Alaska Cares For the Surrounding Seas

34,000 miles of coastline surround Alaska, one of the least densely populated areas of the Earth. It's an incredibly beautiful place, far from any major source of industrial pollution. These icy waters are filled by valuable seafood species including King Salmon, King Crab, and Alaska Halibut. These internationally acclaimed fish thrive in their cold natural environment. They stay healthy and develop the best possible flavor swimming in the pure ocean and rivers. The importance of maintaining the pristine condition of this environment is clear. The waters around Alaska are not only naturally beautiful; they are also the home for a great variety of some of the world's best seafood. Luckily, Alaskans have enacted sea friendly programs that help protect both the environment and the fish whose home it is. These programs mandate sustainable fishing, finding a balance between the needs of the harvest and the needs of nature.

Ever since Alaska became a state in 1959, statutes of protection for fish habitats have been part of the state constitution. More Alaskans make their income from fishing and fish processing than from any other industry. Luckily the state recognized that this industry needed regulation if it would continue to provide both the bounty of sea and fishing jobs for years to come. It's illegal to unnecessarily disturb or cause harm to fish habitats in waters around Alaska. Another sea friendly program has been the creation of more than 40 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). These areas cover almost all federal and state waters where commercial fishing occurs and enforce strict regulation on any commercial fishing. Many types of fishing gear are only allowed at certain times of year or are prohibited entirely, and certain areas prohibit all commercial fishing. These MPAs provide locations for scientific research, conserve benthic habitats, and protect both the environment and the fish that make it their home.

There is also strict regulation on what can be fished, when fishing can occur, and how those fish are harvested. These sea friendly policies exist to ensure that even after fishing, enough fish are left to replenish their own population. Strict enforcement and oversight by both federal and state agencies assures compliance with these policies. Even though the demand for these fish is great, overfishing would destroy that natural resource.

These protections ensure that delicious and fresh Alaska seafood will be available for generations. It's the best way to live with and enjoy nature.

Alaska's fishing industry leads the world in environmental protection measures. From efforts to improve alaskaseafood.org/sustainability/traceability.html traceability to strict alaskaseafood.org/sustainability/enforcement.html enforcement procedures, Alaska continually shows how committed it is to preserving the ocean for the next generation.