The fight against Pebble Mine in the salmon-rich Bristol Bay region is back on defensive.
Bristol Bay is so rich in Sockeye salmon that in 2017, 60 million salmon returned to the region, with nearly 20 million making their way upstream to spawn – some of the highest numbers in the fishery’s 130-year history. Bristol Bay’s sockeye salmon fishery is valued at over $1.5 billion, supports over 14,000 jobs, and sustains more than 30 regional Alaska Native Tribes.
The proposed Pebble Mine would be over 1,500 feet deep by 6,500 feet wide, covering 3,190 acres – all in the headwaters of the world’s largest salmon fishery.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently reviewing the mine permit application, so they have opened up a public comment period. You can help by submitting a comment by June 29, 2018 (you can use an online form letter here or create your own comment here). How else can you help? Attend one of these public hearings, or join this rally outside the public hearing in Anchorage on April 19th.
Learn more about Bristol Bay here.
