PWS Wild Salmon Protection Act
Science-based protections based on constitutional rights
Wild salmon are the foundation of Alaska’s identity, economy, and way of life. They feed our communities, sustain our fisheries, and support entire ecosystems. Article VIII, Section 4 of the Alaska Constitution requires that fish and other natural resources be managed under the sustained yield principle — meaning they must be conserved for the long-term benefit of all Alaskans.
Yet today, large-scale hatchery programs in Prince William Sound (PWS) are undermining this constitutional promise. Scientific studies show that hatchery-origin pink salmon:
-
Reduce reproductive success when spawning in wild streams compared to natural-origin salmon.
-
Make up as much as 98% of spawners in some PWS streams, crowding out wild salmon.
-
Cause density-dependent competition in the Gulf of Alaska, which reduces survival rates of wild salmon during years of high abundance.
Without clear, enforceable safeguards, hatchery programs put the future of wild salmon at risk.
What does the PWS Wild Act do?
The Prince William Sound Wild Salmon Protection Act creates strong, science-based protections for Alaska’s wild salmon:
-
Priority Conservation Streams
The Board of Fisheries must designate at least 20 salmon-bearing streams in PWS as Priority Conservation Streams. These streams receive heightened protections to ensure wild salmon come first.
-
Limits on Hatchery Straying (pHOS)
Hatchery-origin salmon may not exceed 5% of spawners in Priority Conservation Streams and 10% in other streams. Exceeding these thresholds for two years triggers mandatory reductions in hatchery releases and stray removal measures.
-
Monitoring and Transparency
Hatchery operators must fund and conduct annual genetic and otolith testing to measure hatchery influence (pHOS and PNI) in major streams. Results must be published by December 31 each year in a public report.
-
Stocks of Concern
If hatchery strays exceed 10% in a Priority Conservation Stream, the stock is automatically designated a stock of concern, requiring the Board of Fisheries to adopt a conservation plan.
-
Enforcement and Penalties
Hatchery permits are conditioned on compliance. Violations result in immediate permit suspension and escalating fines — up to $250,000 and revocation for repeat violations.
-
Citizen Enforcement
Fishermen, tribes, and conservation organizations have the right to seek judicial review if the State fails to enforce the Act.
Building on a constitutional mandate.
This Act builds on existing laws and policies, including:
-
The Alaska Constitution (Article VIII, Section 4): requiring sustained yield of fish.
-
The Sustainable Salmon Fisheries Policy (5 AAC 39.222): establishing conservation as the highest priority.
-
Hatchery permit statutes (AS 16.10.400–.470): regulating hatchery operations.
By clarifying obligations, adding enforceable limits, and empowering citizens to act, the Act ensures that hatchery production never undermines Alaska’s wild salmon.