The Alaskan Way - Accountability and Sustainability Working Hand in Hand
Ask anyone to name their favorite salmon and indubitably, Alaska's wild salmon springs to mind.
It's no secret that Alaska is home to some of the world's finest salmon stocks.
This is due in no small part to the fact that Alaska is committed to sustainability.
Whereas a majority of the world's fisheries are actually engaging in highly destructive fishing practices, not taking into account the rate at which fish can actually reproduce themselves to maintain their numbers, thus leading to severe overexploitation, Alaska is leading the way to a more sustainable future.
Take for instance their policy in regards to salmon escapement.
Salmon escapement is a term that refers to the portion of a salmon run that is allowed to reach the spawning grounds or hatchery; in other words, it refers to the salmon that is not harvested.
Of course salmon escapement places a hugely significant role when it comes to sustainability.
In Alaska, there is put in place an optimum escapement goal.
This is determined with the help of scientists who estimate the optimum number of salmon that need to be allowed to spawn in order to replenish the stock.
Scientists work in tandem with government agencies and fisheries management to make sure that optimal numbers are achieved.
Alaska's constitution actually dictates that all resources be utilized on the sustained yield principle.
Thus the government managed fisheries are legally obligated to ensure that salmon stocks remain healthy and plentiful.
Escapement numbers are thus carefully observed and stringent numbers are dictated.
Long term sustainability takes a strong political will, public involvement and awareness, as well as efficient management.
Maintaining clean water, a healthy, untouched habitat and watersheds is paramount to keeping salmon stocks abundant.
The long lasting effects o urbanization and human interference has taken its toll, as is too apparent throughout the world; Alaska, however, is a world leader in the sustainable seafood effort.
As the world takes note, and as more people become aware of the fragile state of the Earth's oceans it is clear that more must be done.
One state alone is not enough.
The world must follow.
It's no secret that Alaska is home to some of the world's finest salmon stocks.
This is due in no small part to the fact that Alaska is committed to sustainability.
Whereas a majority of the world's fisheries are actually engaging in highly destructive fishing practices, not taking into account the rate at which fish can actually reproduce themselves to maintain their numbers, thus leading to severe overexploitation, Alaska is leading the way to a more sustainable future.
Take for instance their policy in regards to salmon escapement.
Salmon escapement is a term that refers to the portion of a salmon run that is allowed to reach the spawning grounds or hatchery; in other words, it refers to the salmon that is not harvested.
Of course salmon escapement places a hugely significant role when it comes to sustainability.
In Alaska, there is put in place an optimum escapement goal.
This is determined with the help of scientists who estimate the optimum number of salmon that need to be allowed to spawn in order to replenish the stock.
Scientists work in tandem with government agencies and fisheries management to make sure that optimal numbers are achieved.
Alaska's constitution actually dictates that all resources be utilized on the sustained yield principle.
Thus the government managed fisheries are legally obligated to ensure that salmon stocks remain healthy and plentiful.
Escapement numbers are thus carefully observed and stringent numbers are dictated.
Long term sustainability takes a strong political will, public involvement and awareness, as well as efficient management.
Maintaining clean water, a healthy, untouched habitat and watersheds is paramount to keeping salmon stocks abundant.
The long lasting effects o urbanization and human interference has taken its toll, as is too apparent throughout the world; Alaska, however, is a world leader in the sustainable seafood effort.
As the world takes note, and as more people become aware of the fragile state of the Earth's oceans it is clear that more must be done.
One state alone is not enough.
The world must follow.
Source...