The Koktuli river situated in South West Alaska joins the Muthatha river in turn flows into the Nushagak then into Bristol Bay. The Koktuli river is a vital river for one of the Worlds most productive salmon fisheries. It is home to 5 Pacific salmon species. Locals and conversation groups recently campaigned to the Department of Environmental Conversation to make it a Outstanding National Water Resource. This is to protect it under the clean water act. There are fears that the proposed Pebble mine project will drain the water for its mining operations and potentially pollute the river. Unfortunately the Department of Conservation rejected the petition stating that it cannot grant protection until miners apply to pollute the river.
Hopefully this decision will be re visited to protect Alaska’s precious salmon and natural resources.
Source:
- http://www.adn.com/2010/05/02/1260300/threatened-koktuli-river-deserves.html