 Says in Sitka Speech Alaska Will Continue to Challenge Canadian Threat September 14, 2002
"Alaska prides itself on the management of our wild salmon, which was recently certified as sustainable, and I think others will ultimately recognize the wisdom of our decision to prohibit salmon farms because of the very real environmental threat they pose," Knowles
Knowles wrote BC Premier Gordon Campbell earlier this year asking him to maintain the moratorium on new salmon farms. Alaska also offered constructive proposals to mitigate the problem including locating the net pens onshore where the salmon cannot escape, rearing Pacific salmon instead of the non-native species of Atlantic salmon, or sterilizing fish so that escapees cannot breed in the wild. Noting that none of the new permits are expected to be approved until next year, Knowles said the State of Alaska would use that time to work to reverse the BC action. During a noontime speech to the Sitka Chamber of Commerce, Knowles also repeated his call for federal assistance for Alaska fishermen, similar to that provided for the national agriculture industry, to respond the economic threat posed by the worldwide glut of farmed salmon. "Alaska fishermen and fishing communities need help from the federal government to fight the illegal dumping of farmed fish on the market," Knowles said. "Support for our agricultural industry helped make it the envy of the world and can also help reestablish the salmon industry in the economies of fishing communities along coastal Alaska." Knowles also saluted Alaskans who through public service and volunteer work have united to create jobs, protect children, provide better schools, bring Alaskans together, and build a better Alaska during his eight years in office. "I am indebted to countless Alaskans who look at public service as a duty, a challenge, and a chance to make a difference," Knowles said. "I join them in calling other Alaskans to duty." In light of the events of September 11, 2001, Knowles said all Alaskans who volunteer their time to their communities and who work in public service jobs can feel proud of their efforts. Knowles singled out for special recognition Sitka residents who have volunteered to serve on state boards, commissions, and other important working groups. They include Ben Grussendorf on the Board of Game; Eric Jordan on the Board of Fish; George Paul on the Veteran's Advisory Council; Alice Johnstone on the Advisory Board on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Jeff Budd on the Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee; and Sherry Tuttle and John Sevier on the ASMI board. He cited the academic leadership at Mount Edgecumbe High School provided by Hal Spackman, Carrie Brookover, and Linda Blankenship. And he recognized former Fish Board member Grant Miller, Linda Behnken from the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, and two members of the Pacific Salmon Commission-Bill Foster and Deborah Lyons. Knowles also outlined his Administration's record in such areas as welfare reform, crime reduction, and family health, areas that touch the lives of so many Alaskans. "The facts speak for themselves," Knowles said. "Together, with your help and that of thousands of other Alaskans, we have built a better Alaska: creating jobs, protecting children, providing better schools, and bringing Alaskans together." He highlighted some specific examples of how Administration programs have helped Sitka residents since 1995:
Knowles reflected that he is sometimes asked which accomplishments he is most proud of during his two terms as governor. Casting these accomplishments in light of the fact that many Alaskans have worked together to fulfill the vision of Alaska as a great place to live, Knowles cited the following successes since 1995:
"All of this was accomplished while we cut the budget," Knowles pointed out. "Alaska is the only state to cut spending over the past five years. And last year, the National Conference of State Legislatures said Alaska's state budget declined 15 percent in inflation-adjusted dollars over the past decade." "I've learned you can't do this job right unless you listen to what Alaskans are saying, and then take their advice," Knowles said as he thanked the Sitka community for its support during his Administration. "More than anything, I'll remember the unique opportunity I was given by my fellow Alaskans to serve," Knowles said as he reflected on the past 8 years. "At times it has been difficult work, at times it has been hard on our family life. But it always has been an honor and a great privilege."
Source of News Release:
|
||