JUNEAU — Several groups critical of a proposed copper and gold mine near the headwaters of a major Alaska salmon fishery have refused a meeting invitation from the project’s developers and instead are planning a protest rally next week.

Bristol Bay is home to Alaska’s legendary and lucrative salmon economy. A rich bounty of fish creates thousands of fishing and processing jobs, and legions of other employment. The industry fuels an estimated $1.5 billion in economic activity. The employment and economic impact stretches down the West Coast.