Alaska Drops B.C. Ferry -- Retaliation For Prince Rupert Fish-War Blockade

The United States-Canada salmon conflict took yet another turn today as the State of Alaska canceled its scheduled ferry runs between Southeast Alaska ports and Prince Rupert, B.C.

Instead, the Alaska Marine Highway will immediately add more ferry service between Ketchikan and Bellingham.

The state's decision delivers an economic blow to northern British Columbia, while rerouting travelers through Northwest Washington.

Alaska's move is in direct retaliation to the recent three-day blockade of an Alaska ferry by B.C. fishermen at the Prince Rupert dock. Fishermen said they wanted to draw public attention to the interception by Alaska fishermen of salmon bound for B.C. rivers. The protest continued even after a Canadian court ordered the ship freed.

"It's a big hit to B.C. and to Alaska," said Bob King, spokesman for Alaska Gov. Tony Knowles. "But there will be no more runs to Prince Rupert until we get assurances from the Canadians that Alaskans are welcome there."

Ironically, in Washington, D.C., today, Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy reported that U.S. and Canadian officials had "very good discussions" on salmon. And the State Department said the two countries were now "a step closer" to resuming stalled talks after an emergency meeting because of the ferry blockade.

Prince Rupert officials were scrambling today to make sense of the canceled ferry run. Bill Smith, the city's administrator, said the loss of ferry service would mean a $10 million annual hit to the local economy, and ripple effects beyond that.

Many people take British Columbia ferries to Prince Rupert, then transfer to the Alaska ferry. Between the two systems, 170,000 people go through Prince Rupert annually.

"Without the Alaska service, I'm sure we'll see a drastic reduction in those numbers," he said. "The impact would be really significant, for Prince Rupert and other coastal communities."

Tourism is the area's third most important industry, behind fishing and forest products. But the local pulp mill closed last month and, with fishing in decline, tourism is a "significant part of the community's economic future," Smith said.

Already, about 500 tour-bus operators have canceled plans to visit Prince Rupert, citing the ferry situation, said Smith. This has strained the area's small businesses and hotel operators. The community understands the fishermen's frustration, but questions the wisdom of the blockade.

Was the blockade worth it?

"I've heard some say, `Well, at least it got everyone's attention,' but the question is, what has been accomplished?" said Smith. "There's no resolution of the fish issue, and now we're faced with loss of a major economic generator. The answer is probably no, it hasn't been worth it."

The Prince Rupert to Southeast Alaska route has been served by three large Alaska ferries. It is considered a relatively quick route between Southeast Alaska towns and points south, saving the cost of shipping a vehicle all the way to Bellingham.

King said the ferry system has posted notices near the U.S.-Canada border, warning tourists who may have ferry reservations in Prince Rupert. Ferry passengers in either direction will not be charged more for the trip to or from Bellingham, he said.