26 



itor life history changes. We can monitor genetic changes as they 

 occur in the hatcheries if we choose to do the assessment. 



The tools are there, and research is providing interestingly quite 

 extensive tools for providing genetic and life history analyses. 

 What we need to do is be able to utilize them, listen to what they 

 tell us, collect the data to provide us- with the information that will 

 guide us in our tasks. 



In the past, hatchery practices have, in fact, perhaps negatively 

 impacted naturally spawning populations. I think there is adequate 

 evidence to show this. However, on the positive side, hatcheries 

 hold the capability to address restoration of naturally spawning 

 stocks. We have the capability of doing this. What we need to do 

 most specifically as far as I am concerned is to change what we 

 might call standard operating procedures into something that gives 

 us a little bit more versatility and a little bit more capability of 

 addressing a multitude of needs. Thank you. 



[The prepared statement of Mr. Hershberger can be found at the 

 end of the hearing.] 



Mrs. Unsoeld. Is it Koenings? 



Mr, Koenings. Madam Chair, it is Koenings. 



STATEMENT OF JEFFREY KOENINGS, CHIEF LIMNOLOGIST, 

 ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME, JUNEAU, ALASKA 



Mr. Koenings. Madam Chair and the rest of the comniittee, 

 thank you for this opportunity to come before you today to discuss 

 Alaska's fisheries program; in particular, our experience in cultur- 

 ing salmonids. In our approach to salmon stock restoration or sup- 

 plementation, certain risks are acceptable. Others are not. But 

 there always are risks. Moreover, we realize that risk, like beauty, 

 lies in the eye of the beholder especially if the beholder lacks the 

 necessary permit. 



The State of Alaska focuses first on preventing loss of naturally 

 spawning populations of salmon. For example, sustained yields 

 from wild stocks were given preference in state statutes. Habitat is 

 conserved. Hatchery production supplements but does not supplant 

 production from wild stocks, and active genetic manipulation of 

 wild stocks is not allowed. At the same time, Alaska has a world- 

 class hatchery program. 



How are the two compatible? First, the state's genetic and fish 

 health policies guide the role of hatcheries either in the restoration 

 of naturally spawning salmon populations or in salmon enhance- 

 ment activities. These policies crafted by state. Federal, university, 

 and user-group scientists control the manner in which the business 

 of salmon restoration is conducted. 



Second, Alaska, early on, recognized the necessity for state-of- 

 the-art laboratories, well-trained scientists, and a professional 

 cadre of fish culturists. Together, these specialists designed highly 

 technical egg-take procedures, hatchery incubation guidelines, and 

 fish transport protocols. Next came the constant re-evaluation of 

 all critical procedures and the flexibility for rapid revision. 



Finally, we realized that restoration projects are unique and ac- 

 cepted both the risk and failures as well as successes from design- 

 ing protocols for one-of-a-kind situations. Some may argue that sup- 



