08/11/2026
A message from Executive Director, Serena Alstrom during the In-season Teleconference.
I have received a lot of feedback regarding my statement last week about illegal fishing—some supportive and some not so supportive. I want to take the opportunity to reiterate what I was trying to say.
We cannot ignore the fact that there are multiple factors contributing to the decline of our salmon. There are certainly things we can control, and there are things we cannot. My intention was not to place blame on any one person, community, or group. Rather, I believe we have to be willing to acknowledge all of the factors affecting our salmon and have the difficult conversations necessary to address the things that are within our control.
A number of our community leaders and many of our organizations have been working countless hours attending meetings, participating in discussions, advocating for our communities, and trying to influence the changes that are desperately needed—not only to secure the future of Yukon River salmon, but salmon throughout the state.
I know my statement was difficult for some to hear, and I understand that emotions run high when we are talking about something as important and personal as salmon. I am willing to have those hard conversations. In fact, I believe we have to have them if we are going to move forward together.
What is difficult, however, is when a difference of opinion turns into a personal attack. I understand that this comes with the territory, and I will take it in stride. My focus remains on doing what I hear from our leadership and communities and doing everything I can to contribute to efforts that sometimes seem impossible.
One conversation I had with an Elder after the call last week really stayed with me. They reminded me that we need to keep thanking the people who are making the sacrifice not to fish. Those are the people who are making a difference.
As I listen to our elders who provide me with guidance, I want to echo that message.
Thank you to everyone who has made the incredibly difficult decision not to fish for salmon. Your sacrifice matters. The improved numbers we are seeing this season are, in part, a reflection of the diligence of those who have chosen to allow these salmon to continue their journey to the spawning grounds.
We may not always agree on every issue, and we may have different perspectives on what is contributing to our salmon declines. But we all share something important: we want salmon to return to our rivers, our communities, and future generations.
So, rather than allowing our differences to divide us, I hope we can continue having the hard conversations, listening to one another, respecting our Elders and leaders, and working together on the things we can change.
To those who have sacrificed, to those who continue to advocate, and to those who are doing their part to protect our salmon:
Mashi, Basi, Gunalcheech, and Quyana!
Your sacrifices are making a difference.
