The Wild Fish Conservancy (WFC) lawsuit is a legal battle between the environmental nonprofit and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries. The lawsuit alleges that NOAA Fisheries is violating the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by allowing the commercial harvest of Chinook salmon in Southeast Alaska, which is harming the endangered Southern Resident orcas.
Background
The Southern Resident orcas are a population of killer whales that live in the Puget Sound region of Washington state and the British Columbia coast. They are listed as endangered under the ESA due to a number of factors, including habitat loss, pollution, and a lack of food.
Chinook salmon are the Southern Resident orcas’ primary food source. In recent years, Chinook salmon populations in Southeast Alaska have declined significantly due to overfishing, climate change, and other factors.
The Lawsuit
In March 2020, the WFC filed a lawsuit against NOAA Fisheries alleging that the agency was violating the ESA by allowing the continued harvest of Chinook salmon in Southeast Alaska. The lawsuit argues that the harvest is harming the Southern Resident orcas and preventing their recovery.
The Current Status of the Lawsuit
In May 2023, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the commercial Chinook salmon fishery in Southeast Alaska. The judge found that NOAA Fisheries had failed to adequately assess the impact of the fishery on the Southern Resident orcas.
NOAA Fisheries is currently appealing the judge’s decision. The case is scheduled to be heard by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in early 2024.
The Impact of the Lawsuit
The WFC lawsuit has had a significant impact on the fishing industry in Southeast Alaska. The closure of the Chinook salmon fishery has put many fishermen out of work and cost the local economy millions of dollars.
However, the lawsuit has also raised awareness about the plight of the Southern Resident orcas and the importance of protecting their food supply. The lawsuit has also put pressure on NOAA Fisheries to take stronger action to protect the orcas.
Conclusion
The WFC lawsuit is an important case for the Southern Resident orcas and wild Chinook salmon. The outcome of the case could have a significant impact on the future of these iconic species.
FAQs
Q: What is the WFC lawsuit all about?
A: The WFC lawsuit alleges that NOAA Fisheries is violating the ESA by allowing the commercial harvest of Chinook salmon in Southeast Alaska, which is harming the endangered Southern Resident orcas.
Q: What is the status of the lawsuit?
A: In May 2023, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the commercial Chinook salmon fishery in Southeast Alaska. NOAA Fisheries is currently appealing the judge’s decision. The case is scheduled to be heard by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in early 2024.
Q: What is the impact of the lawsuit?
A: The lawsuit has had a significant impact on the fishing industry in Southeast Alaska and has raised awareness about the plight of the Southern Resident orcas.
Q: What are the arguments for and against the lawsuit?
A: Supporters of the lawsuit argue that it is necessary to protect the Southern Resident orcas, which are an endangered species. Opponents of the lawsuit argue that it is harming the fishing industry in Southeast Alaska and that it is not necessary to protect the orcas.
Q: What is the likelihood that the WFC will win the lawsuit?
A: It is difficult to say what the likelihood is that the WFC will win the lawsuit. The case is complex and there are strong arguments on both sides. However, the fact that the judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the fishery is a positive sign for the WFC.
What can I do to help?
There are a number of things you can do to help the Southern Resident orcas and wild Chinook salmon:
- Support organizations that are working to protect these species, such as the Wild Fish Conservancy and the Orca Conservancy.
- Contact your elected officials and urge them to support policies that protect the Southern Resident orcas and wild Chinook salmon.
- Reduce your consumption of seafood and choose sustainably caught seafood whenever possible.
- Educate yourself about the threats facing the Southern Resident orcas and wild Chinook salmon and share what you learn with others.
References
- Wild Fish Conservancy Lawsuit: https://wildfishconservancy.org/resources/lawsuit-wfc-vs-noaa-fisheries-over-harvest-and-harm-to-esa-listed-orcas-and-chinook/
- Industry groups lambast lawsuit that shut down Southeast Alaska’s king salmon fishery: https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/environment-sustainability/industry-groups-lambast-lawsuit-that-shut-down-southeast-alaska-s-king-salmon-fishery
- Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association: Wild Fish Conservancy Lawsuit: https://www.alfafish.org/wfclawsuit
