Alaska US Representative Mary Peltola delivered a stern message to members of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) just days ahead of the council's vote on whether to impose a bycatch cap for Alaska chum salmon.

"Salmon are the cornerstone of culture and community in many parts of Alaska and the effects of historically low returns are devastating," she said in a letter to the council dated Dec. 2.

"Simply writing off salmon and the people who depend on them in favor of tossing them overboard in pursuit of surimi and fish sticks would be an unconscionable tragedy."