Salmon Wars

Episode 7 - Eva Burke | “We Firsthand Saw The Loss” With An Alaska Native Advocate And Researcher

Salmon Wars Executive Producer and Host Cody McLaughlin is joined by Alaska Native Eva Burke, a passionate force in the world of salmon conservation, serving as an Advisory Board Member at Native Movement, Owner of Rock Crossing Consulting and Graduate Student at University of Alaska Fairbanks. She currently serves as the first Tribal Seat on the Advisory Panel to the NPFMC and work as a consultant to the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission… And she’s been shut down for 5 years. Zero salmon fishing. Eva sheds light on the devastating impact of zero salmon fishing in the Yukon River, a harsh reality her community has faced for over five years, she discusses the challenges facing salmon populations in Alaska, particularly in the Yukon River. She highlights the importance of salmon to the subsistence lifestyle of indigenous communities and the impact of declining salmon runs on their food security, the mismanagement of salmon resources and the lack of consideration for traditional indigenous knowledge and role of climate change and the changing ocean ecosystem in the decline of salmon populations. The conversation explores the impact of bycatch and mismanagement on salmon populations in Alaska, historical efforts to protect salmon through fishing restrictions and the unintended consequences of opening up certain areas for pollock trawling, the role of hatcheries and the need for sustainable fishing practices.  Main Topics Covered: * The Salmon Crisis in Alaska: Eva outlines the current challenges facing king salmon and chum salmon populations, with a focus on the Yukon River. Indigenous communities, whose subsistence lifestyle depends on these fish, have been hit hard. The collapse of salmon runs threatens their food security and way of life. * Traditional Indigenous Knowledge: Eva emphasizes the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge into salmon management practices. For centuries, Alaska Natives have practiced sustainable fishing, yet modern mismanagement and over-harvesting have disregarded this expertise. * Bycatch and Mismanagement: The conversation dives into the issue of bycatch, where unintended species are caught in large-scale fisheries like the pollock industry.  * Climate Change and the Ocean Ecosystem: Eva and Cody explore how climate change is altering the ocean ecosystem, further complicating the already fragile salmon populations. Warmer waters, shifting currents, and unpredictable weather patterns are wreaking havoc on salmon migration and spawning. * Fishing Restrictions and Hatcheries: Historical efforts to protect salmon through fishing restrictions have had mixed results, sometimes leading to unintended consequences. The role of hatcheries in salmon production is also debated, with concerns about their impact on wild populations.  * Cultural and Economic Impact: The decline of salmon is not just an environmental issue; it’s a cultural and economic one too. Alaska Natives are not only losing a vital food source but also a deep connection to their heritage.  * Call to Action: Stand Up for Alaska’s Salmon: Eva’s message is clear: it’s time to get involved. Whether it’s attending meetings, writing letters, or advocating for better policies, everyone has a role to play in protecting Alaska’s salmon. Together, we can ensure the health of this vital species and the communities that depend on it. Learn more about Trout Stream Studios: https://www.troutstreamstudios.com [https://www.troutstreamstudios.com/]  Get to know your host on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclaugh1985/ [https://www.instagram.com/mclaugh1985/]  Follow the host on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mclaugh19 [https://twitter.com/mclaugh19]  Follow Trout Stream Studios on LinkedIn and get special bonus content, more trailers, and additional shows: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trout-stream-studios [https://www.linkedin.com/company/trout-stream-studios]  Follow Trout Stream Studios on Facebook and get special bonus content, more trailers, and additional shows: https://www.facebook.com/troutstreamstudios [https://www.facebook.com/troutstreamstudios]  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Episode 6 - Alexus Kwachka | The Commercial Fishing Perspective By Former Trawler, Troller, Longliner

