Save Bristol Bay

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Goals

Trout Unlimited is working with anglers, local communities and businesses to stop Pebble Mine and put long-term protections in place for Bristol Bay Alaska.

Bristol Bay is home to one of the most sought after angling experiences on the planet. Tucked away in an isolated corner of southwest Alaska, famed rivers such as the Kvichak, Nushagak and Upper Talarik Creek pulse with the world's largest run of sockeye salmon and boast monster rainbow trout that haunt the dreams of anglers world-wide.

This prime fishing destination faces an epic threat to the region’s fish, jobs and a way of life for thousands of Alaska Natives. A massive gold and copper prospect, known as Pebble, lies in the headwaters of Bristol Bay and developers are investing millions to turn it into one of the world’s largest open-pit mines. If Pebble gets developed, the likelihood of mine pollution affecting Bristol Bay is virtual certainty, and the loss of prime salmon and rainbow trout habitat is unquestionable.

learn more at www.savebristolbay.org

Tactics

Through the Clean Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has the responsibility and an unprecedented opportunity to safeguard the clean water, plentiful fish and healthy habitat of this unique region by exercising its 404(c) authority to prevent mine waste disposal in the region’s streams and rivers.

Victories

Over 1.5 million Americans commented to the U.S. EPA in support of protections for the clean water and thriving fishing in Bristol Bay. We currently await next steps in this process. Four mining companies have walked away from the Pebble Partnership, and the company is in dire financial straits as the science and overwhelming opposition have kept the project stalled.

While we have made incredible strides, the threat is not over yet and we must stay vigilant for Pebble's continued threats as the EPA has not yet been able to issue the protections supported by millions of Americans.