Judge halts pursuit of Bristol Bay protections

ANCHORAGE, AK – Today, Judge Sharon Gleason told Trout Unlimited, Bristol Bay organizations and other groups their lawsuits against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for arbitrarily withdrawing safeguards for the region’s fishery, called the Bristol Bay Proposed Determination, are dismissed.

“We’re disappointed this case was not allowed to proceed and are considering our options. Regardless, we remain committed to doing everything in our power to safeguard Bristol Bay,” said Nelli Williams, Alaska program director of Trout Unlimited. “We can’t trade our fisheries, existing businesses, and Alaska Native cultures for a reckless and short-sighted gold mine. The EPA ignored its own science and put the interests of a foreign mining company over the interests of Alaskans and the American public.”

John Holman, life-long Alaskan and owner of No See Um Lodge said:

"The Proposed Determination sensibly restricted large-scale mine waste to ensure fishing, communities, thousands of jobs, and a world-class outdoor area was kept intact. It's extremely disappointing the EPA turning its back on thousands of Alaskan fishing businesses."

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Trout Unlimited is the nation’s oldest and largest coldwater fisheries conservation organization dedicated to conserving, protecting and restoring North America’s trout and salmon and their watersheds. In Alaska we have worked in the Bristol Bay region for almost two decades along with thousands of members and supporters including dozens of businesses that depend on the fishery of the region. Follow TU on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and our blog for all the latest information on trout and salmon conservation. For more information on the Save Bristol Bay campaign go to SaveBristolBay.org or tu.org.

Header photo by Fly Out Media