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B&J Sporting Goods
113 W Northern Lights Blvd. Anchorage AK 99503 | (907) 274.6113 | bnjsg.com
Proposed Rule: NOAA-NMFS-2024-0042
Anne Marie Eich, Assistant Regional Administrator
Protected Resources Division, Alaska Region NMFS
Attn: Susan Meyer
P.O. Box 21668
Juneau, AK 99802
September 6, 2024
Dear Ms. Eich,
As Alaska’s largest fishing tackle and bait shop, B&J Sporting Goods has been serving the Alaskan fishing community for decades. We are deeply connected to Alaska’s fishing culture, supplying equipment to private individuals, businesses, and organizations who rely on Alaska’s fisheries for sustenance, economic livelihood, and recreational enjoyment. Our customer base spans commercial fishermen, subsistence harvesters, guides, charters, scientific researchers, as well as out-of-state and international visitors. We are uniquely positioned to provide a perspective on the impact that any listing of Chinook (King Salmon) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) would have.
While we recognize the need for responsible management of our salmon fisheries, we strongly oppose the proposal to list Chinook salmon under the ESA. The implications of such a decision would be far-reaching, negatively affecting the livelihoods of thousands of Alaskans, from those who fish for a living to businesses like ours that support the industry. The economic consequences of this proposal are severe, and the regulatory burden it would place on our already struggling industry would be devastating.
It’s important to note that the Alaska State Constitution, Article VIII, specifically mandates the management of Alaska's natural resources, including its fisheries, for the maximum benefit of its people. Alaskans have a long-standing tradition of sustainably managing their fisheries, ensuring that these resources remain viable for future generations. We believe that the state of Alaska, through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG), is best suited to continue managing Chinook salmon populations without federal intervention.
We would like to align our position with comments and concerns voiced by numerous Alaskan organizations and industry leaders. Specifically:
In alignment with our position, we stand alongside and support the following organizations that have expressed opposition to or have advocated for in-state management of Chinook salmon populations by submitting response letters or public statements on their websites to this petition in question:
In conclusion, we believe that Alaskans are best equipped to manage our fisheries responsibly. An ESA listing of Chinook salmon is unnecessary, overly burdensome, and would harm Alaska’s economy. Instead, we urge the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to focus on addressing the actual threats to salmon populations, including bycatch in trawl fisheries, habitat degradation, and climate change.
We stand in support of the numerous organizations and businesses across Alaska who have already voiced their concerns and opposition to this petition.
Thank you for considering our perspective. We hope that NMFS will take into account the severe economic impact this decision could have on Alaskans who rely on fishing for their livelihoods, and that you will reject this misguided petition.
Sincerely,
Troy Arnold
Owner
B&J Sporting Goods, Anchorage, AK
B&J’s Tackle Repair Center, Anchorage, AK
B&J’s Tackle Box, Whittier, AK
Keep your reels in top condition with regular servicing at our in-house Tackle Repair Center!
Our Hook, Line & Clearance PFD (Premium Fishing Discounts) SALE on NOW thru 10/31!