734 | The Bycatch Crisis with Adam Cuthriell: How Trawlers are Killing Alaska's Wild Salmon

#734 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/734  

Presented by: FishHound Expeditions

Did you know that large-scale trawling is wiping out Alaska’s wild salmon, halibut, and other key species? In this episode, we talk with Adam Cuthriell of Fishhound Expeditions about the bycatch crisis—where thousands of fish are caught and discarded every year.

Adam breaks down how trawlers operate, the impact on fisheries, and what we can do to fight back. From signing petitions to making smarter seafood choices, we all have a role to play. Tune in to learn how you can help protect Alaska’s fish and fishing communities.

Episode Chapters with Adam Cuthriell on The Bycatch Crisis

The Fight Against Bycatch: What You Need to Know

Alaska’s fish populations are under serious threat, and commercial trawlers are a big part of the problem. Adam Cuthriell breaks down the devastating impact of trawling, where massive ships drag enormous nets, destroying everything in their path. The biggest target? Pollock—the fish found in fast food sandwiches and fish sticks. But the real cost is the destruction of salmon, halibut, and other species, which is hitting indigenous Alaskan communities the hardest.

How You Can Help:

• Sign the petition at SalmonState.org/bycatch.
• Contact your local congressperson.
• Testify through North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC).

The Devastating Impact of Bycatch in Alaska

Adam shares shocking numbers—tens of thousands of Chinook and chum salmon, millions of pounds of halibut, and even orcas are being caught, killed, and tossed overboard. Meanwhile, indigenous communities and small businesses that rely on these fish are suffering.

What’s at Stake?

• Indigenous Communities – Many rely on salmon for food, but fishing bans leave them with nothing.
• Small Businesses – Fishing lodges and guide services are shutting down due to dwindling fish populations.
• Alaska’s Economy – 93% of revenue from trawling doesn’t even stay in the state.

Sustainable Seafood Choices: How You Can Help Alaska’s Fisheries

Trawling is devastating Alaska’s fish populations, but there are better ways to harvest seafood. Adam shares how other sustainable methods could help—but big corporations aren’t making the switch. Why? Because trawling is the cheapest way to fill freezers with fish sticks and imitation crab.

How You Can Take Action:

• Skip the Fish Sticks – Many frozen fish products come from unsustainable trawling.
• Avoid Imitation Crab – Most fake crab in sushi is made from trawled Pollock.
• Choose Wild-Caught Seafood – Look for labels that confirm responsible sourcing.

Fighting for Alaska’s King Salmon – Why Action is Needed Now

Adam shares his firsthand experience witnessing the decline of Alaska’s once-thriving Chinook salmon population. What was once an abundant and essential part of life—both for Alaskan culture and the economy—is now disappearing at an alarming rate.

Key Takeaways:

• Spring Chinook are disappearing. Once plentiful from late May to early July, these fish are now nearly absent from the rivers where they used to spawn.
• A personal loss: Adam recalls catching kings in ankle-deep water after guiding trips. Now, his daughter may never get to experience the thrill of landing a wild Alaska king.

Alaska’s salmon can recover, but only if we act now. Let’s make sure future generations can still witness these incredible fish running up the rivers where they belong.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/734