Salmon Wars Executive Producer and Host Cody McLaughlin is joined by Alexus Kwachka, a 39-year veteran of catching ‘everything that swims, walks or crawls from the Russian border to Southeast Alaska’. In this episode, Cody and Alexus dive deep into this long career as a commercial fisherman, with experience with every species. gear type and fishery - from trawling around Kodiak to long lining in southeast, to trolling for salmon, and beyond. Alexus is also a veteran of the regulatory process, and served for many years on advisory committees covering the . Cody and Alexus discuss the change Alexus has seen over his career from open access fisheries in the early days “when a man could get into the halibut fishery with 50 bucks, hard work and make a living” to the privatized IFQ fisheries that we see today.  Main Topics Covered: * Salmon Conservation Challenges: Alexus gives his thoughts as a commercial fisherman on what factors are contributing to the decline of salmon. * Habitat Protection: Alexus calls out what he deems stream side habitat degradation along the Kenai peninsula. * Magnuson-Stevens Act: Alexus discusses at length his firsthand knowledge of the history of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and the ramifications that it has had on the fisheries of Alaska as he has seen them. * Collective Action: The role of policy reforms, habitat preservation, and informed consumer choices in supporting salmon conservation. * Individual Involvement: How to advocate for salmon conservation through advisory committees, contacting elected officials, and supporting organizations like Salmon State. Learn more about Trout Stream Studios: https://www.troutstreamstudios.com [https://www.troutstreamstudios.com/]  Get to know your host on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclaugh1985/ [https://www.instagram.com/mclaugh1985/]  Follow the host on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mclaugh19 [https://twitter.com/mclaugh19]  Follow Trout Stream Studios on LinkedIn and get special bonus content, more trailers, and additional shows: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trout-stream-studios [https://www.linkedin.com/company/trout-stream-studios]  Follow Trout Stream Studios on Facebook and get special bonus content, more trailers, and additional shows: https://www.facebook.com/troutstreamstudios [https://www.facebook.com/troutstreamstudios]  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Episode 5 - Tim Bristol | An Organization Working To Ensure Alaska Remains ‘The SALMON STATE’

Salmon Wars Executive Producer and Host Cody McLaughlin is joined by Tim Bristol, the CEO of Salmon State. In this episode, Cody and Tim dive deep into the challenges and importance of salmon conservation in Alaska. While concerns loom over the declining Chinook salmon populations, we also celebrate the success stories of strong coho and sockeye runs in Southeast Alaska and Bristol Bay. Our conversation with Tim Bristol of Salmon State highlights the complex nature of salmon conservation, showcasing varying trends among different species and rivers. The discussion underscores the critical need for habitat protection, addressing threats from mining proposals in transboundary rivers, and the prevention of dam construction. A significant portion of our talk focuses on the management of federal waters fisheries, particularly the detrimental impact of trawling bycatch on Chinook and chum salmon. Main Topics Covered: * Salmon Conservation Challenges: Declining Chinook populations and varying trends across species. * Success Stories: Strong coho and sockeye salmon runs in Southeast Alaska and Bristol Bay. * Habitat Protection: Addressing mining threats and preventing dam construction. * Federal Waters Fisheries Management: The impact of trawling on salmon bycatch. * Climate Change: Its effects on salmon populations and conservation efforts. * Collective Action: The role of policy reforms, habitat preservation, and informed consumer choices in supporting salmon conservation. * Individual Involvement: How to advocate for salmon conservation through advisory committees, contacting elected officials, and supporting organizations like Salmon State. Key Takeaways: * Salmon conservation in Alaska is multifaceted, with different species and rivers showing varied trends. * Habitat protection is essential, requiring action against mining proposals, dam constructions and seafloor destruction as a result of factory trawling. * Federal waters fisheries management, especially the impacts of factory trawling, are a critical concern. * Despite challenges, there are positive trends in coho and sockeye salmon populations in specific regions. * Collective efforts and policy reforms are vital for the future of salmon conservation. * Individuals play a crucial role by making informed choices and actively participating in conservation efforts. Learn more about Trout Stream Studios: https://www.troutstreamstudios.com [https://www.troutstreamstudios.com/]  Learn more about Trout Stream Studios: https://www.troutstreamstudios.com [https://www.troutstreamstudios.com/]  Get to know your