Eva Burke | “We Firsthand Saw The Loss” With An Alaska Native Advocate And Researcher

Salmon Wars Executive Producer and Host Cody McLaughlin is joined by Alaska Native Eva Burke, a passionate force in the world of salmon conservation, serving as an Advisory Board Member at Native Movement, Owner of Rock Crossing Consulting and Graduate Student at University of Alaska Fairbanks. She currently serves as the first Tribal Seat on the Advisory Panel to the NPFMC and work as a consultant to the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission… And she’s been shut down for 5 years. Zero salmon fishing.

Eva sheds light on the devastating impact of zero salmon fishing in the Yukon River, a harsh reality her community has faced for over five years, she discusses the challenges facing salmon populations in Alaska, particularly in the Yukon River. She highlights the importance of salmon to the subsistence lifestyle of indigenous communities and the impact of declining salmon runs on their food security, the mismanagement of salmon resources and the lack of consideration for traditional indigenous knowledge and role of climate change and the changing ocean ecosystem in the decline of salmon populations. The conversation explores the impact of bycatch and mismanagement on salmon populations in Alaska, historical efforts to protect salmon through fishing restrictions and the unintended consequences of opening up certain areas for pollock trawling, the role of hatcheries and the need for sustainable fishing practices. 

Main Topics Covered:

• The Salmon Crisis in Alaska: Eva outlines the current challenges facing king salmon and chum salmon populations, with a focus on the Yukon River. Indigenous communities, whose subsistence lifestyle depends on these fish, have been hit hard. The collapse of salmon runs threatens their food security and way of life.
• Traditional Indigenous Knowledge: Eva emphasizes the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge into salmon management practices. For centuries, Alaska Natives have practiced sustainable fishing, yet modern mismanagement and over-harvesting have disregarded this expertise.
• Bycatch and Mismanagement: The conversation dives into the issue of bycatch, where unintended species are caught in large-scale fisheries like the pollock industry. 
• Climate Change and the Ocean Ecosystem: Eva and Cody explore how climate change is altering the ocean ecosystem, further complicating the already fragile salmon populations. Warmer waters, shifting currents, and unpredictable weather patterns are wreaking havoc on salmon migration and spawning.
• Fishing Restrictions and Hatcheries: Historical efforts to protect salmon through fishing restrictions have had mixed results, sometimes leading to unintended consequences. The role of hatcheries in salmon production is also debated, with concerns about their impact on wild populations. 
• Cultural and Economic Impact: The decline of salmon is not just an environmental issue; it’s a cultural and economic one too. Alaska Natives are not only losing a vital food source but also a deep connection to their heritage. 
• Call to Action: Stand Up for Alaska’s Salmon: Eva’s message is clear: it’s time to get involved. Whether it’s attending meetings, writing letters, or advocating for better policies, everyone has a role to play in protecting Alaska’s salmon. Together, we can ensure the health of this vital species and the communities that depend on it.

Learn more about Trout Stream Studios: https://www.troutstreamstudios.com 

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