Written into Alaska law

In Alaska, salmon are woven deep into the culture, cuisine and way of life – and they are seen as essential to the state’s economy. For this reason, the sustainable use of salmon was written into the state constitution in 1959. It remains the only state in the US with a constitutional law focusing on the sustainable use of a natural resource.

Sustainable use of natural resources

It is the responsibility of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to ensure the fishing industry remains sustainable. Before the salmon fishing season can open, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game determines how many fish are returning that year to the coast’s streams and waterways to spawn. This is done with a mix of modern radar-technology and more traditional methods – tally clerks actually stand on lookout towers and count the fish as they come in.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game then determines what type of fishing tackle the boats can use and where boats can fish. Everything is carefully controlled to ensure the fishing is sustainable and has as little impact on the environment as possible. Bodies of water remain open for commercial fishing for anything from a few days to just a couple of hours. Many fishing vessels are still family or collective owned. The salmon are caught close to shore, usually by line fishing or in purse seine nets, and the fresh salmon is back on shore within hours.