Comment from Nathan Toma

With regards to the Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Salmon, I would like submit my comment supporting this proposed rule. Wildlife conservation is an important issue that needs to be addressed in a variety of ways. While many problems with wildlife conservation are more difficult to rectify, the over-exploitation of resources is not. With commercial fishermen abusing the population, it can create a problematic future for the pacific salmon and other fish in these specified zones. What I feel is the strongest part to the amendment is the section of the Fishing Management Plan which covered annual catch limits and accountability measures. By enforcing these regulations, fishermen will be prevented from over-fishing the specific zones and this will allow the salmon to maintain a steady population. The use of escapement as opposed to the rigid numerical catch limits provide for the obvious fluctuation in population that will naturally occur. By not placing these strict limits on the fishermen, they are then afforded the ability to adjust their approach to each new fishing season. In a way, the use of escapement actually rewards the fishermen for obeying the new regulation. By obeying the regulation, these preventative measures will increase the population of the salmon, which will in turn increase the catch limits the fishermen will be awarded. As an objective party to the situation, I feel this rule is an accurate and necessary response to prevent the further reduction of population of the salmon and should be put in force.