United Fishermen of Alaska has announced plans for an online Salmon Habitat Information Program, to keep commercial harvesters updated on issues ranging from water quality to federal and state fisheries regulations and legislation.
Lindsey Bloom, a veteran commercial harvester and manager for the information program, said that UFA hopes SHIP would become a valuable resource for information about the health of salmon habitat that fishermen depend on.
“We believe that, working together, fishermen can be powerful advocates for pro-salmon policies that ensure commercial fishing jobs remain strong for generations to come,” Bloom said.
Plans are to keep the website updated with information on water quality and quantity, and ocean acidification issues, as well as pending state and federal legislation affecting the state’s fisheries.
Before beginning the program though, UFA is conducting an online opinion survey to hear from commercial fishermen what they want to be informed about and how they want to receive the information.
The survey is online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/UFAhabitat
through Labor Day, Sept. 5.
Each commercial fisherman or family member who completes the survey will be entered to win a $500 Alaska Airlines or $200 LFS gift card. Additional entries will be given to people who “like” the SHIP Facebook page, at https://www.facebook.com/UFAAlaskaSalmonHabitat/ and share the survey socially, Bloom said.
