caught — and wasted — by commercial pollack trawlers.

It is a long awaited — and controversial — decision by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council after years of outcry by tribes to address the factors that go into the disappearing runs of salmon that Alaska Native people have always relied on for survival. Although presented as a compromise, the bycatch limit is seen as a severe blow by commercial fishers, who say such restrictions could be catastrophic to the industry.

The decision comes as the state also instituted severe regional restrictions on king salmon fishing because of low numbers. They are among the latest measures to address the big and complex ecological threats to what is historically the most productive salmon fishery in the world.

Bering Sea
A United States Coast Guard Cutter patrols the Bering Sea as part of its mission to enforce compliance of fisheries regulations. Photo: Coast Guard Cutter Waesche

Guests on Native America Calling
Charles Wright (Athabascan), secretary/treasurer for Tanana Chiefs Conference

Jonathan Samuelson (Yup’iaq and Dene), vice-chair of the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission

Craig Chythlook (Yup’ik), executive director of the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission

Terese Vicente, policy and programs director for the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission

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