Mr. Austerman says the magic arrow in Alaska's quiver is fresh product, but that Alaska's wild stocks are not going to be enough. To compete the state will have to begin farming fish. Fisherman and farmers share the valuable business characteristics of flexibility, creativity, and perseverance but commercial fishing and fish farming are different businesses. Many fishermen, especially salmon fisherman, are riding out the fish-farming storm. The facts about the environmental damage and health risks of farmed salmon and genetically altered food in general are becoming known. The tide is turning. Let's not be too hasty in an effort to find a quick fix!
Mr. Austerman also says, "The fisheries are going to be more in tune to the businessman and the global market. That means the strict idea that it's a rural social lifestyle is mostly going to be gone" Is Mr. Austerman saying that commercial fishermen are not businessmen? It seems to me that the rural social lifestyle of fishermen is just as valid as any other professional's social lifestyle. What does Mr. Austerman mean when he uses the term Global Market Businessman? These words bring to my mind "Big Business" or "World Corporate Entities." Are Alaska's fisheries resources better cared for by "Big Business" or "World Corporate Entities" than by local, rural, small business fishermen?
The Magnuson Act, existing legislation under which our national and state fisheries are managed, says that any management plan must take into account historical fishing practices and the cultural and social framework relevant to the fisheries and any affected fishing communities. Corporations and big business exist to create profit for stockholders and protect corporate officers from liability. Are Alaska lifestyles and human resources better served by the principles of big business or by the principles of this legislation? There is recent historical perspective defining the concern entities like Exxon, Enron, WorldCom, Tyson and other big global businesses have for real people and the social framework of communities. The rural lifestyle Mr. Austerman is suggesting we abandon to "global businessmen" is at the heart of Alaska society. How many careers today create a lifestyle where family and fellow community members work side-by-side experiencing the mystery, beauty and adventure of their world? It seems to me that connection to our world and our values through our daily work is not something that we should so quickly abandon. Our children's social lifestyles will be affected by today's decisions. Alaska needs to use its resources but the state's current financial situation did not happen overnight. Let's not be too hasty.
The business of commercial fishing brings my family money for food and shelter, but as a lifestyle it brings nourishment for our souls and connection to our community. Mr. Austerman says to compete, Alaska's wild stocks are not going to be enough, and the state will have to begin fish farming. I ask Mr. Austerman, what is enough and enough for whom? What good is it for a man to gain the world but lose his soul?
Matt Pancratz is a concerned soul and Alaska commercial fisherman.
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