FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    
Contact:  Claudia Hogue
1-800-806-2497

The First United States Fishery, Alaska's Salmon Fishery, is
Officially Declared as Sustainable

JUNEAU, AK (September 19, 2000) - On September 5, 2000, the first United States fishery and the world's largest - the Alaska Salmon Fishery - was certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) as well managed and sustainable.

With the help of the Alaska Department of Fish & Game as well as the good stewardship of Alaska, its processors and fishermen, Alaska's statewide commercial salmon fisheries program has achieved the MSC Sustainable Fisheries label, which is valid for five years.

"The certification is a declaration that the Alaska Salmon Management Program is a model for sustainable salmon fisheries worldwide," states Alaska Governor Tony Knowles. The program is implemented through Alaska statutes, regulations, and policies. It assures that each stock and fishery throughout the State is monitored regularly and any management or conservation deficiencies are identified and addressed through management, research, or regulatory action.

To achieve this certification, the Alaska Salmon Fishery had to meet three conditions:

1. The number of salmon harvested must be relative to the number that can be replenished naturally. These species must be caught ethically as well.
2. Second, the fishery should be managed to ensure the health and diversity of the marine ecosystem.
3. Lastly, the fishery must adhere to all laws and regulations for responsible and sustainable fishing.

Salmon processors and retailers now have permission to feature the MSC's eco-label on all Alaska salmon that goes to market, alerting the foodservice industry as well as retailers and consumers that they are supporting Alaska's ecosystem.

To date, only the Thames blackwater herring and Western Australian rock lobster fisheries have been MSC-certified.

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