Protect the Arctic from Industrial Fishing

Dear Mr. Olsen, Chairman NPFMC,

Thank you for your continuing efforts to establish a science-based and precautionary approach for protecting the Arctic from industrial fishing. The North Pacific Council again has the chance to lead the way in protecting Alaska's incredible ocean ecosystems and vibrant fisheries, as well as to demonstrate how we can manage the Arctic Ocean responsibly in the face of climate change. I urge you to adopt Alternative 2 for the Arctic Fishery Management Plan to close all U.S. Arctic waters to industrial fishing.

The Arctic is already facing incredible stresses from climate change. Arctic animals like the polar bear, walrus and bowhead whale are struggling to adapt to the rapid changes already happening in the Arctic. Adding industrial fishing pressures would threaten the fragile Arctic food web that these and other animals rely on for survival.

[Your comments here]

Thousands of people live in the U.S. Arctic and rely on healthy ocean ecosystems, and we cannot afford to add any industrial fishing pressures that could further threaten the health of those ecosystems.

Given the extreme threats to the Arctic, there must be a science-based and extremely precautionary approach in place before any new industrialization - including industrial fishing - expands into the Arctic Ocean. I commend you for taking a responsible course to protect the health of the Arctic for this and future generations as part of our responsibility to our children and as part of our shared natural heritage.

Please adopt Alternative 2 to close the entire Arctic Management Area to commercial fishing.