Toxic impacts of mining endanger Pacific Northwest icon
As a longtime Seattle resident and restaurateur, I commend the efforts of fellow chefs to educate our customers on the perils of mining in the Bristol Bay area [“13 restaurants enter fray over wild Alaska salmon,” NWTuesday, Now. 17].
Wild salmon is not only an iconic symbol of the Pacific Northwest and the centerpiece of our region’s culinary heritage; it serves as a critical link in our region’s ecosystem. The sockeye salmon of Bristol Bay represent one of our region’s last remaining healthy fish runs.
The toxic impacts of mining in this pristine environment present unacceptable risks to fish and the watershed upon which they rely.
I applaud our colleagues in defending this vital resource, and encourage Seattle diners to patronize their fine establishments.
— Buzz Hofford, Shoreline