Sponsor Statement for HJR 46: BC Moratorium on Fish Farming

Rep. Gary Stevens
State Capitol, Room 428
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: (907) 465-4925
Fax: (907) 465-3517

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Rep. Peggy Wilson
State Capitol, Room 409
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Toll Free: (800) 686-3824
Phone: (907) 465-3824
Fax: (907) 465-3175

Relating to the moratorium on fish farming in British Columbia.

Released:	March 1, 2002
Contact:	Jean Ellis, Legislative Aide to Representative Peggy Wilson, at (907) 465-3824

On January 31, 2002, the Government of British Columbia announced that the provincial moratorium on fish farming would be lifted. This decision could have a substantial effect on the Alaskan economy and environment, both directly and indirectly.

This resolution strongly encourages the Government of British Columbia to reinstate the moratorium on fish farming.

In 2002 there were 29,000 accidental releases of farmed salmon from British Columbia salmon farms. Escaped farmed Atlantic salmon have been caught in Alaska commercial fisheries. The escaped Atlantic salmon pose a threat to Alaska's marine environment and the ecology of Pacific Salmon.

Escaped Atlantic salmon from salmon farms in British Columbia are now spawning in approximately 80 streams on the west coast. These escaped salmon compete with wild Alaskan salmon for food and there is a continuing concern with possible disease transfers.

Seafood is Alaska's number one international export and the commercial fishing industry is Alaska's largest private sector employer.

Therefore the Fisheries Committee strongly encourages the Alaska State Legislature to support the reinstatement of the British Columbia moratorium on fish farming.

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Bill History for HJR 46
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