While fishing continues, it's evident the 2016 pink salmon season is a bust.
The statewide commercial catch stands at about 36 million fish, far short of the 90 million forecast.
The harvest is so poor that state Rep. Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, wants Gov. Bill Walker to declare a disaster, which could lead to some sort of relief for the industry.
Stutes further suggests giving fishermen a break on making their state loan payments this year.
Kodiak fisheries reporter Laine Welch has more details here.
Stutes chairs the House Special Committee on Fisheries.
In a letter to Stutes, the Walker administration says it's prepared to work with fishermen on loan restructuring or other assistance.
Disaster relief and loan forbearance is bound to hold some popular appeal. That could benefit Stutes, who is seeking re-election this year.
Her challengers include Kodiak independent Duncan Fields, who has fished salmon commercially and served on the North Pacific Fishery Management Council.
Government already is doing much to aid the Alaska salmon industry. In late July, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it had purchased nearly $10 million in canned pink salmon for child nutrition and other food assistance programs.
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