host on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclaugh1985/ [https://www.instagram.com/mclaugh1985/]  Follow the host on Twitter: https://twitter.com/home [https://twitter.com/home]  Follow Trout Stream Studios on LinkedIn and get special bonus content, more trailers, and additional shows: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trout-stream-studios [https://www.linkedin.com/company/trout-stream-studios]  Follow Trout Stream Studios on Facebook and get special bonus content, more trailers, and additional shows: https://www.facebook.com/troutstreamstudios [https://www.facebook.com/troutstreamstudios]  Follow The Show On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@troutstreamstudios?_t=8nONxhNYrP8&_r=1 [https://www.tiktok.com/@troutstreamstudios?_t=8nONxhNYrP8&_r=1] Find Trout Stream Studios On YouTube For Exclusive Video Content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijfUNphYKTMOU12giVt7lw [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijfUNphYKTMOU12giVt7lw] Learn more about Salmon State: www.salmonstate.org [http://www.salmonstate.org]  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Episode 4 - Laine Welch | A Longtime Fishing Industry Reporter Who “Can No Longer Remain Silent”

Salmon Wars Executive Producer and Host Cody McLaughlin is joined by Laine Welch, a longtime pro-commercial fisheries reporter and advocate, retired radio host, and the blogger behind AlaskaFish.News - which covers happenings in Alaska’s fisheries all across the state, who is choosing to speak out now after a career in and around the commercial fleet (including trawl) because, in her own words, ‘she could no longer stand by’. The conversation focuses on the declining salmon populations in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, which is a significant conservation issue. Laine and Cody discuss the cultural and economic importance of salmon to the region, as well as the various factors contributing to their decline, such as trawling, ocean warming, and competition from hatchery fish. They also highlight the lack of effective fisheries management and the influence of outside interests on Alaskan fisheries. The conversation raises concerns about the future of salmon and other fish species and the potential loss of cultural traditions and economic opportunities. The conversation explores the long-term ramifications of the decline in salmon and halibut populations in Alaska due to increased bycatch by the trawl fleet. The warming oceans and off-kilter ocean chemistry are affecting the entire food web, including species like pollock, herring, and black cod. The conversation highlights the need for better bycatch regulations and the inclusion of traditional knowledge from Alaska Native communities. Key policy decisions to protect salmon in perpetuity include setting limits on salmon removal by the trawl fleet, ending bottom trawling in sensitive areas, and reevaluating definitions and regulations related to midwater trawls. It is crucial for individuals to voice their concerns at the federal level to bring about change. Takeaways * The decline of salmon populations in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest is a significant conservation issue with cultural and economic implications. * Factors contributing to the decline include trawling, ocean warming, competition from hatchery fish, and ineffective fisheries management. * Outside interests, particularly from Washington and Oregon, have a significant influence on Alaskan fisheries. * The loss of salmon and other fish species could result in the erosion of cultural traditions and economic opportunities. * There is a need for stronger conservation measures and better collaboration between stakeholders to protect salmon populations. The decline in salmon and halibut populations in Alaska due to increased bycatch by the trawl fleet has long-term ramifications for the ecosystem and the economy. * The warming oceans and off-kilter ocean chemistry are affecting the entire food web, including species like pollock, herring, and black cod. * Better bycatch regulations and the inclusion of traditional knowledge from Alaska Native communities are necessary to protect salmon and other species. * Key policy decisions to protect salmon in perpetuity include setting limits on salmon removal by the trawl fleet, ending bottom trawling in sensitive areas, and reevaluating definitions and regulations related to midwater trawls. * Individuals should voice their concerns at the federal level to bring about change and ensure the sustainability of Alaska's fisheries. Learn more about Trout Stream Studios: https://www.troutstreamstudios.com [https://www.troutstreamstudios.com/]  Get to know your host on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclaugh1985/ [https://www.instagram.com/mclaugh1985/]  Follow the host on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mclaugh19 [https://twitter.com/mclaugh19]  Follow Trout Stream Studios on LinkedIn and get special bonus content, more trailers, and additional shows: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trout-stream-studios [https://www.linkedin.com/company/trout-stream-studios]  Follow Trout Stream Studios on Facebook and get special bonus content, more trailers, and additional shows: https://www.facebook.com/troutstreamstudios [https://www.facebook.com/troutstreamstudios]  Learn more about Alaska Fish News: www.alaskafish.news [http://www.alaskafish.news]  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Episode 3 - David Bayes | A True ‘David VS Goliath’ Story Of The Man Behind The STOP Alaskan Trawler Bycatch Facebook Group

Salmon Wars Executive Producer and Host Cody McLaughlin is joined by David Bayes, a halibut charter boat captain our of Homer, Alaska and one of the men behind the wildly successful ‘STOP Alaskan Trawler Bycatch’ Facebook Group that is a leading voice on the effort to reign in trawler bycatch. David, a small business owner and advocate for sustainable fishing practices, discusses the issue of trawl bycatch in Alaska and its impact on the state's fisheries. He explains how trawl bycatch, particularly of halibut and salmon, has led to significant cutbacks in the sport fishing industry and threatens the overall health of the ecosystem. David highlights the economic disparity between the trawl fleet, which generates billions of dollars in revenue but pays minimal taxes to the state, and other fishing sectors. He also emphasizes the indiscriminate nature of trawl fishing and the staggering amount of bycatch that is wasted each year. The conversation focuses on the impact of trawl fishing on salmon populations in Alaska and the need for stricter regulations. The main themes include the controversy surrounding chum salmon bycatch, the influence of the trawl fleet on fisheries management, the fear of speaking out against trawl fishing, the spread of misinformation by astroturf organizations, and potential policy solutions to mitigate the problem. Takeaways * Trawl bycatch, particularly of halibut and salmon, has led to significant cutbacks in the sport fishing industry in Alaska. * The trawl fleet generates billions of dollars in revenue but pays minimal taxes to the state, resulting in an economic disparity between different fishing sectors. * Trawl fishing is indiscriminate and results in a staggering amount of bycatch that is wasted each year. * The current management and regulations of trawl fishing prioritize economic gain over the health of the ecosystem and the sustainability of fish populations. Trawl fishing has a significant impact on salmon populations in Alaska, particularly through chum salmon bycatch. * The trawl fleet has a strong influence on fisheries management, leading to loose regulations and conflicts of interest. * There is a fear among fishermen and affiliated businesses of speaking out against trawl fishing due to potential repercussions. * Astroturf organizations funded by the trawl industry spread misinformation and slander against those advocating for stricter regulations. * Policy solutions to address the issue include setting stricter bycatch limits, increasing observer coverage, and banning bottom trawling. Learn more about Trout Stream Studios: https://www.troutstreamstudios.com [https://www.troutstreamstudios.com/]  Get to know your host on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclaugh1985/ [https://www.instagram.com/mclaugh1985/]  Follow the host on Twitter: https://twitter.com/home [https://twitter.com/home]  Follow Trout Stream Studios on LinkedIn and get special bonus content, more trailers, and additional shows: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trout-stream-studios [https://www.linkedin.com/company/trout-stream-studios]  Follow Trout Stream Studios on Facebook and get special bonus content, more trailers, and additional shows: https://www.facebook.com/troutstreamstudios [https://www.facebook.com/troutstreamstudios]  Follow The Show On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@troutstreamstudios?_t=8nONxhNYrP8&_r=1 [https://www.tiktok.com/@troutstreamstudios?_t=8nONxhNYrP8&_r=1] Find Trout Stream Studios On YouTube For Exclusive Video Content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijfUNphYKTMOU12giVt7lw [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijfUNphYKTMOU12giVt7lw] Learn more about STOP Alaskan Trawler Bycatch: https://www.facebook.com/groups/181111123119023/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/181111123119023/]  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]