The Rewards for Protecting the Aquatic Habitats of Alaska

Sometimes it can be hard to see the direct effects of environmental conservation efforts. The relevance of some animal or plant in a faraway continent may represent little to you in your daily life. However, it's good to remember how everything is tied together. We know that the continents were once part of a single land mass and thus we were all closer together.

In the case of protecting Alaska's aquatic habitats, the relevance is much easier to behold. Just sit down to a meal with the best seafood on the market and you'll get the significance immediately. If you've never tried Alaska snow crabs, wild salmon or halibut, you have many great dinners ahead of you.

The reason Alaska seafood continues to be a dominant force on the market is due to the conservation efforts. It's been clear to Alaskan officials for decades that protecting Alaska's aquatic habitats will mean great things for state commerce and the environment at the same time. The potential for the profits of one year's seafood harvest means little in the overall scope of things, so limits are placed on the size of the yearly haul. Setting a limit on the Total Allowable Catch each season is one of Alaska's finest achievements.

Many fisheries have learned this lesson the hard way. To see the proof, just look at the numbers for fish stocks on a yearly basis. You'll see consistency in the numbers from the big Alaskan fisheries and in many cases an increase. Success of this kind is rare in these days of environmental crises. In that sense, we are all lucky to have had these conservation laws put into effect many years back, making sure Alaska's aquatic habitats don't experience the ill effects of development projects and uncontrolled fishing.

The record continues to impress. You won't see any species of Alaska seafood on the endangered list. You won't have to worry that the next time you go to the store, you'll have some bad news. Stock up on the crab, halibut, salmon and shrimp people have grown to love and remember that you're doing a positive thing for your health at the same time.

It's up to us to protect the planet. Check out the sustainability tips from the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute. Alaska's fishermen have a long tradition of effectiveresource management to ensure that generations to come can enjoy fresh seafood.