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Salmon-Listing Proposal Sparks Lively Debate

November 12, 2008 - AUGUSTA -- Advocates for two groups which rely on the state's rivers in different ways -- salmon for life, humans for a living -- argued whether Atlantic salmon in the Kennebec, Androscoggin and Penobscot Rivers should be listed as endangered species Wednesday.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service propose to expand the endangered listing of Atlantic salmon to the Kennebec, Androscoggin and Penobscot river systems.

Wednesday, officials from the federal services were in Augusta for a public hearing on the proposal.

Several advocates for fish and rivers spoke in favor of the designation, noting the decline in salmon populations from historical levels of 150,000 to 200,000 to just over 2,000 show the Atlantic salmon is at risk of extinction.

"If that doesn't meet the definition of endangered, I don't know what would," said Nick Bennett, staff scientist of the Natural Resources Council of Maine.

However representatives from the paper industry and public water utilities on the three rivers said the increased regulations which they said an endangered listing would bring are unnecessary because Maine already has strict water quality standards, and would cost them too much money and cause delays in permitting for riverside businesses.

"This listing has a 99 percent chance of putting the nail in the coffin of Maine's pulp and paper industry and a 1 percent chance of helping the salmon," said Dean Gilbert, of Rumford, representing the Pulp and Paper Workers Resource Council, which he said represents thousands of Mainers working in the industry.

John Glowa Sr., of South China, said a healthy salmon population could help the local economy. He said salmon nursing areas should be protected, and suggested people who want to fish for salmon go to Newfoundland, and fish there. But only to provide time for the salmon population on Maine rivers such as the Kennebec time to recover.

"The Kennebec River has tremendous potential for salmon recovery, and potential for economic benefits from (that recovery)," Glowa said. "I envision a day people come to Maine, as they now go to Newfoundland," for salmon.

Two advocates for recreational fishing had different stances on the endangered listing.

Jeff Reardon, of Trout Unlimited, said the listing was long overdue. He feels the Atlantic salmon should be listed as "endangered" rather than "threatened."

However George Smith, of Sportsman's Alliance of Maine, said efforts to restore the Atlantic salmon population on Maine's rivers aren't working and are a waste of resources. He also feared an endangered listing could possibly interfere with efforts to stock other species of fish in the three rivers.

About 70 people attended the hearing.

Another public hearing is planned tonight in Brewer.

Written comments may submitted to the federal agencies until Dec. 2. A final decision is due April 29 of next year.

Currently, Atlantic salmon are protected as endangered species in seven Maine rivers -- the Dennys, Machias, East Machias, Pleasant, Narraguagus, Ducktrap and Sheepscot rivers.

BY KEITH EDWARDS
Staff Writer, Kennebec Journal, 11/06/2008


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