This month, the State of Alaska is asking about the best process for keeping salmon streams clean and clear.
Outstanding National Resource Water (ONRW) designation is the highest water quality protection available under federal law. It prohibits human-caused pollution that would degrade water quality. States are federally-mandated to have a process to consider nominations for ONRW waterbodies. Alaska does not have a process yet.
UFA believes the review process for nominations should involve water quality and fisheries experts. Public hearings should be required as well, so commercial fishermen and other stakeholders can weigh in on the decisions about water quality protections.