March 16, 2026 — More than 5,000 Alaskans have signed a letter delivered this week to Rep. Nick Begich, R-Alaska, urging the congressman to pursue a ban on bottom trawling in federal waters off the state.
Supporters say the effort reflects growing frustrations among coastal residents, small business owners, and fishermen who argue that industrial trawling continues largely unchecked while other fisheries face severe restrictions.
“The health of our fisheries and the impact of trawling has emerged as a top tier issue for Alaska’s decision makers,” said SalmonState operations director Ryan Astalos. “I have traveled across our great state, talking to Alaskans about the negative impacts of trawling, both on the habitat and the many species that we care about and rely on including salmon, halibut, and crab. From Nome, Fairbanks, and Homer, to Yakutat and everywhere in between, Alaskans are fed up with being restricted or closed to fishing while the trawl industry continues business as usual, often bycatching more of these species than we are allowed to catch for our freezers.”