SalmonState is raising concerns over proposed changes to Alaska's water reservation regulations, arguing the measures would make it more difficult for Alaskans to secure water reservations intended to protect salmon habitat and other public uses.
According to SalmonState, the proposed regulations from the Dunleavy Administration would require applicants seeking water reservations to pay for additional studies, data collection, and analyses. The organization said water reservations are one of the primary tools available to help ensure rivers and streams retain enough water to support fish habitat, wildlife, recreation, and other public uses when water is being appropriated for industrial purposes.
Former Alaska Senate President Rick Halford criticized the proposal, saying it could weaken protections for salmon streams.
"Our constitution states that uses of water are all subject to the general reservation of fisheries and wildlife," Halford said in a SalmonState news release. "This requires that resources be managed for the maximum benefit of the people. Healthy salmon runs provide enormous economic, cultural, and nutritional benefits to Alaska. We should be making it easier to keep water in streams for fish, not creating new obstacles."
Halford added that, in his view, "There is nothing broken about the water appropriation and reservation system currently in our constitution, laws, and regulations except this administration's neglect and refusal to balance interests fairly."
Former Alaska Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Frank Rue also voiced opposition to the proposed changes, saying competition for the state's water resources is expected to increase.
"Water left in streams isn't wasted water," Rue said. "It's the foundation of our fisheries, our subsistence traditions, our sport fisheries, and thousands of jobs. Alaska's water management system should make it easier to protect water for fish, not harder."
Rue added that with proposed energy projects, mining developments, and potential large data centers on the horizon, he believes now is "exactly the wrong time to make it harder to reserve water for fish."
SalmonState said salmon support commercial, sport, personal-use, and subsistence fisheries across Alaska and described the species as one of the state's most valuable renewable resources.
The organization is encouraging Alaskans to ask the Alaska Department of Natural Resources to extend the current public comment period on the proposal, arguing the changes are significant and are being considered during the height of Alaska's fishing and recreation season.
"Healthy rivers are not an obstacle to prosperity," Halford said. "They are the source of it."
The proposed regulatory changes are currently under review through the state's public rulemaking process.
