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that necessary salmon escapements are achieved. This orientation includes 

 repeated actions cooperating with Canadian expressions of concern for 

 specific escapement needs. Such a 'conservation first' approach is one that 

 is understood and supported by fishermen in Southeast Alaska. The 

 Alaska constitution contains an article specifically devoted to the 

 management and utilization of natural resources. Article III, Section 4 

 states: "Fish, forests, wildlife, grasslands, and all other replenishable 

 resources belonging to the State shall be utilized, developed, and 

 maintained on the sustained yield principle...". State statutes establishing 

 the responsibilities of the Conmiissioner of the Department of Fish and 

 Game and the Department reinforce a strong conservation mandate while 

 managing for sustained yield. The state of health of the salmon resources 

 in Southeast Alaska is a testament to the successful implementation of 

 Alaska's conservation policies. 



1 . Is there an alternative to the management regime in the 

 Pacific Salmon Treaty? Is unilateral fisheries management 

 of mixed stocks possible? 



For salmon stocks under the jurisdiction of the Northern Panel of the 

 Pacific Salmon Commission, goals related to conservation and optimizing 

 production generally have been achieved. Stocks in the northern 

 boundary area are in general healthy, at historic levels of abundance, and, 

 when there have been demonstrated weaknesses and stock conservation 

 concerns requiring our assistance, Alaska has responded appropriately. 



Southeast Alaska is made up of many small, mostly rural communities 

 where there are few employment options. Subsistence, sport and 

 commercial fisheries are critical to Southeast Alaska residents economic 

 and cultural well-being. Thousands of families are dependent on the 

 salmon resource for a living where few alternatives for employment exist. 

 Southeast Alaska residents are honest, hard working folks who achieve a 

 livelihood by accessing the one resource available to them. 



Southeast Alaska is a rather remarkable salmon factory. Those unfamiliar 

 with regional salmon production need to understand the magnitude of the 

 resource for all species. The largest production in North America of pink, 

 chum, and generally coho salmon occurs in this region. Significant returns 

 of sockeye and chinook salmon occur as well. It is also important to 

 understand that our fisheries are being managed consistent with all Treaty 

 provisions. Southeast Alaska fisheries operate primarily on healthy local 

 U.S. stocks which are the dominant portion of record salmon returns to the 



