Communities and fishermen in and around Bristol Bay, Alaska have depended for generations on abundant salmon runs for food, income, and a way of life. Fishermen and salmon have maintained this sustainable relationship through science-based fisheries management and a respect for the salmon’s natural habitat. That relationship is facing an uncertain future right now. First, the coronavirus pandemic has dampened the market for salmon catch this year, causing financial stress for many fishermen. Second, a Canadian-owned company has been moving the process forward to mine for minerals close to the Bristol Bay watershed, threatening the near pristine habitat of salmon and countless other wildlife.

Kevin Scribner, owner/operator of Forever Wild Seafood, fishermen, and policy co-chair for the Marine Fish Conservation Network, shares his thoughts on supporting Bristol Bay fishermen and communities during the coronavirus pandemic and opposing the environmentally harmful Pebble mine project.

In this video, Kevin describes about how the pandemic has caused prices to drop and has prevented some fishermen from going to Bristol Bay altogether.

Top photo: Bristol Bay panorama