Subsistence News-12/15/95

To   Subsistence 2

From:      Larry Roberts

Postmark:  Dec 14,95 11:32 AM          Delivered: Dec 14,95 11:32 AM

Subject: Subsistence News-12/15/95

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Message:

*The State of Alaska’s draft proposal to end the ongoing subsistence impasse has been widely distributed throughout the state. No federal position has been taken on the proposal. The DOI Alaska Special Assistant, Debra Williams, will meet with Secty. Babbitt on the proposal, as well as the soon to be released draft federal subsistence fisheries regulations.

*Alaska Natives are at odds with both federal and state officials because of restrictions on brown (grizzly) bear surveys. Successful bear hunters in Alaska must, by law, provide bear skulls and certain teeth to biologists for research purposes. Ongoing studies also involve tagging and collaring bears for tracking and identification purposes. Alaska Natives view these practices as degrading and disrespectful to bears. Although the studies and regulations will continue, the first step has been taken to enhance cross cultural communications between Natives and bureaucrats.

*In 1994, 72 Atlantic salmon were caught by Alaskan fishermen. It has been estimated that as many as 32,000 of these pen raised fish escaped that year from British Columbia fish farms. Alaska state officials claim that there is no reason for alarm. Canadians plan to study the issue and determine if Pacific salmon stocks are at risk.