5 Ways to Preserve the Environment, Protect Jobs, and Save Bristol Bay

The life, culture, and beating heart of Bristol Bay is in danger due to a massive proposed gold and copper mine, known as Pebble Mine. As one of the world's largest fisheries, approval of the Pebble Mine would not only cause long term environmental damage, it will also wipe out thousands of fishing jobs and businesses over time. Bristol Bay has been Wild for Salmon's source for fish for over 11 years. We are one of those businesses in danger. We need your help. Please read the letter below from our friends, Elizabeth & Brett of SalmonState, and find time to add your name to the letter for the president, and/or perform one of the additional options in support of protesting the Pebble Mine and saving thousands of jobs, protecting thousands of salmon, and preserving the overall beauty and culture of Alaska. Thank you!

Dear Bristol Bay supporters: 

You are receiving this email because you have played an important role over the last decade to save Bristol Bay, Alaska's salmon fishery from the proposed Pebble Mine.  As you know, this issue has been a very long battle with many twists and turns, the latest of which was the EPA’s backdoor settlement agreement with the Pebble Partnership on May 12th. 

In response to the EPA’s settlement agreement with the Pebble Partnership – and because the EPA is not holding a public comment period on its decision to reverse its Proposed Determination to protect Bristol Bay - we are launching a national sign-on letter (see attached) to President Trump from fishermen, business owners, chefs, grocers and others in America’s seafood industry.  

CLICK HERE TO SIGN

More than ever we must unite our voices and send a clear message to Washington D.C. that America’s businesses demand protection for this natural resource, which provides over 14,000 jobs, generates $1.5 billion in annual economic activity, and produces over 40% of the world’s sockeye salmon.  Join us by adding your name to the letter (click the link, read the letter, submit your info) and sharing throughout your networks.  Deadline is June 28*.

*Sign-on deadline may be moved depending on how quickly the EPA acts in rescinding its Proposed Determination under the Clean Water Act. It's worth noting that it took 7 years in the previous Administration to reach this point, however, the Trump Administration is unraveling the Proposed Determination with incredible speed and without much notice for public input. We will be acting quickly to ensure that we have the most impact.

Other things you can do:

1. If your organization or business represents folks who are are based in Alaska, please consider contacting Alaska’s Senators Murkowski and Sullivan and urge them to defend Alaska’s jobs, communities, and renewable resources.  
2. Communicate with your seafood suppliers and buyers about how the proposed Pebble Mine could have dramatic impacts on the Alaska Seafood brand (read ASMI’s former Exec. Director’s Op-Ed from last week).  Bristol Bay is not only home to the world’s largest sockeye salmon fishery, but is also a nursery for juvenile crab, halibut and other iconic species. 
3. Spread the word and share the sign-on letter with other leaders you know. 
4. Savor Bristol Bay!  The Bristol Bay salmon season kicks off at the end of June and typically runs through mid July.  Invest your dollars in Bristol Bay's fishermen, businesses, and communities and buy Bristol Bay Sockeye whenever possible.

Please be in touch with any questions and/or to discuss further.  My colleague Brett Veerhusen (cc’d) –  lifelong Alaska fisherman and former ED of Seafood Harvesters of America and federal coordinator for the Save Bristol Bay campaign  – and I are here to serve as guides in this murky process, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.  (We’ll both be attending next week's SeaWeb Seafood Summit in Seattle should you wish to meet in person. Just drop us a line!)

Thank you for standing by Bristol Bay’s communities, fishermen and businesses at this critical time.  Your continued support will make the difference. 

We’ll be in touch. 

Elizabeth & Brett