Salmon Wars

By: Trout Stream Studios
  • Summary

  • "Trawling Bycatch Is Killing Legendary Alaskan Fishing" - This article by Salmon Wars host and Executive Producer Cody McLaughlin kicked off the idea for this limited-run, investigative series searching for the truth behind cratering salmon returns in Alaska and around the Pacific Northwest, and the future of these iconic fish. Hosted by Cody McLaughlin, a lifelong advocate for fish and wildlife and avid salmon fisherman in Alaska's Last Frontier, join us in this hard-hitting investigative series as we delve deep into the critical issue of declining salmon returns in the Pacific Northwest and how cratering returns are affecting the economies, lifestyle and food security of all but the largest corporations in the region. Our interviews with biologists, fishermen, advocates, native leaders, politicians, and stakeholders delve into the pressing challenges facing salmon conservation today. Discover the driving forces behind the decline in salmon populations and explore actionable solutions to protect these iconic fish. Whether you're a conservation enthusiast, a biologist, or someone passionate about preserving our natural ecosystems, this limited-run series offers invaluable insights into the urgent need for salmon conservation. Subscribe now to 'Salmon Wars' and join us in the fight to save these vital fish species and the ecosystems they sustain. Together, we can make a difference in the future of salmon conservation."
    Trout Stream Studios
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Episodes
  • Episode 7 - Eva Burke | “We Firsthand Saw The Loss” With An Alaska Native Advocate And Researcher
    Oct 16 2024
    Salmon Wars Executive Producer and Host Cody McLaughlin is joined by Alaska Native Eva Burke, a passionate force in the world of salmon conservation, serving as an Advisory Board Member at Native Movement, Owner of Rock Crossing Consulting and Graduate Student at University of Alaska Fairbanks. She currently serves as the first Tribal Seat on the Advisory Panel to the NPFMC and work as a consultant to the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission… And she’s been shut down for 5 years. Zero salmon fishing. Eva sheds light on the devastating impact of zero salmon fishing in the Yukon River, a harsh reality her community has faced for over five years, she discusses the challenges facing salmon populations in Alaska, particularly in the Yukon River. She highlights the importance of salmon to the subsistence lifestyle of indigenous communities and the impact of declining salmon runs on their food security, the mismanagement of salmon resources and the lack of consideration for traditional indigenous knowledge and role of climate change and the changing ocean ecosystem in the decline of salmon populations. The conversation explores the impact of bycatch and mismanagement on salmon populations in Alaska, historical efforts to protect salmon through fishing restrictions and the unintended consequences of opening up certain areas for pollock trawling, the role of hatcheries and the need for sustainable fishing practices. Main Topics Covered: The Salmon Crisis in Alaska: Eva outlines the current challenges facing king salmon and chum salmon populations, with a focus on the Yukon River. Indigenous communities, whose subsistence lifestyle depends on these fish, have been hit hard. The collapse of salmon runs threatens their food security and way of life. Traditional Indigenous Knowledge: Eva emphasizes the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge into salmon management practices. For centuries, Alaska Natives have practiced sustainable fishing, yet modern mismanagement and over-harvesting have disregarded this expertise. Bycatch and Mismanagement: The conversation dives into the issue of bycatch, where unintended species are caught in large-scale fisheries like the pollock industry. Climate Change and the Ocean Ecosystem: Eva and Cody explore how climate change is altering the ocean ecosystem, further complicating the already fragile salmon populations. Warmer waters, shifting currents, and unpredictable weather patterns are wreaking havoc on salmon migration and spawning. Fishing Restrictions and Hatcheries: Historical efforts to protect salmon through fishing restrictions have had mixed results, sometimes leading to unintended consequences. The role of hatcheries in salmon production is also debated, with concerns about their impact on wild populations. Cultural and Economic Impact: The decline of salmon is not just an environmental issue; it’s a cultural and economic one too. Alaska Natives are not only losing a vital food source but also a deep connection to their heritage. Call to Action: Stand Up for Alaska’s Salmon: Eva’s message is clear: it’s time to get involved. Whether it’s attending meetings, writing letters, or advocating for better policies, everyone has a role to play in protecting Alaska’s salmon. Together, we can ensure the health of this vital species and the communities that depend on it. Learn more about Trout Stream Studios: https://www.troutstreamstudios.com Get to know your host on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclaugh1985/ Follow the host on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mclaugh19 Follow Trout Stream Studios on LinkedIn and get special bonus content, more trailers, and additional shows: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trout-stream-studios Follow Trout Stream Studios on Facebook and get special bonus content, more trailers, and additional shows: https://www.facebook.com/troutstreamstudios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    50 mins
  • Episode 6 - Alexus Kwachka | The Commercial Fishing Perspective By Former Trawler, Troller, Longliner
