ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – Alaska salmon stakeholders are split on a ballot initiative that aims to strengthen state law protecting salmon habitat.

The Alaska Journal of Commerce reports most of the 12 Alaska Native regional corporations are opposing the so-called Stand for Salmon initiative set to appear on November’s general election ballot, but fishing industry groups appear divided on the matter.

The initiative seeks to overhaul the state Department of Fish and Game’s statutory directive on how development projects in salmon habitat are evaluated. It would create a two-tier permitting system that takes into account a project’s impact on habitat.

The initiative’s sponsors say it would set high and transparent permitting standards that are necessary to protect salmon resources. They say its intent is not to stop development projects.

Information from: (Anchorage) Alaska Journal of Commerce, http://www.alaskajournal.com

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