The Daily Alaska empire., 1951-12-01
Policy Made on Fisheries Destruction

The Alaska Fisheries Board took peek into the future yesterday and established a broad long range, over all policy regarding the com- pensating methods for the des- truction of fish producing poten- tial.
 In a resolution passed by the board, now in session here, the policy stated was that ''any destruc- tion of fish producing potential shall be compensated for by the develop ment of at least an equal produc- tion potential in an unproductive nearby area or by other compensat- ing methods by the responsible party or parties"
 The action was taken as a result of survey and report by the water shed management division of the Alaska Department of Fisheries, of the Ward Cove area-Site of new pulp mill near Ketchikan. The Ward Cove Basin has and is producing valuable salmon runs that will be destroyed by the pup r.iil con- struction there.
 Industry Unop1osed
 Members of the board emphasized that they did not oppose industry coming into Alaska and instructed the Alaska Department of Fisher ies to cooperate in establishment of any new industry affecting the | fisheries.
 However they felt that if in- i dustries, such as pulp mills, des- troyed fishery like a salmon run, it would only be fair for the com- pany to develop another potential fishery area. nearby, if possible. !! In that way industrial development and Alaska's longtime asset of fisheries could thrive together to the advantage of the Territory. The discussion concerned mea- sures of a broad nature. 1852 Regulations Discussed ] Yesterday morning was taken up with a discussion of recommenda- 1 sions for 1852 commercial fishing regulations with officials of the Fish and Wildlife Service. There was discussion on how {, cooperation between the Alaska Department of Fisheries and the FWS could best be carried out,
 lDSi4 ia1 ,ol4ls1sc Si.si ..s4li sb t1 u fisaA ing.
 Sports Fishing Program A report was given regarding the sports fishing rehabilitation pro- gram being carried on in the Fair 1 banks area at Lost Lake where rainbow trout are to be planted next spring. Due to the heavy fishing pressure near population centers, restocking will have to be carried ons periodically. It was brought out that at present it would be cheap CT to bring "eyed-eggs" from one of the. many fish hatcheries in the
 States than to build hatchery for this purpose in Alaska.
 Every effort will be made to re- tain access to all areas where work
 is carried on by the department.
 Hair Seal Control
 A report was given on the depart ment's work on hair seal control Fishermen said that there was re- duction in damage to fish in the gill net fishery on the Stikine River where this work had been carried on.
 l Dynamite bombing of hair seal
 concentrations on the Copper River flats proved highly successful and the suggestion was made that a conference be held with officials of the Air Force, FWS, and Delegate 1E. L. Bartlett regarding bombing of seals from the air. The board continued its meetings today after a lengthy night ses- sion which was given over to fu- ture work programs for the coming year.
 This morning Attorney General J. Gerald Williams met with the board regarding legal questions.