Judge Closes King Salmon Fishery in Southeast Alaska, Threatening Economy and Ecosystem

A federal judge has invalidated permits for Chinook salmon fishing in Southeast Alaska, closing a major fishery during summer and winter.
The ruling threatens the economy of Southeast Alaskan communities that depend on commercial fishing.
The decision was made to protect endangered Chinook salmon and killer whales that rely on them for food.
King salmon are the largest and most valuable salmon species, and the Southeast Alaska troll fishery supplies them globally.
Alaska officials plan to appeal the ruling to reopen the important fishery.