Staff Reports
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has handed a rare win to the commercial fishing industry by ruling against a Washington state environmental group's attempt to close down the King salmon fishery in southeast Alaska. The Wildfish Conservancy claimed that the troll fishery for chinook, or king salmon, posed a threat to 73 endangered orcas residing off the coasts of Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia by competing for their food sources. However, the court found these arguments to be unfounded. This case exemplifies the environmentalist agenda pursued by the left, sparing no sector from its influence.
Alaska Salmon Fishermen Score Victory Over Environmentalists in Ninth Circuit Case https://t.co/NGSnj4jb1I
— RedState (@RedState) June 22, 2023
Despite the challenging economic conditions in 2022, which saw Alaska's fishing industry generating a total of $5.7 billion, Democrats persist in their efforts to shut down American industries. While it is necessary to make conservationist decisions for effective wildlife and resource management, radical environmental organizations, with well-established reputations, continue to disrupt the lives of those reliant on our robust economy.
Although the Ninth Circuit is known for its liberal leanings, the court's composition has gradually shifted over the past three years, with ten judges appointed by former President Donald Trump. Consequently, legitimate claims like this one have received proper consideration.
The court's decision was based on the reasoning that closing southeast Alaska salmon fisheries would have minimal, if any, impact on the Southern Resident Killer Whale population. Any Chinook that escapes fishing in Southeast would have to traverse roughly 700 miles, passing through Canadian commercial and recreational fisheries, tribal fisheries, the Northern Resident Killer Whale population, Steller sea lions (who are also predators of large Chinook), and Southern U.S. fisheries before reaching the Southern Resident Killer Whales.
Alaska's commercial fishing industry, along with American wildlife laws, upholds the preservation of wildlife as a public resource and a tradition dating back to the country's frontier era. In contrast, other parts of the world consider game and fish the property of landowners in the areas where the resources are found.
The Ninth Circuit's verdict represents a significant victory for the fishing industry, highlighting the importance of their livelihoods and the necessity of preserving our nation's economy. Thanks to this ruling, other Alaskans and Americans can continue enjoying high-quality, sustainably sourced salmon while supporting our industries. It is crucial for President Joe Biden to take note and prioritize protecting our economy rather than endorsing environmental beliefs that harm rural American communities. As the writer Ward Clark aptly stated, "Elections indeed have consequences."
