Fish Factor: Legislative budget impasse harming salmon fisheries across the state

The budget impasse with Alaska legislators is wreaking havoc on salmon fisheries across the state, and the industry is bracing for the possibility of a complete shutdown in some regions.

If lawmakers can’t agree on a budget by June 1, all state workers will be on notice for layoffs starting July 1. That includes 750 full-time and seasonal workers in the commercial fisheries division, many of whom are the boots on the ground for salmon management.

“The word that comes to my mind is catastrophic,” said Scott Kelley, director of the state commercial fisheries division.

It is budget delay déjà vu...