Fish and Game must act to protect resource

To the editor:

The Frontiersman is to be commended for a detailed article regarding the dilemma of salmon runs in the Mat-Su Valley. However, readers should be aware that there is an argument to be made for dismal salmon runs resulting from cyclic effects that indicates the decrease in salmon population is subject to natural conditions at sea long before the fish reach the commercial and sport fish grounds.

Typically, when the salmon runs in the Northwest are strong they are weak in Alaska, and vice versa.

That being said Andy Couch of Fishtail River Guides and Mike Hudson of 3 Rivers Fly and Tackle are spot on regarding the interception of salmon by the commercial fisheries prior to becoming available for sportfishing.

The Department of Fish and Game turns a blind eye to the loss of salmon runs when it comes to the commercial folks, allowing — and even increasing — their bag limits when they should be reduced or eliminated to save future runs. To add insult to injury, they penalize the sport fisherman with fishing restrictions.

This has become, over the last several years, a political issue that Mat-Su Valley fishermen need to be aware of and speak out accordingly. These pro-commercial fishery decisions are made up the food chain from the local Fish and Game folks and reflect attitudes in Juneau.

Maybe it’s time for Cora Campbell to start working on her resumé.

Terry Nininger

Wasilla