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Senator Ted Stevens is attempting to attach riders to the Appropriations Bill that will enrich a few powerful fishing corporations and destroy thousands of square miles of important undersea habitat.
In addition to threatening animals and habitats long known to be suffering from ocean degradation, his rider seeks to open sea lion refuges to commercial fishing and likely further harm endangered Steller sea lions in Alaska. It would also remove protection for essential fish habitat and recently discovered deep sea corals in the North Pacific. Finally, the rider would set specific rules for the pollock and rockfish fisheries that would make it more difficult to reduce bycatch.
Stevens, as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has a history of abusing his position to benefit his campaign contributors and friends in Alaska.
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