 Filed by National Environmental Organizations October 12, 2002
According to UFA, the lawsuit, filed by The Center for Biological Diversity, the Turtle Island Restoration Network, and Oceana, could affect Alaskan commercial fisheries because it seeks to compel NMFS to develop "take reduction plans" that could restrict fisheries in order to reduce fishery impacts on marine mammals. "This lawsuit blind-sided us", said Bob Thorstenson, President of UFA. "It reaches our salmon fisheries in the Alaska Peninsula, Bristol Bay, Prince William Sound, Cook Inlet and Southeast," he continued. "When they found out about it, fishermen felt they had to get involved," Thorstenson said. According to UFA, NMFS has yet to determine whether Alaskan salmon fisheries have any significant impacts on marine mammals. "This lawsuit puts the cart before the horse," said Sue Aspelund, Executive Director of Cordova District Fishermen United. "Before they sue to force NMFS to produce 'take reduction plans' we should first find out if there is any take to reduce," she continued. With the cooperation of commercial fishermen, NMFS is conducting research to find out what effects Alaskan commercial fisheries have on marine mammals. "By helping design programs to observe the salmon fisheries and taking NMFS observers on their fishing boats, salmon fishermen are putting 110% into gathering the information needed to determine whether we have any real impact on marine mammals," Aspelund said. "Outside environmentalists don't understand Alaska or Alaska's fisheries," said Thorstenson. "We've joined this lawsuit to try to make sure that this time they do more good than harm." he said.
Source of News Release: United Fishermen of Alaska
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