Governor Bill Walker signed a bill this weekend designating August 10th as annual Alaska Wild Salmon Day.
The measure, H.B. 128, was sponsored by Rep. Bryce Edgmon of Dillingham. He says it’s meant to highlight efforts to conserve salmon habitat as well as to celebrate salmon’s place in the economy and culture of Alaska.
"I think we'll see a lot of things geared around that day in August, including tourist promotions," said Edgmon. "Alaska Airlines was involved in getting this bill through the process, as well as the statewide tourism organizations, and others who are really seeing this as something to build a marketing niche around as well."
Gov. Walker signed the bill during the festivities of the Juneau Maritime Festival on Saturday. Edgmon says there’s talk that Walker may come out to Bristol Bay on August 10th to celebrate the day itself.