Want to know more about the issues? This repository provides you the recent publications to keep you in the know!
Background information can be found in the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement.
LIST OF ISSUES
FISH
The U.S. Navy’s environmental documentation does not adequately acknowledge the impacts of anthropogenic sound on fish, fisheries and essential fish habitat. The U.S. Navy’s conclusion contradicts the available scientific literature on noise and ignores the valid concerns of fishermen. View our Repository to Learn More.
MARINE MAMMALS
The Gulf of Alaska contains 13 distinct Biologically Important Areas totaling 400,000 square kilometers and Essential Habitat for eight Endangered species of marine mammals. During the time of the proposed training, both resident and migrating mammals move through the area, feeding, socializing, rearing young​. The U.S. Navy's conclusions about their potential training impacts read the same: inconclusive evidence at this time, yet the U.S. Navy concludes no significant impacts. View our both our Noise and Marine Mammals Repositories.
BIRDS
May is prime time for seasonal migrations of millions of birds as they travel to the Arctic for the summer months. Many of our coastal communities benefit from the ecological diversity of avian species and the tourism that migrates with them. Tourists flock to these idyllic communities to see birds at multiple Shorebird festivals hosted before, during and after this proposed training. Repository in Development.
MILITARY MUNITIONS DEBRIS
The U.S. Navy is seeking authorization to be able to disperse up to 352,000 pounds of expended materials from bombs, missiles, targets and pyrotechnics, naval gun shells, small-caliber rounds, and sonobuoys in to the Gulf of Alaska every year, including areas designated as Essential Fish Habitat. 10,500 pounds of that 352,000 pounds are hazardous (e.g., lead, cyanide, cadmium and more). There is no marine debris cleanup plan. Repository in Development.
ECONOMY
The economic benefits of salmon, birds, and even marine mammals outweighs the unsubstantiated economic benefit of Northern Edge. Mainly Anchorage benefits from the Exercise's participants while coastal communities where migrating salmon provide our primary income, year after year is a significant negative impact. Repository in Development.
GOVERNMENT TO GOVERNMENT CONSULTATIONS
Federal agencies are obligated to engage with Indian Tribes on a government-to- government basis is based on the U.S. Constitution and Federal treaties, statutes, executive orders, and policies. Several regional tribal villages have repeatedly participated in consultations with the U.S. Navy over the on-water portion of Northern Edge.
RESOLUTIONS
Many coastal communities surrounding the Gulf of Alaska have passed formal resolutions requesting the U.S. Navy to move the time and location of Northern Edge. In the later half of 2016 Cordova, Homer, Valdez, Sitka, Girdwood , Tenakee Springs, Whittier, Seldovia, Seward, and Kodiak each passed the same resolution. Additionally, resolutions have been passed by the Cordova District Fishmen United and several regional tribal villages. If you are interested in passing a resolution in your community, fishing association or tribe, get in touch with us.
