Awhile back there was a post by a deckhand from the Alaska trawler fleet. It made some reference to Senator Gortons involvement and the huge amount of wastage. I sent it to Senator Gorton and this is his reply. Dear Bruce,

Thank you for contacting me about wastage by factory trawlers. I
appreciate hearing from you.

As you may know, the trawl fishery in the Exclusive Economic Zone is
managed by the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council (NPFMC). By
most accounts, the North Pacific fishery is among the best managed in
the world. You may consider taking your concerns to the Council.

In addition, the statement in your e-mail that I own many boats in
Alaska is wrong. My family has not owned the Gorton brand for several
generations. While my family has some involvement in fish processing
activities on the East Coast, we are no longer engaged in harvesting and
have not been for many years.

Again, thank you for writing. Please do not hesitate to do so again in
the future.

Sincerely,


SLADE GORTON
United States Senator