    Jun 21 2024
    Salmon Wars Executive Producer and Host Cody McLaughlin is joined by Alexus Kwachka, a 39-year veteran of catching ‘everything that swims, walks or crawls from the Russian border to Southeast Alaska’. In this episode, Cody and Alexus dive deep into this long career as a commercial fisherman, with experience with every species. gear type and fishery - from trawling around Kodiak to long lining in southeast, to trolling for salmon, and beyond. Alexus is also a veteran of the regulatory process, and served for many years on advisory committees covering the . Cody and Alexus discuss the change Alexus has seen over his career from open access fisheries in the early days “when a man could get into the halibut fishery with 50 bucks, hard work and make a living” to the privatized IFQ fisheries that we see today. Main Topics Covered: Salmon Conservation Challenges: Alexus gives his thoughts as a commercial fisherman on what factors are contributing to the decline of salmon. Habitat Protection: Alexus calls out what he deems stream side habitat degradation along the Kenai peninsula. Magnuson-Stevens Act: Alexus discusses at length his firsthand knowledge of the history of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and the ramifications that it has had on the fisheries of Alaska as he has seen them. Collective Action: The role of policy reforms, habitat preservation, and informed consumer choices in supporting salmon conservation. Individual Involvement: How to advocate for salmon conservation through advisory committees, contacting elected officials, and supporting organizations like Salmon State. Learn more about Trout Stream Studios: https://www.troutstreamstudios.com Get to know your host on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclaugh1985/ Follow the host on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mclaugh19 Follow Trout Stream Studios on LinkedIn and get special bonus content, more trailers, and additional shows: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trout-stream-studios Follow Trout Stream Studios on Facebook and get special bonus content, more trailers, and additional shows: https://www.facebook.com/troutstreamstudios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    50 mins
  • Episode 5 - Tim Bristol | An Organization Working To Ensure Alaska Remains ‘The SALMON STATE’
    Jun 21 2024
    Salmon Wars Executive Producer and Host Cody McLaughlin is joined by Tim Bristol, the CEO of Salmon State. In this episode, Cody and Tim dive deep into the challenges and importance of salmon conservation in Alaska. While concerns loom over the declining Chinook salmon populations, we also celebrate the success stories of strong coho and sockeye runs in Southeast Alaska and Bristol Bay. Our conversation with Tim Bristol of Salmon State highlights the complex nature of salmon conservation, showcasing varying trends among different species and rivers. The discussion underscores the critical need for habitat protection, addressing threats from mining proposals in transboundary rivers, and the prevention of dam construction. A significant portion of our talk focuses on the management of federal waters fisheries, particularly the detrimental impact of trawling bycatch on Chinook and chum salmon. Main Topics Covered: Salmon Conservation Challenges: Declining Chinook populations and varying trends across species. Success Stories: Strong coho and sockeye salmon runs in Southeast Alaska and Bristol Bay. Habitat Protection: Addressing mining threats and preventing dam construction. Federal Waters Fisheries Management: The impact of trawling on salmon bycatch. Climate Change: Its effects on salmon populations and conservation efforts. Collective Action: The role of policy reforms, habitat preservation, and informed consumer choices in supporting salmon conservation. Individual Involvement: How to advocate for salmon conservation through advisory committees, contacting elected officials, and supporting organizations like Salmon State. Key Takeaways: Salmon conservation in Alaska is multifaceted, with different species and rivers showing varied trends. Habitat protection is essential, requiring action against mining proposals, dam constructions and seafloor destruction as a result of factory trawling. Federal waters fisheries management, especially the impacts of factory trawling, are a critical concern. Despite challenges, there are positive trends in coho and sockeye salmon populations in specific regions. Collective efforts and policy reforms are vital for the future of salmon conservation. Individuals play a crucial role by making informed choices and actively participating in conservation efforts. Learn more about Trout Stream Studios: https://www.troutstreamstudios.com Learn more about Trout Stream Studios: https://www.troutstreamstudios.com Get to know your host on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclaugh1985/ Follow the host on Twitter: https://twitter.com/home Follow Trout Stream Studios on LinkedIn and get special bonus content, more trailers, and additional shows: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trout-stream-studios Follow Trout Stream Studios on Facebook and get special bonus content, more trailers, and additional shows: https://www.facebook.com/troutstreamstudios Follow The Show On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@troutstreamstudios?_t=8nONxhNYrP8&_r=1 Find Trout Stream Studios On YouTube For Exclusive Video Content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijfUNphYKTMOU12giVt7lw Learn more about Salmon State: www.salmonstate.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 mins

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