Conservation Fishing TROUT Magazine

Nearly 50 sport-fishing and tourism businesses ask Congress to defund Pebble review

On Monday, June 17, nearly 50 sport-fishing and recreation businesses from the Bristol Bay region submitted a letter to members of Congress urging them to vote ‘yes’ on the House Energy and Water Appropriations bill amendment that would defund the Army Corps of Engineers’ review of Pebble’s key permit application.

Click here to tell your representative to vote “Yes” on the Huffman amendment today.

The letter reiterates what these business owners have been saying for years: “As sportfishing lodge owners, guides, bear viewing outfitters, lodge operators, air taxi business owners and organizations who are reliant on the clean water, healthy habitat and the wild characteristics of the Bristol Bay region, we have watched the Pebble Mine closely over the past decade and a half. As we have learned more, we have become increasingly concerned.”

In their request to members of Congress to vote ‘yes’ on Amendment 90, business owners made it clear that the sport-fishing, hunting and the entire tourism industry aligns with what the majority of Alaskans have been saying for years:

“We are unified in our staunch opposition to the proposed Pebble Mine because of the direct threat it has to our businesses. We are not alone in our opposition. Millions of anglers and hunters from Alaska and around the country agree that the proposed Pebble Mine is a uniquely risky project that has no place in Bristol Bay — the stakes are too high in such an important region.”

Our partners at Orvis made a video that perfectly sums up the sentiment that guides, lodge owners, pilots, and everyday Alaskans feel towards Pebble.

Representatives across the country need to hear from sport anglers, commercial fishermen, subsistence fishers and anyone who cares about the people, jobs and traditions of Bristol Bay. Please call or send a message to your representative asking them to vote ‘yes’ on the Huffman Amendment and stop the permitting process for the proposed Pebble Mine.

By Chris Hunt.