383 



These factors explain large runs. But with 80% of streamside timber on the 

 chopping block under current Forest Service plans, record runs will likely 

 turn to miniscule runs. Thus, the 27 million dollar pink salmon catch (one 

 of five species) attributed to Prince of Wales Island streams in 1989 could 

 drop precipitiously in ten years. This drop would effect the entire SE Alaska 

 fishing industry. 



Our request for protection is a request for multiple use. It is a recognition 

 that the fishing industry's survival depends on the complete protection of 

 valuable watersheds and a narrow 100 foot buffer strip of uncut big old 

 growth trees along our streams. This buffer request will take up only about 

 6% of the acreage in the 1989-94 plan for Ketchikan Pulp Co. I urge you to 

 give us the protection our industry needs to survive well into the next 

 century. I urge you to create statutory 100 no cut buffers on Class I, n, and IH 

 streams and to protect the 24 valuable watersheds. 



In 1976, I made a request for buffers to the Senate when my son was two 

 years old. He is now almost 17 and capable of setting my net at sea on his 

 own. A new generation inherts our skills and knowledge. For fishermen, 

 without streamside trees to protect salmon habitat, the knowledge of the 

 tides and winds we pass on to our children will be meaningless unless the 

 bounty of salmon continue their return. Congress can maintain our salmon 

 runs which are this link between generations and the ages by mandating the 

 NMFS buffer policy. 



Attachments for the Record: 



1. Southeast Alaska Fish and Game Advisory Board letter to 

 Senator Bennett Johnston of February 15, 1990 concerning 

 protectioin for Salmon Bay and Class I, II, and III buffers. 



2. Resolution 90-02 Southeast Alaska Gillnetters Association 

 concerning the same request 



3. Affidavit of David Sturdevant concerning lack of Forest Service 

 monitoring. 



TESTIMONY OF ALAN STEIN 

 6 



