by Vivian Korthuis, CEO
In 2021, the families and communities along the Yukon River from the delta coast to the US/Canada border faced the most difficult salmon season fishery in history. Run forecasts were so low that the season started off closed completely. As salmon entered the river and traveled past fisheries projects determining run strength, it was apparent there were so few fish that closures had to remain if there was any hope of making escapement objectives for the future of the salmon.
AVCP has worked with Yukon River partner organizations – Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association (YRDFA), Yukon Delta Fisheries Development Association (YDFDA) and the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission/Tanana Chiefs Conference (YRITFC/TCC) – to once again appeal to Governor Dunleavy to request a federal fisheries disaster declaration for the Yukon River.
The formal request was submitted by YRDFA and YDFDA on August 23, 2021. On September 2, 2021, AVCP sent a letter to the Governor supporting this disaster request. The letter included appreciation for the efforts the Governor has made in providing donated fish this summer and referenced the irreplaceable loss of traditional sustenance. The letter was shared with Senators Murkowski and Sullivan and Congressman Young, as well as Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland.
AVCP is working with our regional tribes for additional support to the 2021 request.
