June 21, 2024

Episode 3 - David Bayes | A True ‘David VS Goliath’ Story Of The Man Behind The STOP Alaskan Trawler Bycatch Facebook Group

54 minutes

Salmon Wars Executive Producer and Host Cody McLaughlin is joined by David Bayes, a halibut charter boat captain our of Homer, Alaska and one of the men behind the wildly successful ‘STOP Alaskan Trawler Bycatch’ Facebook Group that is a leading voice on the effort to reign in trawler bycatch. David, a small business owner and advocate for sustainable fishing practices, discusses the issue of trawl bycatch in Alaska and its impact on the state's fisheries. He explains how trawl bycatch, particularly of halibut and salmon, has led to significant cutbacks in the sport fishing industry and threatens the overall health of the ecosystem. David highlights the economic disparity between the trawl fleet, which generates billions of dollars in revenue but pays minimal taxes to the state, and other fishing sectors. He also emphasizes the indiscriminate nature of trawl fishing and the staggering amount of bycatch that is wasted each year. The conversation focuses on the impact of trawl fishing on salmon populations in Alaska and the need for stricter regulations. The main themes include the controversy surrounding chum salmon bycatch, the influence of the trawl fleet on fisheries management, the fear of speaking out against trawl fishing, the spread of misinformation by astroturf organizations, and potential policy solutions to mitigate the problem.

Takeaways

Trawl bycatch, particularly of halibut and salmon, has led to significant cutbacks in the sport fishing industry in Alaska.

The trawl fleet generates billions of dollars in revenue but pays minimal taxes to the state, resulting in an economic disparity between different fishing sectors.

Trawl fishing is indiscriminate and results in a staggering amount of bycatch that is wasted each year.

The current management and regulations of trawl fishing prioritize economic gain over the health of the ecosystem and the sustainability of fish populations. Trawl fishing has a significant impact on salmon populations in Alaska, particularly through chum salmon bycatch.

The trawl fleet has a strong influence on fisheries management, leading to loose regulations and conflicts of interest.

There is a fear among fishermen and affiliated businesses of speaking out against trawl fishing due to potential repercussions.

Astroturf organizations funded by the trawl industry spread misinformation and slander against those advocating for stricter regulations.

Policy solutions to address the issue include setting stricter bycatch limits, increasing observer coverage, and banning bottom trawling.

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By Cody McLaughlin | Trout Stream Studios

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