A renewed push to ban bottom trawling in Alaska state waters is gaining traction in Juneau, as lawmakers grapple with declining salmon runs and mounting pressure from fishermen, tribes, and conservation groups.

According to reporting by Alaska Beacon, legislation introduced by Sen. Mike Cronk, R-Tok, and Rep. Kevin McCabe, R-Big Lake, would prohibit bottom trawling and dredging in state waters beginning in 2028. The proposal also calls for a state-led study on trawling impacts, with an estimated cost of $3.9 million.

The issue is deeply tied to the state’s identity and economy, with salmon declines– particularly on the Yukon River– intensifying scrutiny of bycatch in the Bering Sea pollock fishery. “Salmon is our identity,” Brian Ridley of the Tanana Chiefs Conference told lawmakers, emphasizing the cultural and subsistence importance of the resource.

Supporters of the bill argue it would protect seafloor habitat and send a strong signal to federal fisheries managers. “We’re putting Alaskans first and the source first,” Cronk said.

But industry groups warn the impacts could be significant. Trawling supports billions in economic activity and thousands of jobs, and even a state-level ban may have limited reach, as more than 90 percent of Bering Sea trawling occurs in federal waters, according to Alaska Beacon.

With more than 1000 pages of public testimony submitted, the debate shows no signs of slowing as the legislative session continues.