The Total Allowable Catch [TAC] for halibut varies by area in Alaska and is determined by the International Pacific Halibut Commission. In the Aleutian Islands and Bering Sea Area(s), halibut TAC has gone down from its 2025 limit. Largely considered undisputedly responsible for many declining fish stocks in Alaska and around the world, trawling is under attack by Alaskans and out-of-state commercial fishing harvesters. Otolith Sustainable Seafood is never harvested by trawling.
We value sustainable fisheries and stable ecosystems. We understand stability within an ecosystem is attributable to the diversity and balance of its environment.
With the subject, “America’s Industrial Trawling Complex Threatens the Food Security of Pennsylvanians”, I sent a declaration of my unanimity with Alaskans and low-impact harvesters to PA Senator Dave McCormick today. I reminded Senator McCormick… Fresh Atlantic cod was once available at every restaurant along our East Coast. For over 25 years, commercial halibut quotas have declined in all areas within and adjacent to commercial trawling fleets, with their devastating impacts on the seafloor. Alaskan commercial fishermen are forced to pay a fish tax subsidizing the marketing for trawl-caught seafood, thereby benefiting Alaska’s industrial trawling complex far more than any low environmental impact commercial seafood harvesters. The health of our oceans and ecosystems is a national concern. It is the responsibility of our senators to reach across the aisle and discuss the significant concerns of their constituents.
An ecosystem can encompass numerous environmental regions and multitudes of complex living organisms. Together, all the interrelationships of organisms and environment in a particular unit of space comprise their ecosystem. When numerous species are collectively threatened by a singularly devastating recurring event, the entire biomass of their ecosystem is affected. The solution may be complex; nevertheless, the moment is always now to act upon what is significant to our lives. Pennsylvanians rely on wild Alaskan seafood.
Important facts about trawling and its impact on ecosystems and environments can be found online at:
A. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/
1) In Brief: Deep Sea Trawling has Devastating Impact
2) Bottom trawling is huge source of carbon emissions, new study reveals | National Geographic
B. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
1) Chronic and intensive bottom trawling impairs deep-sea biodiversity and ecosystem functioning – PMC
Pacific halibut. Credit: NOAA Fisheries