The decisions made by the Board of Fisheries carry significant consequences for the Aleut Region and our communities that depend on healthy, sustainable fisheries. These conversations matter deeply to our people, our culture, and our shared future, which is why community participation and local knowledge are so critical in shaping fisheries management.
We are incredibly grateful to those who attended the meetings, submitted comments, and had the courage to speak directly to the Board. Among the roughly 80 Aleut community members who testified to the board, Candace Nielsen, Director of Regional Strategy, provided a traditional knowledge report on behalf of Aleut, and Board Member Tara Bourdukofsky testified during the public comment period.
To us, fishing isn’t just an industry; it’s a way of life that sustains families, our culture, and entire villages across our region.
We’re proud to stand alongside partners who prioritize science-based management and responsible resource stewardship. The Board’s decisions to restrict Area M are weighing heavily on our region, but we remain committed to working together toward a stronger future.
We are Aleut. Together, we are Unangax̂.